With so many linear guide choices—from roller rails to plastic wheels—deciding which technology is right for your application can be difficult. On one hand, not every application requires machine tool rigidity and the ability to move a small car. But on the other hand, most applications require a guide that can withstand high duty cycles […]
Hardened way slides provide durability for long-life operations
Gilman Precision explains the basics of a hardened way slide, including which applications they are good for and how to keep yours in great working condition. Predominantly used for high production, hardened way slides provide linear rigidity for heavy duty applications. “A hardened way slide is a linear positioning device that incorporates precision, ground rectangular […]
Linear Stage Features New Drive Mechanism
Bell-Everman’s new ServoSpline™ positioning stage offers a unique drive mechanism that provides backlash-free motion and simplified control. ServoSpline is an extension of a classic rack-and-pinion design that provides simple motion commands and positions the stage in the x- and y-axis by independently driving the two splines. It provides engineers with a reliable stage that is […]
When Do You Need a Gantry Robot?
When you think of an industrial robot, what comes to mind? Probably something like this… Articulated robots like these are widely recognized, thanks to car company commercials and robot dance sequences. SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) robots are also well-recognized due to their adoption and proliferation in factories since the early 1980’s. Both of these – articulated […]
What is preload?
Have you ever wondered, “what is preload”? We’re here to help! Applications that use linear bearings or ball screws often require precise positioning, which means that the motion components must be rigid. And while recirculating ball guides and screws are able to carry large loads, they inherently have clearance, or backlash, due to the size […]
How to make your linear motion technology easy to maintain
Adding linear motion to articulated robots adds flexibility and extends the work envelope of your system. The 7th axis tracks that enable this linear motion all provide the same functionality but differ in one significant design feature: the antifriction bearing system used to support and guide the tracks. Watch this video to learn how to select the […]
High-class linear guides: How industry quantifies rail accuracy values
I once overheard a colleague, relatively new to linear motion and eager to be helpful, tell a customer, “H stands for our high-class rail.” While the thought of a “high-class” rail was amusing, technically she was correct. In profiled linear guide terminology, H is the designation for high class … … high accuracy class, that […]
Advanced Features Set New Tiny Linear Encoder Apart
RSF Elektronik has released the MS 15 optical kit style linear encoder with the most advanced features available in the smallest mechanical profile in the industry. Available in North America through parent company HEIDENHAIN Corporation, the MS 15 is suited for motion applications in various industries such as metrology, semiconductor, medical and automation. The MS […]
Can Lead Screws Outperform Ball Screws?
Lead screws are often regarded as the less expensive alternative to ball screws – suitable only for light-duty applications with low precision requirements. While it’s true that ball screws often have the advantage over lead screws when it comes to load capacity and rigidity, lead screws’ reliance on sliding, rather than rolling, motion makes them the better choice for […]
H2W Technologies Manufactures Brushless Linear Motors
With the recent acquisition of the Baldor linear motion product line, H2W Technologies has begun manufacturing brushless linear motors in its Santa Clarita, CA facility. With extensive experience in designing and building custom linear motion systems, and now, with the tooling necessary to produce both ironless and iron-core brushless linear motors, H2W has the capability […]