Roller rail guides, which use cylindrical or barrel-shaped rollers instead of spherical balls for the load–bearing elements, are typically associated with machine tool applications. But the performance benefits that rollers bring to machining centers can be worthwhile in other applications as well. If you’re designing a machine or system that requires linear motion, consider these […]
Inertia Matching: Why Perfect Isn’t Always Best
Inertia matching is one of the inexact sciences of motion system design. When a motor and a load are coupled together, the ratio of load inertia to motor inertia determines how well the motor can control the load during acceleration and deceleration. In theory, a “perfect” inertia match of 1:1 (load inertia equals motor inertia) should […]
Twelve Days of Automation
In honor of the upcoming holiday, here’s an Automation spin to the classic song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” On the first day of Christmas An Engineer gave to me A design layout in 3D On the second day of Christmas An Engineer gave to me Two feedback loops […]
Five Ways to Make Your Linear System Cleanroom Friendly
Implementing linear motion in a cleanroom presents a particularly difficult challenge, since motion – whether rolling or sliding – necessarily produces particles. But by understanding the sources that contribute to particle generation and implementing smart design options, it is possible to achieve linear motion without compromising even the most stringent cleanroom environments. Below are five ways […]
Low Cost, “Roll-Slide Mini” Carriage and Rail
Low cost, “Roll-Slide Mini”™ carriage and rail linear motion systems are available from LM76 in lengths from 160 mm (6.30 in.) to 1200 mm (47.24 in.). Travel is from 88 mm (3.46 in.) to 1128 mm (44.41 in.). These low-profile linear motion systems are just 12 mm (0.47 in.) high and feature: quiet running, low resonance, […]
Linear Motion in the Third Industrial Revolution
According to The Economist magazine, a third revolution is coming for the manufacturing industry, ushered in by 3D printing, new materials, and collaborative manufacturing services. Anyone who has watched the 3D printing industry develop over the past decade, or even the past five years, will likely agree. Gartner forecasts that worldwide shipments of 3D printers […]
Instron Equips Linear-Torsion Tester with Renishaw Encoders
Instron, headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, is a global market leader in the materials testing industry. It manufactures and services a comprehensive range of materials testing equipment and accessories for the research, industrial and academic sectors. A variety of Instron systems test samples ranging from components for jet engines to medical syringes. Instron has just launched […]
Nexen offers new catalog featuring Versa thermoplastic rack
Nexen Group, Inc. introduces their latest Precision Motion Control Application & Selection Guide with an expanded range of products. This catalog offers complete performance data, sizes, specifications and technical reference on the company’s line of precision linear and rotary motion control solutions. It also includes Nexen’s newest addition to its lineup, the Versa Thermoplastic Rack. […]
Linear Motor vs. Ball Screw
While ironless linear motors have been used in semiconductor and electronic applications for more than a decade, they are still viewed by many designers and OEMs as “niche” products. But the perception of linear motors as a costly solution for unique applications is slowly changing, as more industries are adopting them as replacements for ball screws […]
Make no mistakes about ball screw lead error
Updated July 2016 || Accuracy is an important criteria in ball screw selection. But with two production methods and four different standards governing ball screw accuracy, making the best selection for your application can be a challenge. Understanding these standards and terminology, as well as the differences between the two manufacturing methods, will help you choose a ball screw […]