Machine builders and end users have many factors to consider when choosing linear motion components and systems – travel length, speed, acceleration, positioning accuracy and repeatability, just to name a few. But sometimes the most challenging requirement isn’t a traditional application spec. It’s the environment that the system will be working in. Many industries have processes […]
Long Travel vs High Speed: Part 2
In a recent post, we discussed using ball screw supports as a way to overcome the tradeoff between long travel length and high speed in ball screw applications. Responding to that post, several readers pointed out another solution to overcome the length-speed limitations of ball screws – rotating the ball nut rather than the screw itself. Benefits In […]
How to calculate linear bearing life
When selecting linear guides, have you ever seen a disclaimer in the catalog or on the manufacturer’s website regarding dynamic load capacities? It typically reads something like this: Dynamic load capacities are based on 100,000 m of travel. When comparing to products for which load capacities are based on 50,000 m of travel, multiply the 100,000 m […]
New Tolomatic RSA-HT Heavy Duty Rod-Style Actuator
The Tolomatic RSA-HT high force rod-style actuator is designed for high duty-cycle performance in demanding applications while delivering the added control and consistency of an electric drive actuator. The Tolomatic RSA-HT actuator, which can also be considered as a replacement for hydraulic applications, triples the maximum force capabilities of the standard RSA line from 4,038 […]
Three Ways to Save Space with Linear Actuators
Linear actuators are available in configurations that address virtually any application – rail, shaft, or cam roller guideway; screw, belt, or linear motor drive; with or without protective covers; and a wide variety of features to meet unique environmental or technical requirements. All these options make it relatively easy to find the right actuator for […]
ETEL Offers an Ironless Line of Linear Motors
ETEL presents its line of ironless high-speed linear motors, the ILF and the ILM series. Built for use in the semiconductor and electronics industry, this line of ironless linear motors adds to the wide range of motors and solutions that ETEL provides to those industries and beyond. Of particular importance to the semiconductor and electronics industries, […]
How Seals Extend the Life of Linear Systems
When selecting a linear system – ball screw, linear guide, or actuator – most of the focus is on application data such as load, speed, travel, and duty cycle. But there’s another factor that should be considered, especially for technically demanding applications or harsh environments. That factor is sealing. How are the bearings protected against […]
How to Achieve Long Travel and High Speed with Ball Screws
If you need a linear motion system that can travel at high speed over long lengths, what solutions come to mind first? Belt drives? Rack and pinion systems? Linear motors? If the application requires high thrust force, belt drives won’t suffice, and if high positioning accuracy is important, rack and pinion systems are out. Linear […]
AMETEK Factory Automation Launches Enhanced Linear Displacement Transducer
Reliable and Rugged LDT Offers Expanded Stroke Range and Improved Shock and Vibration Performance AMETEK factory automation has re-launched its versatile GEMCO® 955 eBrik II™ Linear Displacement Transducer (LDT) with a redesigned connector end cap, an expanded stroke range up to 74 inches (1875 mm) and improved shock and vibration performance. The 955 eBrik II […]
Five things to consider when choosing a linear actuator
You’re working on an application that requires linear motion — maybe it’s a pick-and-place assembly system, a packaging line, or a gantry for material transfer – but designing your own actuator from scratch, sourcing the various parts, mounting and aligning the components, and implementing a maintenance system is not an effective use of your time. […]
