by Mark Huebner, PBC Linear Minimize corrosion and maximize the life of linear roller bearing systems by following a few simple guidelines on lubrication. Linear roller bearing systems offer distinct advantages in applications requiring high speed or quick change of direction. Because their diameter is larger, they also perform well in contaminated environments where they […]
Increase uptime by controlling energy and vibration
When looking for a way to minimize damage and increase meantime between failures in your linear motion application, it is important to consider using energy absorption devices like shock absorbers and vibration isolators to control the kinetic energy of your system. By tuning your solution to match an application’s unique requirements, plant operators will see […]
Direct drive combines linear and rotary motions
by Ernst Blumer, LinMot & MagSpring Linear-rotary motors provide users with greater on-the-fly process flexibility. Linear-rotary motions are required in many machine applications, such as carton closing or handling and pick-and-place systems. For the first time, LinMot, a manufacturer of linear motor systems, has combined a linear motor with a servomotor in a compact unit […]
Comparing efficiency and capabilities of stepper motor actuators
Updated May 2019 || What is the difference between hybrid stepper motor actuators and can stack stepper motor actuators? Both turn incremental rotary motion into linear motion using magnetic forces … but why is it that a size 17 hybrid linear actuator with an input wattage rating of 7 W has better performance than a […]
How to select and apply rail brakes
By Alex Thell, Mechanical Engineer, Nexen Group Linear guide rail brakes play a critical role in many linear motion applications by ensuring that the guide carriage and payload do not move under load. Precision linear motion is an important requirement for a range of machinery such as packaging machines, metal-cutting machine tools, woodworking machines and […]
Industrial conveyors: Summary of backlighting, nonmetal, magnetic, and maintenance features
Everyone knows what a conveyor is. They simply move product from Point A to Point B, right? In principle, that’s true, but there’s much more to modern conveyor design and operation than meets the eye. Once viewed as an afterthought on a production line, conveyors have become an integral component in a material handling application. […]
Switching from robot systems to Cartesian handling systems
By Jörg Tertünte and Lisa Endrijaitis, Festo Marketing Concepts The trend in conventional linear and rotational applications is moving away from robots to energy-efficient and cost-optimized systems, as manufacturers often don’t require all the functions, large sizes and degrees of freedom robots provide. Although considered an industrial robot by DIN standards, Cartesian handling systems offer […]
Actuators ensure efficient design of off-highway equipment
by Håkan Persson, Global Product Line Manager, Industrial Linear Actuators, Thomson When engineers were challenged to improve farm equipment efficiency, they turned to linear actuators. Trends in designing machinery for farming include delivering faster machines that cover wider areas of farmland and minimizing maintenance and repair. Farmers continually seek equipment with new levels of efficiency, […]
What You Need to Know about the 2:1 Ratio
by Jonathan R. Schroeder, Engineer The Binding Ratio is a frequently misunderstood mechanical principle, with common misconceptions still causing stalling and application failure. A closer look at the mathematics behind the rule will give you a better comprehension of how to implement it. One of the more frequently misunderstood principles regarding the use of plane […]
9 Tips for Specifying Actuators for Heavy Duty Packaging Applications
By Bob Ward, Product Manager, Actuators, Rollon USA Actuators are useful in a range of industrial applications. Each application, though, has unique requirements of these devices. These tips will ensure you select the right actuator for heavy duty packaging. The task of selecting, sizing and applying linear actuators involves many variables, from stroke length and […]
