In the first installment of this series, we covered the reasons why off-highway applications are primed for electrification — especially those vehicles with lots of axes that deliver relatively slow yet high-torque (or force) motion. Where the axes on a piece of off-highway or other equipment are linear, electric actuators have in some cases replaced […]
Part 1 of 2: Update on electrification
Advances in electronics, battery technologies, and motors themselves have spurred electrification in various industries. Off-highway applications lead. Electrification in the design-engineering space implies the use of electric motors to replace technologies based on fossil fuels, fluid power, purely mechanical kinematics, or even manual (human-powered) systems. Fields leading in electrification are transportation distantly followed by manufacturing, […]
Polymer linear bearings enable realistic simulations
Once a niche hobby, simulation or sim racing has attracted a growing number of enthusiasts seeking virtual motorsport experiences. The popularity surge has fueled demand for professional-grade simulation hardware that accurately replicates real-world racing-vehicle physics, track environments, and driver tactile feedback. Automotive, truck, and flight-simulator R&D and build integrator Sigma Integrale serves this market with […]
Location, location, location (dictates linear-motion design)
Linear-motion component features are key to long-term reliability in demanding environments and applications. By Eric Falasco • Product manager | Bosch Rexroth Manufacturers and end users continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with linear motion technology in extreme applications. The need for solutions that transport objects faster and with heavier payloads isn’t restricted […]
New SCHNEEBERGER Group facility in South Carolina
SCHNEEBERGER has established a production facility for its industry-leading mineral-casting technology in Rock Hill, S.C. This expansion brings the company closer to design engineers, enabling faster and more economical delivery of its mineral cast machine bases. Production is scheduled to begin onsite by Q4 2025. This strategic investment aligns with SCHNEEBERGER’s key long-term objectives. First […]
Comparing multi-axis linear systems
Gantry robots, X-Y tables, split bridges, and stages all serve specific functions. There are many ways to build linear systems for motion in the X, Y, and/or Z directions — also called Cartesian coordinates. Industry terms for these systems depend on how the axes are assembled, where the load is positioned, and (to some extent) […]
Hybrid steppers and other stepmotors in linear actuators
Stepper motors are commonly used in linear motion applications for their precise positioning capabilities and good holding torque. Though the basic operating principle is the same for all stepper motors, there are differences in operation and performance between the three primary types — permanent magnet, variable reluctance, and hybrid. Permanent magnet stepper motors Permanent magnet […]
Maximizing cobot ROI through seventh-axis-enabled collaboration
Robot transfer units have become increasingly important to automated settings. Now, transfer units with collision detection pair with collaborative robots for human-centric technology enabling previously unimagined levels of productivity. Kyle Thompson • product innovation manager | Thomson Industries Chris Diak • southeast automation manager | Motion Most robot arms have six axes of motion, fewer […]
Omega Drive technology outputs linear or rotational motion
RUD’s new Omega Drive is a new chain drive with a 180° wrap angle. From the Tecdos series, it is suitable for both linear and rotational motion — capable of rotating, lifting, and lowering loads in various on and offshore settings. Applications include shifting harbor and ship cranes, relocating machinery, and solar panel sun tracking. […]
Linear positioning stage includes absolute encoder and frictionless motor
Global precision motion control and nanopositioning supplier Physik Instrumente (PI) now sells a high-dynamics linear motor stage family — the V-574, a new series of linear positioning stages with guiding precision and frictionless three-phase linear motors. Equipped with high-precision crossed-roller bearings installed in a proprietary process, these stages achieve excellent geometric performance. The 130mm variant, […]
