More than half of all linear motors go into applications for machine tools or the manufacture and assembly of semiconductor components and electronics. It’s no wonder: Linear motors are the precise but generally costly option to which other linear devices are compared. In fact, applications for these relatively new motion components also include those that […]
Chieftek CLS linear-motor stages excel in precision applications
Chieftek Precision Co., Ltd. now sells Compact Linear Stages — CLS modules — for use in precision applications. Compared to traditional ballscrew modules, CLS linear-motor stages use direct driving to output high thrust with superior precision and velocity. They also have a highly integrated mechanical design to boost productivity with better linear-axis reliability. More after […]
Motion systems application examples: Brakes, clutches and torque limiters
Updated November 2018 || By Lisa Eitel • Brakes, clutches and torque limiters serve similar functions in packaging machinery, medical equipment, industrial hoists and installations. Essentially, brakes stop and hold loads while clutches and torque limiters disengage and engage power-transmission outputs to transfer torque from an input. Torque limiters usually modulate power transmission to protect […]
Motion systems application examples: Ballscrew applications from mainstream to extreme
By Miles Budimir • Ballscrews are a tried and true linear motion component. They best suit applications needing light, smooth motion; applications requiring precise positioning; and when heavy loads must be moved. Examples include machine tools, assembly devices, X-Y motion and robotics. Ballscrews are usually classified according to factors such as lead accuracy, axial play and […]
Linear drive with automatic shaft cleaning and lubricating
For automatic cleaning and lubrication of the drive shaft, Amacoil-Uhing linear drives now have automatic shaft cleaning in the form of optional shaft-wiper-and-grease-fitting combination fixtures. The $300-to-380 fixtures remove dirt from the shaft while the drive is running and simultaneously assures adequate shaft lubrication with manufacturer-approved grease. Machine designers specifying linear drives may specify shaft wipers with or […]
New stretching cylinder for the plastic-bottle-blowing industry
PHD Inc. has just released the Series BCSU Universal Stretching Cylinder for the plastic bottle blowing industry. The new Series BCSU cylinder expands a proven series of Sidel solutions. Series BCSU Universal Stretching Cylinders are direct replacements for Sidel Universal Machines. These cylinders mount into the same space and bolt patterns, provide significantly longer service […]
New line of metric ballscrews alternative to expensive ground-thread devices
Cleveland-based Nook Industries now sells a complete line of precision metric ballscrew (PMBS) products. They’re an alternative to expensive ground-thread devices manufactured overseas. The ballscrews can move significant loads and masses with great precision, making them useful for aerospace to tool-making applications. Options include linear lead-accuracy classes of T10, T7, T5 and T3 that comply with ISO 3408-3 ballscrew standards. Preloaded and […]
How to pick dovetail slides for durable designs
Christopher J Hetzer, CEO, Gilman USA The geometry of dovetail slides improves the precision of in-line movements for some machines. Dovetail-slide assemblies go into applications that need accurate linear strokes even under complex loading or nonstandard mounting arrangements. Like other linear-motion devices, they have a stationary rail (the base) and a moving carriage (the saddle). […]
2015 linear-motion trends: What to know about pre-engineered setups
Technology improvements continue to elevate the performance of linear-motion setups. When we asked industry experts about this trend, all identified the same driving markets—packaging and medical—but different technologies to satisfy new design challenges. Case in point: Jeremy Miller, product manager for linear mechanics at the Electromechanical Div. of Parker Hannifin, said tubular linear motors lead innovation. […]
Small to big, conveyors get job-specific features
Today’s conveyors perform better than ever thanks to material advances and modular designs tailored to applications. That’s true of miniature conveyors for discrete product sorting, extra-large conveyors for bulk material-handling operations, and everything in between. Discrete medical, pharmaceutical and assembly applications use the most miniature conveyors, but until the last decade or so, most such […]
