In the context of profiled rail guides with recirculating balls, the raceway geometry defines how the load-carrying balls are positioned relative to the raceways of the rail and the bearing (aka “carriage” or “slide”). The two most common raceway geometries are referred to as circular arc and Gothic arch, but some manufacturers have adopted a […]
Beam deflection equations for linear systems
When a linear guide, such as a round shaft or profiled rail, deflects or sags, the bearings that travel along the guide experience edge loading (a higher load concentrated at the ends of the bearing), which can cause rough, irregular movement, increased wear, and reduced bearing life. And when a linear guide is incorporated into […]
What are the benefits of a rotating ball nut (aka driven nut)?
When you think of a ball screw assembly, you probably envision a screw shaft with a motor connected to one end. The motor turns the screw, and the ball nut travels along the length of the screw shaft. An alternative setup is to hold the screw shaft stationary and rotate, or drive, the ball nut […]
What’s the difference between dynamic load capacity and static load capacity?
Rolling element linear bearings, such as round shafts and bushings, profiled rail guides, crossed roller slides, and even ball screws, have two load capacity specifications — dynamic load capacity and static load capacity — which are based on different operating parameters and performance criteria and are independent of each other. To accurately size and select a […]
LINAK linear actuators in medical sit-to-stand lifts facilitate rehabilitation
By 2050 there will be two billion people older than 60, according to the WHO … and 2035 will see a 12.9 million shortage of healthcare professionals. Fortunately, some new linear-motion technologies could help satisfy some of the growing need for healthcare, especially in the segment of the industry dedicated to patient rehabilitation. Consider one […]
When should you use a ball spline?
A ball spline is a type of rolling bearing linear guide, similar to a round shaft and bushing assembly, but with a critical distinction in its operation. The shaft of a ball spline is much like a linear guide shaft, except that the spline shaft has grooves along its length. The spline nut (analogous to […]
Shape-memory alloys linear actuators: A new option for positioning
Now, one new actuator uses bundles of SMA wire made of specialty nickel-titanium alloy for reliable linear motion. Dean Pick, P.Eng. • President | Kinitics Automation Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) are those materials that respond to temperature changes by changing form factor. Originally funded by the U.S. Navy, SMA technologies were first commercialized by Raychem Corp. […]
When should you lubricate a lead screw?
It’s expected that a ball screw, with metal-on-metal rolling contact between the balls and the raceways, will require periodic lubrication with either grease or oil. One of the advantages that lead screws have over ball screws is that they can often operate without lubrication — eliminating maintenance and the potential hazards that come with using […]
When is resolution important for linear systems?
Accuracy and repeatability are standard specifications that describe how a linear motion system behaves along its travel and how closely it reaches the intended position. Resolution, on the other hand, is less often included in performance data for linear motion systems, but it can be equally important as accuracy and repeatability in some applications. In […]
Linear motion designs see wider adoption of linear direct drives
Direct drives are a motion-control technology projected to see high rates of adoption in coming years, according to market research by the ARC Advisory Group. That’s due in part to an array of industries driving for higher throughput and more accurate processes. According to Brian Scott, applications engineer at Nippon Pulse America Inc., linear shaft […]
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