Unless you’re playing the violin, stiction, or stick-slip, is an unwanted condition caused by the difference between static and dynamic friction between the two surfaces. When stiction occurs in linear guides, it can lead to chattering (“jerky” motion), seized motion, fluctuating torque requirements, or a loss of accuracy in the form of overshooting. What causes stiction? […]
Applications
What are some alternatives to L10 bearing life?
If you work with linear ball or roller bearings, you’re familiar with the L10 bearing life equation, which states that bearing life is equal to the bearing’s rated dynamic load capacity, divided by the applied load, raised to a power of 3 (for ball elements) or 10/3 (for roller elements). Introduced in 1947 by Gustaf […]
XY2Z-theta motion system improves wafer inspection for the semiconductor industry
For more than fifty years, the Dutch linear-motion company PM has developed and produced precision linear and rotating bearings and slides. It focuses on applications requiring smoothness and stiffness from their linear bearings … and continues to expand its standard range of linear components. But customization is becoming the norm — and now, catalog products […]
What makes a linear guide suitable for high temperature use?
For most recirculating ball and roller linear guides, the allowable operating temperature range is -10° to 80° C, with some configurations rated up to 100° C for brief periods. But not all applications fall within this temperature range, and each component in the linear bearing assembly (housing, rail, balls, seals, etc.) has a different maximum […]
Electric actuators help reconfigure rooms in futuristic flexible residential construction
Traditional residential construction is fraught with inherent inefficiencies. Bedrooms are infrequently used during the day, while living rooms are unoccupied overnight. At a time when real-estate prices are climbing (especially in urban areas) the desire for single-purpose rooms inflates prices. Plus energy consumption is rising in many parts of the world … so the need […]
Electromagnetism basics for mechanical engineers
Electromagnetism — the relationship between electricity and magnetism — is the underlying principle for the operation of electric motors, as well as generators and transformers. And even though most of us aren’t designing motors (or generators or transformers) from scratch, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the concepts and laws that drive their operation. […]
What’s the best timing belt tooth profile for high-speed applications?
Synchronous belts (also referred to as timing belts) are used in a wide range of power transmission and transport applications that require good positioning accuracy. Tensile cords molded into the belt material help eliminate or minimize belt stretch, and positive engagement between the teeth of the belt and the pulley make synchronous belts less likely […]
What you need to know about corrosion-resistant linear guides
Recirculating ball and roller guides are the backbone of many automation processes and machines, thanks to their high running accuracy, good rigidity, and excellent load capacities — characteristics made possible by the use of high-strength AISI/ASTM 52100 chrome steel (commonly referred to as bearing steel) for the load-bearing parts. But because bearing steel isn’t corrosion-resistant, […]
Linear Motion Tips – Top 10 articles of 2019
Linear motion publications are typically dominated by topics related to linear guides, ball screws, and lead screws. But looking back at this site’s most-viewed articles in 2019, it’s obvious that while these are important technologies in the world of linear motion, they’re not the only things our readers are interested in. Case in point: In […]
Stepper motor torque and speed characteristics explained
Stepper motors have different torque-speed characteristics depending on whether the motor is starting/stopping or already running. These characteristics are depicted in two curves on the motor’s torque-speed chart, and it’s important to understand the differences between these curves and what each one means for the motor’s operation. But a stepper motor can also produce torque […]