Unlike ball screws, which follow industry standards such as DIN ISO 3408, JIS B1192-1997, or ANSI-B5.48 for accuracy classifications, there are no accuracy standards for lead screws. Instead, many lead screw manufacturers have loosely adopted two of the most common ball screw lead accuracy specifications: lead deviation per 300 mm and lead deviation per revolution. Lead deviation […]
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New Smart Function Kit for Handling from Bosch Rexroth reduces engineering outlay, simplifies commissioning
Following the introduction of the Smart Function Kit for Pressing and Joining, Bosch Rexroth is expanding its Smart MechatroniX solution platform with a second plug-and-produce subsystem that can be operated intuitively. The new Smart Function Kit for Handling can be used in a variety of areas, such as production handling, machine assembly and packaging. Pick-and-place […]
What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?
Gear sizes are typically specified by one of two designations: module or diametral pitch. While both specifications define the size of the gear teeth, module and diametral pitch are calculated differently, with module (sometimes referred to as metric pitch) being the metric sizing standard and diametrical pitch being the Imperial (inch) sizing method. Standard modules for […]
Getting straight on roller screws
Knowing the differences between the several kinds of roller screws can help determine the best fit for an application. Michael Boudreau, P.Eng. Application Engineering Manager Rollvis S.A. Planetary roller screws – also referred to as satellite roller screws – have long been the primary choice for applications that involve heavier loads and higher forces than […]
Ball spline preload: How, why, and when it’s applied
Like other linear motion components where rolling elements ride in raceways, ball splines can be supplied with preload. In the case of a ball spline, the main purpose of preload is to reduce angular backlash — clearance in the rotational direction — when torque is applied. Without preload, ball splines have a small amount of […]
What’s the difference between moment and torque in linear motion applications?
In linear motion, we often deal with applications that involve forces applied at a distance from a linear guide — referred to as cantilevered, or moment, loads. In these cases, we’re concerned with guide’s moment load capacity, or its ability to resist rotating. But we also deal with components that should rotate when a force […]
Smart mechatronics add capabilities to linear motion applications
Today’s manufacturing system OEMs and automation end users are constantly seeking technology advancements to help make their lives easier. Industry 4.0 innovations have spurred a new class of smart technologies that combine digital electronics and communication interfaces for more sophistication, functionality, and ease of use. By Richard Hansen • Senior automation engineer | Bosch Rexroth […]
New direct-drive linear modules from PI
PI’s two new series of direct-drive linear modules are geared for machine builders and system integrators. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle industrial precision motion applications where traditional actuators or linear slides with lead-screw or timing-belt drives are not precise, robust or reliable enough. The maintenance-free and […]
What is ball screw whip and why does it happen?
Ball screws are often the drive mechanism of choice in applications that require high thrust forces with excellent positioning accuracy and repeatability. But one of the drawbacks of ball screw technology is that speed is inversely related to length — the longer the ball screw shaft, the more likely it is to whip, like a […]
What is a 7th axis (also known as an RTU) and when is it used?
Linear Cartesian and gantry robots are used extensively in automation, particularly for tasks such as pick and place and assembly. But for applications that require movements such as changing the orientation of a part or navigating around complex obstacles, the robot of choice is often the 6-axis articulated robot. Despite their dexterity, the reach of a […]
