Options abound for tracking or measuring the position of a linear system — from magnetic and optical linear encoders that read changes in magnetism or light, to linear variable differential transformers that operate on the principle of mutual induction, to magnetostrictive sensors that rely on torsional strain induced by magnetic fields. But each of these technologies requires […]
How to use a torque-speed curve to select a servo motor
Servo motors are typically used for dynamic applications, where quick acceleration rates necessitate high torque production. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of a servo system is its ability to precisely control torque across a wide speed range, and the various speeds and torques required during the application’s move profile are a key parameter […]
How to calculate motor drive torque for belt and pulley systems
Belt driven linear systems are common in applications that require long travel and high speed, such as gantry robots and material handling and transport. The motors of choice for these systems are often servo motors, for their ability to accurately control position, speed, and torque. Sizing and selecting the servo motor requires determining both the continuous […]
When should you use microstepping control for stepper motors?
Stepper motor operation is relatively straightforward. The drive sends pulses of current to the motor, and each pulse advances the motor by one step, or fraction of a revolution. The amount of movement per current pulse depends on the design of the stator and rotor. For permanent magnet stepper motors, a full step angle of […]
Why use linear guides and ball screws with ball chains?
One of the differences between radial ball bearings and recirculating ball linear guides has historically been that radial bearings typically use a cage to separate the balls and control their movement, whereas profiled rail guides did not. But in the early 2000’s, manufacturers of profiled rail bearings began introducing versions with ball cages (also referred […]
What are planar errors and how do they affect the accuracy of a linear motion system?
In an ideal world, a linear motion system would exhibit perfectly flat, straight motion and reach the intended position with zero error every time. But even the highest precision linear guides and drives (screws, rack and pinions, belts, linear motors) have some errors due to machining tolerances, handling, mounting, and even the manner in which […]
How to convert between mass and force — in metric and English units
Converting between mass and force is a common step in the design and sizing of linear motion systems. If you’re lucky, you work primarily in one set of units — either metric or English. But it’s likely there has been (or will be) a time when you need to work in both systems of units, possibly […]
How to generate the motion profile for a linear system
One of the first steps in sizing any type of linear guide or drive component is to determine the required motion profile. The motion profile is simply a way to define and graphically depict how the component should achieve the specified travel, in terms of velocity and time. The motion profile is the basis for […]
Gallery: Hexapod robots – design variations and applications
Hexapod robots, also referred to as simply “hexapods” or “Stewart platforms,” are a type of parallel kinematic device with six degrees of freedom. You might recognize hexapod robots as the technology behind motion simulators and vibration isolation mechanisms, where their six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, and yaw) allow them to accurately […]
How to measure synchronous (toothed) belt tension
One of the benefits of synchronous belts is their ability to operate with lower tension than their V-belt counterparts. And once the proper tension is determined and applied, synchronous belts rarely need re-tensioning. But improper tension in a synchronous belt drive system — either too low or too high — can lead to poor meshing […]
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