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Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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FAQs + basics

What’s the difference between ANSI and ISO ball screw load capacity?

August 12, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

selecting ball screws

The dynamic load capacity of a ball screw is typically defined by the DIN ISO 3408-5 standard, or in some cases, by the JIS B1192-1997 standard, both of which use 1 million revolutions as the basis for load capacity. However, some manufacturers determine ball screw dynamic load capacity according to the ANSI ASME B5.48-1977 standard (reconfirmed […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, FAQs + basics, Featured

Mechanical properties of materials: Hardness

August 8, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

hardness testing

Hardness is a common specification for linear shafts and guides — especially those used with ball and roller bearings, where the guide encounters extremely high loads over very small areas. The hardness of a bearing surface can significantly affect the life of the system and is often accounted for by applying a hardness correction factor […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + roller guides, Crossed-roller slides, FAQs + basics, Featured, Linear bearings, Rack + pinion sets

How does a vacuum preloaded air bearing work?

July 26, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

vacuum preloaded air bearing

Air bearings provide several advantages over rolling element bearings, including higher travel accuracy and reduced friction and heat generation. But because air is compressible, air bearings can be less stiff and exhibit more deflection under load than similar rolling element bearings (although the stiffness characteristics of air bearings are very linear). However, the compressible nature of air […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Stages + gantries

What is cage creep and why does it matter?

July 20, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Several types of non-recirculating linear bearings use a cage to contain the rolling elements, maintain consistent spacing between them, and ensure even load distribution. But in each of these non-recirculating designs, the cage “floats” between the two moving components, meaning that it’s not constrained and can gradually move away from its intended, centered position. This […]

Filed Under: Ball + roller guides, Crossed-roller slides, FAQs + basics, Featured

A guide to stainless steels for linear motion components

July 14, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

stainless steel rods

For applications that involve corrosive environments, designers of linear motion systems can take precautions such as using covers to protect vulnerable components, ordering parts with special coatings or platings, and strategically placing sensitive components within the machine or system to minimize their exposure to hazardous liquids or fumes. But some applications — due to the nature […]

Filed Under: Applications, FAQs + basics, Featured

What are some linear motion options for moving multiple loads independently?

July 7, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

move multiple loads independently

From a mechanical standpoint, one of the more challenging applications in linear motion has traditionally been to move two or more loads independently, as is required in some handling, transport, and inspection applications. While using multiple linear systems, or preassembled actuators, is a simple solution mechanically, this option typically requires a significant amount of space […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, Belt + chain driven, Belt + chain drives for linear, FAQs + basics, Featured, Linear motors, Rack + pinion driven, Rack + pinion sets

Recirculating roller screws: How do they work and what are their benefits?

June 30, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Rollvis RVR Recirculating Roller Screw

Screw assemblies that use rollers as the load-carrying element come in several varieties, with the most common being the traditional planetary roller screw, which provides high load capacities and very high rigidity, capable of outperforming ball screw and hydraulic actuators in some heavy-duty applications. But another type of roller screw — the recirculating roller screw — […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, FAQs + basics, Featured

How to account for ball and lead screw inertia during system design

June 23, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

When sizing a motion system with a ball or lead screw drive, the first step is to determine the screw diameter and lead that can meet the application requirements for thrust force, speed, and compressive (buckling) loads. Once the screw diameter and lead are determined, the next step is to choose a motor that can […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

Ball and lead screw drunkenness: What is it and when does it matter?

May 27, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

screw drunkenness

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 […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?

May 14, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Rack + pinion driven, Rack + pinion sets

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