As the year comes to a close, the editors here at linearmotiontips.com (as, apparently, editors everywhere are prone to do) like to look back over the past year to see what our readers clicked on and read the most. As in years past, readers found our “back to basics” articles quite useful and so it’s […]
Editor's blog
Rediscovering ball splines for robust linear and rotary motion
Ball splines were once a staple for machine designers seeking an elegant way to integrate rotary and linear motion. Driven by pressures to speed their machines to market, many designers found it faster to implement prepackaged solutions in which rotary and linear motion shafts had already been integrated. By Charles Isaac • Thomson Industries Chris […]
Gothic arches, tracks, and roller bearings in the context of linear motion
Industry terminology used to describe linear guides and other linear components widely varies. Here we explain three linear-guide phrases and words having multiple meanings — and differentiate how they relate to track-roller linear guides and profiled-rail linear guides. Let’s start by reviewing the multiple linear-motion meanings for Gothic-arch linear bearing. Gothic arches originate from civil […]
Functional safety (and IIoT connectivity) from linear brakes
In a recent Design World feature, we covered the basics of how functional safety is quantified … and what constitutes a servo-brake option with functional-safety certification. Here we share more details on the construction of safety brakes for linear axes and the intersection of brake safety and IIoT capabilities. Machine safety is core to nearly […]
Linear guide and slide systems
Welcome to this installment of MC² on linear guide and slide systems! Recall that these linear-motion supports take the form of guide rails, slides, and ways … and include profile rails, linear bearings, guide wheels, slides, and plain-bearing systems that bear load while employing either sliding or rolling to allow translational motion. Typical designs pair […]
Profitable design of linear motion: Choosing between DIY or turnkey builds
Engineers building linear motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable. By John Brokaw and Kent Martins | Valin Corp. How should designers pick between building linear-motion designs in-house or purchasing pre-engineered assemblies? What is there to consider when determining the best […]
Think B2C ecommerce growth is big? Check out B2B (and design-engineering) habits
Forrester Research projects that by 2021, ecommerce will represent about 13% of all U.S. B2B sales. Other research from Statista Inc. confirms this estimate and goes a step further — projecting that B2B ecommerce represented $7.7 trillion in sales globally last year — which is slightly more than triple that of B2C sales. This trend […]
Bishop-Wisecarver reaffirms commitment to STEM with another year of Diamond-level and local sponsorship of the FIRST Robotics Competition
Designer and manufacturer of proven motion setups Bishop-Wisecarver today announced its ongoing support of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education by being a Diamond Supplier of the 2018 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. “Our job at FIRST is to develop the next generation of problem solvers who need […]
On location: Parker Hannifin manufacturing and design services — future of integration
Recently I made a day trip from Cleveland to the Pittsburgh area for a facilities tour with a leading motion-component supplier. The Parker Hannifin Electromechanical and Drives Division offers engineering expertise as part of their industry support — and designs and produces motion-control systems to meet myriad application requirements. These range from miniature stages for […]
How online configuration tools are changing motion system design
Online configuration tools and software continue to change how design engineers specify and buy all types of motion components. Part of this trend is spurred by consumer-level shopping that gives anyone online the ability to get clothes, home goods, and more with immediate price and delivery information — without talking to a service representative. Familiarity […]
