Kneeling systems have become widespread on custom wheelchair-accessible vehicles from BraunAbility and other accessible-vehicle converters. Here linear actuators lower vehicles’ rear suspension to reduce the incline angle of wheelchair ramps for easier access. Because the actuators typically mount under the vehicle chassis, they must be rugged. “Our vehicles typically kneel 2.5 to 3 in. We […]
AS/RS design to run new manufacturing and distribution center by 2019
Cimcorp North America of Murata Machinery (Muratec) will supply an installation for end-to-end material handling to Giti Tire at a new South Carolina manufacturing facility. Scheduled for completion in 2019, the turnkey Cimcorp system is called a Dream Factory and will include all the facility’s automation equipment and system control, project management, and integration. Singapore-based […]
Video: Electric H-Track actuators from Altra Industrial Motion: Hydraulics drive medical, mobile, and solar designs
In a recent video with Paul J. Heney, I got the chance to review the features of an H-Track actuator from Warner Linear of Altra Industrial Motion. As we detail, applications abound for medical, off-highway, and industrial applications. In fact, the electric H-Track actuators deliver the smooth motion and strength of hydraulics but from a compact […]
LINAK linear actuators let one manufacturer help another make ergonomic assembly tables
Recently, Schneider Electric in the Netherlands consulted the Dutch ergonomics company Krikke de Wit Technische Tiloplossingen to lessen the physical burden of employees on their production line. Workers handling server racks and steel computer patch cabinets needed adjustable and tilting assembly tables to boost production and stay safe from overburdening and injury. Schneider Electric assembles […]
Motion system applications: Better ballscrews, more applications
Ballscrews suit applications needing light, smooth motion, applications requiring precise positioning, and when heavy loads must be moved. Examples include machine tools, assembly devices, X-Y motion and robotics. Factors such as lead accuracy, axial play and preload, and life-to-load relationship are most commonly used to classify ballscrews. Lead accuracy is the degree to which the shaft’s […]
Leadscrews: Motion system mainstays
Among the methods available for converting rotary motion to linear, leadscrews are a mainstay. A leadscrew, or power screw, is a threaded rod or bar that translates rotational motion into linear motion. Leadscrews generate sliding rather than rolling friction between a nut and the screw. Consequently, higher friction means a lower overall efficiency. And efficiency, […]
Where linear motors improve designs: Application example in multi-axis stage
Machine-tool applications and the manufacture and assembly of semiconductor components account for more than half of all linear-motor use. That’s because linear motors are precise (albeit costly compared to other linear-motion options). Other applications for these relatively new motion components also include those that need fast and precise positioning or slow and extremely steady strokes. […]
Latest motion applications: Electric actuators in new designs
Electric actuators come in versions as small as syringes for medical applications to those big enough to drive industrial presses. These muscles of precision motion usually incorporate an electric motor and rotary-to-linear device for conversion of torque to linear force. No matter the application, electric actuators deliver repeatability that’s indispensable for moving loads to a […]
Motion systems application examples: Linear motors
More than half of all linear motors go into applications for machine tools or the manufacture and assembly of semiconductor components and electronics. It’s no wonder: Linear motors are the precise but generally costly option to which other linear devices are compared. In fact, applications for these relatively new motion components also include those that […]
Motion systems application examples: Brakes, clutches and torque limiters
By Lisa Eitel • Brakes, clutches and torque limiters serve similar functions in packaging machinery, medical equipment, industrial hoists and installations. Essentially, brakes stop and hold loads while clutches and torque limiters disengage and engage power-transmission outputs to transfer torque from an input. Torque limiters usually modulate power transmission to protect mechanical equipment from overload. […]
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