Automation over the last several years has expanded use of electric linear actuators to leverage their technological advancements in smart homes, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. In fact, the global linear actuator market could (in large part because of electric options) surpass U.S. $52.67B this year and grow at a compound annual growth rate through […]
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Packaging focus: Carton making and packing operations
Carton making and case packing are key operations in packaging facilities. Both rely on extremely fast motion systems with dozens of mechanically and programmatically linked axes for sufficient throughput to satisfy the demands of a global market. Case packing in particular is a common bottleneck. Typically, cartoners are installed at the ends of production lines, […]
Motion designs key to vertical farming
In a recent case study, we detailed how cable-systems manufacturer HELUKABEL helped automate a vertical-farming installation: Cables satisfy the unique demands of vertical farming. In contrast with approaches to optimize the traditional farming of fields, automated greenhouses solutions eliminate issues associated with tight labor markets, guarding delicate or valuable crops, and the need to apply […]
Extending the life of profile rail linear guides
Round rail linear guides can offer the lowest overall cost of ownership, but machine designers often specify profile-rail for its compactness as well as its higher rigidity, load capacity, and accuracy. Here’s how to extend the life of these linear-motion components. By Curtis McCreight • product line specialist | Thomson Industries Dave Buckley • industrial […]
New SX series Linear Shaft Motors boast greater power in mid-size package
Nippon Pulse now offers a new series of motors to its extensive line of Linear Shaft Motor servomotors. The SX series features high-energy magnets for greater force in mid-range sizes, to supplement the existing sizes of the standard S-series motors. The SX series motors are available in 6, 8 and 10mm shaft diameters. Each size […]
Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications
Rollon has introduced its TLS Series of telescoping linear actuators. The new series is designed to maximize productivity for applications where space is limited — especially for applications with minimal vertical clearance, such as between the machine and ceiling, or horizontally between machines. TLS telescoping actuators integrate seamlessly into multi-axis systems and are available in […]
Linear actuators power mobile machinery
To meet the growing demand for electrification, manufacturers are designing more powerful electric actuators for mobile equipment. Mobile equipment such as fork lifts and other off-highway equipment is changing. With more emphasis on rethinking the drive systems for this type of equipment, there is a slow but steady turn toward other drive technologies, one of […]
AMETEK offers reduced lead times for LDTs
AMETEK Factory Automation has further reduced the lead time for the 953A Linear Displacement Transducer (LDT). AMETEK is committed to streamline the production processes and optimizing supply chain management, and this has resulted in a substantial decrease in the time it takes to deliver this critical component to customers worldwide. The market for position sensors, […]
Simplifying overhead machine tending with long-travel automation
Cartesian robots with the right design upgrades can assume manual transfer operations. By Michael Everman • Founder and CTO | Bell-Everman Manufacturing and packaging operations using manual material or parts handling operations can reap immediate benefits from automation with long-travel Cartesian robots having custom end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) and advanced sensing capabilities. These robots can support […]
Track roller linear guides: Two needs for lubrication
Many track-roller linear guides necessitate lubrication at two different points in their assembly: Within the rolling-element rotary bearings at the heart of each track-roller wheel and Along the linear track-roller raceway. As with most any mechanical power-transmission devices, lubrication of these two critical areas extends the linear guide’s service life by minimizing or eliminating the […]
