There are many intertwining trends driving developments in the broad field of linear motion systems – from the push for more integrated systems to new applications incorporating linear motion components to better performance and efficiency. Not to mention the coronavirus pandemic, which has touched every facet of life including manufacturing. We surveyed some leading linear […]
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Integrated motion designs see more electric actuators
Technology trends in electric actuator design continue from years past, influencing manufacturers offerings to designers. For instance, electric actuators are easier to specify and install, with more application-specific models on offer. This tracks with other trends including the move to more integrated motion designs, opening up more and varied applications for electric actuators. Here’s what […]
The benefits – and drawbacks – of linear motors for dynamic applications
Linear motors can achieve high acceleration rates and long travel lengths with good thrust forces and extremely high positioning accuracies, while other drive mechanisms, such as belts, screws, or rack and pinions, must sacrifice at least one of these requirements in order to achieve the others. This is why linear motors are the preferred choice for […]
What’s the difference between a vertical lift stage and a Z axis actuator?
In many applications that require vertical motion, a Z axis actuator is combined with one or two horizontal axes in a Cartesian or gantry-style arrangement. In these multi-axis configurations, the moved load is mounted to the Z axis via a bracket, creating a moment load that affects not only the Z axis, but also the horizontal […]
Resilient pneumatics keep pace with changing demands
Pneumatic actuation has long been a tried-and-true motion method in many industries and applications. But today’s pneumatics companies are not your grandfather’s pneumatics – they are changing along with broader industrial and manufacturing trends, and continue to evolve their product offerings in line with new industry demands. Fluid power actuation, like pneumatics, is not going […]
How is an LVDT similar to a resolver?
Both LVDTs (linear variable differential transformers) and resolvers are measuring devices that convert displacement into an electrical signal. As its name implies, an LVDT is used for linear measurement, while a resolver is used to measure rotary, or angular, displacement. In terms of construction and operation, the most significant similarity between an LVDT and a […]
Ultrasonic sensors for linear position and distance measuring
In nature, some animals — such as bats and dolphins — analyze the echo of a sound or call (a process known as echolocation) to navigate or to find prey. In industrial applications, ultrasonic sensors use the analysis of echos from ultrasonic waves to determine the presence, position, or distance of an object. Ultrasonic waves are […]
Three easy ways to specify application requirements for linear motion systems
The first step in any automation project is to clearly define the objective — what process are you trying to accomplish or what output are you trying to produce? Once the process or output is defined, it’s time to dig into the details of the application so you can choose the right components or systems […]
Ride the wave of electrification: Off-highway designs with linear actuators
The transition of mobile machinery and off-highway equipment away from fossil fuels may be a long-term goal, but electrification is already delivering real benefits in the sector. By Tarek Bugaighis • Ewellix Is the era of the internal combustion engine coming to end? Under pressure to reduce harmful emissions, the automotive industry is already gearing […]
What are capacitive sensors and where are they used?
Linear position feedback devices — also referred to as linear encoders — typically measure travel distances ranging from a few dozen millimeters to several meters. But when a positioning system has a very short travel — a few millimeters or less — traditional linear encoders are often too bulky or don’t provide the required measuring resolution. […]
