Designers and engineers typically try to avoid or mitigate friction in linear motion systems. Although friction isn’t always bad — in some applications, it can provide a damping effect and help improve servo tuning — when it comes to linear motion systems, it increases the amount of force required to move a load, creates heat, […]
Stages + gantries
Single-axis linear stepper stages with integrated encoder and electronics package
H2W now offers a revolutionary series of single-axis linear stepper stages that integrates a linear encoder into the stage to operate the linear stepper motor as a 2-phase brushless motor when coupled with an advanced motion control electronics package provided by H2W. When operated this way, the motors will tend to run cooler, as they […]
What makes a linear stage different from other types of linear motion systems?
Linear motion systems — consisting of a base or housing, a guide system, and a driving mechanism — are available in a wide variety of designs and configurations to suit almost any application. And because their designs are so varied, they’re often categorized according to key construction and operating principles. Case in point: The term […]
Four-axis linear motor driven stage features high speed, micron resolution
The Four-Axis Gantry (YY’ZZ’) from H2W Technologies is a four-axis positioning stage that consists of two SRS-007-03-006-01 brushless linear motor stages; each vertically mounted to two independently moving horizontal linear axis. It’s ideal for applications that require multiple independent motions on a single travel plane. When an application requires fast motion with a stroke over […]
How does a vacuum preloaded air bearing work?
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 […]
Dover Motion launches SmartStage XY linear positioner
Dover Motion, with over 30 years of precision motion design and manufacturing expertise, announces the launch of their newest product: the SmartStage XY. The SmartStage XY platform simplifies the motion and control into one package so instrument design teams can focus on bringing their core technology to market. The SmartStage XY combines the precise direct-drive […]
Linear slide with maintenance-free voice coil motor features nanometer precision
PI extends its large offering of nanometer precise, fast focusing stages with the addition of its new V-308 nanopositioning slide for vertical applications providing 7 mm of Z-travel and 10 nm incremental motion, making it suitable for OEM and research applications in the life science, semiconductor, and material science fields. The novel design combines long […]
What factors contribute to air bearing stiffness?
According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), stiffness is: The capacity of a mechanical system to sustain external loads without excessive changes of its geometry (deformations). When we think of stiffness in traditional bearings with rolling elements, we’re typically considering the deflection of the carriage when a load is applied. For air bearings, […]
Direct-drive rotary servo tables feature large aperture
The ACR-490UT precision rotation stage from IntelLiDrives is a low-profile rotary table with high-speed direct-drive rotary servo motor that features a large 490-mm center aperture and lightweight construction. This makes it a suitable choice for a host of applications, from precision indexing to high-speed laser machining to handling large diameter silicon wafers for semiconductor processing. […]
Multi-axis motion sub-system boasts nanometer resolution
The new X-417 multi-axis motion sub-system from PI (Physik Instrumente) boasts nanometer resolution, absolute encoders, fast configuration, delivery, and set-up. It’s suitable for a broad range of industrial precision motion applications, including precision automation, laser processing, test and inspection, medical manufacturing, and semiconductor testing. Machine builders and system integrators can move faster and address new, […]
