MOtiCOnt’s VCDS-051-089-01 series linear motion voice coil stages feature a voice coil motor, a ball bearing linear slide, home switch, and an integral optical quadrature encoder with differential outputs. Measuring 13.5 in (342.9 mm) long x 4.00 in. (101.6) wide x 3.755 in. (95.4 mm) high, the VCDS-051-089-01 series stages have a linear travel of […]
Integrated Linear Systems
New sealed linear actuators for lighter loads
Bell-Everman is now offering a new compact model of their SLS sealed linear stage that keeps contamination such as manufacturing debris, particulate or liquid contaminants outside of the stage housing. The SLS Light model, which measures 80 x 120 mm, has maximum dynamic payloads of 15 kg for the direct drive linear motor version and […]
Hardened way slides provide durability for long-life operations
Gilman Precision explains the basics of a hardened way slide, including which applications they are good for and how to keep yours in great working condition. Predominantly used for high production, hardened way slides provide linear rigidity for heavy duty applications. “A hardened way slide is a linear positioning device that incorporates precision, ground rectangular […]
2015 linear-motion trends: What to know about pre-engineered setups
Technology improvements continue to elevate the performance of linear-motion setups. When we asked industry experts about this trend, all identified the same driving markets—packaging and medical—but different technologies to satisfy new design challenges. Case in point: Jeremy Miller, product manager for linear mechanics at the Electromechanical Div. of Parker Hannifin, said tubular linear motors lead innovation. […]
XY piezo nanopositioning stages for extreme precision applications
The new QNP-XY series piezo nanopositioning stages from Aerotech provide the resolution, linearity, repeatability, and high dynamics required for the most demanding applications from microscopy to optics alignment. With resolution to 0.15 nm, linearity to 0.007%, and repeatability to 2 nm, nanometer-level precision is assured. With the highest dynamics (resonant frequency and stiffness) of any […]
Linear Motion in the Third Industrial Revolution
According to The Economist magazine, a third revolution is coming for the manufacturing industry, ushered in by 3D printing, new materials, and collaborative manufacturing services. Anyone who has watched the 3D printing industry develop over the past decade, or even the past five years, will likely agree. Gartner forecasts that worldwide shipments of 3D printers […]
Industrial conveyors: Summary of backlighting, nonmetal, magnetic, and maintenance features
Everyone knows what a conveyor is. They simply move product from Point A to Point B, right? In principle, that’s true, but there’s much more to modern conveyor design and operation than meets the eye. Once viewed as an afterthought on a production line, conveyors have become an integral component in a material handling application. […]
Switching from robot systems to Cartesian handling systems
By Jörg Tertünte and Lisa Endrijaitis, Festo Marketing Concepts The trend in conventional linear and rotational applications is moving away from robots to energy-efficient and cost-optimized systems, as manufacturers often don’t require all the functions, large sizes and degrees of freedom robots provide. Although considered an industrial robot by DIN standards, Cartesian handling systems offer […]
Affordable High Precision XY Nanopositioning Piezo Stage
PI’s P-763 XY nanopositioning stage is a new, more affordable addition to PI’s wide range of piezo stage positioners. The compact P-763 flexure-guided stage has a footprint of less than 3×3 inches (70x70mm) while providing a 30x30mm aperture. With a large travel range of 200×200 microns this piezo positioning system is ideal for demanding applications […]
New XY Stage with Linear Motor Drive
Steinmeyer, Inc. announced another addition to its extensive family of linear positioning stages. The new KT230-EDLM is driven by a powerful ironless core linear motor and includes an electromagnetic brake as a safety feature in the event of power loss. The stage body is manufactured from a low distortion aluminum alloy (black anodized) and includes […]