Today’s manufacturing system OEMs and automation end users are constantly seeking technology advancements to help make their lives easier. Industry 4.0 innovations have spurred a new class of smart technologies that combine digital electronics and communication interfaces for more sophistication, functionality, and ease of use. By Richard Hansen • Senior automation engineer | Bosch Rexroth […]
Integrated Linear Systems
What is a 7th axis (also known as an RTU) and when is it used?
Linear Cartesian and gantry robots are used extensively in automation, particularly for tasks such as pick and place and assembly. But for applications that require movements such as changing the orientation of a part or navigating around complex obstacles, the robot of choice is often the 6-axis articulated robot. Despite their dexterity, the reach of a […]
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 […]
Haydon Kerk Pittman launches compact Z-Theta motion platform
As a world leader in compact linear motion systems, Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK Advanced Motion Solutions division, is pleased to announce the release of the new Z-Theta motion platform. The Z-Theta offers linear and rotary point-to-point motion in a compact footprint, providing flexibility, value, durability, and performance suited for a host […]
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 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, […]
Bosch Rexroth precision modules meet requirements for clean production
With a sealed Ball Screw Assembly on both sides and an upgraded lubrication concept, the new Precision Module PSK from Bosch Rexroth – manufactured in the United States, meets the operational requirements of semiconductor production and of the electronics industry even better than before. In this new generation, designers have increased the rigidity of the […]
Motorized vertical lift stages feature high load capacity, high precision
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added 3 high precision vertical lift stages capable of elevating heavy loads by 30 mm (1.18 in.) in an ultra-low profile design. The rigid box construction of the moving component of the elevator stage travels on six slide rails assuring smooth vertical travel and parallelism of the table and […]
