OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added two larger rotary stages to their AY110 Series of motorized rotary stages. The low-profile 400 mm AY110-400-01 (step motor driven) and AY110-400-02 (servo motor driven) rotary stages feature a 180 mm (7.087 in.) open aperture. The height of the stage is just 71 mm (2.795 in.). A precise […]
Integrated Linear Systems
What is racking in gantry systems, and how can it be avoided? (Part 1)
Gantries differ from other types of multi-axis systems (such as Cartesian robots and XY tables) by using two base (X) axes in parallel, with a perpendicular (Y) axis connecting them. While this dual X-axis arrangement provides a wide, stable footprint and allows gantry systems to deliver high load capacity, long travel lengths, and good rigidity, […]
Review of linear actuation complemented by guide wheels
Linear bearings based on steel guide wheels often complement motor-based linear actuation in two challenging application types: Long-stroke linear-motion axes as those driven by belts, linear motors, or rack-and-pinion sets Linear systems in harsh environments subject to hot and humid conditions, abrasive materials, extreme loading, and corrosive chemicals. Recall that wheel-based linear guides are systems […]
New generation of linear motor stages from Yaskawa
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has added the Sigma Trac II series linear servo motor stages to the Sigma-7 servo family. Sigma Trac II combines a Yaskawa SGLF2 series linear motor with linear bearings, high-resolution absolute optical scale, cable management, and optional bellows to create a turnkey linear stage. Leveraging the […]
What types of motion can you create with multi-axis linear systems?
For many tasks, multi-axis linear systems — Cartesian robots, X-Y tables, and gantry systems — travel in straight lines to achieve quick point-to-point movements. But some applications, such as dispensing and cutting, require the system to follow a circular path or a complex shape that can’t be created by simple lines and arcs. Fortunately, modern […]
New compact, high-resolution two-axis gimbal mount from OES
The new, compact AU100-ER two-axis gimbal mount from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features a full 360 degree continuous rotation of each axis. This compact two-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22 lb) and has a clearance of 300 x 300 mm, (11.8 x 11.8 in.) about the roll axis of the stage. […]
Pick-and-place applications with Festo tools — showing at Pack Expo
Festo offers software and hardware to shorten packaging-machine development time and reduce engineering overhead. These components, systems, and software tools will be on display at Pack Expo on September 23 to 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Booth LS-6349. Design a pick-and-place robot and control cabinet in minutes Festo demonstrates a Cartesian robot and […]
High-resolution, high-repeatability XYR alignment stages from OES
Two new economical XYR (Theta) alignment stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) offer high precision and repeatability for industrial, medical, semiconductor, research, and laboratory applications. The XYR-01-01 and XYR-01-02 Alignment Stages feature ± 7.5 mm of travel in the X and Y axes and ± 180° of rotation (theta). The XYR-01-01 and XYR-01-02 Alignment […]
How roller-screw and ball-screw actuators compare in high-force applications
As electric rod-style actuators overtake fluid power in a variety of high-force applications, it is important to understand how different screw technologies compare in the search for optimum performance and low life-cycle cost. By Daniel Schmit • Product Manager | Tolomatic Inc. Electric-rod actuators with either roller-screw or ball-screw technology are playing an expanding role […]
High-precision vertical elevator stages from OES
Two new high-precision Z-Axis Elevator Stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES), The AZV9010 and the AZV9020, are Motorized Z-Axis Linear Positioning Stages featuring vertical travels of 10 mm and 20 mm respectively. The vertical motion of each Z-Axis Stage is driven by an 8-mm diameter ball screw with a 1-mm lead, and guided by […]
