Linear actuators with belt drives, ballscrews, or leadscrews for their rotary-to-linear mechanical transmission most commonly pair with servomotors, stepper motors, or brushless motors. Belt-driven actuators frequently employ servomotors with planetary gearboxes for speed and precision. In contrast, ballscrew and leadscrew actuators often integrate servo or stepper motors that are coupled directly or via gear reducers […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
THK introduces 7th Axis Robot Transfer Unit RK for FANUC CoBots
THK has introduced the 7th Axis Robot Transfer Unit RK, a linear transfer system designed to extend the working range of collaborative robots. The unit uses caged-ball LM Guides mounted on a rigid aluminum extrusion body. A rack-and-pinion drive supports long-stroke travel. The mounting table is sized to accommodate FANUC CRX series CoBots, including the […]
norelem expands lineup with electric cylinders and actuators
norelem has expanded its portfolio to include electric cylinders and precision IO-Link servo actuators as an alternative to pneumatic cylinders. These components are intended for applications in mechanical engineering and medical technology that require precise linear motion. The electric cylinders from norelem combine a brushless servo motor, a servo controller and a recirculating ball spindle […]
LINAK introduces compact LA21 actuator for OEM applications
LINAK’s new LA21 electric actuator targets OEM demands for compact design, precise motion and reliable performance in challenging conditions. Faster cycles and consistent results The LA21 is the fastest actuator in its size class, combining high speed with low backlash and a high position resolution for precise, repeatable motion. This supports shorter cycle times, stable […]
PI introduces V-573 linear stages with 3-phase linear motors
PI has introduced the V-573, a new series of linear positioning stages featuring high-precision guidance and frictionless 3-phase linear motors. With 80nm bidirectional repeatability, 1g acceleration, and 500mm/s velocity, the V-573 family offers precise motion control suited for production environments. Designed for XY configurations, the stages integrate with PI’s ACS-based EtherCAT motion controllers, using advanced […]
Part 2 of 2: Update on electrification
In the first installment of this series, we covered the reasons why off-highway applications are primed for electrification — especially those vehicles with lots of axes that deliver relatively slow yet high-torque (or force) motion. Where the axes on a piece of off-highway or other equipment are linear, electric actuators have in some cases replaced […]
Electrification from A to Z
Following a few simple steps helps smooth the process of converting from hydraulic to electric actuators. Robert Johansson • Industry Manager | Thomson Industries In the age-old debate about hydraulic vs. electric, present-day consensus is that there is a place for both actuator technologies in a wide industrial landscape. However, increasingly, electric actuators, as they’ve […]
Motor modules deliver advanced mechatronics technology at a lower price
Linear motor modules integrate the linear motor with power output stages and position detection functions. This all makes for a smaller footprint, ensuring productivity benefits. With its high level of integration, the XTS motor module line from Beckhoff is a mechatronic module that combines motor function, multi-position detection, the power supply, and data communication. This […]
Polymer bearings enable realistic simulations
Once a niche hobby, simulation or sim racing has attracted a growing number of enthusiasts seeking virtual motorsport experiences. The popularity surge has fueled demand for professional-grade simulation hardware that accurately replicates real-world racing-vehicle physics, track environments, and driver tactile feedback. Automotive, truck, and flight-simulator R&D and build integrator Sigma Integrale serves this market with […]
Encapsulated piezo stack actuators offer protection for harsh industrial uses
PI has expanded its PICMA piezo stack actuator series with the launch of new encapsulated PICMA actuators. Piezo actuators use solid-state motion to deliver high speed, high force, and virtually unlimited resolution, suitable for precision positioning and alignment applications. The new encapsulated actuators offer travel ranges from 56 to 132 µm and blocking force of […]
