Stepper motors are widely used in industrial and consumer applications ranging from packaging equipment and medical devices to 3D printers and vending machines. They have excellent torque production at (relatively) low speeds — especially for a given motor size — and offer high-resolution positioning in a simple-to-use format. These benefits make them well-suited to drive lead […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
Rack and pinion drives: A new look at an old technology
Comparing rack and pinion drives with other linear drives such as belts and ball screws shows that sometimes simplicity can be the ultimate sophistication. YYC North America These days engineers have quite a few options for actuation in a linear motion system. From various screw drives to linear motors to hydraulic systems, each comes with […]
Open aperture voice coil stages with 1.20 inch travel and 25.4 micron resolution
Moticont’s HCDS-051-064 series of open aperture voice coil stages are linear DC motor driven stages. Designed for closed loop servo operation, an integral quadrature optical encoder with differential outputs is standard. The stages are clean, quiet, and efficient, with low inertia, high acceleration, and high speed. Each stage has a built-in home switch for accurate […]
Causes of tooth shear in synchronous belts, and how to avoid it
Synchronous belts transmit power via positive engagement between belt teeth and pulley grooves, making them suitable for applications that require high torque and making them less prone than traditional V-belts to slip in dynamic applications. But even synchronous belts can experience failure if they’re not installed, maintained, and applied properly. One way that toothed belts […]
What are common applications for hybrid stepper motor linear actuators?
When it comes to electromechanical linear actuators, integrated designs offer space savings, reduced complexity, and lower total cost of ownership with fewer parts required for repair or replacement. One such design that’s found multiple uses in medical, 3D printing, and assembly applications is the hybrid stepper motor linear actuator, which combines a ball or lead […]
How axial and radial loads affect linear motion systems
In any motion system, understanding the type and direction of applied and resultant loads is important for determining bearing life and analyzing deflection. In linear motion systems, we typically use Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, and Z) to define the placement and direction of loads. But for rotating components such as screws, rack and pinion drives, […]
Piezo motors vs. voice coil actuators for micron and sub-micron positioning
Applications that require micron or sub-micron level positioning with extremely smooth motion and control often call for a direct drive system — linear motor, piezo motor, or voice coil actuator. Linear motor stages are typically used when high forces are needed over stroke lengths greater than a few hundred millimeters. But for high-precision applications with […]
New motor/actuator with integral controls from Curtiss-Wright
The newest motor/actuators with integral controls from Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division, the Exlar SA-R080 rotary and SA-L080 linear actuator, are the first 80-mm frame size in the harsh environment control and sense family of industrial electromechanical actuators from Curtiss-Wright. The SA series actuators offer force, precision, energy efficiency, and control while minimizing the additional cabling, external […]
Actuator delivers high-performance linear positioning at an affordable price
SCHNEEBERGER Inc.’s new SLA Actuator delivers high-performance linear positioning at an economical price. SLA Actuators use recirculating ball linear guides that ensure smooth motion and high load capacity. They feature a lightweight precision aluminum base, offer easy assembly, and are stackable without additional brackets. The actuators are highly customizable to meet the demands of virtually any precision linear […]
NEMA 23 frame size added to ElectroCraft stepper linear actuator line
ElectroCraft, Inc. has added a new NEMA 23 frame size to its AxialPower Enhanced Series Stepper Linear Actuator product line. ElectroCraft enhanced series linear actuators have been available in a NEMA11 frame size for several years but are now being offered in both NEMA17 and NEMA23 frames for greatly enhanced performance capabilities. In addition to […]
