Piezo actuators operate on the principle that application of an electric field (voltage) induces strain (displacement) in the material — a phenomenon known as the inverse piezoelectric effect. But if you plot the strain versus the electric field of a piezo material, you’ll see that the strain doesn’t follow the same path when the field […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
Single-axis linear stepper stages with integrated encoder and electronics package
H2W now offers a revolutionary series of single-axis linear stepper stages that integrates a linear encoder into the stage to operate the linear stepper motor as a 2-phase brushless motor when coupled with an advanced motion control electronics package provided by H2W. When operated this way, the motors will tend to run cooler, as they […]
Integrated connector now available for AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman’s hybrid actuators
As a world leader in compact linear motion systems, Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions Division, is pleased to announce its size 8 21mm hybrid stepper motor is now available with an integrated connector. Offered alone or with a harness assembly, the connector is RoHS-compliant and features a positive latch […]
Application-based tool from Thomson optimizes online ball-screw sizing and selection
Thomson Industries, Inc. has launched an online ball screw sizing and selection tool to give motion designers fast, intuitive and precisely calculated ball screw solutions for their linear motion designs. The Linear Motioneering tool not only simplifies and streamlines the sizing and selection process, it also provides the designer more direct, self-serve access to decades […]
How to account for belt and pulley inertia during system design
In order for a motor to accelerate or decelerate a load, it must overcome the load’s inertia, or resistance to change in motion, as explained in Newton’s First Law. In belt-driven linear motion systems, the motor has to overcome not only the inertia of the applied load, but also the inertia of the belt, pulleys, […]
Rollon acquires iMS, expanding lineup of linear actuator modules, robotic transfer units for heavy payloads
Rollon, a leading manufacturer of linear motion guides, actuators and systems, has acquired Intelligent Machine Solutions, Inc. (iMS), a Michigan-based designer and manufacturer of standard and custom machinery for the automation industry. With this acquisition, Rollon is expanding its lineup of linear actuator modules and robotic transport units (RTUs), allowing for static loads of over […]
Low inertia, high precision linear voice coil stages from Moticont
Moticont has introduced two high performance linear DC motor driven stages. The VCDS-051-032-01-B1-30 (pictured) and the VCDS-051-032-01-F1-30 linear voice coil stages feature high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, zero backlash, smooth motion, precise positioning of 30 microns, high reliability and low cost. These non-commutated stages are clean room friendly, quiet, and available off-the-shelf. With a 0.97 in. […]
BRECOflex launches new BRECOroll timing belt
BRECOflex CO. is launching a new timing belt. It’s the company’s most innovative timing belt to hit the market since its move-series in 2014. It’s called BRECOroll. Typically, toothed timing belts used for material handling tasks are very long. The belt’s load side usually lies in a support rail which causes friction. BRECOroll provides the […]
What are some linear motion options for moving multiple loads independently?
From a mechanical standpoint, one of the more challenging applications in linear motion has traditionally been to move two or more loads independently, as is required in some handling, transport, and inspection applications. While using multiple linear systems, or preassembled actuators, is a simple solution mechanically, this option typically requires a significant amount of space […]
How to account for ball and lead screw inertia during system design
When sizing a motion system with a ball or lead screw drive, the first step is to determine the screw diameter and lead that can meet the application requirements for thrust force, speed, and compressive (buckling) loads. Once the screw diameter and lead are determined, the next step is to choose a motor that can […]
