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Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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Ball + leadscrew driven

What is a high helix (high lead) screw?

April 14, 2022 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Ball and lead screws are specified by the diameter of the screw shaft and the lead (or, in some cases, pitch) of the screw thread. The lead, which specifies how far the nut travels for each revolution of the screw, is created by the thread, or helix, that wraps around the screw shaft. If the […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

Screw drives see new uses in robotics, other applications

April 1, 2022 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ball screws

Some of the surest, time-tested methods of linear actuation are screw drives. Whether lead- or ball- or roller screws, screw actuation remains a large part of the linear actuation equation, thanks to their reliability, accuracy, and relative simplicity of operation. Recently screw drive developments have included advances in materials as well as manufacturing methods leading […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, Featured, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: dynatect, thomson

Part 2 of 2: Electric actuators as an alternative to hydraulic cylinders

March 16, 2022 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Here we offer some tips for converting a fluid-power-driven axis to electrical actuation. By Ryan Klemetson • Business Development Manager | Tolomatic, Inc. As explained in Part 1 of this article series on motioncontroltips.com, hydraulic systems offer long service life, but they’re not as efficient as electric systems. Electric systems also provide precise position, velocity, […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, Featured, Linear actuators (all) Tagged With: tolomatic

What is an inverted roller screw and how does it work?

March 14, 2022 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

inverted roller screw

Roller screws are often thought of as the standard planetary design, but several variations exist, including differential, recirculating, and inverted versions. Each design offers unique benefits in performance capabilities — load capacity, torque, and positioning — but the inverted roller screw’s primary strength is its ability to be easily integrated into actuators and other subassemblies. Recall that […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured, Linear actuators (all)

Screw handedness: When do you need a left-handed screw?

February 14, 2022 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

screw handedness

Just like people, ball and lead screws can be either right-handed or left-handed. But in screw terminology, handedness indicates the direction in which the nut moves relative to the direction of the screw’s rotation. By far the most common version is the right-handed screw, in which the nut moves toward you when the screw is […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

When are stepper motors paired with ball screws (rather than lead screws)?

January 12, 2022 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

What are common applications for hybrid stepper motor linear actuators?

November 15, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

Actuator delivers high-performance linear positioning at an affordable price

October 29, 2021 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

linear actuator

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 […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, Linear actuators (all) Tagged With: Linear Actuators

What are some linear motion options for moving multiple loads independently?

July 7, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

move 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 […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, Belt + chain driven, Belt + chain drives for linear, FAQs + basics, Featured, Linear motors, Rack + pinion driven, Rack + pinion sets

How to account for ball and lead screw inertia during system design

June 23, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured

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