Updated May 2018 || Electrons or air molecules? That’s not a question you hear very often, but it’s one that engineers and designers wrestle with when developing a new machine or process. That’s because a wide range of linear actuators, especially rod-type versions, are available either electrically driven or pneumatically driven. The choice of which […]
Ball + leadscrew driven
Transmitting torque with keyed shafts
Power transmission between two rotating components requires a secure connection between the shaft of the driving component, and the hub of the mating part. One way to ensure torque transmission without slipping is by using a keyed connection. For most automation applications (motors, gearboxes, pulleys, etc.), a parallel key, also known as a straight key, with […]
Five things to consider in vertical applications
Mounting orientation is one of the core considerations when sizing and selecting a linear actuator. Depending on the type of linear guides used, some actuators can support higher downward or lift-off loads than side loads, or can handle pitch and yaw moments better than roll moments—all important factors when evaluating an actuator for vertical duty. […]
Parker announces North American production of high moment rodless linear actuator series
Now manufactured in the USA, the HMR attains greatly improved lead times and new customization options. Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division, a leading supplier of motion control technology, is pleased to announce the domestic manufacturing for the complete line of High Moment Rodless (HMR) electromechanical linear actuators. “This move will serve to greatly improve product lead times […]
Micro Precision Linear Actuators
Helix Linear announces its new Micro Precision linear actuators, which are offered in three different configurations to meet a wide array of applications where precision linear motion is required. The three models are the Integrated Precision Actuator (“IPA”) with a lead screw integrated into a stepper motor, the Coupled Precision Linear Actuator (“CPA”) that uses […]
Anti-backlash nuts for lead screws
Helix Linear Technologies has announced that they are expanding their lead screw nut offering by developing a new bronze anti-backlash nut for high load applications. The new nut design will integrate to the full lineup of Helix lead screw sizes ranging from 2 to 50mm diameters. This new nut design helps design engineers looking for […]
New technologies for linear motion: Forgiving linear encoders and more
From nanometer resolution to high-force actuation, components for linear motion systems are changing with the times. Linear motion components such as encoders and actuators are evolving to meet the demands of new applications and industries. New demand in areas like medical devices, for instance, calls for more nimble, smaller components adaptable to new environments and […]
New video helps engineers service the Thomson Motorized Lead Screw
Thomson Industries, Inc. has released a new educational video to help design engineers correctly service the Thomson Motorized Lead Screw in the field. The precision-engineered units combine a hybrid stepper motor and lead screw in one compact envelope to provide clear advantages with a solution that is smaller, stronger, and more efficient than alternate technologies. […]
Don’t rule out leadscrews
by Robert Lipsett, Site Leader and Engineering Manager, Thomson Industries Here we explain where leadscrews excel in linear-motion applications. Then we explain how to apply them. Ballscrews are often the first choice for linear-motion applications because the use of recirculating ball bearings provides high efficiency, load capacity and positioning accuracy. However, with careful attention to […]
Nook Industries offers complete line of worm gear screw jacks
Nook Industries, a leading innovator of linear motion components and systems, offers the ActionJac™ series worm gear screw jack product line. ActionJac models are ruggedly designed and produced in standard styles with load-handling capabilities from ¼ to 100 ton and can be used individually or in multiple arrangements. There are no specific travel lengths and each […]










