PHD Inc. now sells a new Series ESU electric actuator — the ESU-RB. This linear actuator incorporates a ballscrew and features a robust enclosed design with a high capacity rail-bearing system. These features let the actuator deliver exceptional moment and load capability. The ESU-RB electric actuator is available in three sizes with travels lengths up […]
Ball + leadscrew driven
Linear motion in medical applications: Linear actuators in patient lifts, beds, and tables
Moving a patient in a hospital or medical facility doesn’t always involve racing down a hallway with the patient in a wheelchair or on a gurney. Very often, a patient simply needs to be moved from a lying or sitting position to a standing position (or vice-versa). Even for patients who possess some degree of […]
Linear motion in medical applications: Lead screw driven syringe pumps
When we think of syringes, we typically think about the single-use type that doctors and nurses use to administer vaccines or individual doses of medication. But some conditions necessitate frequent or constant doses of critical medication, making it undesirable or even unfeasible to administer via single-use syringes. And in other cases, medications that would normally […]
High load capacity actuator from NB Corporation
This compact single axis actuator from NB Corporation features a unique “U” shaped integrated slide guide and ball screw. The BG actuator’s highly rigid structure may be one-end supported. The 4 ball circuits contained in its slide block deliver high load capacity, accuracy and rigidity. The product catalog supplies all dimensions, drawings and ratings necessary […]
New tools, services aid ball screw selection and design
Ball screw performance continues to improve, thanks to advancements in manufacturing methods and materials. Newer generations of ball screws have higher load capacities, which means they’re increasingly being used for applications with higher loads as well as more challenging environmental conditions. Hence, the rise in ball-screw-driven actuators replacing traditional fluid power actuation methods in some […]
What options are there for integrated motor and screw designs?
Ball and lead screw assemblies are often driven by a motor connected in-line with the screw shaft via a coupling. While this mounting arrangement is simple and easy to service, the addition of a non-rigid mechanical component (the coupling) can introduce windup, backlash, and hysteresis — all of which affect positioning accuracy and repeatability. The […]
How can lead screw backlash be reduced?
Backlash is an inherent property of lead screw assemblies due to the sliding motion between the screw and the nut. For some applications, a certain amount of backlash, or “play,” can be tolerated, but applications such as positioning, dispensing, or assembly often require a level of precision and repeatability that can’t be achieved if backlash […]
Ball screws feature high speed, high load capacity for machine tool applications
Featuring high-speed performance and load capacities that exceed existing full ball standards, THK’s new Type BSM ball screw is ideal for use in machine tools. The Type BSM uses a newly developed circulation structure and a large lead to meet high-speed performance demands. The DN value is 170,000, contrasted with 130,000 in conventional products. The […]
Linear motion systems: Only as strong as weakest link
Demands placed on linear systems in today’s automation are greater than ever — and continue to increase. Here we review five links in the chain of design elements so critical to precision operation. By Mark Huebner • Mechatronics global product manager | PBC Linear Kevin Bischel • Principal engineer | PBC Linear A linear motion […]
What is a follower nut, and what role does it play in lead screw operation?
Although the idea of a “follower nut” may seem to indicate that the nut serves a passive role in lead screw operation, it actually plays an important part in monitoring the condition and life of the screw assembly. The wear characteristics of a lead screw nut make the expected service life of the assembly difficult […]
