Worm-screw jacks are a linear-motion design that’s been around for decades — though the modern version of the screw jack has changed a lot since its inception in the 1940s. Today’s versions use a basic worm-gear mechanism to drive either an acme screw or ball screw. When is a worm-screw jack a suitable linear-motion solution? […]
Ball + leadscrew driven
LINAK now sells integrated controller (IC) actuator LA33 for farming and agriculture
Many manufacturers of adjustable applications for example farming, mobile agriculture, or industrial automation are familiar with LINAK actuators with integrated controller functions — including the LA14, LA25, and LA36. Now a new mid-range offering completes the LINAK portfolio. The new powerful actuator is the LA33 electric linear actuator. It’s a mid-range powerhouse to supply a perfect fit where small actuators […]
Industrial-actuator manufacturer PHD Inc. celebrates 60 years in business
PHD Inc. was founded this month in 1957. Over 60 years of innovation, PHD has made automation work better and more efficiently for manufacturers around the world. The first product developed (and still popular today) was the Tom Thumb pneumatic cylinder. Today PHD manufactures a broad offering of products used for industrial automation. These actuators provide […]
LINAK linear actuators let one manufacturer help another make ergonomic assembly tables
Recently, Schneider Electric in the Netherlands consulted the Dutch ergonomics company Krikke de Wit Technische Tiloplossingen to lessen the physical burden of employees on their production line. Workers handling server racks and steel computer patch cabinets needed adjustable and tilting assembly tables to boost production and stay safe from overburdening and injury. Schneider Electric assembles […]
Have a ball screw application? Check out these resources for sizing and selection
One of the most popular subjects on this site is ball screws—especially the topic of how (and when) to select a ball screw. This is not surprising, because screws, and ball screws in particular, are workhorses of linear motion, with a range of styles, sizes, and performance capabilities that covers just about any application an engineer or designer […]
Applications drive ballscrew developments
A number of recent advances have improved ballscrew performance, meaning that motion engineers can get more for less. One trend is the continued interest in integrated designs. For instance, ballscrew-based linear actuators are available as all-in-one packages. The benefit is that such integrated packages significantly reduce design time as well as time required for assembling a […]
Thomson releases new linear-actuator videos
Thomson Industries Inc. has released its latest set of educational videos on linear actuators. The web videos illustrate step-by-step methods on how to install and control actuators in order to meet various industry demands. Thomson Tech Tips videos support design engineers who may face potential mishaps or simply want to ensure proper operation of the […]
What is back driving and why is it important?
Power transmission screws—ball screws and lead screws—are typically used for converting rotary motion to linear motion. But when a load is applied axially to the nut, they do the opposite and convert linear motion to rotary motion. This is known as back driving, and is generally an unwanted effect. Although it can occur regardless of the […]
Compact captive stepper linear actuators from DINGS’ MOTION USA
DINGS’ MOTION USA is pleased to offer a new line of compact captive stepper linear actuators. These hybrid linear stepper actuators are available in Sizes NEMA 8 (21 mm), 11 (28 mm), 14 (35 mm), 17 (43 mm) and 23 (57 mm), and include an anti-rotation feature on the output shaft. The DINGS’ MOTION USA […]
Rexroth ball-screw assemblies increase service life by 80%
Bosch Rexroth now offers an 80% increase in the service life of its ball-screw assemblies thanks to continuously improved production processes. Design engineers can use smaller sizes for the same power requirements. Delivery times have also been shortened through the digitalization of engineering process, as well as optimized logistics. As a leading manufacturer of linear motion technology, […]