The gap is narrowing between applications that require ball screws and those that are suitable for lead screws, and it’s becoming more difficult for engineers and designers to determine which technology is best for their machine. Advances in lead screw designs and materials have given them higher load capacities and better positioning accuracy, making them a sound choice […]
Ball + leadscrew driven
Curtiss-Wright Sensors & Controls launches new Exlar brand FTX Series actuators
Curtiss-Wright Sensors & Controls Division today announced the release of the second frame size of its next-generation Exlar brand FTX Series actuators. These high-force electric rod style actuators now offer higher performance and ease of maintenance than previously available. More after the jump. The FTX Series actuators leverage more than a decade of experience successfully […]
How to shrink the size of a linear actuator
Linear actuators come in a wide range of sizes, and over the past several yeas, manufacturers have been emphasizing more and more compact footprints. But no matter how small the actuator, the addition of a motor can make the overall size of the complete system too large for space-constrained applications. Some manufacturers are addressing this issue […]
Can stack linear actuator provides exceptional performance
Portescap introduces the next generation of high power density Can Stack Linear Actuators, the 20DBM. These 20 mm linear stepper motors offer an optimized design ideal for applications demanding high linear force. The new 20DBM features an optimized magnetic circuit which provides improved performance over existing designs The 7.5 degree step angle provides finer incremental […]
Exposing the myth of zero-maintenance ball screws
Surface degradation due to friction typically arises from lubrication problems. Linear-motion designs that address this problem are realistic, effective, and affordable. By Bruce Gretz, Executive V.P. | Steinmeyer Inc. Maximizing uptime and avoiding downtime for unscheduled maintenance are key to productivity. Mechanical wear of moving parts, particularly the positioning systems, is the most common reason […]
Precision ground ball screw options for linear motion applications
by John Feitl, Senior Application Engineer and Larie Butler, Marketing Communications Specialist, NSK Americas Ball screws have an efficiency that makes them suitable for use in actuators that drive industrial and automotive applications, including robotics, machine tool axes, and semiconductor wafer-transport systems. Here we review the different ball screw subtypes and where each one excels. […]
Steinmeyer Xi-Plus line of precision ball screws: Smoothest raceways ever deliver quiet performance
Steinmeyer now sells a new ball screw line called Xi-Plus. These screws feature the manufacturer’s smoothest raceway surface ever to get significantly quieter operation with reduced vibration for every application. More after the jump. Xi-Plus precision ball screws are manufactured in Germany like all Steinmeyer products. The ball screws undergo a proprietary finishing process that removes micron-sized defects […]
Next-gen electric actuators for high forces
Curtiss-Wright Sensors & Controls Division has announced the release of its next-generation Exlar® brand FTX Series actuators. These high-force electric rod style actuators now offer higher performance and ease of maintenance than previously available. The FTX Series actuators leverage more than a decade of experience successfully replacing hydraulics in high-force, high-duty cycle applications in harsh […]
Haydon Kerk adds mold flow Analysis software for rapid custom lead screw nut solutions
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions recently added a powerful mold flow analysis software to help with the design of custom-molded lead screw and linear motion components. Solid Works Plastic Professional is an engineering tool used by Haydon Kerk’s experienced tooling engineers to help speed up the design process and offer customized solutions to fit customer’s application […]
How to size and use stepper motors that integrate rotary-to-linear motion?
No motor subtype satisfies all applications, as all have their own benefits and drawbacks. Even so, axes that need incremental strokes often use dc motors that are either stepper or servomotors. Very advanced designs incorporate linear motors to do away with gearboxes, belts and pulleys, ballscrews, leadscrews, and other power-transmission components — for high accuracy […]