Now configure toothed-belt linear axes in customizable sizes To simplify product selection of maintenance-free, self-lubricating linear guides, motion plastics specialist igus has developed a modular construction kit for belt-driven DryLin ZLW linear axes. With the new “ZLW toolkit,” customers can customize their own solutions, including rail widths, system length, etc., even for small installation spaces. […]
Tolomatic belt-drive actuator handles harsh environments
Tolomatic’s family of MXB electric belt-drive actuators includes a new solid bearing load-carrying design ideal for harsh environments. The trapezoidal solid bearing provides a rigid, long-lasting bearing system capable of operating in environments that roller bearings would not be able to withstand. With loads up to 520 lb (235 kg), speeds up to 100 in./sec […]
Bimba’s new multi-axis HSXZ and HSXY electric belt-driven actuators
Bimba’s new multi-axis HSXZ and HSXY electric belt-driven actuators offer 2-axis linear motion control using a unique single belt transport system. The single belt system serpentines around both the X and Z (or Y) axis in such a fashion that it eliminates the need for a motor in the Z-axis (or Y) while using two […]
Engineered synchronous sprockets improve drives using curvilinear belts
Belt drives are a mainstay in power-transmission design. In these setups, a reinforced belt wraps around and engages a motor-driven sprocket (or pulley) to transmit translational or rotational motion. Especially in setups where belts and sprockets drive linear axes, repeatability and positioning accuracy are better than ever, thanks to engineered guides and innovations in integration. What’s […]
Picking the right accumulation chain for conveying
by Gerhard Hartinger, Key Account Manager, iwis Drive Systems For logistics and material-handling applications, chain engineered for accumulating discrete pieces of product is efficient and durable. Accumulation chains convey, collect and separate discrete components. The chains work off electric motors that engage and drive parallel conveyor trains (sometimes called chain strands) on the conveyor edges. […]
What are the main types of linear actuators?
Updated August 2017 || Linear actuators come in myriad configurations to suit almost any application, environment or industry. They’re primarily categorized by their drive mechanism; then manufacturers use other features such as the type of guide and housing to further differentiate them. Below is an explanation of the most common linear actuator categories. Belt-driven and […]
Tips for selecting pre-engineered Cartesian robots
Cartesian robots operate in two or three axes along the Cartesian coordinate system of X, Y, and Z. While SCARA and 6-axis robots are more widely recognized, Cartesian systems can be found in nearly every industrial application imaginable, from semiconductor manufacturing to woodworking equipment. And it’s no surprise that Cartesians are so widely deployed. They’re […]
Linear actuators: Pneumatic or electric?
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 […]
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. […]
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