Both types of belts commonly used in linear positioning applications — V-belts and synchronous designs — have internal tensile cords that serve as the primary load-carrying component. Or, as one engineer from Gates Mectrol put it, the tensile cords are the “muscle” of the belt. V-belts and synchronous belts are offered with tensile cords of various materials, including polyester, […]
Belt + chain driven
PHD Inc. offers linear slides that are IP54 and even IP67 rated (for washdown)
PHD Inc. offers electric Series ESU linear slides that are IP54 rated with magnetic band sealing for rugged protection. These are electric-motor and belt-driven linear actuators with a robust enclosed design and high-capacity rail bearing system to deliver exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes with travel lengths to 5,500 mm (with other […]
How to calculate motor drive torque for belt and pulley systems
Belt driven linear systems are common in applications that require long travel and high speed, such as gantry robots and material handling and transport. The motors of choice for these systems are often servo motors, for their ability to accurately control position, speed, and torque. Sizing and selecting the servo motor requires determining both the continuous […]
igus belt drive actuator lowers automation costs
New lubrication- and maintenance-free toothed belt drive actuators from igus can significantly reduce the costs of automation tasks such as pick-and-place, inspection, and assembly applications. High speeds, high load and precise positioning accuracy are not required in every application, such as format adjustment and vision system positioning. Many solutions in the market are oversize, however, […]
When do synchronous belts need flanged pulleys?
Synchronous belts transmit power via positive engagement between profiled teeth on the belt and pulley. Although this tooth engagement (along with proper belt tension) prevents the belt from ratcheting, the belt is free to track, or move side-to-side, on the pulley. To prevent the belt from riding off the pulley, and to resist the lateral […]
New 20-mm linear stepper motor now available from Nippon Pulse
Nippon Pulse now sells the the PFL20 Linearstep — its smallest linear stepper motor yet. The PFL20 is a highly efficient, high thrust tin-can linear actuator with a 20-mm diameter and a bipolar winding. PFL20 is RoHS-compliant, has a 30/60-mm effective stroke, and can reach 6 N of force at 200 pps. With 24 steps […]
Enclosed PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides
PHD Inc. now sells PHD Plus Series ESU electric-belt-driven base slides. The Series ESU Electric Belt-Driven Base Slides feature a robust, enclosed design with a high capacity rail bearing system delivering exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes, with travels lengths up to 5,500 mm and speeds to 5,000 mm/s, these electric base […]
Belt-driven electric actuators from IMI Norgren offer precise control
A new line of belt-driven electric actuators from IMI Norgren is designed to meet the force and extreme loading requirements for machine builders and plant engineers looking for an alternative to pneumatic actuators. NB27 single rail belt-driven linear actuator features a unique arc belt technology that improves traction for higher thrust. These single rail actuators […]
What are roller chain wear indicators?
Rollers chains, as a mechanical power transmission method, and like any mechanical system, are subject to wear over time and with continued use. Just how much it wears depends on a number of factors including whether or not the chain is properly lubricated and the amount of loading, among other things. So how does one […]
Beam deflection equations for linear systems
When a linear guide, such as a round shaft or profiled rail, deflects or sags, the bearings that travel along the guide experience edge loading (a higher load concentrated at the ends of the bearing), which can cause rough, irregular movement, increased wear, and reduced bearing life. And when a linear guide is incorporated into […]
