Force versus linear velocity charts are mainly a tool for engineers specifying screw-based linear actuators. In short, the charts help engineers pick the actuator screw resolution after settling on a given actuator frame size. Much like references that describe the capabilities of rotary motors alone, there are similar metrics that describe the capabilities of linear […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
How to calculate beam deflection
There are many situations in motion applications where a linear guide or actuator isn’t fully supported along its entire length. In these cases, deflection (due to the component’s own weight and due to applied loads and forces) can affect the running properties of the bearings and cause poor operation, in the form of premature wear […]
SCHUNK ELP Electric Linear Module
The SCHUNK ELP can be adjusted in two simple steps making it the most user friendly electric linear module on the market! The end positions can be mechanically adjusted with a screw and the speed of extension and retraction is adjusted using rotary switches on the side of the unit. Speed can be automatically adjusted, […]
Thomson FSI style Metric Precision Ball Screws now have faster delivery times
Thomson Industries, Inc., has further enhanced its customer offerings in North America by utilizing its domestic manufacturing facilities to deliver high-quality, German-engineered metric ball screws with shorter lead times. As only two percent of all metric ball screws sold in North America are manufactured domestically, customers typically are forced to wait up to 10 weeks […]
How to choose end fixity conditions for screw applications
Ball and lead screw assemblies consist of three main components: the screw shaft, the ball nut, and the end support bearings. More than just an accessory, end support bearings have a significant influence on the rigidity, maximum speed and buckling load of screw assemblies. There are two primary types of support that can be implemented for […]
Profiled rail + rack & pinion = integrated solution
Profiled linear guides are typically used in conjunction with a drive system, such as a belt or ball screw, to provide rigid, accurate motion. When the specification calls for extremely long travel and high thrust force, the drive mechanism of choice is commonly a rack & pinion system. Fortunately for design engineers and machine builders, several […]
Miniature voice coil actuators
H2W Technologies offers miniature versions of both moving coil and moving magnet voice coil actuators. Plus the company offers custom designed solutions to meet application specifications. H2W has built its smallest moving magnet voice coil actuator (NCM01-04-001-2IB) to date, with an outside diameter of 0.40 in. — 10 mm — and a length of 0.735 […]
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 […]
A servo system glossary for the mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers are typically charged with designing, building, and applying a linear motion system for a specific machine or process. In doing so, our main concern is with attributes such as bearing life, deflection, and torque. And while we often work with the electrical and/or controls engineer for proper motor sizing and selection, rarely do […]
Festo streamlines selection, assembly, and commissioning of electrical axes
The Optimized Motion Series of packaged linear and rotary electrical axes solutions, introduced by Festo, helps lower OEM overhead by speeding up specification, assembly, and commissioning of axes. Fast delivery reduces inventory requirements and makes it faster and easier to support electrical axes in the field. Along with the Festo Fast Mobile App for easy […]