Thomson Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to introduce the benefits of WM80 ball-guided ball-screw-driven linear units. These linear systems are designed for high thrust, payload, precision and stiffness with force up to 12,000 N and repeatability to 0.005 mm. The WM series is suitable for […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
Motion systems application examples: Linear motors
More than half of all linear motors go into applications for machine tools or the manufacture and assembly of semiconductor components and electronics. It’s no wonder: Linear motors are the precise but generally costly option to which other linear devices are compared. In fact, applications for these relatively new motion components also include those that […]
Chieftek CLS linear-motor stages excel in precision applications
Chieftek Precision Co., Ltd. now sells Compact Linear Stages — CLS modules — for use in precision applications. Compared to traditional ballscrew modules, CLS linear-motor stages use direct driving to output high thrust with superior precision and velocity. They also have a highly integrated mechanical design to boost productivity with better linear-axis reliability. More after […]
Motion systems application examples: Ballscrew applications from mainstream to extreme
By Miles Budimir • Ballscrews are a tried and true linear motion component. They best suit applications needing light, smooth motion; applications requiring precise positioning; and when heavy loads must be moved. Examples include machine tools, assembly devices, X-Y motion and robotics. Ballscrews are usually classified according to factors such as lead accuracy, axial play and […]
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 […]
Can stack can do: Can-stack linear actuator basics (and stage lighting application example)
By Anant Bhalerao, Product Line Manager, Stepper Motors, Portescap • Can stack linear actuators are a good go-to solution for many linear motion systems — including modern stage lighting systems. Can stack motor technology is not new. In fact, it’s a compact and easy option for converting rotary to linear motion. Can stack motors may not […]
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 […]
New precision linear stepper stage from PI
PI (Physik Instrumente) introduces the L-511 linear stage series featuring minimum incremental motion as small as 0.02 µm. With travel ranges to 155 mm (6 in.), this 2-phase micro stepper motor platform is ideal for precision positioning demanded by science and industry, especially with high duty application cycles. The L-511 stages come in travel ranges […]
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. […]
The basics of air bearings
Bearings are often thought of as mechanical rolling or sliding elements, but linear (or rotary) bearings can also use a thin film of pressurized air to support a load. With no mechanical elements to generate friction or heat, air bearings are ideal for applications that require extremely high precision and stiffness. Pressure generation and air delivery […]