Gone are the days when machine designers and builders had to choose between constructing their own linear system from scratch or settling for a limited range of pre-assembled systems that, in most cases, were an imperfect fit for their application. Manufacturers today offer systems based on a range of drive mechanisms—ball screws, belts, rack and pinions, linear motors, […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
Linear motors explained
The use of linear motors in industries as diverse as packaging and semiconductor manufacturing is a testament to their suitability for a wide range of applications. In recent years, manufacturers have worked hard to remove the “mystique” that for so long surrounded these products and hindered their widespread usage, but linear motors still face several challenges […]
Electric actuators vs. pneumatic cylinders: Total cost of ownership
by Aaron Dietrich, Tolomatic Calculate product yield and utility and maintenance costs for a technology’s service life, and do it early in the process of specifying equipment. Pneumatic-cylinder actuators are durable with low initial cost, so have been a staple in factory automation equipment for decades. They are simple, easy to maintain and provide reasonable […]
Linear motion tips for food and beverage applications
It’s not hard to understand why applications in the food and beverage industry are especially challenging for linear motion systems. Food processing and packaging equipment must simultaneously meet high throughput requirements and withstand harsh environments, while safely handling and processing products which are at constant risk for spoilage or dangerous contamination caused by environmental factors or improper handling. Add to this […]
Compact Stages for Scanning and Indexing
The Velmex XSlide assembly is a compact positioning stage highly suitable for high performance incrementing and scanning of smaller loads. Its compact design makes it ideal for limited space applications. Constructed with hard-coat anodized aluminum dovetail ways and smooth motion PTFE bearings, XSlide assemblies deliver higher rigidity for longer life and more precise movement when […]
New video shows the benefits of prism guided linear units in wash-down applications
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to showcase the benefits of its prism guided linear units for wash-down applications. Kyle Thompson, Global Product Line Manager, Systems at Thomson, explains in the video, “The M75 Movopart belt-driven, prism guided linear unit is ideally suited to applications […]
How to avoid ball screw buckling
Imagine two columns—one short and wide and the other long and narrow. As you begin to put weight on them, the long, narrow column gradually begins to bend, to the point that it becomes permanently deformed and eventually breaks, while the short, wide column handles the weight with ease. In the same way the long, […]
Parker releases a new line of miniature linear motor positioners
Parker’s Electromechanical Division North America is pleased to announce the release of the mSR (miniature square rail) positioner. The mSR series of miniature, dual square rail guided, linear motor positioners have been engineered to deliver a combination of modularity, flexibility, and performance in an extremely compact package. mSR series standard features: • Two form factors […]
Low cost, high precision vertical lift stage
The AT10-120 motorized vertical stage from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) is a high resolution, low profile, high load vertical lift stage that can be easily integrated into almost any application. The large 220 x 140 mm (8.7 x 5.5 in.) drilled and tapped platform has a vertical travel of 110 mm (4.3 in.). The […]
Programmable actuators available with ball screws or Acme screws, and servo or stepper-drive systems.
Nook Industries’ line of Series 500 programmable actuators are designed for continuous duty and long service life. The Series 500 uses a direct or toothed-belt drive for better mechanical efficiency, while also allowing quieter running performance. Ball screw-driven programmable actuators are available in parallel and in-line models with either a servo motor or stepper motor. […]