One of the benefits of synchronous belts is their ability to operate with lower tension than their V-belt counterparts. And once the proper tension is determined and applied, synchronous belts rarely need re-tensioning. But improper tension in a synchronous belt drive system — either too low or too high — can lead to poor meshing […]
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 […]
Update on roller-screw actuator design and applications (with video and image galleries)
Roller screws are also called planetary roller screws or sometimes satellite roller screws for how their nut-encased rollers orbit the drive-shaft axis during operation. These mechanical rotary-to-linear devices work in an increasing number of electromechanical actuators. Satellite roller-screw geometry includes far more internal contact between load-bearing subcomponents than their ballscrew cousins, and that boosts rigidity […]
Mechanical properties of materials: Shafts in torsion
Power transmission shafts — on motors and gearboxes, for example — are subjected to torque loads that result in torsion, or twisting of the shaft about its axis. Similar to structures under tension or compression, two important mechanical properties of shafts under torque loads are shear stress and shear strain. Stress is a material’s resistance […]
Application example: Ladders on construction machinery use actuators for better ergonomics
90% of small U.S. construction companies have safety programs, but only a third have programs to improve the ergonomics of workers’ environments. It’s too bad, because the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is especially high in construction workers. Plus annual wage and salary losses are estimated at $46 million for the U.S. private-construction sector. Workers […]
How to size a rack and pinion drive
In linear motion applications, ball screws are widely recognized for their ability to provide high thrust forces, while linear motors are gaining market share in high-speed applications, and belt drives continue to maintain their reputation as the best solution for long travel lengths. But rack and pinion drives are the often-overlooked workhorses behind gantry and […]
Ball screw standards: What you need to know about DIN, ISO, and JIS
If you’re involved in ball screw sizing or selection, you’ve probably noticed that there are several different standards that govern various aspects of ball screw design, from lead accuracy and load capacity to ball nut tolerances and rigidity. Fortunately, in many cases, these standards are in harmony and provide the same (or virtually equivalent) specifications. […]
Tribology basics for linear bearings
Tribology is the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear between two surfaces in relative motion. In linear bearing systems, those two surfaces are the bearing element and the guide raceway. Friction and wear The term “wear” generally refers to deterioration, but when discussing tribology principles in relation to bearings, it refers […]
SUPERWURM worm farm uses motion components from igus
One automated worm farm in Germany to breed and grow worms includes machines to continuously lift, transport, release, stack, drill, and spray giant red worms called dendrobena. Duren-based SUPERWURM uses robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) until the worms are ready for sale to fishermen, as food for animals, and as natural fertilizer for gardens […]
How to specify linear motion components for vacuum applications
Vacuum applications are common in the manufacturing of semiconductors, liquid crystal and plasma displays, fiber optics, and aerospace components, where linear motion systems are used for the positioning, handling, and alignment of critical equipment. Although vacuum applications are often likened to cleanroom applications, in the category of “special environments,” there is a critical difference between […]
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