Engineers building linear motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable. By John Brokaw and Kent Martins | Valin Corp. How should designers pick between building linear-motion designs in-house or purchasing pre-engineered assemblies? What is there to consider when determining the best […]
Why use a multi-start ball screw?
The easiest way to get higher speed from a ball screw assembly (within the screw’s critical speed limit, which is based on diameter, length, and end fixity) is to use a higher screw lead. But increasing the lead of the screw has a drawback: as the lead increases, the number of effective turns in the […]
Dynatect expands precision ground ball screw capabilities with new end cap ball return design
Replacing precision ground ball screws on legacy equipment is complicated by the dissolving of original manufacturers and by product customizations. Offering multiple types of ball screw return designs provides the flexibility needed to keep older equipment running. The long life of machine tool equipment has resulted in machine tools which are often older than their […]
Ballscrew repair from Dynatect: New calculator to decide when to buy (or refurbish)
Alternatives to the increasing lead time for precision ground ballscrews (PGBS) are driving plant managers to reevaluate procurement options. OEMs often choose to only purchase new precision ground ballscrews (PGBSs) without evaluating repair options. Other choose to maintain no-stock or low-stock of PGBS due to ease of procurement. But now with lead times of 16 to 20 weeks, […]
Tolomatic integrated servo motor and drive (with PROFINET) automates simple motion axes
The Tolomatic ACSI integrated servo/motor/controller is now available with PROFINET Industrial Ethernet protocol — to let engineers design easy-to-use and cost-effective electric actuator setups for single-axis applications. The integrated package is suitable for replacing pneumatic cylinders and automating any simple axis of motion with Siemens or other PROFINET enabled PLCs. With built-in configurations for Tolomatic […]
Lead screw selection: What should I consider besides diameter and lead?
Once you’ve gone through the process of sizing a lead screw, you know what diameter and lead will provide the required load capacity, speed, and back driving torque for the application. But there are hundreds — maybe thousands — of lead screw designs on the market. Beyond the basics of diameter and lead, how do you […]
Lead screw sizing in 4 steps
Lead screw sizing is a bit of a hybrid exercise, with similarities to the process of ball screw sizing, but incorporating some of the considerations that come with sizing a plain bearing. While many factors are involved in the selection of a specific lead screw assembly, lead screw sizing — choosing the right diameter and […]
How do I calculate the PV value for a lead screw application?
Lead screws rely on sliding friction between the nut and the screw to convert rotary motion into axial (thrust) force to move a load. Most lead screw designs use either a carbon steel screw with a bronze nut, or a stainless steel screw with a plastic nut. In either case, there are no recirculating balls […]
Which timing belt tooth profile should I use: trapezoidal, curvilinear, or modified curvilinear?
Timing belts—also known as synchronous belts or toothed belts—are most often used in transporting, indexing, and positioning applications where high torque or force transmission and high acceleration rates are required. Unlike V-belts, which rely on friction between the belt and the pulley for power transmission, timing belts have positive engagement between the belt teeth and […]
Motion Trends: 3D printing aides lead screw design, prototyping
A number of trends in the motion industry are impacting lead screw design and implementation. One of these is the miniaturization of components. For instance, applications in optics as well as medical devices demand high precision, and smaller miniature lead screws can meet high precision specifications and can fit where space is limited and where […]
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