There are plenty of robot exhibitors at the ATX West tradeshow in Anaheim, Calif., this week, showing off everything from 6-axis robots that nearly reach the exhibit hall ceiling to SCARA robots assembling miniature medical devices. But there’s a new entrant into the robot space this year, and their aim seems to be to make robots—Cartesian robots, specifically—more […]
Ball + lead + roller screws
The top 10 Linear Motion Tips articles of 2015
With the range of technologies, designs, and options available for linear motion components, ploughing through the alternatives and making the best decision takes more time and resources than many designers and engineers are able to expend on any individual component. Looking back at the top 10 most-read Linear Motion Tips articles of 2015 confirms this situation. From primers on […]
Linear encoders improve accuracy
by Product Management Dept., HEIDENHAIN CORP. Linear encoders boost accuracy by correcting errors downstream of mechanical linkages. Linear encoders track axis position without intermediate mechanical elements. The encoders even measure transfer errors from mechanical linkages (such as rotary-to-linear mechanical devices), which helps controls correct for errors originating from the machine. Thus, this feedback lets controls […]
How does temperature affect ball screw assemblies?
As an integral part of industrial machines and processes, ball screw assemblies often operate in environments with elevated temperatures. Heat can be generated by other mechanical and electrical components in the machine, and in some cases, is a byproduct of the process itself. And, like other motion products with sliding or rolling friction, ball screws generate heat of […]
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 […]
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 miniature lead screws
Helix Linear Technologies today unveiled its Ultra Miniature lead screw product line. Helix designed the new range of lead screws for applications that demand micron level positioning and impressively small envelopes. Helix is matching these new screws with their proprietary internally lubricated anti-backlash nut designs to produce a precision lead screw assembly with zero backlash […]
Common ball screw terms explained
When discussing ball screw assemblies, there is often confusion surrounding common nomenclature used to describe their structure and operation. Circuits, turns, lead, pitch, and starts are all widely used, and misused, terms to quantify various aspects of ball screw assemblies. Although these specifications are related to one another, each has a unique meaning and significance to […]
Helix Linear automates PTFE coating of its precision lead screws
Helix Linear has announced the acquisition of a Robotic Coating System (RCS) for applying its proprietary H4X PTFE coating to lead screws. This is the most advanced coating system in the industry and allows Helix to precisely apply the highest quality PTFE coatings to their precision lead screws. The PTFE coating acts as a dry […]
What’s the purpose of a double ball nut?
In its most basic form, a double ball nut is essentially two single ball nuts that have been tensioned against each other to induce preload. Three common methods for inducing preload in a double nut are: With a spacer ring between the ball nut halves With a spring between the ball nut halves By creating […]