PBC Linear of Pacific Bearing Co. is a linear-motion and bearings manufacturer in Roscoe, Illinois, perhaps best known for its self-lubricating bearings. At the recent CIIF Show in Shanghai, China, PBC Linear and Moons’ Industries — the fourth largest stepper motor manufacturer in the world — announced a joint venture to make integrated mechatronic designs for linear-motion […]
Linear drives (all)
We’ve Got You Covered: A Quick Guide to Platings and Coatings
Machine builders and end users have many factors to consider when choosing linear motion components and systems – travel length, speed, acceleration, positioning accuracy and repeatability, just to name a few. But sometimes the most challenging requirement isn’t a traditional application spec. It’s the environment that the system will be working in. Many industries have processes […]
Long Travel vs High Speed: Part 2
In a recent post, we discussed using ball screw supports as a way to overcome the tradeoff between long travel length and high speed in ball screw applications. Responding to that post, several readers pointed out another solution to overcome the length-speed limitations of ball screws – rotating the ball nut rather than the screw itself. Benefits In […]
PDR indexer provides fast, maintenance-free indexing
Nexen Group, Inc. introduces the Precision Ring Drive Indexer (PRD) – a highly flexible, durable and efficient alternative to direct drive motors capable of 2x faster indexing than competitive indexing options. Unlike most cam drive systems, the PRD can start and stop at any incremental position. The motion profile is quickly and easily changed by […]
Three Ways to Save Space with Linear Actuators
Linear actuators are available in configurations that address virtually any application – rail, shaft, or cam roller guideway; screw, belt, or linear motor drive; with or without protective covers; and a wide variety of features to meet unique environmental or technical requirements. All these options make it relatively easy to find the right actuator for […]
High Moment Rodless Linear Actuator Series from Parker
Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division announce the release of the High Moment Rodless (HMR) electromechanical linear actuator series. The HMR represents one of the most versatile actuator lines on the market today. With five different frame sizes, two different drive train options, multiple motor mounting, carriage and sensor options, and an IP54 protective cover option, along […]
How Seals Extend the Life of Linear Systems
When selecting a linear system – ball screw, linear guide, or actuator – most of the focus is on application data such as load, speed, travel, and duty cycle. But there’s another factor that should be considered, especially for technically demanding applications or harsh environments. That factor is sealing. How are the bearings protected against […]
Complete guide to selecting and sizing linear guide wheels for motion axes
Updated May 2018 || When it comes to linear guide wheels, here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth design. Linear guide systems are chosen for an application based not only on their precision and speed characteristics, but also on a host of other operating conditions such as environment, length, speed, duty cycle, […]
How to Achieve Long Travel and High Speed with Ball Screws
If you need a linear motion system that can travel at high speed over long lengths, what solutions come to mind first? Belt drives? Rack and pinion systems? Linear motors? If the application requires high thrust force, belt drives won’t suffice, and if high positioning accuracy is important, rack and pinion systems are out. Linear […]
Five things to consider when choosing a linear actuator
You’re working on an application that requires linear motion — maybe it’s a pick-and-place assembly system, a packaging line, or a gantry for material transfer – but designing your own actuator from scratch, sourcing the various parts, mounting and aligning the components, and implementing a maintenance system is not an effective use of your time. […]