We recently asked several industry experts about trends they’re seeing in the design and use of linear actuators, linear guides, and stages. Here’s what those experts had to say. Meet the experts Saurabh Khetan | Product line manager — Leadscrews • Thomson Industries Inc. Justin Lackey | Product manager — Systems • Bosch Rexroth Kelly Walden | V.P. […]
Linear drives (all)
New Moog program guarantees customized roller screws in six weeks
Moog has launched its “Roller Screw Fast-Delivery Program” to ship industrial customers the most requested roller screws, diameters from 15 to 39 mm (0.59 to 1.53 in.) within six weeks of receiving an order. “The major challenge customers currently face is the uncertainty of their supply chain,” said Roberto Donghi, site manager for Moog’s Bergamo, […]
A straight line to effective linear motion
Servo- and stepper-driven electrical linear actuators are an efficient and economical way to provide accurate motion control for a wide variety of machine applications. Chip McDaniel AutomationDirect When it comes to automated machinery, there’s no doubt that observing a high-speed robotic arm zoom through intricate movements can be impressive. But although the price and complexity […]
Update on today’s belt drives
Belt drives have continued to evolve with new applications. Industrial belt drives in motion designs consist of rubber, engineered plastic, metal, or (most common) multi-material belts that wrap around drive pulleys — grooved or otherwise profiled wheels mounted on a shaft — in turn driven by electric motors. Powered by various motor types, belt drives run […]
Compact linear motion system brings modularity to small-space applications
Thomson Industries, Inc. has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson. “As demand for smaller-scale applications […]
Miniature lead screws for compact application designs
Thomson Industries, Inc., has introduced a line of miniature lead screws and nuts. This new offering extends the Thomson lead screw product line to include 2-, 3- and 4-millimeter diameters. “OEMs are increasingly demanding components for smaller assemblies, and we are pleased to announce that Thomson high-quality lead screws and nuts are now available in […]
Rediscovering ball splines for robust linear and rotary motion
Ball splines were once a staple for machine designers seeking an elegant way to integrate rotary and linear motion. Driven by pressures to speed their machines to market, many designers found it faster to implement prepackaged solutions in which rotary and linear motion shafts had already been integrated. By Charles Isaac • Thomson Industries Chris […]
How to choose a roller screw nut assembly
Updated August 2023 • A roller screw’s application will dictate whether the shaft or nut should rotate. In either case, the type of nut selected depends on the load and how the assembly will move and actuate the system. There are three major types of roller screw nuts: Single, split, and double. Single nuts are […]
Precision ball splines deliver robust rotary and linear motion integration
Thomson Industries, Inc., has introduced a line of precision ball splines that enable robust delivery of rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. These new components give designers more flexibility to compress an assembly, extend a stroke, distribute a load or otherwise meet modern automation demands. “Ball splines have provided an elegant, single shaft […]
How to select the right roller screw size
Roller screw systems typically have smaller footprints and more compact designs than their hydraulic counterparts. One motivation to replace hydraulics with roller screws is to reduce bulky and auxiliary equipment and its associated maintenance without compromising performance. Roller screw shafts come in a variety of diameters and load capacities. Some are 3.5 mm in diameter with […]
