Standard ball splines use balls that recirculate within a nut, or housing, similar to that of a recirculating ball linear bushing. But the mechanisms and geometry required for ball recirculation result in a spline nut that is relatively large in diameter compared to the diameter of the spline shaft. For a more compact assembly, several […]
Ball + roller guides
What’s the difference between a ball screw spline and a traditional ball screw?
A ball screw spline is a combination of two components — a ball screw and a rotary ball spline. By combining a driving element (the ball screw) and a guiding element (the rotary ball spline), a ball screw spline can provide both linear and rotary motion, as well as spiral motion, in a highly rigid, […]
How to make sure you get the right linear bushing interchange
Linear ball bushings are one of the few interchangeable product types in linear motion, with industry-standard sizes and styles, so that a product from one manufacturer can often be substituted with a product from another manufacturer that has very similar dimensions and technical specifications. And most linear bushing manufacturers offer several product lines that are […]
Tips for mounting linear ball bearings: Pillow block housings
Linear ball bearings and round shafts are often used in applications that call for ease of use and simple mounting requirements. For example, where profiled rail guides require full support along their length, linear ball bearings, or bushings, can be used in many applications with shafts that are supported only at their ends. However, unlike […]
THK develops smoothest moving miniature LM Guide, the Type RSX
New from THK, the Type RSX Miniature LM Guide offers the smoothest movement in its class. Featuring, an optimized circulation structure, it achieves smoother movement than existing miniature LM Guides. The compact outer dimensions of the Type RSX enable the realization of space-saving designs. It is available in a standard Type RSX-M and a Type […]
What are fixed and floating bearings in the context of linear motion?
There are two instances when the terms “fixed bearing” and “floating bearing” are used in linear motion: to describe the support bearings used on ball and lead screws, and to describe linear guides mounted in parallel. And while the meanings of the terms are the same in both situations, their applications are different in each […]
Industry’s smallest slide with anti-cage creep technology
PM introduces the next generation of miniature slides: the MSR. This product has been developed according to the rising demand for smaller, compact linear slides for use in dynamic and accurate applications. The miniature slides are developed for increased output in micro-assembly machines and pick-and-place machines. The MSR miniature slide can also be used in […]
IMScompact: Guidance and measuring system requires no additional space
With its sensor system completely integrated in the ball runner block, Bosch Rexroth’s new IMScompact integrated measuring system determines the exact position with a high repetition accuracy of ±1 μm. IMScompact enhances the range of linear guides and is available in sizes 15, 20 and 25, making the measuring system for ball rail systems a […]
New flanged linear bushings available from Samick
Manufacturers are faced with the enormous challenge of minimizing risks in their manufacturing processes while at the same time lowering costs and improving product quality. Flanged linear bushings from SAMICK can meet these customer requirements. Whereas standard linear bushings must be used in combination with casings, flanged linear bushings are directly mounted onto the housing […]
What are rail brakes and when should you use them?
The servo and stepper motors that drive linear motion systems often include a braking function, or, in the case of stepper motors, detent torque that helps prevent the motor (and, therefore, the load) from moving when powered off. But in some applications, a secondary brake is required — either to provide redundancy and meet safety requirements […]
