Accuride International, the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of sliding hardware, today announced the launch of an online store to expand access to a wide range of its innovative, proven products to both B2B and B2C customers. “Customers have told us that they need to be able to order a broad selection of our slides anytime, […]
Slides + guides (all)
Precision zero clearance, smooth sliding partial extension rails
As the exclusive distributor of SAIBO Linear Motion Systems in the US, LM76 is offering the SAIBO TPE28 and TPE43 series of Partial Extension Rails. These compact, precision, smooth sliding rails are assembled with a zero clearance. The TPE28 and TPE43 Partial Extension Rail series are created using a “C” shaped external rail and an […]
THK America’s Ohio plant and MVPvets sponsorship highlight commitment to U.S.
THK America Inc. is committed to serving the U.S. market. For nearly 25 years, the leader in linear-motion guides has been manufacturing components in the United States at their Hebron, Ohio facility. This year, the manufacturer joined forces with MVPvets in assisting, preparing and transitioning military veterans for meaningful employment. More than 70% of THK […]
Why use linear guides and ball screws with ball chains?
One of the differences between radial ball bearings and recirculating ball linear guides has historically been that radial bearings typically use a cage to separate the balls and control their movement, whereas profiled rail guides did not. But in the early 2000’s, manufacturers of profiled rail bearings began introducing versions with ball cages (also referred […]
Basics of cam followers (including those for linear motion)
Cam followers are power-transmission devices with a rotary bearing core that bears load while serving as the interface between independently moving machine sections. Applications include those on rotary indexing tables and turntable conveyors, long-stroke robot transfer units (RTUs), and an array of highly customized machinery. The outer diameter (OD) of the cam-follower bearing assembly is […]
Linear “lineup” impressive for Robotic Summit in June: Attend for technology insights
Robots aren’t all humanoid and SCARA; some take the form of linear-motion arrangements. In fact, we’ve covered how Cartesian arrangements in particular offer better energy efficiency and price points than more stereotypical robotic arrangements. You’ll get copious amount of information on such linear designs and technologies at the 2019 Robotics Summit (on commercial-robotics design, development, […]
What are planar errors and how do they affect the accuracy of a linear motion system?
In an ideal world, a linear motion system would exhibit perfectly flat, straight motion and reach the intended position with zero error every time. But even the highest precision linear guides and drives (screws, rack and pinions, belts, linear motors) have some errors due to machining tolerances, handling, mounting, and even the manner in which […]
Motion Trends: Linear bearings help some CNC machine builders trim cost
Axes on cnc machining equipment to allow spindle movements are mission critical — requiring high accuracy. But doors and other linear axes have different design requirements — with forgiveness and ruggedness being priority instead. Now, linear bearings from Rollon Corp. help some CNC machine builders trim cost and improve reliability by satisfying these unique design requirements. […]
Linear motion trends in slides: Robotics and mobile designs lead the charge
Demand for simple-to-install and pre-integrated linear-slide systems continues unabated … especially in applications only recently automated. Here’s the perspective of Matt Mowry, North American market manager for drylin products at igus: “We’ve supplied fully assembled and customized linear-slide tables … complete with motors and accessories. We’ve also supplied custom-extruded linear profiles and bearing liners to […]
Mechanical properties of materials: Stress and strain
Every component in a linear motion system experiences some form of loading due to applied forces or motion. The component’s reactions to these loads are described by its mechanical properties. For components subjected to tension or compression — such as load-carrying balls and rollers, shafts mounted vertically, or fastening and joining hardware — the mechanical […]