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Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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    • Ball + roller guides
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  • Actuators
    • Ball + leadscrew driven
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  • Encoders + sensors (linear) + I/O
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ball nut

Common ball screw terms explained

★ By Danielle Collins 5 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Linear drives (all) Tagged With: ball nut, Ball Screw

Three ball nut recirculation methods

★ By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

ball screw

From a design standpoint, the most important criteria when selecting a ball screw assembly is the method used for recirculating the load-carrying balls of the ball nut. The ball nut recirculation method is a determining factor for the smoothness of motion and size of the ball screw assembly. It also has a significant influence of […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Linear drives (all) Tagged With: ball nut, ball nuts, Ball Screw, ball screws, linear motion

What is preload?

★ By Danielle Collins 8 Comments

Have you ever wondered, “what is preload”? We’re here to help! Applications that use linear bearings or ball screws often require precise positioning, which means that the motion components must be rigid. And while recirculating ball guides and screws are able to carry large loads, they inherently have clearance, or backlash, due to the size […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + roller guides, Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: ball nut, Ball Screw, Linear Drives, Linear Guides, linear motion, preload

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