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Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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Ball Screw

Application-based tool from Thomson optimizes online ball-screw sizing and selection

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

linear motion

Thomson Industries, Inc. has launched an online ball screw sizing and selection tool to give motion designers fast, intuitive and precisely calculated ball screw solutions for their linear motion designs. The Linear Motioneering tool not only simplifies and streamlines the sizing and selection process, it also provides the designer more direct, self-serve access to decades […]

Filed Under: Featured, Linear actuators (all), Software Tagged With: Ball Screw, thomson

How to pick the right drive screw

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

screws

Choosing the correct drive screw type is critical to getting the best actuator performance, accuracy, and repeatability. Chris Maupin • Program Manager and Engineer | Hunt Valve Actuator Division Screw drivetrains are the most common types of electromechanical linear actuators. A screw drivetrain acts as a linear force generation system, converting a rotary torque input […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + leadscrew driven, Featured, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: Ball Screw, Linear Actuators

Ball screws feature high speed, high load capacity for machine tool applications

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ball screw

Featuring high-speed performance and load capacities that exceed existing full ball standards, THK’s new Type BSM ball screw is ideal for use in machine tools. The Type BSM uses a newly developed circulation structure and a large lead to meet high-speed performance demands. The DN value is 170,000, contrasted with 130,000 in conventional products. The […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, Featured Tagged With: Ball Screw, THK

Motion Trends: Ball screws pack more load capacity

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ball screws

Continued developments in manufacturing and materials have improved ball screw performance, with the most recent generation of ball screws having greater load densities than ever before, leading to higher load capacities. High-load ball screws are being integrated into electromechanical linear actuator systems for use in applications with higher loads and more demanding environmental conditions. In […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, Linear actuators (all) Tagged With: Ball Screw, Bosch Rexroth, thomson

Motion Trends: Better performing, more customized ball screws

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ball screw

Slow but steady improvements continue with ball screw technology. For instance, developments in manufacturing and materials have improved ball screw performance so that the most recent generation of ball screws have greater load densities than before, leading to high load capacities in smaller packages. A trend that continues is the adoption of ball screws into […]

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

New high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ball screws

The new SP Series high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF Motion Technologies have been optimized to deliver precise positioning, excellent repeatability, and smooth-running and quiet linear actuation. Their advanced internal ball recirculation system and thread design additionally enable higher speed capabilities and longer operating life compared with conventional rolled ball screws. These small packages ultimately […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: Ball Screw

Motion system applications: Better ballscrews, more applications

★ By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

ballscrews

Ballscrews suit applications needing light, smooth motion, applications requiring precise positioning, and when heavy loads must be moved. Examples include machine tools, assembly devices, X-Y motion and robotics. Factors such as lead accuracy, axial play and preload, and life-to-load relationship are most commonly used to classify ballscrews. Lead accuracy is the degree to which the shaft’s […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, Linear actuators (all), Motion Casebook Tagged With: Ball Screw, Bosch Rexroth

Repeatability and Accuracy: What’s the Difference?

★ By Danielle Collins 2 Comments

There are numerous ways to classify the performance of linear positioning devices such as ball screws, belts, and rack and pinion systems, but the terminology can be confusing. The two most common terms, accuracy and repeatability, and are often used interchangeably. When someone says that a ball screw is very accurate, they may really mean that […]

Filed Under: Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: Accuracy, Ball Screw, Belt Drive, linear drive, precision, rack and pinion, repeatability

Three easy ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems

★ By Danielle Collins 1 Comment

maintenance

If you’ve read many articles on this site, you probably recall that inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensure they get the most life from a linear bearing, ball screw, or […]

Filed Under: Applications, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: Ball Screw, lead screw, Linear Actuator, linear guide, lubrication, maintenance

What does “lubricated for life” mean?

★ By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

lubricated for life

Lubrication is one of the most critical factors contributing to linear bearing life, and to achieve optimum performance users historically had to ensure that a lubrication routine was included in their operating and maintenance program, or implement an automated lubrication system. Seeing the opportunity to reduce maintenance and improve total cost of ownership, linear bearing […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + roller guides, Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: ball cage, ball chain, Ball Screw, linear guide, lubed for life, lubrication, maintenance free

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