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Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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Linear Drives

The top 10 Linear Motion Tips articles of 2015

December 30, 2015 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Top 10

With the range of technologies, designs, and options available for linear motion components, ploughing through the alternatives and making the best decision takes more time and resources than many designers and engineers are able to expend on any individual component. Looking back at the top 10 most-read Linear Motion Tips articles of 2015 confirms this situation. From primers on […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + roller guides, Crossed-roller slides, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all), Stages + gantries Tagged With: ball screws, Linear Drives, Linear Guides, motor sizing, robots, slides

How to calculate ball screw rigidity

September 11, 2015 By Danielle Collins 1 Comment

The rigidity of a ball screw determines the amount of elastic deformation it will experience in the axial direction, under a given load. Elastic deformation, and therefore rigidity, is a fundamental characteristic in selecting and sizing a ball screw, as it affects the positioning accuracy of the system. δ = Elastic deformation (μm) Fa = Applied force in […]

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

Bearing load capacity explained

August 10, 2015 By Danielle Collins 6 Comments

There are two load capacity specifications for recirculating linear guides and ball screws—static load capacity and dynamic load capacity. Most engineers are familiar with dynamic load capacity, since this is the value used to calculate bearing life. But it’s also important to consider the component’s static load capacity in order to avoid premature bearing failure. Here’s a […]

Filed Under: Applications, Ball + lead + roller screws, Ball + roller guides Tagged With: bearing life, calculation, Linear Drives, Linear Guides

Bearing lubricant: Choosing between grease and oil

August 1, 2015 By Danielle Collins 6 Comments

Lack of bearing lubrication is generally regarded as the number one cause of linear-bearing failure. For recirculating linear bearings such as profiled rail guides and ball screws, lubrication separates the bearings (ball or roller) from the raceways, minimizes friction and wear, dissipates heat, and prevents corrosion. It also promotes smooth running of the seals and […]

Filed Under: Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: Ball Screw, bearings, Linear Drives, linear guide, Linear Guides, lubrication

The difference between inertia and momentum

July 7, 2015 By Danielle Collins 1 Comment

Inertia Momentum

The concepts of inertia and momentum are often confused — possibly due to the similarity of their definitions. Inertia is generally described as an object’s resistance to motion, with momentum being the tendency of an object to continue moving. Both have implications for linear motion applications, but while inertia is a fundamental sizing parameter, momentum […]

Filed Under: Applications, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: Calculations, inertia, Linear Actuators, Linear Drives, momentum

Linear motion tips for food and beverage applications

June 5, 2015 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Machine wash down

It’s not hard to understand why applications in the food and beverage industry are especially challenging for linear motion systems. Food processing and packaging equipment must simultaneously meet high throughput requirements and withstand harsh environments, while safely handling and processing products which are at constant risk for spoilage or dangerous contamination caused by environmental factors or improper handling. Add to this […]

Filed Under: Applications, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: food and beverage, Linear Drives, Linear Guides, linear motion, linear systems

What is preload?

February 23, 2015 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

H2W Technologies Manufactures Brushless Linear Motors

January 16, 2015 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

With the recent acquisition of the Baldor linear motion product line, H2W Technologies has begun manufacturing brushless linear motors in its Santa Clarita, CA facility. With extensive experience in designing and building custom linear motion systems, and now, with the tooling necessary to produce both ironless and iron-core brushless linear motors, H2W has the capability […]

Filed Under: Industry news, Linear drives (all), Linear motors Tagged With: Linear Drives, Linear Motor

Inertia Matching: Why Perfect Isn’t Always Best

December 30, 2014 By Danielle Collins 9 Comments

Newton's Cradle

Inertia matching is one of the inexact sciences of motion system design. When a motor and a load are coupled together, the ratio of load inertia to motor inertia determines how well the motor can control the load during acceleration and deceleration. In theory, a “perfect” inertia match of 1:1 (load inertia equals motor inertia) should […]

Filed Under: Controls for linear axes, Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all) Tagged With: Actuators, Ball Screw, Calculations, Linear Actuator, Linear Actuators, Linear Drives, linear motion, motion control

Five Ways to Make Your Linear System Cleanroom Friendly

December 19, 2014 By Danielle Collins 3 Comments

Cleanroom

Implementing linear motion in a cleanroom presents a particularly difficult challenge, since motion – whether rolling or sliding – necessarily produces particles. But by understanding the sources that contribute to particle generation and implementing smart design options, it is possible to achieve linear motion without compromising even the most stringent cleanroom environments. Below are five ways […]

Filed Under: Linear actuators (all), Linear drives (all), Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: Actuators, Ball Screw, cleanroom, Linear Actuator, Linear Actuators, Linear Drives, Linear Guides, linear motion

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