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What to consider when specifying a customized linear slide
Here are some considerations when specifying a linear slide for a new or existing application. By Mike Quinn • LM76 When a design engineer has fully defined a linear-motion application’s requirements...
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Hexapods precisely jostle cameras during image-stabilization testing
The six-axis parallel-kinematics systems known as hexapods excel in motion simulation and testing of mechanical and drive systems, multi-dimensional position sensors, and (the focus of this article)...
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New multi-axis stages: Driving dynamics in one plane for top performance
Having all of a stage’s driving dynamics in one plane can prevent problematic reaction torques on sensitive workpieces … and maximize machine performance for demanding motion applications. By Mathys te...
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What is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)?
In previous articles, we’ve covered a variety of technologies for measuring linear position: magnetic and optical encoders, magnetostrictive sensors, and even measuring systems integrated into linear...
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PM develops ultra-low-profile rotary table bearings
FMB turntable bearing Lower costs by using the rotary table bearing FMB. The compact designed FMB table bearing has been developed for high precision rotary motion. It reduces the cost compared to...
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How to protect ball screws in harsh environments
Harsh environments can wreak havoc on motion system components — especially rolling element systems such as linear guides and ball screws. And while protective devices such as rail covers, wipers, and...
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How to pick the right drive screw
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...
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Just for fun (and safety): Pandemic-inspired inventions
Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes. And so has been the case since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much of the focus on product development and innovation since...
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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...
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Automated farm equipment uses rugged linear components
Precision agriculture is the discretization of farming — defined as the analysis of highly variable (and often unpredictable) landscapes to: • Break larger agricultural fields into smaller discrete...
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7th axis extends range for robots
igus now offers a ready-to-connect 7th axis that allows a robot to move over a distance of several meters and includes a maintenance-free drylin ZLW toothed belt axis with a corresponding adapter...
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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...
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Successful transformation: from individual components to smart mechatronic...
Over the past three decades, Bosch Rexroth’s portfolio of ready-to-install linear axes has been further developed on an ongoing basis. In response to customer requirements, it now focuses on...
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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...
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THK debuts fast LM guide with speeds to 15 m/sec
With speeds reaching 15m/sec, THK’s Type FHS is said to be the fastest LM guide available on the market today. The performance of the Type FHS makes it suitable for applications requiring the fastest...
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What are stroke ball splines and how do they differ from standard ball splines?
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...
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How does shaft hardness affect the life of a linear ball bushing?
A linear ball bushing riding on a round shaft is often compared to a radial ball bearing, with the bushing acting as the outer race of the bearing and the shaft acting as the inner race. But in linear...
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Round-rail linear guide or profile-rail linear guide?
In this article, we outline how to choose a linear guide for your application and environment. By Lindsey Brimage and Eric Schultz | Thomson Industries Ian Miller | Motion Industries Canada Designers...
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How to calculate linear ball bushing life (and how it differs from other life...
The standard life calculation for linear ball bearings is widely known as: L = bearing life (m) C = rated dynamic load (N) F = applied dynamic load (N) But linear ball bushings often experience...
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Industrial gas springs help in fight against COVID-19
Gas springs, also called gas dampers, tension springs, gas-pressure springs depending on the setup and context, are compressed-air or oil cylinders that install in motion designs to damp forces and...
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