Engineers walked three distinct applications, each from a different market. They arrived at three very different end results due to the variations in environment and application details.

Application 1 – Packaging: A linear unit is needed to vertically position an automatic shrink-wrapping machine. For safety reasons, the vertical orientation drives us toward a ball screw. While the sealing, speed, and accuracy requirements are low, the moment loading is quite severe due to the rotational wrapping motion. The high moment load drives us to a ball-guided carriage.

Application 2 – Machine automation: A linear unit needs high acceleration and smooth operation for a paint-spray booth. The 1.5-m/sec speed requirement points to a belt drive. Additionally, the application needed to be maintenance-free, which drives the selection of a slide guide. Although the overhanging spray arm could present a severe moment, using two synchronized slides eliminates the potential moment.

Application 3 – Dispensing and filling: A linear unit is needed to quickly position the dispensing head. Throughput is the most important matter; a belt-driven, wheel-guided unit can deliver the highest speeds. Zip-lock sealing protects the unit from spills or splashes. A slightly larger frame size supports the underhanging dispensing head.