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Rules for Actuator and Guide Alignment in Linear Motion Systems
Following a few simple guidelines for designing linear motion systems can improve system performance and actuator life. Many automated machines rely on linear guidance components, such as profiled rail, round rail or other rolling or sliding bearing structures, to guide and support the moving el...Read more -
What are Linear Actuators and How are They Sized?
Linear actuators provide important functions to a range of medical devices such as medical beds, operating tables, and dental chairs. A linear actuator is a mechanical device that converts energy to create straight-line motion to either lift, tilt, or move mechanical legs in and out, depending o...Read more -
Linear motion in medical applications: Linear actuators in patient lifts, beds, and tables
Moving a patient in a hospital or medical facility doesn’t always involve racing down a hallway with the patient in a wheelchair or on a gurney. Very often, a patient simply needs to be moved from a lying or sitting position to a standing position (or vice-versa). Even for patients who possess s...Read more -
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CARTESIAN ROBOTS
What is a Cartesian Robot? Machines that operate on Cartesian coordinate systems have been staples in factories for decades. 3D printers, laser-cutters, and CNC machines are examples of devices that use the same principle as Cartesian robots. What sets these robots apart from others is their con...Read more -
Robots: How to Choose the Right One
Available in a range of performance capabilities and prices, robots are becoming ubiquitous in all types of industrial production operations. Understanding the capabilities of each robot type is key to making the best choice for your business. For a half-century, the image of the large, six-axis...Read more -
What is a Cartesian Robot?
Opposed to another type of robot or multi-axis system. First, a Cartesian system is one that moves in three, orthogonal axes — X, Y, and Z — according to the Cartesian coordinates. (Although it should be noted that a rotary axis — in the form of an end effector or end of arm tooling — is sometim...Read more -
What are Some Linear Motion Options for Moving Multiple Loads Independently?
From a mechanical standpoint, one of the more challenging applications in linear motion has traditionally been to move two or more loads independently, as is required in some handling, transport, and inspection applications. While using multiple linear systems, or preassembled actuators, is a si...Read more -
Part 2 – What is racking in gantry systems, and how can it be avoided?
In Part 1 of this post, we looked at various methods of driving the X axes in gantry systems and how the drive method can influence the gantry’s tendency to experience racking. Another factor that can cause racking in gantry systems is lack of mounting accuracy and parallelism between the two X ...Read more -
Part 1 – What is Racking in Gantry Systems, and How Can it be Avoided?
Gantries differ from other types of multi-axis systems (such as Cartesian robots and XY tables) by using two base (X) axes in parallel, with a perpendicular (Y) axis connecting them. While this dual X-axis arrangement provides a wide, stable footprint and allows gantry systems to deliver high lo...Read more -
What Makes a Linear Stage Different from Other Types of Linear Motion Systems?
Linear motion systems — consisting of a base or housing, a guide system, and a driving mechanism — are available in a wide variety of designs and configurations to suit almost any application. And because their designs are so varied, they’re often categorized according to key construction and op...Read more -
Strengths & Limitations: Belt Drive vs. Ball Screw Actuators
The challenge for mechanical automation systems in the past has been the successful conversion of rotational motion from electric or mechanical motors into useful forms of linear motion. A breakthrough in this regard, the conveyor belt system represented one of the first useful implementations ...Read more -
Linear Drive Systems: Precision Parts Production in Aerospace to Machine Tooling
Differences abound between traditional rack and pinion twin drives, split-pinion-based designs, and roller-pinion systems. From aerospace to machine tooling, glass cutting, medical and more, manufacturing processes depend on reliable motion control. Delivering the speed and precision required by...Read more
