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Linear Encoders Improve Accuracy
Linear encoders boost accuracy by correcting errors downstream of mechanical linkages. Linear encoders track axis position without intermediate mechanical elements. The encoders even measure transfer errors from mechanical linkages (such as rotary-to-linear mechanical devices), which helps contr...Read more -
How to Get Predictable and Reliable Linear Motion
Accuracy and repeatability, Capacity, Travel length, Usage, Ambient environment, Timing, Orientation, Rates. Here are some tips on how to correctly specify and size a linear-motor-driven actuator using the mnemonic ACTUATOR—short for accuracy, capacity, travel length, usage, ambient environment,...Read more -
Horizontal and vertical Linear Stage Z Axis Positioning Stage
Positioning stages today can satisfy specific and demanding output requirements. That’s because customized integration and the latest in motion programming now help stages get incredible accuracy and synchronization. What’s more, advances in mechanical parts and motors are helping OEMs plan for ...Read more -
How to Shrink the Size of a Linear Actuator
Solution for X-Y stages and small machining centers, such as 3D printers. Linear actuators come in a wide range of sizes, but over the past several yeas, manufacturers have been emphasizing more and more compact footprints. But no matter how small the actuator, the addition of a motor can make t...Read more -
Motion Trends Update: Positioning Stages Lead Charge to Pragmatic Design
The main advances in motion over the last decade have occurred in control systems and electronics. Positioning stages today can satisfy specific and demanding output requirements. That’s because customized integration and the latest in motion programming now help stages get incredible accuracy a...Read more -
How to Choose Linear Guide Accuracy
Mounting considerations, Single block on a single rail, Multiple blocks on a single rail, Multiple bearings on multiple rails. When choosing a recirculating linear guide, there are several criteria that need to be specified, including size, preload and accuracy. And although the term “accuracy” ...Read more -
XY tables: How do they differ from Cartesian and gantry systems?
A common XY table design uses crossed roller slides and a ball screw drive for very high travel and positioning accuracies. There are many ways to build linear systems for motion in the X, Y, and/or Z directions – also known as Cartesian coordinates. The terms we generally use to refer to these ...Read more -
High Speed Linear Actuators: What Qualifies Them as High Speed?
Speed is primarily dependent on the drive mechanism. Like many terms used in the linear motion industry – “heavy duty,” “miniature,” and “corrosion-resistant,” to name a few – there is no industry standard that specifies what constitutes a “high speed” linear actuator. Nevertheless, there are so...Read more -
Top 5 Industrial Robotics Applications
Assembly, Picking and packing, Material removal, Welding, Painting. From food processing to automotive production, industrial robots are becoming ubiquitous. Highly-automated and programmable, these machines execute repetitive tasks with high precision, reliability and throughput.Due to these fe...Read more -
What To Do When Your Motion System Throws You a Curve
How Ring and Track Systems Stack Up Guide-wheel based ring and track systems are more compact and offer better positioning accuracy and more options for cargo carrying positions than alternative conveyor systems for curvilinear applications. In the ongoing drive to reduce production costs, one t...Read more -
Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Linear Actuator
Stroke Length, Speed, Accuracy, Mounting, Maintenance. You’re working on an application that requires linear motion – maybe it’s a pick-and-place assembly system, a packaging line, or a gantry for material transfer – but designing your own actuator from scratch, sourcing the various parts, mount...Read more -
How to Specify, Select and Apply Linear Ball Screw Drives
Ball return systems, Ball screw selection and Ball screw lubrication. Specifying the right ball screw for a given application will ensure machine accuracy, repeatability and life while minimizing the total cost of ownership. A ball screw drive translates rotational motion to linear motion or vic...Read more
