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A Selection Guide for Linear Systems
Multi-axis Stages and Tables Gone are the days when machine designers and builders had to choose between constructing their own linear system from scratch or settling for a limited range of pre-assembled systems that, in most cases, were an imperfect fit for their application. Manufacturers toda...Read more -
Robotics or Motion Control? That is the question.
10 Questions to Help Decide. Though the lines can often be blurred, robotics and motion control are not the same thing. They are closely related in many ways, but robots lean towards more “pre-engineered” solutions while motion control leans towards more modular solutions. This small but ...Read more -
Tips for selecting pre-engineered Cartesian robots
3 Steps to Design Your Linear Positioning System Cartesian robots operate in two or three axes along the Cartesian coordinate system of X, Y, and Z. While SCARA and 6-axis robots are more widely recognized, Cartesian systems can be found in nearly every industrial application imaginable, from se...Read more -
What are Planar Errors and How Do They Affect the Accuracy of a Linear Motion System?
Linear, Angular and Planar Errors. In an ideal world, a linear motion system would exhibit perfectly flat, straight motion and reach the intended position with zero error every time. But even the highest precision linear guides and drives (screws, rack and pinions, belts, linear motors) have som...Read more -
Swiss Army Knife for Industrial Automation
Common Applications for Linear Rail Guides Linear rails are the backbone of many industrial applications, providing low-friction guidance and high stiffness for loads that can range from just a few grams to thousands of kilograms. Their range of sizes, accuracy classes, and preloads mak...Read more -
Why Use Linear Guides and Ball Screws with Ball Chains?
Key Design Character for Your Linear Motion System One of the differences between radial ball bearings and recirculating ball linear guides has historically been that radial bearings typically use a cage to separate the balls and control their movement, whereas profiled rail guides did not. But ...Read more -
What are the Differences Between Plain and Rolling Linear Guides?
Make a Good Choice for Your Linear Positioning System A linear guide (or linear bearing) is a mechanical element that allows relative motion between two surfaces, with one surface supporting the other, and minimum friction between the two. There are two basic types of linear guides: plain and ro...Read more -
Three efficient ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems
Replacing a linear guide carriage or replacing a full carriage and rail assembly. Inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensu...Read more -
4 Primary Application Parameters—Stroke, Load, Speed and Precision
Gone are the days when machine designers and builders had to choose between constructing their own linear system from scratch or settling for a limited range of pre-assembled systems that, in most cases, were an imperfect fit for their application. Manufacturers today offer systems based on a ra...Read more -
How to design a linear-motion system?
High efficiency, accuracy and stiffness. The shortest path between two points is a straight line. But if you’re designing a linear-motion system, you’ll have to consider structural support, guides, drives, seals, lubrication, and accessories between points A and B. Whether you decide to design a...Read more -
Seven Key Parameters to Design an Optimal, Cost-effective Linear Motion System
Load, Orientation, Speed, Travel, Precision, Environment and Duty Cycle. Careful analysis of the application, including orientation, moment and acceleration, will reveal the load that must be supported. Sometimes, the actual load will vary from the calculated load, so engineers must consider the...Read more -
Innovative Servo Drive Suppresses Vibrations
Suppressing Vibration Dramatically Reduces Settling Time. In a high-speed pick-and-place operation, settling time is the enemy of productivity. Speed is essential for high-volume assembly. However, speed also creates problems. In a pick-and-place operation, for example, moving quickly from side ...Read more
