When machine designers need a linear guide, many automatically choose a profiled, high-precision guide based on familiarity. In doing so, they overlook a class of medium-precision linear guides with a host of benefits that can make them much more cost-effective than the high-precision guides they … [Read more...]
Playbook: Avoiding Linear Bearing Failure
When linear bearing systems fail prematurely, the reason almost always involves an overlooked application error. These errors fall into just five different categories and when left unchecked, can reduce the life of a bearing by 50 percent or more: Misalignment of the bearing rails and moving … [Read more...]
Crash-free Linear Motion
One of the greatest threats to the long life of a linear motion system usually occurs on its very first stroke. How do you know when a linear bearing has reached its end of travel? When the carriage hits the wall. At least, that is how the old engineering joke goes. But in reality, crashes are no … [Read more...]
Understanding Linear Bearing Speed & Acceleration
Engineers focused on fast, light automation systems may pay too much attention to speed specs when acceleration is what really counts. Look through the specifications of any linear bearing, and you’ll come across a maximum speed. It’s an important spec, but not not nearly as important as many … [Read more...]
Managing Misalignment In Linear Motion Systems
Of all the factors that contribute to the premature failure of linear bearings, misalignment ranks near the top of the list. Here’s how to cope without breaking the bank. When design engineers evaluate linear bearings, they always ask about performance attributes such as speed, load capacity and … [Read more...]
Smooth Motion For Laser Glass Engraving
A two-rail linear motion system improves alignment and contamination resistance while lowering installed cost. The top guide system in this design uses a Rollon T Series Rail to support the bulk of the engraving head’s axial loads from above. The bottom bearing uses a Rollon U Series Rail to help … [Read more...]
Reducing Linear Bearing Wear
Contamination and poor lubrication practices can shorten the life of linear bearings. Here is a look at how to avoid both problems. To get the longest working life out of a linear bearing, keep it clean and well lubricated. This common-sense advice may sound easy enough to follow. Yet in the real … [Read more...]
Linear Motion Solutions For Trouble-Free Palletizing
Lubed-for-life bearings that eliminate misalignment problems keep palletizers up and running. With their round-the-clock operating schedules and demanding uptime requirements, the palletizing systems used in packaging plants can challenge the reliability of even the best linear motion components. … [Read more...]
Linear Bearings For CNC
Doors and auxiliary axes on machine tools need different linear motion components than spindles. Doors, in particular, are an axis that are often designed with less-than-ideal motion components. From an accuracy standpoint, door motion may seem like an open and shut case, but they do present some … [Read more...]
Medical Moves
Linear bearings play a crucial, yet under-appreciated role, in medical imaging systems. Usually, the bearings are used to guide and support the motorized beds that position patients under the system’s scanning elements, though they are sometimes used for auxiliary motion axes, too. … [Read more...]