Today we are seeing a major shift from pneumatic linear actuators to electromechanical systems. This is because of high maintenance requirements of pneumatic and hydraulic systems which results in long machine downtimes and lost productivity. But can electrical linear systems truly fill in as a … [Read more...]
The Long-Term Advantages of Linear Piston Free Pumps and Aerators
This paper examines the idea of design simplicity as it relates to compressors and vacuum pumps comparing and contrasting conventional design (i.e., motor-driven and diaphragm) with the linear motor free piston system design. … [Read more...]
Selecting Linear Encoder Technology: Design Challenges, Considerations and Solutions
When building a machine, OEMs and end-users are faced with the challenge of finding the highest possible precision technology, while meeting demanding price-performance ratios. Learn more about the challenges designers face and what types of linear encoder technology options should be considered … [Read more...]
How to Build a Better Linear Drive System
With advances in precision manufacturing and the advent of electronic preloading, the accuracy and performance of rack-and- pinion drives can match or exceed that offered by competing hardware – often with better durability, efficiency and economics. This paper outlines four key areas for comparing … [Read more...]
Linear Guide Track Designs
The primary function of a linear guide system is to enable an application payload to be easily moved in one linear direction (the linear guide system’s travel axis) while constraining motion in all other directions. Motion constraint is achieved through multiple points, lines, or planes of contact … [Read more...]
Learn how mechanical linear motion hardware affects precision motion control
While there's a lot of focus on electronic controllers that can handle nano-level positioning or multi-axis synchronization, Rexroth explains how choices machine designers make in mechanical linear motion components are critical in achieving the best accuracy possible. Mechanical systems must be … [Read more...]
Linear Guides For The Next Generation Of Medical Machines
Not too long ago, the motion systems used in medical and lab automation equipment had technical requirements that were easy to satisfy. These lightly loaded applications generally required simple point-to-point moves with low to moderate positioning accuracy requirements. However, medical motion … [Read more...]
Case Study: High precision XY gantry with self-correcting XY orthogonality system
Primatics was contracted to design and build a 5-axis, high precision sorter system. Two of the axes were to be in a gantry form of a 500 mm travel Y, Y’ with a 1300 mm travel X cross axis supported by the Y carriages. The X carriage was to carry a 50 mm travel Z axis which in turn would carry the … [Read more...]
Lead Screws 101 – A Basic Guide to Implementing a Lead Screw Assembly for Any Design
In many devices lead screw assemblies are used to convert motion from rotary to linear and vice versa. Historically these assemblies have had poor efficiencies and relied on grease for improved performance. Over the past few decades the advent of engineered polymers and new manufacturing … [Read more...]
Stepper Motor Linear Actuators 101
With trends towards miniaturization, precision, computer control and cost reduction, hybrid and can-stack style integrated stepper motor actuators are being used in an ever increasing range of applications. These precise, reliable actuators can be found in many applications including blood … [Read more...]