Why use the rolling process to produce high accuracy lead screws, actuator screws, and other power transmission components rather than traditional cutting processes such as turning, grinding, milling, whirling, or hobbing? Rolling processes and cutting processes both produce a precise form on the workpiece. But if the form geometry, tolerances, and material selection allow, rolling is the process to beat. Speed, surface finish, fatigue strength, precision, dimensional stability, and material savings are some of the primary advantages realized when the rolling process is applied.

This article examines the sound engineering practices and design principles needed to ensure the performance of mechanical linear motion components in sanitary washdowns or chemically cleaned environments. Relevant regulations and agencies, washdown-compatible materials, and best mounting practices and motion components for washdown applications are also discussed.

Some linear guides focus on achieving the longest possible maintenance-free intervals. Others add as little as possible to the bearing’s mechanical package size. C-Lube linear guides have a unique design balancing both of these key objectives. This white paper offers a detailed overview of how C-Lube extends linear guide life.

To determine whether a machine screw jack or ball screw jack is the right fit for your application, Thomson and Motion engineers offer the following application parameters early in the design phase.

In this white paper, there is an examination of the sound engineering practices and design principles needed to ensure the performance of mechanical linear motion components in sanitary, washdown, or chemically cleaned environments.

Bosch Rexroth (Booth #4400) at ATX West will feature interactive exhibits and several working systems demos, including a Smart Function Kit for Handling 3-axis Cartesian robot, as well as a state-of-the-art linear motor transfer system that moves magnetic pallets with speed and accuracy. There will also be a demo of the ctrlX CORE controller, part of the ctrlX AUTOMATION controls and drive platform that makes automation as easy as using a smartphone.

Moticont has added a high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, non-cogging, high resolution, high force-to-size electric cylinder to their line of linear voice coil actuators.

When designing for linear motion systems, the initial decision between round and square rail can significantly impact cost, performance and durability. Square rail, which is typically the more expensive option, has a higher load capacity and tighter accuracy. Round rail offers distinct cost and reliability advantages for certain applications, but maximizing those advantages depends on specifying the right bearing to minimize friction in each application. Designers must often choose between plain bearings, often called bushings, and ball bearings. And within each type, they will have more options that impact price, performance, maintainability and durability. Understanding these options early in the design cycle will optimize the performance and cost of the linear motion application.