Accuride Expands Self-Closing Slide Options

Accuride announces the addition of model 3832SC, another self-closing slide option designed with a lighter pull-force for use in less demanding applications such as medical or supply carts and industrial workstations.The self-closing action is achieved through a spring-loaded device that activates about 1-1/2 inches from the closed position. This... [Read more]

Bosch Rexroth’s New Ball Rail System for Humid to Wet Production Environments

Charlotte, NC – Bosch Rexroth’s new NFRG ball rail system is well-suited for use in humid to wet production environments. The profiled rail and the ball runner block are both made entirely of corrosion resistant steel according to DIN EN 10088 and of certified plastics according to EU Directive 2002/72/EC and US Regulation FDA21CFR. The NFRG ball... [Read more]

What is Linear Motion?

Linear motion is an area of motion control encompassing several technologies including linear motors, linear actuators, and linear rolling guides and bearings, among others. Linear motors Traditional linear motors are basically a permanent magnet rotary motor rolled out and laid flat. It’s as if the stator and rotor were cut along a radial plane and... [Read more]

Roller chains

In any motion control system, the object is ultimately to move some kind of load. The component in the motion system that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is the motor. But the task doesn’t end there. A motor’s output shaft has to connect somehow to whatever the load is. This final connection can take many forms. Some of the most... [Read more]

Linear motion bearings

This class of bearings generally uses a pad, bushing, or roller system to carry a load on a rail that need not be a straight line. The rail can be most any length, although that dimension is limited by the actuator. The durability of the bearing is determined by the load and required speed. Furthermore, rails can generally be any profile – simple... [Read more]

Lead Screws

When it comes to translating the rotary motion of a motor to linear motion, there are many different ways of accomplishing this task. Often times in the world of motion control, the battle between the different methods and technologies can get quite contentious. However, as a rule, it’s best to remember that specific applications are better for some... [Read more]

Novatec’s PLC system suitable for centralized conveying systems

Novatec (www.novatec.com) has launched its latest Novatec FXS (FlexXpand) programmable logic controls (PLC), which helps processors monitor plant-wide operations. Featuring color touch screen control panels, this Siemens-based PLC can support polymer-conveying systems with up to 120 stations and 20 pumps. Its base panel can control up to 25 purge valves,... [Read more]

4mm Linear Servomotors from Nippon Pulse America

Radford, Va. – Nippon Pulse America introduces their smallest linear servomotor, the 4mm Linear Shaft Motor. The 4mm shaft diameter, a small forcer size (10mm x 10mm), a total weight of 9 grams, and strokes as long as 40mm make the 4mm Linear Shaft Motor a suitable replacement in piezo type applications.  The 4mm Linear Shaft Motor is quiet due to... [Read more]

Linear Shaft Motor Stage Offers Nanoprecision

Radford, Va. – Nippon Pulse America’s new SCR100 stage is an ultra high precision, compact single axis stage that integrates a slide guide, encoder, and Linear Shaft Motor. It offers a wide range of advantages for ultra high performance and accuracy applications. The Linear Shaft Motor is a coreless direct drive linear motor which has zero cogging,... [Read more]

Miniature Linear Vibration Actuator from Nidec Copal

Torrance, Cal. – Nidec Copal’s new LD14 miniature linear vibration actuator uses a new voice coil technology to develop an acceleration output of 1G at 150Hz operated by square wave output. The actuator is a compact 0.552” (14mm) long by 0.433” (11mm) wide by 0.10” (2.5mm) high, with only 2V and 77mA needed to excite the LD14 actuator.  The... [Read more]

Bishop-Wisecarver Releases UTCSK Camera Slider Kit

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announce the availability of a camera slider kit based on their UtiliTrak Linear Guide Technology. The UTCSK camera slider is a sleek, compact motion solution for filmmakers looking to create smooth, professional camera shots with minimal equipment and hassle. “The UtiliTrak product line has been successful in... [Read more]

Linear Motion Technology Selection Guide from Rexroth

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Bosch Rexroth’s new Linear Motion Technology selection guide offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits and applications of Rexroth’s linear motion products for machine designers. The guide is also a resource to help engineers determine which linear motion products meet their application requirements, as well as technical... [Read more]

STMicroelectronics unveils LSM303DLM geo-magnetic module

STMicroelectronics (www.st.com) has announced the release of its latest generation of geo-magnetic modules, which is an ultra-low power device that addresses location-based services and advanced navigation by incorporating high-resolution three-axis sensing of magnetic and linear motion in a 5 x 5 x 1 mm package.The inclusion of high-performance magnetic... [Read more]

Linear Drive Offers Option for Automatic Shaft Cleaning and Lubricating

Aston, Penn. – For automatic cleaning and lubrication of the drive shaft, Uhing linear drives are now available with a combination shaft scraper/grease fitting option. The addition removes excessive grease, dust and dirt from the shaft while the drive is running and simultaneously assures adequate shaft lubrication.  As debris accumulates at either... [Read more]

New RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN

Bartlett, Ill. – The new RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN meets the demand for a modular, standardized rack and pinion system capable of transferring higher maximum feeding forces.The combination of gearbox, pinion and rack represents intelligent integration of specifically developed drive components. The rack assembly of the RP+ is the alpha... [Read more]

Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor Features Sub-Micron Resolutions

Radford, Va. – The Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor is designed and constructed for ultra high-precision applications needing sub-micron resolutions. Because of its design features, the Linear Shaft Motor is more energy efficient and can achieve motion profiles that similar linear motors can’t. The design of the Linear Shaft Motor maximizes use... [Read more]

New Ball Screw and Guide Options for Tolomatic Actuator Series

Hamel, Minn. - Tolomatic has expanded its new line of ERD electric rod-style actuators to make the line more flexible than ever before. Enhancements such as ball screws, motor mounts for NEMA and metric stepper and servo motors, plus a guide option, make it possible to employ ERD actuators in many more types of motion control applications. Originally... [Read more]

Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems from ATLANTA Drive Systems

Farmingdale, NJ – ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc. offers a complete range of Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems that eliminate all axis backlash, providing ultra-precise positioning and repeatability. Positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as during changes in direction of travel. The axis backlash... [Read more]

High Speed, High Force, Sub-micron Positioning, Voice Coil Stage Features 20 mm Aperture

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Equipment Solutions’ VCS-2020 Voice Coil Stage features a 20 mm diameter aperture, 20 mm (0.7874 in.) travel, and sub-micron (1.1811 10-6 in.) positioning resolution. An integrated Analog position feedback sensor assures 100 nanometer (3.937 10-6 in.) repeatability.  The cross-roller voice-coil stages are self contained, compact,... [Read more]

New Linear Motor Line from Siemens

Elk Grove Village, Ill. – With the recent introduction of its 1FN6 Linear Motors, Siemens now offers three models of Linear Motors for seamless integration with all Sinumerik or Simotion control systems using Sinamics drives. The three new motors are the 1FN3 Peak Load Motor, 1FN3 Continuous Load Motor, and the1FN6 Magnet Free Secondary. The 1FN3... [Read more]

M-272 linear actuator based on maintenance-free ultrasonic motor technology

Piezo motor specialist PI (www.pi-usa.us) proudly launches its latest line of linear actuator, the M-272 linear actuator or automation applications. It is maintenance-free as it is based on PILine ultrasonic ceramic motor.PILine ultrasonic piezo drives provide an affordable substitute to motor-leadscrew combinations and electromagnetic linear motors... [Read more]

Linear Motion Module with 0.5 micron Resolution from New Scale Technologies

Victor, NY – New Scale Technologies, Inc. announced the latest product in its M3 Micro-Mechatronics Module family; the miniature M3-L closed-loop linear motion module. With 0.5 micron position resolution and a total package size of less than 27.5 x 13 x 7.5 mm, the M3-L module is the smallest, highest-resolution closed-loop linear motion control system... [Read more]

MISUMI launches medium/heavy load Linear Guides for automation and motion control

MISUMI USA, Inc. (http://us.misumi-ec.com), a fully-owned subsidiary of MISUMI Corporation (www.misumi.co.jp), is proud to launch several new products to add to its expansive line of configurable Linear Guides for motion control equipment and machinery. The all-new Linear Guides from MISUMI will include: SX2RD (dual block) and SXRD (single block) Heavy... [Read more]

Thomson releases guide to motion solutions for clean energy applications

Thomson Industries, Inc., Linear Bearings Div (www.thomsonlinear.com) releases the 2010 Guide to Motion Solutions for Clean Energy Applications that reviews several of the most significant considerations to maximize the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of wind energy machines and solar panels, with information on the benefits that screw jacks, linear... [Read more]

Newport Corp releases new XPS-DRVP1 Piezo Driver

Newport Corp. (www.newport.com) is proud to announce the release of XPS-DRVP1 – an XPS-compatible driver card that is intended for piezoelectric stack-based nanopositioning line of sub-nanometer resolution stages. The product complements other XPS driver cards made to drive the traditional stepper motor and DC micropositioning products, enabling control... [Read more]

Haydon’s PCM4806 IDEA drive for can stack linear actuators

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc. (www.HaydonKerk.com) has unveiled the new Haydon RoHS compliant PCM4806 IDEA™ programmable linear actuator drive – the latest addition to the IDEA Drive family of products. The new drive is optimized to regulate low-current power stage suited for controlling smaller Haydon’s can-stack linear actuators. With the... [Read more]

Bosch Rexroth Launches New Linear Motion Resource Center

Hoffman Estates, Ill. –– Bosch Rexroth, the Drive & Control company, has launched a new online Linear Motion Resource Center, providing Rexroth linear motion customers with easy access to its most popular linear motion resources. The site features product configuration tools, technical documents, product updates and other useful information... [Read more]

Bishop-Wisecarver Promotes National Sales Manager

Pittsburg, CA - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announced that National Sales Manager Michael McVeigh has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. He will have the primary responsibility of overseeing the entire sales channel for Bishop-Wisecarver, and manage all global efforts both domestically and internationally.“I have had the pleasure... [Read more]

Aerotech introduces new ASRT series rotary stages

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has unveiled its new ASRT series rotary stages with direct-drive brushless servo motor technology for precise zero backlash positioning in an IP66 sealed design. This guarantees thorough operation in environments where liquid, dust and dirt are unavoidable.The ASRT series is aimed at applications which involve dust or mist... [Read more]

The latest Techno iMC-V CAN Controller replaces expensive panels and expands automation possibilities

Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems (www.techno-isel.com) unveiled its latest one-to six-axis controller unit with 10 in. touch screen, onboard computer, enclosure, I/O, power supply and drives – the latest iMC-V CAN controller. The new iMC-V is compatible with all gantry tables from Techno, rotary tables, belt drive actuators and linear slides... [Read more]

The latest redesigned semi-automatic empty-bottle palletizer with rigid frame gantry for easier operation from W. Amsler

W. Amsler Equipment Inc. (www.amslerequipment.net) unveiled its latest redesigned semi-automatic empty-bottle palletizer that provides greater operator ease, less operator involvement, greater automation, and increased output and productivity. It is the basis of a recently designed modular system which allows the machine user to tailor a system and... [Read more]

Latest servo technology boosts packaging profits

Edson Packaging Machinery Ltd (www.edson.com), a Hamilton-based packaging machinery company, turned to technology to satisfy their client’s needs and ended up with a new product which open doors to new markets. The company saw an opportunity to minimize the lengthy setup time between runs. It is an inherent technical glitch in most packaging equipment.Case... [Read more]

The new L427 Series with 5 mm air gap from Nippon Pulse

Nippon Pulse (www.nipponpulse.com) introduced its latest linear shaft servomotor from the Linear Shaft Motor (LSM) family, the L427 series. It features a five-millimeter air gap between the magnetic shaft and forcer. In the LSM family, the new L427 series offers a low-maintenance linear motion solution with applications in a broad industry range. With... [Read more]

Motion Control Association Elects its First Board of Directors

Ann Arbor, MI – The Motion Control Association (MCA), the leading industry trade group for motion control companies, has elected its first permanent board of directors. Founded in 2006, the association was governed for its first three years by an interim board. The new board was elected by a vote of MCA’s 55 member companies. Bill Allai of... [Read more]

Ceramic Linear Piezo Motor from Physik Instrumente

Auburn, Mass. – PI (Physik Instrumente) introduces the new N-216 NEXLINE® high-load piezo linear motors. These highly precise nanopositioning actuators provide travel ranges to 20mm with a resolution of 0.03nm, and push/pull forces to 600N (130lbs) and holding forces to 800N (177lbs). The piezoceramic clamping and shear elements act directly on a... [Read more]

Hard-Cover, Side-Sealed Linear Stages from Aerotech

Pittsburgh, Pa. – Aerotech’s PRO Series are low cost, side seal, hard cover, ball-screw-driven linear stages available in 68 standard models with travels from 50 to 1500mm. The PRO Series features a hard-cover design for protection from debris, while side-seals keep dirt and particulates out of the stage and protect the bearing surfaces from contamination.... [Read more]

Ultra Narrow Precision Linear Stage from Steinmeyer

Burlington, Mass. – The new PA 30×40-SM01 is a single-axis, precision linear stage from Steinmeyer that is ideal for applications needing an extremely narrow positioning table. The compact, fully enclosed stage is 30mm wide and 40mm high and available in travel ranges from 25 to 150mm. Positioning repeatability is 1 micron, maximum speed... [Read more]

Yaskawa Electric Brasil Achieves ISO 9001 Certification

Waukegan, IL – Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. is pleased to announce that its operation in Brazil, Yaskawa Elétrico do Brasil, received ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and OHSAS 18001 certifications from Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s leading certification bodies. From its headquarters in Sao Paulo, Yaskawa Elétrico do Brasil and its distributors... [Read more]

Reduce Friction in Machine Guard Doors

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The word ‘hybrid’ is used in engineering to describe a system where two technologies are combined together. igus® has now achieved this with a completely new type of cost-effective hybrid linear bearing that both rolls and slides. The new hybrid bearing, DryLin® WJRM, was developed with the goal of reducing driving force,... [Read more]

Nanopositioning Stage for Super-Resolution Microscopy

Auburn, Mass. – The nano1x3 ™ series X-Y and X-Y-Z nanopositioning stages from PI (Physik Instrumente) are multi-axis stages for super-resolution microscopy applications, providing highly accurate motion with closed-loop control for sub-nanometer precision over travel ranges of 200µm in X-Y and X-Y-Z planes.The stages feature a piezo controller... [Read more]

Enhanced Roller Pinion System from Nexen

Vadnais Heights, Minn. – Nexen’s new enhanced Roller Pinion System (RPS) provides high-accuracy linear positioning with zero backlash and simple installation in precision motion control applications. The RPS features an ISO 9409 flange mount pinion and pinion preloader, making it easier for system integration. The system has high precision surfaces... [Read more]

Misumi Announces Winners of “Go Configure” Contest

Schaumburg, IL – MISUMI USA, Inc. announced the winners of it’s “Go Configure” contest held at the Design & Manufacturing Midwest show in Rosemont, IL on September 22-24, 2009. The contest was co-sponsored by Design World Magazine. Kiyoshi Ikenaga, Vice President, OUDENSHA, Mt. Prospect, IL Winners of the daily 3PM drawing for a $50.00... [Read more]

TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno

New Hyde Park, NY – The new TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems is a multi-axis motion platform complete with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure, all fully assembled. The TechnoMod is available in three different sizes and can be used for pick and place, dispensing, assembly, testing, drilling, routing, welding... [Read more]

Exlar 2010 Catalog Details Motion Control Product Offering

Chanhassen, MN – Exlar announces its 2010 Product Catalog and Engineering Guide is now available. A manufacturer of high performance servo actuators and motors, Exlar offers seven product families featuring a broad range of capabilities with peak forces exceeding 40,000 lbf, linear speeds in excess of 60 inches per second and a life expectancy... [Read more]

Anti-backlash Leadscrew System

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – igus® has unveiled a new addition to its line of DryLin® SLW leadscrew tables. DryLin SLW Pre-Loaded uses anti-backlash nuts to reduce axial clearance and is also fitted with DryLin W ‘turn-to-fit’ linear bearings, which offer adjustable radial clearance.DryLin SLW Pre-Loaded is available off-the-shelf and is less expensive... [Read more]

Multi-axis Modular Assembly from Steinmeyer

BURLINGTON, MA — Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new multi-axis modular assembly designed specifically for 3D target positioning and alignment. Typical applications include R&D and scientific uses such as synchrotrons. For example, the new system is ideal for beam positioning and sample manipulation.The assembly utilizes the compact Steinmeyer... [Read more]

Aerotech ANT130-L Series Stages

Aerotech ANT130-L series stages offer best-in-class performance in speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, reliability, and travel range, and are offered in two accuracy grades. With its low profile and outstanding performance, the ANT130-L is the ultimate solution for high-accuracy alignment, inspection, positioning, and measurement stations.The... [Read more]

Motion System Drives Realistic Racing Experience

After many years of evaluating and working with motion systems for various clients, UK-based Ball Racing Developments Ltd (BRD) concluded that nothing on the market could accurately simulate a racing car’s motion. So, the management and the engineers developed a new type of system dedicated to the motions experienced in a racing car, particularly... [Read more]

Linear Stepper Motors from H2W Technologies

Santa Clarita, CA — Choose an easily integrated, low cost, high performance, 2-phase or 4-phase, linear stepper motor from H2W Technologies to improve the performance of an existing motion control system or create a new high speed, high accuracy system. These, compact, industry standard, 12 lb. Linear Steppers (53 N continuous Force, 16 lbs, 71 N... [Read more]

IP69K Linear Position Transducer for Harsh Applications from Balluff

Florence, KY – Balluff’s new Micropulse® ProCompact linear position transducer for demanding linear feedback applications is rugged, accurate, and protected against environmental hazards such as high humidity, ambient temperature variations, high-pressure wash down, and exposure to caustic chemicals.The Micropulse ProCompact rod-style transducer... [Read more]