Updated May 2019. || Brakes and clutches are a mainstay in motion designs that need to stop, hold or index loads. Especially over the last five years, a technology trend toward application-specific designs has quickened as several industries are pushing the performance envelope of stock components. First step: Pick between clutches and brakes Brakes are used […]
Design engineering guide to selecting compression springs
Updated July 2018 by Lisa Eitel || Several parameters dictate the most suitable helical compression-spring selection for a given application. The OD of a spring expands under compression. Consider this if the spring goes into a tube or a bore during assembly. Also remember that the OD of a spring is subject to manufacturing tolerances, just […]
How to size and select ballcrews: An engineer’s guide
When specifying a ball screw, understanding the application criteria that the component needs to satisfy is essential. There are several factors to consider and each one plays a role in the decision-making process. One approach is to think of the acronym LOSTPED to help evaluate the application. LOSTPED stands for: Load – including the mass being […]
How to select a lead screw: A design engineer’s guide
Lead screws use the helix angle of the thread to convert rotary motion to linear motion. The performance of a lead screw depends on the coefficient of friction between the nut and the screw, which in turn depends on the material used for the nut and screw. Here’s an overview of the most important factors […]
How to select a motion controller: An engineer’s guide
A motion controller is the core of any motion control system. Motion controllers essentially take an input command, which can be a motion profile consisting of position commands, and issue torque commands to a drive which powers a motor and moves a load. Choosing the right motion controller for your application begins with knowing the […]
How to select a motion control network: An engineer’s guide
With the vast range of motion control applications, no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a motion control networks exists. However, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding on which network to select for a given application. 1. Reaction time and precision When selecting a motion network, closely evaluate the scan rate, how the […]
How to Select Retaining Rings: An Engineer’s Guide
When selecting retaining rings for an application, there are a number of factors that determine the right decision. The first question to ask is what kind of assembly does the application require; is it a housing assembly or shaft assembly? Next, determine the main critical dimensions. These include the housing or shaft diameter, groove diameter, […]
How to Size and Select Roller Chains: An Engineer’s Guide
Selecting the right roller chains for an application is an involved process. The information given here is meant to serve as a starting point, an orientation to the main points of emphasis in the selection process. There are two basic ways to select a roller chain, starting from two different pieces of information. One method […]
How to Size and Select Rotary Encoders: An Engineer’s Guide
Selecting a rotary encoder for a motion control system depends on a number of factors, chief of which are the accuracy requirements of the application, whether it’s position and/or velocity control. Before deciding which encoder to select, consider the most important factors which include: Positioning accuracy Speed stability Audible noise Power loss Bandwidth, which determines […]
How to Select a Gearmotor in Four Simple Steps
Updated May 2015. || Consider key design parameters when selecting a gearmotor for a motion control application. Step One: As the motor or gearmotor selection process begins, first gather the relevant technical and commercial requirements. This first step is often overlooked, but it’s a critical component in the design process. The gathered information will then be used […]