Here we compare conventional wired readheads to capacitive readheads in linear-sensing technologies. Michael Driker · Mechanical Engineer M.Sc. | KappaSense Linear guides support and control precision linear travel on axes in myriad machine and robotics types for modern automation. In linear-motion applications that are especially demanding, linear position feedback is needed to ensure the tool, […]
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Synapticon and Stabilus partner on robot actuators
Synapticon GmbH, a provider of integrated drive technology and functional safety for robotics, and Stabilus SE, a global manufacturer and provider of motion control solutions, have entered into a strategic partnership. The two companies will jointly develop and manufacture a product line of integrated actuators for humanoid robots and other robotics applications. Humanoid robots are […]
Güdel previews linear-motion systems ahead of Automate Show
Linear-motion systems and gantry robot manufacturer Güdel supplies to automotive, aerospace, and heavy industry spaces needing to move, position, and otherwise handle large and heavy workpieces. Check out these past articles from the Design World network on their linear tracks, 7th-axis RTUs, gantries, and other multi-axis motion systems (including those designed around hardened steel rack-and-pinion […]
Thomson linear components help Elara Aerospace rocket launch
Regal Rexnord brand Thomson supplied Elara Aerospace with precision linear-motion technology for its liquid-fueled Methalox rocket. Elara Aerospace is an academically led initiative founded at the Technical University of Munich in Germany. Its team is working to become the first student group worldwide to develop a liquid-propelled rocket exceeding 100 km in altitude while being fully […]
Bonus: Heavy-duty electric actuation in off-highway applications
In a recent three-part series, we outlined how screw-based and other types of electric actuation increasingly finds use in today’s presses and other machine tools. Part 1 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — in presses Part 2 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — to replace hydraulics Part 3 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — on […]
Part 3 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — on large-scale gantries
We’ve outlined how screw-based electric actuation increasingly finds use in today’s presses and other machine tools. Other heavy-duty machinery also makes copious use of this and other types of electric actuation. Lisa Eitel · Executive editor Heavy-duty machine tools create uniquely challenging conditions for screw-based electric actuation — and yet the benefits of such actuation […]
Part 1 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — in presses
Here, we outline how some linear components — including guides, cylinders, and even electric actuators — go strong for presses. Lisa Eitel · Executive editor Linear motion abounds in the machine-tool industry. But unlike machines using linear motion to transport workpieces (and for material handling generally) equipment such as presses use linear motion to apply […]
Algorithmic learning and occasional trauma on old weird computers
Many Generation Xers from normal families were blessed with Ataris and Nintendo NESs, and maybe even Apple IIs or Commodore 64s if especially privileged, but a curious subset of us had none of these — and played knockoff arcade games on 5.25-in. floppy disks. Very briefly, I want to say from 1987 to about 1988, […]
Thermal management in tubular linear motors
Certain approaches simplify the sizing, integration, and protecting of tubular linear motors destined for thermally constrained applications — and they don’t necessarily rely on the use of large and costly motors. Rebecca McWilliam · Director of engineering — Iris Dynamics | irisdynamics.com Linear motors behave differently than rotary motors — so how does their electrical power […]
Gear and motor choices for linear actuators
Linear actuators with belt drives, ballscrews, or leadscrews for their rotary-to-linear mechanical transmission most commonly pair with servomotors, stepper motors, or brushless motors. Belt-driven actuators frequently employ servomotors with planetary gearboxes for speed and precision. In contrast, ballscrew and leadscrew actuators often integrate servo or stepper motors that are coupled directly or via gear reducers […]
