Linear Solutions

Stepper motors can be converted into linear motion by mechanical adaptations, belt drives, rack and pinion, etc. Rotary to linear motion is achieved by using a lead screw instead of a shaft. To generate linear motion, the lead screw must be prevented from rotating.
When the rotor turns, the internal threads move the lead screw, resulting in linear motion.

Electric slider with sensors

It is very important to select the correct motor, when determining linear or rotary motion.
Rotary motion requires accurate torque analysis in applications whereas, in linear actuators, attention also has to be paid to the force required and the function of the lead screw hold position.
Our linear solutions offer customised designs and a large range of standard options.

We offer Motors, Drive Electronics and Controllers, Gear Drives or Special Environment for tough applications.

Linear Motion Systems

If you want to install a linear motion system in the shortest possible timeframe with quality assurance, choose digital technology.

Software packages, D.C. motors, stepping, servo motors, controllers and a variety of mechanical accessories, such as linear sliders can be assembled ready to operate immediately as an engineered system from your PC.

Engineered systems are standard in 4-axis and 8-axis configurations. They are fully equipped with cables, plugs and connectors, power supplies, regeneration clamps, programmable controllers, MMI tools, motors, gearboxes, encoders, brakes, and many other accessories that can be built into the system as required.

Programming the electronics is simple and we used our unique graphics to avoid numeric programming errors on the shop floor during busy machine changes, etc. The software has many features and enables a whole variety of motion control profiles, tuning facilities, data control and can also be adapted to a wide range of applications.

Our servo motors or gearmotors have integral encoders and are available in 4 sizes: 28, 40, 60 and 80 mm.

Selecting a motor package is the first process and, once the torque has been determined for your specific motion profile, we will match this data to the mechanics or linear slide system, pre-engineered for your chosen motor package.

Basic design criteria have to be established to develop your linear motion system:

  • Environment
  • Envelope limits
  • Actuator load capacity
  • Accuracy and repeatability
  • Acceleration and speed
  • System demands:
    • Stroke length
    • Limits
    • Load
    • Drive controls

Variables that have an effect on performance:

The position of the load and center of gravity can greatly influence the choice of mechanics.

It is important to evaluate the forces present in your system to obtain the best results:

ActionMovementDistanceForce
1 Horizontal position Between center lines
of load carriers
In the X axis direction
2 Side mounted position Between center lines
of shafts
In the Y axis direction
3 Vertical application Between center lines
of carriers
to load action position
In the Z axis direction

Application evaluation

  • Description and objective of the application
  • Space availability (L x H x W)
  • Weight of load (lbs or N)
  • Stroke length
  • Support structure
  • Velocity performance (in/s or m/s)
  • Acceleration (in/s2 or m/s2)
  • Straightess of travel (accuracy: in/ft or µm/300mm)
  • Positioning (accuracy: in or µm)
  • Repeatability (in or µm)
  • Life demands (in or km)
  • Cycle operations (ins/year or km/year)
  • Environmental conditions

The system needs to meet the demands of your application, including your timeframe to develop the project. All the variables have to be evaluated and basic criteria established with your application design. Our way of assisting engineers is through exhaustive tests on sets of components linked as a system design, so that they conform and perform well as a system and meet our reliability test laboratory's rigid approval process.

Purchasing our software packages, programmable electronics, motors, gears, sliders, feedback devices and accessories as an established system with known performance and reliability curves saves months of trials and testing.

Call us for more support and assistance with your Linear Motion System design or send us a mail.