One of the more difficult aspects of evaluating and specifying linear motion products is figuring out the difference between axial and radial load ratings. Because axial load ratings are typically much lower than radial load ratings, it’s important to understand the characteristics of both types of loads so you can compare the ratings with confidence.

When you need a belt-driven actuator for automated linear motion, there’s a good chance you intend to use it in an aggressive working environment.

Heavy-duty telescopic rails are an attractive option for many industrial applications, with models offering full or partial extension and a variety of cross sections and intermediate elements.

When choosing a linear actuator, portability is often overlooked. And if you intend to use the actuator in multiple locations, you can’t wait for the actuator vendor to provide field support each time the unit moves.

To move a cantilevered load, only the strongest slides will do. Not only must they support the load, but the motion must also be smooth and precise. These can be difficult criteria to meet for bearings used in carts that contain web handling equipment. A single drawer holds hundreds of pounds of gear and will overhang when open. Supporting a heavy, cantilevered load requires an exceptional bearing.

Designing high-speed automated material handling and pick and place systems that incorporate six-axis robots presents engineers with two challenges: enabling bidirectional robotic travel while also ensuring the safety of nearby workers.

When you want a linear guide to move a heavy load in a demanding application, you usually have one choice: a heavy-duty profiled guide and its associated misalignment issues. Higher load requirements often mean the more compliant guides that find good use in medium-precision applications are off-limits. Instead, in order to meet both the load criteria and address misalignment, you typically have to choose a larger profiled guide and perform costly and time-consuming tasks during installation.

The logistics industry has evolved to employ automated shuttle and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to move products in three-dimensional planes within distribution centers and networks. In most cases, you need some form of linear guidance to support these moving systems. Many logistics companies invest hours and overhead costs into developing and sourcing linear guidance systems themselves or through a subsidiary.

As automation continues to transform manufacturing productivity, competitiveness often comes down to maintaining “lights out” processes and lowering engineering time and costs. While robotic systems can provide undeniable benefits like efficiency and labor savings, not every task is ideally suited for automation.

Choosing the right motion device for a high-performance airline tray table is no easy task. While many linear bearings are available for tray tables that require only basic, jerky motion for economy-class seating, rail systems for first-class and business-class seats — which are typically designed to recline or even lie flat — must satisfy a long list of criteria. And passengers expect smooth, quiet motion from their tray table.