Linear Motion

Types of shafts in mechanical engineering - Linear shafts, rotating shafts, rods, and how to make the right choice

Shafts are a critical component of the mechanical engineering industry, as they connect various components. There are several types of shafts used in mechanical engineering, including linear shafts, rotary shafts, and rods. When selecting a shaft for a specific application, you must consider various factors to find the best shaft. These include the type of application, the performance requirements, and the type of shaft best suited for the application. By making the right choice, you can be sure that the machine will operate efficiently and achieve the desired results.

5 Minutes read

Pneumatics - Selecting a compact air cylinder in 6 steps

Pneumatic cylinders are versatile drive elements that produce precise linear motion by using compressed air. Depending on the application, different technical properties are required. For example, vacuum valves with volumetric flow restrictors enable precise control of airflow, while integrated anti-rotation devices increase operational reliability. But how do I choose the right compressed air cylinder for my application? This article gives you a comprehensive overview of what is involved when selecting pneumatic cylinders or compressed air cylinders so that you can make informed decisions in the future and select the cylinder that best suits your needs.

12 Minutes read

Selecting and replacing the correct timing pulleys, synchronous pulleys, and tensioning rollers

Belt systems are used where mechanical energy must be efficiently transferred. Depending on the specific requirements for power transmission, precision or even noise minimization, different belt profiles and components such as timing pulleys, synchronous pulleys or tensioning rollers are used. This article shows what to look for when making a selection.

10 Minutes read

LX Units - Calculating service life using preselection and calculation tool

Industrial reliability and longevity are key – especially for linear units that operate under high loads and in demanding production environments. But how can you accurately determine the service life of a linear unit? This blog post will show you how to precisely calculate the service life and what factors affect the durability of your systems. Avoid unplanned downtime, optimize your maintenance intervals, and rely on the precise design of your linear components.

19 Minutes read

Profile Rail Guides - Installation and Maintenance of Linear Guides

How do you achieve the optimum ratio of precision to efficiency when installing and maintaining profile rail guides? In our blog, we highlight different installation methods, explain the difference between mounting and reference surfaces, and provide valuable tips for precise alignment. You will also learn about permissible mounting deviations and how regular maintenance or even maintenance-free concepts can affect the service life of your linear guides.

9 Minutes read

Profile Rail Guides - Allowable Loads of Linear Guides

In the industrial environment, precision and reliability count – especially for profile rail guides used in demanding conditions. But how are permissible loads calculated correctly to minimize the risk of failure while maximizing efficiency? In our blog, we explain the key calculation variables such as dynamic and static load capacity and provide insights into the distribution of forces and moments. Benefit from in-depth expertise that helps you design your applications.

16 Minutes read

Profile Rail Guides - Calculation of the Service Life of a Linear Guide

In industrial automation and mechanical engineering, profile rail guides are the backbone of precise and efficient motion. But how long do they really last – and what factors affect their lifespan? Read our blog to learn which types of service life are relevant, the advantages and disadvantages of profile rail guides, and how to maximize the service life of your equipment through precise calculations and targeted optimizations. Read on to learn how to make careful decisions to avoid operational downtime and ensure long-term productivity.

11 Minutes read

Linear Systems - Stability and precision by combining linear units with linear guides

In modern production and automation systems, precision and stability are critical to quality and efficiency. The right combination of linear units and linear guides not only optimizes motion accuracy, but also increases system rigidity, durability, and load capacity. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can improve the performance of your machines through the targeted selection and integration of linear units and additional guides – from optimal sizing to load sharing concepts to practical implementation strategies for demanding industrial applications.

11 Minutes read

Optimal use of linear ball bearings and linear bearings in guide systems with the highest precision

Linear guide systems are characterized by low-friction motion and the ability to absorb lateral forces without being severely deformed. Linear ball bearings and linear bearings are used in guiding systems where precision, long life, and maintenance-free operation are essential.

6 Minutes read

Profile Rail Guides - Selection Tool for Linear Guides

Selecting the right profile rail guide has a lasting impact on the performance and longevity of machines and equipment. But how do you find the right system among a wide range of options? Check out our blog to see what criteria really matter, from load types and accuracy requirements to environmental and installation conditions. We will show you a structured approach to help you make informed decisions and to optimize the performance of your applications over the long term.

9 Minutes read

Profile Rail Guides - Precision Standards of MISUMI Profile Rail Guides

What makes a linear guide profile rail guide the first choice for precise and resilient motion control? In our blog, you will learn all about the design, the different versions, dimensional tolerances and the key parameters, such as running parallelism, preload and axial play. We show how these features work together perfectly to ensure the highest precision and durability – and how you can best match these components to your needs.

11 Minutes read

Linear shafts: shaft ends and mounting options for linear shafts

The fastening mechanisms for linear shafts or guide shafts in mechanical systems require careful planning. Different shaft ends permit different mounting options. This article provides an overview of available shaft ends and answers the question of which shaft holders or shaft support options are available and where they are appropriate. As part of this, we also take a detailed look at the fixed and floating bearing types for shafts.

12 Minutes read

Linear Drive - Converting Rotation to Translation

A linear drive converts rotational movements to linear movements and vice versa. Linear actuators are key components for motion control in many mechanical systems and mechanical engineering. Often, this conversion is needed to convert power and motion generated by motors and other rotating equipment into translation (linear motion). The drive is industrially realized with motors or also by hand. The article introduces frequently used and common concepts and lists the design criteria. Lastly, we will discuss examples for mechanical engineering applications.

6 Minutes read

Complete solutions for linear motion - linear units, linear modules and linear actuators

Linear motion allows loads to move in a straight line path instead of rotating loads about an axis. This is an important part of industrial automation.

6 Minutes read

Plain bearings - Cost savings with cost efficient products

Industrial value chains are increasingly focused on manufacturing and maintenance costs. Maintenance costs represent a large portion of the ongoing operating costs of a system. High-quality and maintenance-friendly components help to keep these costs as low as possible while ensuring the required quality. However, planning and design does not always have to rely on the most expensive component. Using ABC analysis, products and components can be classified as ABC parts based on their value share and their importance in the value chain. The most cost-efficient articles are the so-called C articles or C-parts. These have a small share of value, but are required in large numbers. These parts have great potential to reduce costs. It’s worth taking a closer look. For many applications, cost-efficient items are a good alternative to expensive items. However, a low price does not have to mean a loss in quality; the application range of cost-efficient items may only be limited, for example, by the often lower precision. This article will show you how to use C-parts such as plain bearings in a cost-efficient manner, and how to select them purposefully, while at the same time ensuring quality.

10 Minutes read
Ideal and deviating shaft diameter
Ideal and deviating shaft diameter

Linear shafts: Precision standards for MISUMI linear shafts

Linear shafts are a subset of linear guides and provide stability and precision in linear motion systems. Varying precision requirements are placed on linear shafts to ensure that movements are transferred at low-friction, accurately, and reliably. These requirements specify roundness, straightness, perpendicularity as well as the concentricity of the linear shaft. MISUMI offers linear shafts in standard and precision versions. In this article, you will learn about the different features, when to use which variant, and what precision requirements are all about.

11 Minutes read

Linear shafts: Selecting the right material, hardening, and surface treatment

Linear shafts perform demanding tasks in industrial applications: They permit precise and repeatable linear movements under high mechanical loads. To meet these requirements, proper material selection, hardening, and surface treatment is critical. All of these factors directly affect the service life, precision and performance of a linear shaft. This article introduces these three aspects and highlights their dependencies so you can select the best linear shaft for your application.

11 Minutes read

Linear ball bearings – Selection, installation and maintenance

Linear ball bearings are important components in many mechanical engineering applications. The function of linear ball bearings is to enable precise and low friction movement along an axis. This article provides important guidance on the selection, installation and maintenance of linear ball bearings, so you can be sure to find the right bearing for your application and get the most out of it.

11 Minutes read

Linear motion components - Things worth knowing about guides, screw drives and more

These include linear motors, linear actuators, linear axes, and other components that allow linear motion. Linear motors are specially designed motors that generate linear motion. They generate forces to move loads along a linear track.

10 Minutes read