Linear Drive Systems

In many applications, a linear movement is required – which can be realized in different ways. We will be pleased to be of assistance to you when choosing the variant most suitable for your application.

To select the right design, it is important to specify whether a carriage is to be positioned with the linear movement – in this case, linear axes will be used – or a compact design is preferred (for example as a replacement for a previous hydraulic or pneumatic solution) – then our actuators would be the right choice.

Further criteria for the selection of the right Linear drive system are requirements such as desired positioning speed, mass of the load to be moved, force, traveling distance, accuracy, and dynamics. In this respect, each technology has typical advantages of its own:

In addition to the technologies presented here, other ones such as toothed rack or cable drive are available for special applications. We will be pleased to be of assistance to you in these cases, as well.

Linear Axes

Each linear axis is equipped with a linear module with linear guides and bearings as well as a carriage which can be moved back and forth.

Toothed Belt Axes

The linear module of a toothed belt axis contains a toothed belt spanned over two pinions. The carriage is connected with the toothed belt, and a rotatory servo drive is coupled to one of the pinions. The toothed belt is moved along with the carriage by the rotatory motion of the motor.

Toothed belt axes are particularly suitable for fast linear movements with low to medium loads, and they are economical even for high traveling distances. ➜ Further information

Ball Screw Axes

In a ball screw axis, as well, a rotatory servo motor is coupled to a linear module. In this case, the motor drives a ball screw whereby the carriage connected to the ball screw nut moves back and forth.

Ball screw axes are a good choice for applications in which high forces at low to medium speeds are required. ➜ Further information

Linear Motors

With a linear motor, the linear motion is generated directly without the deviation of a mechanical conversion of a rotation. The primary part (coil package) of the linear motor is integrated in the carriage of the linear module, the secondary part (magnetic plates) is installed in parallel with the linear guides. If required, a linear motor axis can be equipped with several carriages which can be moved independently using the same magnetic plates.

Linear motors combine many advantages and are suitable for very high as well as very low speeds, they provide high precision and dynamics, even for heavy loads and higher forces. Although high traveling distances can be realized, many magnetic plates are required in these cases which, in turn, causes higher purchasing costs. ➜ Further information

Actuators

A linear actuator generally consists of a housing mounted rigidly or flexibly to the machine and a rod which can be retracted or extended coupled to the moved part of the application.

For the modernization of existing machines, ball screw actuators or linear motor actuators are often chosen as economical alternative for hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. But also for design and development of new machines and facilities, the compact design and the flexible options of movement provide many advantages.

Ball Screw Actuators

In a ball screw actuator, a rotatory servo motor drives a ball screw nut. The movable rod consists of the ball screw which can retracted and extended via the rotatory movement. As a particularly compact variant, we offer ball screw actuators in which the servo motor is already integrated in the housing.

Ball screw actuators provide high forces at low speeds. Due to their robust construction, they are suitable as a replacement for hydraulic cylinders in many applications. ➜ Further information

Linear Motor Actuators

The linear motor actuator is a tubular linear motor generating the linear motion directly. The primary part (coil package) is located in the housing of the actuator, the secondary part (magnets) is integrated into the rod which is moved.

High accelerations make the linear motor actuator perfect for applications with fast motions in which a compact design is desired or a pneumatic cylinder is to be replaced by a more efficient solution. ➜ Further information