Complete solutions for linear movements – everything relating to drives, shafts, couplings, guides

Linear movement makes it possible to move loads in a straight line instead of rotating the loads around an axis. This is an important part of industrial automation. This is the first article discussing about linear movement solution, the second article is about guide of components in linear motion.

This includes linear motors, linear actuators, linear axes, and other components that enable linear motion. Linear motors are specially designed motors that generate linear motion. They generate forces to move loads in a straight line.

• Linear motors are continuous machines that operate linearly due to the function of an electric motor. They are the tool of choice in industrial automation technology for generating linear movements quickly, precisely and with high performance.
• Linear actuators are hydraulic or pneumatic systems that generate linear movements. They are particularly suited for applications where a high level of accuracy and performance is not essential.
• Linear axes are made up of a frame and are equipped with a mechanical component that creates linear movements. This linear motion is very precise and provides a low-friction motion with little vibration.

Advantages of linear axes include:

• Precise linear motion with high accuracy
• Easy to install and maintain
• Long service life
• Low-friction movement with low vibrations
• Compact design for easy installation

Advantages of linear motion include high mechanical performance, low operating costs and high-precision positioning. Linear motors are also easier to control than conventional motors and are quieter and more energy efficient.

Disadvantages of linear motion include higher purchase costs. Linear motion is also more prone to malfunctions than traditional motors and systems. Linear motion can be difficult to control in some applications.

What is a ball spline?

A ball spline can create a linear movement by exerting a constant rotational force on a body.

There are many advantages to using a ball spline for linear movements. One of the main advantages is that the drive operates constantly to generate the required power flow. The linear motor can then be equipped with a high torque to achieve an even performance. The rotational energy of the ball spline is also converted directly into linear movements, enabling smooth and efficient movement. This enables high forces to be applied.

What is a needle guide?

A needle guide is one of the most reliable linear guide components available. It consists of a series of needle bearings that act as slide bearings and support the linear movements. Thanks to their enormous rigidity, they transfer with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Needle guides also have a long service life and low weight. They are very easy to install and maintain. As a result, a needle guide is a cost-effective and reliable option for linear guidance.

Typical application areas of a needle guide include:

• Machine tools that require high accuracy and rigidity, such as turning, milling or for stripper plates.
• Robot technology that requires precise linear guidance and a long service life.
• Mechanical engineering, particularly for applications that place high demands on positioning accuracy.
• Automation where high precision and durability are required.

A needle guide offers many advantages. The needle bearings enable precise linear guidance and high rigidity, with very easy installation and maintenance cycles. They are also suitable for use in a wide temperature range and under different environmental conditions. Made from robust materials, they are extremely durable and are capable of a long service life.

What are lead screws?

Lead screws are an important part of many machine elements and drive systems. They consist of a threaded nut that allows constant and continuous transmission of torque and feed at a specific speed. To ensure that this function is carried out reliably, the trapezoidal lead screws require regular maintenance and servicing.

The lead screw is a combination of a special threaded spindle and a special ball screw nut. This combination provides higher strength and better surface finish than other threaded spindles, ensuring smooth running and a longer service life.

Lead screws offer many advantages that make them a popular choice in many industrial applications. They are particularly popular in machines that work with a rotating movement. Examples include robotic arms used in the automotive and other industries, and machine tools used in manufacturing and processing industries. They are also used in the food industry, printing and paper industry, medicine and the textile industry. Lead screws can also be used to generate a constant speed and force.

What is a ball screw?

Ball screws are a type of mechanical drive consisting of two cylindrical elements, the ball screw spindle and the ball screw housing.

The ball screw spindle is a cylindrical element fitted with small balls that run in a spiral path around the cylindrical body. The ball screw housing is a cylindrical element that is lined on the inside with a spiral that matches the balls of the ball screw spindle. When the ball screw is rotated, the balls move along the spiral in the ball screw housing, creating a movement from one end of the ball screw to the other. Ball screws can therefore be a fairly easy and cost-effective way to transfer torques and movements between two cylindrical elements.

If a parallel key is required, it is advisable to use MISUMI parallel keys, as they can be perfectly combined due to the production tolerances.

What is a machine key?

A machine key is an important element in mechanical drive technology. It is a specially shaped metal part that is used to attach a rotatable axis to a static component. This reduces friction and wear and enables optimal transfer of rotational force to the component. Machine keys are easy to install and remove and offer a long service life and high load capacity. They are also cost-effective, making them a very good choice for most applications.

What is the difference between ball screws and lead screws?

Ball screws and lead screws differ in their specific properties and applications. Ball screws are typically used at high torques and speeds, while lead screws are used at low speeds and low torques.

Ball screws offer greater precision and a greater starting torque than trapezoidal lead screws. Ball screws are easy to install and maintain. Lead screws enable greater load-bearing capacity and higher performance than ball screws. Lead screws are also able to withstand higher loads, making them suitable for applications with higher torques.

There are significant differences in the maintenance and repair of ball screws and lead screws. One of the most obvious differences is that ball screws have a closed screw – with lead screws, the screw is open. This means that, if ball screws require maintenance or repair, more effort will be involved as the screw head needs to be removed.

With lead screws, the parts can be easily removed or replaced without removing the screw head. Another difference is that ball screws require greater precision during manufacturing. This means that ball screws must be set more precisely during maintenance and repair than lead screws. Finally, ball screws and lead screws also differ with regard to maintenance and repair costs. Ball screws can be more expensive due to their higher precision, while lead screws are usually more cost-effective.

• Ball screws can be adjusted much more precisely without play and therefore offers smaller tolerances than the lead spindle.
• Ball screws also have a significantly lower frictional resistance, which has a positive impact on various aspects. The lower friction results in a lower break-away force, resulting in a lower stick-slip effect.
• Ball screws enable a high feed rate of up to 250 m/min.
• Ball screws require more installation space than lead screws.
• The manufacturing process for lead screws is less complex.

Spline shafts for medium torques

Spline shafts are ideal for transferring medium torques. These components consist of a spline – a closed, ground ball bearing – which is cut into a thread. This means that the spline shaft can offer a high degree of precision, combined with a high load-bearing capacity. Thanks to the closed structure, the spline shaft is also resistant to dirt and wear. Additionally, the spline shaft is a simple and cost-effective solution for transferring medium torques. It can be designed for use in a wide range of applications, including engineering and aerospace.

Our spline shafts for medium torques are available in different sizes and lengths, so we can offer you a solution perfectly tailored to your requirements. They are made of high-quality material, guaranteeing a long service life and low friction. Our spline shafts are easy to install and allow you to carry out assembly quickly and efficiently. They also come with various accessories to help with installation.

How can flanged nuts with a trapezoidal lead screw, needle guide or ball spline be used?

Using flanged nuts with trapezoidal lead screw, needle guide or ball spline is an efficient way to achieve precise and efficient movement.

A trapezoidal lead screw can be used for adjusting moulded parts, slides, switchboard cabinet doors and for positioning machines.

A needle guide can be used as a bearing for linear guides, as a coupling piece in robot arms or as an adjustment option in testing machines. For example, a ball spline can be used to transfer rotational motion or act as a stop for adjusting brakes or other mechanical units.

With a support unit like this, you can perfectly control the movements and positions of machines, tools and other applications.

Quality control for ball splines and bearings – how to achieve precise results

In all our processes, we carry out regular quality checks according to the latest standards, so that all our products always have precise properties and deliver perfect results.

MISUMI manufactures a wide range of linear motion systems made from high-quality components. The product catalogue includes a broad selection of drives and linear technologies suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

MISUMI products are suitable for a wide range of applications, from automation to robotics applications. These include linear actuators, linear positioning systems, linear guides, linear motors, and other linear components. MISUMI offers a wide selection of accessories such as linear couplings, linear sensors and linear encoders.

MISUMI offers its customers extensive application support, such as technical advice, design and construction assistance and fast deliveries. With its high-quality products, professional services and comprehensive support services, MISUMI is a preferred partner for customers all over the world.

As a Japanese manufacturer, MISUMI manufactures its products according to JIS B0401, which is equivalent to ISO 22081.

MISUMI uses the extremely precise tolerances h5/g6 for many components. For further information, use our tolerance tables according to JIS B0401-1, -2 (1998).

Configure your components

You can configure shafts and other components freely with the MISUMI configurator.

Select the component type and set the desired specifications and characteristics.

CAD library

Use our extensive CAD library to select the optimal part for your components and applications.

Find inspiration in our inCAD library and edit your designs with our SolidWorks add-on “inCADcomponents”.

Product overview in the MISUMI catalogue

• Components for linear movements
• Linear shafts
• Trapezoidal lead screws / sliding lead screws
• Spline shafts / ball splines)
• Needle guides for stripper plates