Linear Motion & Actuation

Guides, rails, ball screws, actuators and cable carriers — sizing, accuracy classes, preload and mounting.

Linear Guide Friction: Coefficient and Seal Drag

Profile rail carriages typically run at a friction coefficient of 0.002 to 0.003, plus a few newtons of seal drag. How to use both in a thrust figure.

October 19, 2026

Pneumatic vs Electric Actuators: How to Choose

Pneumatic and electric actuators suit different jobs. Compare force, speed, positioning, energy use and upkeep, with a decision table.

October 9, 2026

What Is a Linear Motion Bearing? Types Compared

A linear motion bearing guides a load along a straight path with low friction. The main types, from ball bushings to profile rail, and what each tolerates.

October 7, 2026

Linear Shafting and Ball Bushings: Hardness, Tolerance, Deflection and Support

How to choose linear shafting and ball bushings: shaft hardness and tolerance, bushing types, a worked deflection check, and when to support the shaft along its.

September 19, 2026

Why an Oriental Motor DR-Series Actuator Quote Can Say 5 Weeks From One Desk and 14 From Another

A factory-level lead-screw shortage, not distributor inventory, is behind stalled Oriental Motor DR-series quotes right now — how to confirm it.

September 12, 2026

Profile Rail Linear Guides: Accuracy Classes and Preload Explained

Profile rail guide selection requires understanding the difference between accuracy class (tolerance and parallelism) and preload class (clearance to heavy).

August 11, 2026

Ball Screw vs Lead Screw: A Selection Reference

Ball screws and lead screws differ in efficiency, back-drivability, and duty cycle. This reference compares the parameters that dictate linear motion design.

August 11, 2026

Electric Actuator Selection: Thrust, Speed and Duty

Selecting an electric linear actuator requires calculating thrust from friction and acceleration, matching drive type to duty cycle, and verifying holding.

August 11, 2026

Linear Bearing Life Calculation: The Standard Method

Calculating linear bearing life requires converting dynamic load ratings into distance travelled, not revolutions, while applying modifying factors.

August 11, 2026

Cable Carrier Sizing and Fill Rules

Practical reference for specifying energy chains: bend radius multiples, fill ratios, unsupported travel limits, and the physical causes of corkscrew cable.

August 11, 2026

Mounting and Aligning Linear Guides

Proper installation of linear guide rails requires strict adherence to datum concepts, surface tolerances, and bolting sequences to prevent binding, uneven.

August 11, 2026

Round Shaft Bushings vs Profile Rail: Choosing the Guide Type

A detailed comparison of round shaft/ball bushing systems and profile rail guides, with guidance on deflection, rigidity, and application suitability.

August 11, 2026

Ball Screw Critical Speed and Column Loading

Understanding how first‑bending resonance and Euler buckling limit ball‑screw size, and how safety factors and design tweaks keep long screws reliable.

August 11, 2026

Lubricating Linear Motion Components

A practical guide to greasing guides, screws and bushings, covering short‑stroke fretting, oil vs grease, viscosity selection, and travel‑based relubrication.

August 11, 2026

Belt, Screw or Rack: Choosing a Linear Drive

Compare belt, screw and rack‑and‑pinion linear drives on stroke, speed, thrust, accuracy and duty to select the right architecture for your application.

August 11, 2026