New Precision Motion Control Catalog Features Expanded Product Selection

Read about the expanded line of Roller Pinion System (RPS) products and gear offerings in the new Precision Motion Control catalog. Detailing the Standard and Premium models of the RPS—designed to provide high-accuracy linear positioning with no backlash—the catalog also features the new Endurance Rack, Universal Rack and Stainless Steel Universal Rack models. Download a copy of the catalog here to find out which solution best suits your precision motion control requirements.Learn more

Universal Rack Roller Pinion System (RPS) Provides Positional Accuracy for Medium-Load Motion Control

Solve your high-precision, medium load motion control applications with the Nexen Roller Pinion System, Universal Rack model. The Universal Rack model provides an ideal solution for customers that require the advanced features of the RPS system with thrust ratings up to 750 – 10500 N. Differing from a traditional rack and pinion system, the RPS features a unique roller pinion/toothed rack combination. The pinion is comprised of bearing supported rollers that engage a unique tooth profile. Each tooth profile is precisely measured to ensure high positional accuracy and eliminate cumulative error.Learn more

High-Precision, Low-Backlash Rod Locks Feature an Embedded Sensor Option for Operational Feedback

Improve the overall safety of a machine by implementing a monitoring system that allows feedback during operation. RLSS Series Rod Locks, Generation 2, are now available with an optional embedded engagement sensor. The spring-engaged, air-released rod locks deliver reliable holding forces up to 5000 lbs with very low backlash. Now, an optional magnetic inductive sensor can be simply fastened to a T-slot in the housing to detect rod lock engagement (customer supplied Reed switches are also compatible).Learn more

Spring-Engaged, Hydraulically Disengaged Caliper Brake Delivers Reliable Braking and Holding

Get Nexen’s Spring-Engaged, Hydraulically Disengaged Caliper Brakes for your dynamic braking and static holding applications. Providing reliable operation at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, these brakes out-perform traditional pneumatically actuated brakes and clutches that offer a minimum operating range of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Various friction materials can be specified for different applications to maximize the brake performance, delivering out-of-box torque and long friction pad life—even for extremely high-energy applications.Learn more

IN THE NEWS

Linear Drive Systems Enabling Precision Parts Production

Featured in the September issue of Motion System Design

Differences abound between traditional rack and pinion twin drives, split-pinion-based designs, and roller-pinion systems.

From aerospace to machine tooling, glass cutting, medical and more, manufacturing processes depend on reliable motion control. Delivering the speed and precision required by these applications are various servo-controlled linear drive systems.

One common setup combines servo controls with a traditional involute rack and pinion. The latter can require clearance between rack and gear teeth to prevent jams and excessive wear, or else environmental changes (such as a 10° temperature shift) can lock up the system as gear teeth expand. On the other hand, clearance results in backlash, which is equivalent to error.

Linear Actuators Achieve Precision Motion Control With Little to No Backlash

Featured in the June issue of Machine Design

Roller-pinion systems are a better option than rack and pinions where accuracy and a minimum of friction are important. Consider a traditional rack-and-pinion system. It consists of a toothed circular pinion that engages the teeth on a flat rail, converting rotary to linear motion. Now consider what’s called a roller-pinion system. It still has the pinion/rack combination, but the teeth on the pinion are replaced with bearing-supported rollers that engage a unique tooth profile. Each tooth is precisely measured relative to the first, eradicating cumulative error and maintaining high positional accuracy. The result is accurate positioning up to ±30 µm (±0.00118 in.) — within half the diameter of a human hair — at speeds up to 11 m/sec (36.1 fps).