Roller screw actuators come in a smaller package than ball screw actuators and offer longer life and higher force.

Every application that uses linear motion has different requirements.  For linear applications that require large force requirements and high duty cycles, there are typically two choices:  ball screws or roller screws.  Understanding the difference between these two actuator solutions is important to determine which option is the best for your application.

Inventory maintenance is one of the most challenging issues facing machine builders.  Having hundreds of part numbers and multiple variations of the same or very similar parts add to the complexity of inventory maintenance.  Solving issues like this has been a major objective for SMC.

Maintaining the correct number of spare fittings on hand for thread types is complicated.  SMC has developed a unique solution to eliminate thread issues encountered by machine builders.  SMC’s Unifit fittings work on multiple thread types and allow you to stock fewer fittings while ensuring you have the correct fittings available to keep your machines working properly and efficiently.   SMC Unifit one-touch fittings have been designed to thread and seal properly into NPT, NPTF, Rc, R(PT), BSPT, G, or BSPP female threads.

Pneumatic machines can be finicky.  Pneumatic cylinders can sometimes be hard to control, may lunge or even more erratically.  Having the ability to control the speed and operation of your pneumatic actuators is a necessity to keeping your machine operating smoothly and efficiently.  If you can accomplish this, your machines will produce consistent results and last longer due to smooth, consistent, and efficient movement.

Speed controllers (also referred to as flow controls) are small valves used to reduce the flow rate from a pneumatic actuator.   Speed controllers decrease the operational speed of a pneumatic actuator in one direction – opposed to a needle valve that controls air flow in two directions (in and out of the actuator).  The benefit of a speed controller is that it enables the cylinder to have a controlled movement in one direction, but full flow and speed in the opposite direction.

HIWIN is more than just linear guideways and blocks.   Hiwin has robot and motor solutions in addition to custom ball and roller screw solutions.  Click the Hiwin Ball Screw picture to learn about more great HIWIN solutions that you may not have been aware that Hiwin provides to our customers.

Murrelektronik has announced that their USA cable respooling line is fully up to speed and running.

This is important because Murrelektronik no longer has to ship large heavy spools of 100 or 500 meter raw cable from Germany.  This has resulted in greatly reduced shipping costs and increased availability.  The lead times for cable spools has decreased from 3 to 4 weeks to only 3 to 4 DAYS (if the cable is not already spooled and ready to be shipped).

Murrelektronik offers a wide variety of UL listed bulk sensor and actuator, power and network cable in 100 or 500m spools.  You are able to chose from different jacket materials, colors and cross sections to get the right cable for your application.

Imagine being able to control/monitor your measuring sensors via your computer network or wirelessly from anywhere in your facililty and being able to change settings without having to physically touch each sensor.  Settings such as magnetic strength, oil levels and temperatures, power settings (no cable change required), and monitor actuator cycle counts.

MTS Temposonics has developed the MTS TempoLink Smart Assistant to allow you to do just that.  The TempoLink Smart Assistant is an accessory for the R-Series V sensors family.  It allows for the setup of the sensors in an application as well as providing additional status information for sensor diagnostics.

SMC announces Strategic Partnership with Soft Robotics Inc. The modular soft grippers complement the SMC product line and provide an innovative solution for delicate, variable workpieces in food processing & consumer goods automation.

PRESS RELEASE --- Noblesville, IN –December 8, 2020  (Link to Original Press Release)

SMC Corporation of America, a subsidiary of SMC Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), a leading global pneumatics and industrial automation components manufacturer located in Noblesville, Indiana, has become a master distributor of Soft Robotics Inc. (Bedford, MA) for strategic global markets. This strategic partnership will empower SMC Corporation’s global sales team to bring Soft Robotics’ groundbreaking robotic technology to its customers around the world.

When machine design engineers are designing linear motion systems, they have to consider two types of electric rod-style actuators to ensure that their designs are reliable and efficient.  The two types of actuators available are integrated and non-integrated motor actuators.   Each actuator design offers performance advantages depending on the application type and requirements.

#PatliteAtWork is kicking off 2021 by bringing you quality content. We now have application videos on our website! And who better to host it but PATLITE's very own Paul Mizuki? You may all know him from the countless trade shows he has attended, and now here he is sharing his expertise with you virtually.

The Murrelektronik Mico Pro is an innovative current monitoring system from Murrelektronik for 12 and 24 VDC applications with a patented tripping process.  The Mico Pro's modular system enables you to adapt systems precisely to suit specific applications - offering a favorable cost-benefit ratio while also being economical in their use of space.  The patented tripping process assures optimum machine availability.  An additional benefit:  an integrated concept for potential distribution that significantly declutters the switch cabinet wiring.