PBC Linear is a winner in Design World’s 2022 Leadership in Engineering Award for the category of motion control. This 16th annual issue and contest features thirteen separate engineering categories, voted on by Design World’s user community. Categories range from additive manufacturing to industrial automation to hydraulics and pneumatics. PBC Linear offers a strong product line of linear actuators and mechatronics technology that serve customers in a wide variety of applications requiring motion control.
The category of motion control describes a group of individual components that work together to create controlled movement. This typically includes a linear actuator, motor and amplifier drive, positional feedback device (optional ), and motion controller. In some cases, the amplifier drive and motion controller can be combined into a separate stand-alone unit or integrated onto the back end of a smart motor. PBC Linear is a leader in motion control because of its strength in providing fully-assembled mechatronics and actuators designed to fit a wide array of application demands for linear motion.
Linear motion refers to straight line movement. Engineers may use a variety of mechanical transmission elements to control linear motion such as hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, and magnetic. PBC Linear products are mainly focused on mechanical control systems that use physical components such as timing belts, lead screws and ball screws to transmit motion and help control position.
Motion control refers to the use of control systems to move a device or system with accuracy and precision. In the case of linear motion actuators, motion control techniques can be used to accurately position a device along a straight line, stopping at multiple programmed postitions, maintaining a constant velocity, or following a specific trajectory with preset acceleration/deceleration rates and peak velocity parameters.
What is a Linear Actuator? Linear actuators are systems of a machine that help it perform a mechanical action, creating movement.
There are many factors that can affect linear motion including friction, load, speed, acceleration and deceleration, and environmental conditions such as particulates, temperature and humidity. To compensate for these factors, specific motion control features can be implemented to achieve a desired performance. For example, a motion control system might use feedback sensors to measure the actual position and velocity of the target device, and then use this information to adjust signals towards the actuator to achieve the desired motion.
Of course, none of these control measures can work effectively without reliable linear motion components. PBC Linear provides the mechanical drive components that make these motion controls units more precise and efficient, applying the best-suited type of rails and maintenance free requirements. For example, many of our linear actuators provide different sizes of lead screw drives that offer the highest straightness tolerances available at 0.001 inches per foot. They also offer positional accuracies of 0.003 inches per foot or better if an optional positioning feedback device is utilized. These high-precision physical systems can be integrated with electronics, controls, and computers to create sophisticated mechatronics solutions.
PBC Linear relies on third party sources for motors, amplifier drives, motion controllers, and motor mounts, but with the added value of providing support and solutions to customer application needs. Below is a list of our extensive linear actuator product line with their corresponding options for full motion control.
Each actuator type fills a unique role, providing customers with targeted solutions for a variety of applications.
The ML Series is the most compact line of linear actuators offered by PBC Linear, and boasts stroke lengths up to 650 mm (25.6 in). See more on ML Series products or view our article Miniature Linear Actuator Overview.
The Compact Series offers low profile (23 mm) and rail lengths up to 1000 mm in either plain bearings (GST) or profile recirculating ball bearings (PRT). See more on Compact Series products or view our article Customizable Solutions for Compact Linear Guides.
Mini-Rail Actuators offer a low-cost option with all the great features of Mini-Rail. See more on Mini-Rail actuators.
LSR Lead Screw Series Actuators offer either a captive pusher or non-captive mini actuator. See more on LSR Lead Screw actuators or view our article How It's Made – Lead Screw Assemblies.
The BE Series combine hybrid stepper motors with an integrated ball screw and nut that great for high-speed applications. See more on Integrated Ball Screw actuators.
SIMO UG Series allows customers to mix-n-match features within the same design envelope and test multiple configurations. Options include plain bearing (GST) or V-guide roller (CRT) carriages, with standard or Constant Force™ anti-backlash lead screw nut. See more on SIMO UG Series products or view our article Linear Motion to Fit Your Budget.
Uni-Guide uses proven Simplicity technology and a two-piece aluminum design to create unlimited design options and versatility in challenging environments. Available in three sizes: DO75 (75 mm guide shaft centers), D100 (100 mm guide shaft centers), D125 (125 mm guide shaft centers). Travel lengths as high as 1500 mm (59 inches). See more on Uni-Guide D Series products or view our article Uni-Guide Linear Slide Overview.
Simplicity Linear Actuators use pillow block bearings and round shafts up to 96 inches in length to create an assembly that can handle a variety of conditions. Linear guidance options include plain, ball, or roller pillow block, with shaft sizes from 08 (0.500 inch diameter) to 032 (2.000 inch diameter). Dual carriage self-centering actuators available for closed/open dual carriage motion. See more on Simplicity Linear actuators.
MTB Actuators are fully enclosed systems offered in three body sizes (42 mm, 55 mm, 80 mm square) and include long travel lengths up to 6 meters. See more on MTB Series products or view our article Linear Actuators: Belt-Driven MTB Series Overview.
The PL Series is fully enclosed and employs Integral-V™ hardened steel raceways with travel lengths up to 1350 mm (53 inch)—standard and inch series. Ball screw lengths at 2710 mm (107 inches) upon special request. See more on PL Series products.
MUK Actuators are designed for high loads up to 11200 N (2500 lb) with a max stroke of 1500 mm. Travel lengths limited to 508 mm (20 inches) when stainless steel band cover-strip seals are applied. See more on the MUK Series.
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