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Versatile Transport System: Turbocharge conveyance

THK's Versatile Transport System is a high-mix production solution that will keep your production line moving. Its linear motor drive enables high-speed operations, and processing can be performed directly on top of the system's freely recirculating sliders. This highly precise, modular system has many unique features, including easily adjustable stop positions, flex layouts with path splitting and parallelization, and easy addition/subtraction of extension pieces.
View the video.

Tech Tip: How to keep heavy loads balanced

Some Thomson smart linear actuators have a position-based synchro-nization option to help manage unbalanced loads when using multiple units. The system adjusts the speed of each actuator to keep them starting, moving, and stopping synchronously, regardless of their respective load distribution. So useful. So smart.
Learn all about this feature.

Micropositioning stages ensure high accuracy

PI now offers fast delivery of the L-511 linear microposi-tioning stage, which is designed for applications requiring minimum incremental motion down to 20 nm and drive forces up to 22 lb. The L-511 can be combined to form XY or XYZ motion systems and integrated with rotary stages for enhanced flexibility. Features high-load recirculating ball bearings for exceptional durability, even under demanding, repetitive cycles. To enhance positioning accuracy and automation throughput, this stage integrates non-contact, direction-sensing optical reference point switches located at mid-travel.
Learn more.

Robots think and act on the fly at moving assembly line speeds

Inbolt and FANUC are launching a manufacturing breakthrough enabling FANUC robots to tackle one of the most complex automation challenges: performing production tasks on continuously moving parts at line speeds. With Inbolt's AI-powered 3D vision, manufacturers can now automate screw insertion, bolt rundown, glue application, and other high-precision tasks on parts moving down the line without costly infrastructure investments or cycle time compromises.
Learn more.

Best high-speed rotary bearing in THK history

THK has developed its best-performing, high-speed rotary bearing ever: the High-Speed, Double-Row Angular Contact Ring BWH. This rotary bearing has balls aligned inside a cage between the inner and outer rings and is part of the THK Rotary Series, along with the cross-roller ring. The main features of this product are its ability to receive loads in all directions as well as its high rigidity and rotational accuracy, which are equal to that of cross-roller rings. By adopting a new structure to change the rolling elements from rollers to balls, this product achieves the greatest high-speed performance ever offered by THK.
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Elevating tables: Precise vertical positioning in tight spaces

As semicon-ductors and optical components become smaller and more sophisticated, the TZ Series of precision elevating tables from IKO International provides exceptional vertical positioning accuracy in a compact size. This unit features a unique wedge mechanism guided in the vertical direction by a pair of IKO C-Lube Super MX linear motion rolling guides arranged in parallel to achieve highly precise positioning with exceptional rigidity. An optional linear encoder provides full closed loop control to achieve positioning accuracy as high as 0.005 mm, with repeatability of +/-0.001 mm.
Learn more and get all the specs.

This cobot is all about safety around people

The COBOTTA PRO from DENSO Robotics is a lightweight, high-speed collaborative robot designed for communication between workers and robots while maximizing productivity. It delivers a blend of productivity and safety for both simple tasks and multi-step processes like assembly and inspection work. The 6-axis unit operates at speeds up to 2,500 mm per sec when no workers are near and slows or stops when people approach. Two models available: PRO 900 (max payload 6 kg) and PRO 1300 (max payload 12 kg). Many more functions and features.
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Powerful, pull-type clapper solenoids handle myriad jobs

New powerful, low-profile, pull-type clapper solenoids are available from Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS). Applications include valve control, locks, starters, ventilators, clamping, sorting, appliances, tools, HVAC, brakes, clutches, switches, mixing, fire suppression systems, door controls, detent latches, and more. The S-16-264 Series of 17 Pull-Type Clapper Solenoids have ampere turns (windings) adjusted to meet the specific force and duty cycle requirements of your application. They provide up to 130 lb (578 N) of force.
Get all the specs for these solenoids and other options.

Tech Tip: Belt, screw, or chain-driven actuator?

Bishop-Wisecarver provides a quick, very useful guide to help you evaluate the right drive strategy for your system: belt, screw, or chain-driven actuator. Each drive type has unique advantages and limitations, so evaluating all your options will help you find the most suitable actuator setup for your specific application needs.
Read the Bishop-Wisecarver blog.

Ultra-precise linear stage -- down to 0.005 microns

PI, a global leader in precision motion control and nanoposi-tioning, now offers fast delivery of the L-511 linear micropositioning stage, which is designed for applications requiring minimum incremental motion down to 20 nm, drive forces up to 22 lb, and multi-axis configuration options. The L-511 can be combined to form XY or XYZ motion systems and integrated with rotary stages. A variety of drive and encoder options (stepper and servo motors, rotary, and linear encoders) enable ultra-fine sensitivity. Applications include: metrology, laser processing, semiconductors, biotech, optical alignment, and advanced automation.
Learn more and get all the specs.

Choosing the right stepper motor: PM or hybrid?

According to the experts at Lin Engineering, there are two primary types of stepper motors to consider: permanent magnet (PM) and hybrid. But which is right for your application? Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements.
Read this informative Lin Engineering article.

New PTFE-free linear guide for precise positioning

The new drylin WWP linear guide from igus features a PTFE-free locking carriage. Engineered from lubrication-free, high-performance polymers and aluminum, the guide offers a lightweight, hygienic, and low-maintenance alternative to complex mechanical and electronic adjustment systems. It is significantly more compact and lightweight than conventional recirculating ball-bearing systems. Applications include interior components in vehicles, aircraft, and furniture.
Learn more and get all the specs.

Heavy-duty gear units for mixing and agitating systems

MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units from NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS are an established drive solution for heavy-duty applications. In addition to conveying, lifting, and driving, they also play an important role in mixing and agitating systems. MAXXDRIVE units feature a compact, one-piece UNICASE housing that delivers long service life, easy maintenance, and quiet operation. Their robust design handles high axial and radial loads, achieves output torques up to 2,495,900 lb-in., and powers up to 8,075 hp.
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What are non-captive linear actuators?

According to PBC Linear, their new non-captive linear actuators are different from the more common external versions of lead screw-driven linear actuators because they allow the lead screw to completely pass through the motor. This fundamental difference offers advantages for designs that have limited space available or for engineers looking to shrink the overall size of their design package.
Read the full PBC Linear blog.

Güdel introduces Swiss-quality tracks for cobots

Güdel Inc. is highlighting new technologies at Automate 2025 booth #2418 that demonstrate its unmatched ability to solve automation engineering challenges. One is the Cobomover, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, this unit extends the working range of robots up to 5 m, allowing them to operate multiple workstations and perform a variety of tasks without manual repositioning. Compatible with over 60 cobots and small traditional robots.
Learn more and get all the specs.

A spacecraft that sweats? Cool solution could make heat shields obsolete

The technology is a new way to tackle atmospheric reentry.

By Jacob Wologo, Texas A&M University College of Engineering

A car may drive for 15 to 20 years before needing replacement, while a passenger jet may fly for up to 40. A spacecraft, however, may only fly once.

Even the longest-serving spacecraft, the space shuttle Discovery, completed only a few dozen flights, each requiring months of extensive testing and replacement of critical pieces. As space travel becomes more common, the need for fully reusable spacecraft is growing.

One potential solution? A spacecraft that sweats.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University is partnering with Canopy Aerospace to develop and test a 3D-printed material that releases or "sweats" a coolant gas to protect spacecraft. This technology, part of a $1.7 million Air Force Small Business Technology Transfer grant, could enable the design of fully and rapidly reusable spacecraft.

Reentering the atmosphere
The most significant hurdle in making a spacecraft fully reusable is withstanding the intense heat it encounters when reentering the atmosphere at high speeds. Traditional spacecraft rely on heat shields that burn away completely or ceramic tiles that may need replacement between flights. Modern spacecraft like SpaceX's Starship demonstrate a higher degree of reusability by using more advanced heat shields than their predecessors.

A sweaty spacecraft could abandon heat shields altogether and utilize a method called transpiration cooling. This method creates a layer of gas along the vehicle's surface that not only cools the spacecraft but also acts as a barrier preventing direct contact with the hot atmosphere.

"Gas has a very low thermal conductivity," said Dr. Hassan Saad Ifti, assistant professor of aerospace engineering in the department. "This is why a puffer jacket is so effective. It traps air in these pockets, so it is the insulation from the air keeping you warm, not the solid part of the jacket."

The research team stands in front of one of the hypersonics testing tunnels at the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory (From left: Dr. Hassan Saad Ifti, Dr. Ivett Leyva, and William Matthews). [Credit: Photo by Emily Oswald/Courtesy of Texas A&M Engineering]

 

 

 

 

Because the sweated gas insulates the vehicle, single-use heat shields are no longer needed. This could reduce the time between flights from months, as seen with the space shuttle, to a matter of hours, closer to the turnover time of a passenger jet.

"Once the mission is complete, the coolant gas tanks can be refueled for the next mission," Ifti told Newsweek. "This would make the rocket more reusable, and perhaps one day, we will have a fully and rapidly reusable rocket, just like the aircraft we fly today."

The idea of using gas as an insulator for spacecraft has existed for decades, but it is not as simple as strapping a puffer jacket to a rocket. Until now, limitations in materials science, computational power, and ground testing abilities have made it challenging to implement.

This project will connect Canopy Aerospace's materials science capabilities with Texas A&M's state-of-the-art testing facilities and the aerospace engineering researchers' hypersonics expertise to overcome those limitations.

"We are in a great position to bring together expertise on aerodynamics and high-speed testing to ensure this project succeeds," said Dr. Ivett Leyva, department head of aerospace engineering.

Testing the material
For transpiration cooling in spaceflight to be successful, the spacecraft's hull material must be strong enough to withstand extreme pressures yet porous enough for the coolant to sweat through. Canopy Aerospace has already developed the material -- a 3D-printed silicon carbide. The first batch of prototypes has been sent to Texas A&M for high-speed testing.

William Matthews, a fourth-year Ph.D. student, is leading the development of testing rigs to evaluate the material's effectiveness -- both in how well it sweats gas and how well that gas insulates a spacecraft.

William Matthews, a fourth-year Ph.D. student who is leading the development of testing rigs, is evaluating the new material's effectiveness -- both in how well it sweats gas and how well that gas insulates a spacecraft. [Credit: Photo by Emily Oswald/Courtesy of Texas A&M Engineering]

 

 

 

 

"We should see that the material's surface is cooler at hypersonic speeds when the coolant flow is introduced than the baseline when no coolant is present," Matthews said. "Depending on how well the gas permeates the material, there are a lot of potential outcomes for this technology, and these tests should help us decide which direction we want to go."

The initial wind tunnel testing at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station's National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory will provide basic understanding of the physics behind transpiration cooling in spaceflight. The results will help Texas A&M and Canopy Aerospace determine the requirements for a full-scale mission and build the foundation for commercial use of the technology.

"I am optimistic about this technology," said Ifti. "If all goes well, we could see sweaty spacecraft in the sky by the end of our lifetimes."

Published May 2025

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