PBC Linear Blog

8,200 Custom Linear Bearing Configurations in 30 years

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8,200 Custom Linear Bearing Configurations in 30 years

PBC Linear can work with you to create an optimized custom linear motion solution that addresses your specific needs. In the last 30 years, PBC Linear has created over 8,200 special bearings, linear guides, actuators, sub-assemblies, and multi-axis solutions. A unique system has been put into place to deal with this high number of custom configurations.

When working with PBC Linear’s Application Engineers or Inside Sales Team you may hear one of two terms used: “Engineered to Order” (ETO) which refers to the process used in developing custom solutions, or “PAC specials” which denotes the prefix for a non-standard part number. Both customer specific and modified standard parts will begin the part number with the prefix “PAC”. The alpha-numeric identifiers following the “PAC” will be associated with specific product lines, components, and modifications that best suit the application, design, and manufacture of the special product.

These specials have been used in a wide range of applications for general industrial applications, for government agencies, in salt water at the bottom of the ocean, in submarines, for aerospace applications, and even in outer space. Parts have been supplied for clean room applications, in operating rooms, high tech robotics, and automated pick and place equipment.

The PBC Linear design team will work with you and our production team to develop a solution that is optimized to fit the application, minimizing waste, and providing maximized value.

PBC Linear Exhibiting Linear Motion Solutions at Automatica 2012

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PBC Linear Exhibiting Linear Motion Solutions at Automatica 2012

PBC Linear will be exhibiting new products along with a full range of linear motion solutions at Automatica on May 22^nd – 25^th, 2012. The 5th International Trade Fair for Automation and Mechatronics in Munich, Germany is an ideal venue for engineers from around Europe to see first-hand the new SIMO Series Linear Motion Platform and the latest innovations in linear motion systems. Make your plans now to visit PBC Linear and PBC Lineartechnik in Hall A2, Stand #434.

SIMO^® Series Linear Platform - a versatile range of bearing and drive options that you can mix-n-match to create the ideal slide or actuator for a given application.

ML Compact Linear Actuators - ideal for small envelope designs requiring precise repeatable positioning.

Mini-Rail^® Linear Guides - self-lubricating guides for smooth, quiet, maintenance free motion.

RST - Round Shaft Technology featuring the self-lubricating maintenance free Simplicity^® linear bearings, recirculating ball bearings, and a full range of shafting and support rail options.

CRT - Cam Roller Technology including the lightweight Redi-Rail^® linear guides and V-Guide™ v-wheel bearing systems.

IVT - Integral-V™ linear guides utilize cam rollers on hardened steel raceways embedded in an aluminum base and can easily integrate with structural aluminum framing.

CFT - Constant Force Technology integrated stepper motors and lead screws featuring constant force anti-backlash technology.

Visit www.pbclinear.com to see the full line of best-in-class linear motion components and mechatronic solutions.

PBC Linear Quick Response With Efficient CAD Modeling

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PBC Linear Quick Response With Efficient CAD Modeling

How does PBC Linear respond so quickly to customer demands for CAD models and drawings for linear bearings, guides, and large linear actuator assemblies?

PBC Linear actuators are basically a length controlled product with parts suppressed and unsuppressed depending on what options are selected. Everything in linear motion is controlled by some sort of equation or rule, as long as the design is a standard product which is fully developed. These equations or rules can be entered into Solidworks and Solidworks Excel Design Tables.

Parametric Features in Solidworks and Excel:

Solidworks/Excel Design Tables allow for efficient engineered CAD that can output prints, assemblies, and models in a matter of minutes.
The design table is Excel based, which allows for the use of drop down boxes, formulas for restricting input, and a user friendly part numbering system like those implemented by PBC Linear.
Solidworks allows formulas that can control the number of spaced tapped holes, features that are patterned, features extruded to a certain dimension, etc.

The Benefits of Designing Parametric Assemblies:

Engineering design time is cut by thousands of hours per year, resulting in significant cost savings and fast response to customer needs.
Prints are expedited to the shop more quickly, shortening customer lead time.
Both customer and manufacturer benefit!

Excel and Solidworks are powerful tools which are rapidly becoming engineering necessities.

The end result of implementing these technologies is that PBC Linear can quickly respond to customer needs for CAD support on a wide range of linear motion solutions.

Visit the PBC Linear website to see the full range of standard linear motion products with downloadable 3D – CAD files available.

PBC Tech Team

Versatile Motor Options for ML Miniature Linear Actuators

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Versatile Motor Options for ML Miniature Linear Actuators

The ML Series of Miniature Linear Actuators from PBC Linear offer a versatile range of motor mounting options. Utilizing universal motor mounts, these mini-actuators give customers the flexibility to fit into small spaces. Straight or in-line mounting with a coupler is one basic option. In addition, a “J-drive” type option is avaialable with the motor being located above, below, or to the left or right of the slide.

These mounting configurations can be used with any of the motor options available. These include NEMA 11, 14, 17, and 23 stepper motors with either a single, double, or triple stack as well as state of the art servo motor options.

Learn more about the ML Miniature Linear Actuators and the available options by downloading the latest ML Series catalog.

Bill Brosend

Application Engineer

Linear Motion Solutions on Display at ATX South 2012

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PBC Linear will be exhibiting the broadest range of linear motion solutions available at this year’s ATX South Expo in Charlotte, NC. Make your plans now to visit the PBC booth, #1145 on May 2^nd or 3^rd at the Charlotte Convention Center. Be among the first to get a glimpse of the soon to be released SIMO^® Series Linear Motion Platform and patent pending Constant Force Technology. The full range of PBC Linear’s motion solutions will be on display.

RST - Round Shaft Technology featuring the self-lubricating maintenance free Simplicity^® linear bearings, recirculating ball bearings, and a full range of shafting and support rail options.

GST - Gliding Surface Technology linear slides and guideways. Uni-Guide™ linear slides and Mini-Rail™ linear guides feature the self-lubricating FrelonGOLD^® bearing material.

PRT - Profile Rail Technology with standard and miniature recirculating linear ball bearing carriages.

CRT - Cam Roller Technology including the lightweight Redi-Rail^® linear guides and V-Guide™ v-wheel bearing systems.

IVT - Integral-V™ linear guides utilize v-wheel cam rollers on hardened steel raceways embedded in an aluminum base and can easily integrate with structural aluminum framing.

LAT - Linear Actuator Technology contains a full range of driven solutions that make applying a full linear mechatronic solution a straightforward process.

Visit www.pbclinear.com to see the full line of best-in-class linear motion components that allow you to build on budget, on spec, and on time every time … mechatronic driven systems that easily integrate in your application … and custom solutions optimized for your specific needs.

Simplicity® Linear Bearings Temperature Range

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Simplicity® Linear Bearings Temperature Range

A major advantage of the self-lubricating Simplicity linear bearings is that they can be used over a very wide temperature range (-400°F / +400°F)(-240°C/+204°C). The fact that they are “self-lubricating” allows for the elimination of external grease or oil that is often the limiting factor on a bearing’s performance.

The thin bearing liner of Frelon® materials allows heat to dissipate through the bearing shell in high temperature applications. The bearing material maintains its performance characteristics while keeping thermal expansion to a minimum.

The standard bearing I.D. options are designed for use in most industrial applications. For temperatures below 0°F, the standard bearing I.D. is recommended (FL series bearings). For extreme high temperatures, the compensated I.D. bearing (FLC series) is recommended due to the increased running clearance.

CAUTION: It is always best to inspect actual size at extreme temperatures to ensure the proper running clearance.

Dave Humblet

Application Engineer

Easy-Access Preload Adjustment Feature Patented

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Easy-Access Preload Adjustment Feature Patented

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted PBC Linear® a patent on the innovative side-adjustment feature for controlling preload on linear guided roller bearings mounted to a variety of carriages. This feature enables easy access for preload adjustment without a user needing to remove mounting plates, end effectors, or other payloads from the carriage.

Currently this feature, covered under patent number US8,070,361 B2, is used in the Redi-Rail® Linear Guide family, on the Integral-V Technology (IVT) range of carriages, and in the SIMO® Series Linear Motion Platform.

Detailed descriptions and video demonstrations of the side-adjust feature can be seen at:

PBC Tech Team

Download the New IVT Linear Guide System Selection Guide

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Download the New IVT Linear Guide System Selection Guide

An updated, consolidated, and downloadable version of the Selection Guide for the Integral-V Technology Linear Guide System is now available at www.pbclinear.com.

Focusing on the six standard IVT rail/carriage combinations, this Selection Guide makes it easy for the Design Engineer to zero in on the best solution for any application challenge.

Utilizing the patent pending SIMO® process, the aluminum extrusion rails are qualified to machined tolerances of +/- .001”, providing high precision at low cost. The hardened steel raceways are embedded into the extrusion, providing an excellent running surface for the low friction V-Guide wheels. Standard carriages utilize four V-Guide rollers, two on each side of the rail. One side is fixed, while the second side incorporates the patented side-adjustment feature to allow easy access for preload adjustment without needing to remove items mounted to the carriage. With maximum static load ratings ranging from 1,960N up to 8,900N, an ability to handle extreme moment loads, and speed capabilities up to 12 m/s, the IVT Linear Guide System is well suited to a wide variety of applications. These include general automation, pick-n-place applications, packaging equipment, ergonomic adjustments, medical devices, metal cutting equipment, XYZ gantry arrangements, and much, much more.

Click here to visit the web page accessing more details and downloadable CAD files for IVT:

http://www.pbclinear.com/Integral-V-Linear-Guide-Technology

Click here to download the new IVT Selection Guide PDF:

http://www.pbclinear.com/Download/SelectionGuide/Integral-V-Technology-%28IVT%29-Linear-Guide-System.pdf

Introducing the SIMO® Series Linear Motion Platform

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Introducing the SIMO^® Series Linear Motion Platform

Putting Real Flexibility into Linear Slide Design

PBC Linear^® is pleased to introduce the new SIMO^® Series Linear Motion Platform. The SIMO Series is a family of linear motion solutions designed to put flexibility into the Design Engineer’s hands. The options begin with a choice of rail heights; low profile for tight spaces or a tall version for greater structural integrity. Each of these aluminum rails is qualified through the patent pending SIMO process where machined accuracies at extrusion prices are achieved. With 3 tribology choices, 3 drive choices, and multiple assembly options that are all interchangeable within the same dimensional geometry, the SIMO Series Linear Motion Platform can be configured and optimized for a single axis, or combined to create a multi-axis XYZ system. The tribology choices available are the self-lubricating FrelonGOLD^® plain bearings which are ideally suited for contaminated environments, V-wheel roller bearings for high speed applications, and profile rail linear guideways with recirculating ball bearings for rigidity and precision. Any of these bearing options can be driven by a choice of lead screw with machined nut or anti-backlash nut, ball screw, or two versions of belt drives. This versatility to mix-n-match within the same design envelope allows an engineer to test multiple configurations, and gives them the ability to easily adapt to changing requirements dependent on load, speed, accuracy, environment, and life considerations.

Download this PDF to learn more about SIMO Series features ... http://www.pbclinear.com/Download/Document/SIMO-Series-Introduction-Sheet.pdf

Contact PBC Linear at (800) 962-8979 or on the web at www.pbclinear.com

Cantilevered Loads and Simplicity® Linear Bearings

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Cantilevered Loads and Simplicity® Linear Bearings

Simplicity® self-lubricating linear bearings work well in cantilevered load situations when specified design guidelines are followed. Use these formulas and examples when using Simplicity bearings with a cantilevered load.

Maximum Ratio - 2:1
1X = bearing separation on same shaft
2X = distance from shaft to load or force

Example: If 2X equals 10” then 1X must be at least 5”

CAUTION: Binding will occur if the 2:1 ratio is exceeded!

Note: This principle is NOT load dependent. It is NOT due to edge loading. It is also NOT dependent on the driving force used. The bearings will bind whether hand or mechanically driven. The 2:1 principle for linear plain bearings and the resulting binding is a product of friction.

Working through the following equation will explain why this is a product of friction:

P = force being applied

L = distance out from shaft that P is being applied

s = center to center spacing of bearings

f = resultant force on bearings by shaft

F = friction force on each bearing

µ = coefficient of friction (about 0.25 when not moving)

Balance the Moments: f * s = L * P

L / s = f / P

Compute Friction Force: F = f * µ

Note: Total friction force pushing up is 2 * F. To lock up the slide, the total friction force must be equal to (or greater than) P.

P = 2 * F = 2 * f * µ

Substitute for P: L / s = f / ( 2 * f * µ ) = 1 / ( 2 * µ ) = > L / s = 1 / ( 2 * µ )

Note: The forces drop out of the equation

Assume static coefficient of friction is 0.25 (µ = 0.25) then L / s = 2. That is the 2:1 ratio.

There are many other factors that add to the braking effect, but the coefficient of friction is the main cause.

Note: Added lubrication can help to drop friction and extend the 2:1 ratio.

Dave Walden

Application Engineer

Linear Motion Systems General Selection Criteria

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Linear Motion Systems General Selection Criteria

A simple way to ensure that you are covering all of the bases needed to specify a linear motion system for most applications is to follow the simple acronym “POSTLUDES”.

You may be familiar with the acronyms LOSTPED and LOPSTED, which contain letters representing Load, Orientation, Speed, Travel, Precision, Environment, and Duty Cycle. These are seven of the most basic key elements to consider when selecting and sizing a robotic or motion system. Each should be considered independently and jointly, as the combination of requirements will sometimes lead to the qualification or disqualification of a potential solution. These acronyms have been in use for some time now, albeit with two omissions: a “U” for Unknown and an “S” for Safety.

To remedy this omission, we can add a “U” and an “S” to the end of the two existing acronyms to form LOSTPEDUS and LOPSTEDUS, or we can create a new acronym: POSTLUDES. Many of us are familiar with the word prelude, meaning an opening performance, action, or event. Postlude is simply the opposite, meaning a closing performance, action, or event. Any of these three helper acronyms will do, so choose the one that’s easiest to remember.

“P” - Precision (aka: accuracy, repeatability)

Precision is an often misunderstood and misapplied element. Instead of the word precision, let’s use the words accuracy and repeatability, although people often confuse the two. In general, repeatability is more important than accuracy. That said, customers often request an accurate system. Accuracy can be defined as the difference in position between where a system actually is, and where the controller thinks it is. Repeatability is defined as the difference in position when a system returns to a location under the same circumstances (i.e., same direction and motion profile). Because of backlash and “slop” within the mechanics, there is often a big difference between single directional repeatability and bidirectional repeatability. Most systems have a bidirectional repeatability rating that is much worse than the single directional repeatability rating.

When combined with the speed element, things can get complicated. Most systems with high dynamic performance levels (high velocity and acceleration) tend to have difficulties with high accuracy requirements. These systems often tend to overshoot their target location, then reverse direction to “hunt” for the intended position. This can be problematic for some applications. Note: Linear motor based systems do not typically have as extreme of a problem as rotary servo motors due to the larger force they typically exert on the system; however, they are much more expensive than other comparable systems and if the application’s force requirement is near that of the peak force of the linear motor, it will take longer to settle.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What is more important, accuracy or repeatability?

• What is the accuracy/repeatability requirement?

• Are these values realistic, based upon the desired motion profile?

“O” - Orientation

The orientation of a system is often taken for granted, the assumption being that the normal (horizontal) orientation will be utilized. This is a faulty assumption, because a system that works in the horizontal orientation may not work if it is inverted, and likely will not work as intended if the system is vertical. When orientation is combined with load, there can be a dramatic impact on the performance of a system. For example, not all systems can support the same payload in the normal (horizontal) orientation as they can when the payload is inverted or mounted on its side. A system that works fine in a horizontal orientation may not work properly if moved to a vertical orientation, as the motor must now directly overcome the force of gravity.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• How will the system be mounted? (e.g., “normal”, on its side, inverted, vertical, at an angle, etc.)

• How will this affect the load requirements?

“S” - Speed (aka: velocity, acceleration, motion profile)

The speed of a system is much more than the maximum velocity. If you were to ask a customer to define maximum velocity, maximum acceleration, or desired motion profile, they might find it difficult; but they could easily explain how they need their equipment to produce X parts per hour or move from A to B in so many seconds. Once this requirement is established, simple mathematical calculations will reveal the maximum velocity, acceleration, and motion profile. If a customer needs to move a distance of two meters, there’s a significant difference between doing it in, say, ten seconds, versus a single second.

An often overlooked factor is “jerk”, which is the rate of change of acceleration. For example, slowly depressing a vehicle’s accelerator results in a low jerk value, quickly depressing the accelerator yields a medium jerk value, and smashing into a brick wall would produce a very high jerk value indeed!

Motion profile is a term used by control engineers to describe the motion of a system by defining position, velocity, and acceleration (sometimes jerk) versus time. The two most common motion profiles are triangular and trapezoidal.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What is the maximum speed and acceleration required?

• What is the maximum jerk allowable?

• What motion profile (shape) is desired?

“T” - Travel (aka: stroke, overtravel, envelope)

Travel is one of the easiest elements to define; however, there are elements to this variable that are often overlooked. The three elements that need to be defined are stroke, overtravel, and overall envelope. Stroke is the distance the system needs to travel. Overtravel is additional travel used to compensate for errors during installation (e.g., misalignment) and extra travel during an emergency stop situation. Overall envelope is the total space available to the motion system. Some systems have very little additional space around the motion system, which can make component selection difficult.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What is the required travel (stroke)?

• What is the overall envelope allowed?

• How much overtravel (safety zone) is required?

“L” - Load

Load refers to the forces acting upon a system. The load starts with the EOAT (End of Arm Tooling) and the payload. The EOAT is often permanently attached to the robot or motion system and performs some type of work. Typical examples of EOAT include: grinders, welders, suction cups, grippers, dispensers, vacuums, and spindles. The EOAT usually has some kind of additional load applied to it. This load can come in the form of a weight being transported by the system or forces acting upon the system if the EOAT is a cutting tool or pusher.

There are actually three components to “load”: static, dynamic, and impact. Important: People often forget about the dynamic condition, and almost everyone forgets about the impact condition. Dynamic and impact load conditions are often forgotten because they cannot be seen on a drawing.

A static load condition occurs when the system is fully loaded and at rest. This is the easiest condition to describe. Additional forces, such as acceleration and deceleration, act upon the system while it’s in motion. There’s also the impact load condition to consider. What will happen when the system crashes? Is it expected to survive? How many crashes is the system expected to survive? Should a “weak link” component be designed in as a failure point?

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What is End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) and where is it located?

• What additional forces are seen by the system during use (e.g., cutting or pushing forces)?

• What do the static and dynamic free body diagrams look like? Have all loads been accounted for?

• What is expected of the system after an impact?

“U” - Unknown

No matter how much planning goes into a system, there will always be unexpected variables which can negatively affect performance. The most common factors are actually seen by most systems! Two of the most common are extra load caused by misaligning parallel linear guides, and extra drag from cables and cable carriers. Both of these can be overcome by allowing for an adequate safety factor when sizing system components. These factors are often referred to as the “known unknowns” because you know they exist and will affect the system, but you don’t know to what extent.

In addition, designers need to consider how their system might be misused. Is it likely the end user will make the system go faster or carry a heavier load? Will a maintenance technician stand on an important piece of equipment to gain access to something else? These things do happen, and it’s important to plan for them.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What are the known unknowns? What is a reasonable value for these unknowns?

• How will someone misuse this system?

• What could possibly go wrong?

• What else could go wrong? (Repeat this question until you can’t think of anything else!)

“D” - Duty Cycle/Life Cycle

Duty cycle is an often miscalculated value. For example, a factory runs a robot eight hours a day. During those eight hours the robot is in almost constant motion. The most common mistake people make is to wrongly assume the duty cycle is 33 percent (8/24 hours). In reality, the duty cycle is 100 percent, because when the system is in use, it’s in constant motion. The easiest way to calculate duty cycle is to look at a single move. How long will it take to make the single move, and how long will the system rest between each move? Many motion control component manufacturers publish a defined maximum allowable duty cycle, and some will even reduce the rated load capacity when their component is used in a high duty cycle application.

The second aspect of duty cycle to consider is how long a customer expects their system to last. They will typically state a certain amount of time, and it will be necessary to work backwards to figure out the total distance traveled in that time, and the total hours of operation. Motion components have a lifetime in meters or inches, and electrical components have a lifetime listed in hours.

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• What is the actual duty cycle for the system?

• What is the expected lifetime?

“E” - Environment

There are two ways to consider the environmental effects for a motion system. First, you have to consider how the environment will affect the system; and second, you have to consider how the system will affect the environment. Is the environment at a temperature extreme (i.e., hot or cold)? Are there contaminants in the area, such as dirt, chips, or liquids? Is a vacuum applied? Are there vibrations or other shock loads that could be applied directly to the system or to the area around the system? Will the system be installed in a clean environment where particulate generation could be an issue?

Finally, where and how will the system be installed? What surrounds the system? Can a technician easily gain access to perform preventative maintenance? Does the system require lubrication storage because there will be no maintenance?

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• In what environment will the system be installed?

• Are there any hazards in the environment?

• What is the maintenance schedule, and is the system accessible for maintenance/lubrication?

• Are there contaminants in the environment which can damage the motion system?

• Will the system disburse contaminants into the environment that could damage other equipment or products?

“S” - Safety

In today’s “litigation happy” world, addressing safety issues is more important than ever. Nothing can sink a company faster than a lawsuit, and many insurance companies refuse to cover an accident if a company has intentionally neglected to install required safety equipment. Tougher standards have been imposed upon industry by governmental regulation and protection agencies (e.g., OSHA, CCOHS, EU-OSHA) and industry standards (e.g., ANSI Z##, ISO13849, IEC61508, EN61508, EN954, UL, CE). To determine which safeguards to include, it is very important to ask a customer if there are any special requirements to which their system needs to conform, especially if human beings will interact on any level.

Also consider what might happen during unusual and/or unexpected events. What will happen to this system and the payload during a power outage or natural disaster? Will the payload be safe? Will the people around the system be safe? What needs to be done to make the system safe, and how much will it cost?

Key questions to ask yourself or the customer:

• Are there any safety standards to which this system needs to conform?

• What could happen if the system fails? Are there safeguards that need to be installed for a system failure?

• Could people be injured by this system? If so, how will the system be protected?

Jonathan Schroeder

Business Development & Engineering Manager

Redi-Rail® Slider Orientation

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Installing a Redi-Rail® slider properly is critical to the success of an application. To ensure the utilization of the slider’s full load capacity and to reach its full life expectancy, follow these simple guidelines.

A standard metric 3-roller slider has a center bearing that is mounted on an adjustable slide enabling preload. The preload comes factory preset, but can be adjusted. This roller will contact one side of the rail. (Side “A” in the illustration) The inch series has a fixed preload, and cannot be adjusted.

The rollers at each end are mounted to contact the opposite side of the rail and will carry the majority of the load. (Side “B” in the illustration)

To identify which direction to mount the slider so that the two rollers designed to carry the majority of the load are oriented correctly, locate the arrows on the face of the slider. Be sure to install the slider with the arrows pointing in the direction of the force or load being applied to achieve its rated load capacity.

NOTE: Some older versions of the Redi-Rail sliders have a similar design, but the load direction is noted by two indentations on the slider face instead of two arrows.

Dave Humblet

Application Engineer

Flexible Manufacturing Leads to Fast Linear Motion Solutions

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Flexible Manufacturing Leads to Fast Linear Motion Solutions

PBC Linear is featured in this issue of the FF Journal for their effective use of waterjet capabilities. This flexible manufacturing method allows PBC to respond quickly to customer requirements for diverse linear motion solutions.

Tim LeCrone, a Process Engineer for PBC Linear, is quoted as saying “A key focus for us is to help our customers slim down their products and design cycles. Using this ‘Design on a Diet’ philosophy, we collaborate with their engineers to develop new solutions to old design problems. Inside of our [engineered to order] process, we heavily use the Flow waterjet machine. Using a customer’s print, it allows us to literally go from art to part in as little as 30 seconds. We can have a prototype piece in our hands in just a few minutes.”

Read the full FF Journal article here.

Learn more about PBC Linear’s versatile manufacturing capabilities here.

Linear Motion Solutions on Display at MD&M West 2012

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Linear Motion Solutions on Display at MD&M West 2012

PBC Linear will be exhibiting the broadest range of linear motion solutions available at this year’s MD&M West Expo in Anaheim, CA. Make your plans now to visit the PBC booth, #2385 on Feb. 14^th-16^th at the Anaheim Convention Center. Be among the first to get a glimpse of the soon to be released SIMO^® Series Linear Motion Platform and patent pending Constant Force Technology. The full range of PBC Linear’s motion solutions will be on display.

RST - Round Shaft Technology featuring the self-lubricating maintenance free Simplicity^® linear bearings, recirculating ball bearings, and a full range of shafting and support rail options.

GST - Gliding Surface Technology linear slides and guideways, Uni-Guide™ linear slides and Mini-Rail™ linear guides feature the self-lubricating FrelonGOLD^® bearing material.

PRT - Profile Rail Technology with standard and miniature recirculating linear ball bearing carriages.

CRT - Cam Roller Technology including the lightweight Redi-Rail^® linear guides and V-Guide™ v-wheel bearing systems.

IVT - Integral-V™ linear guides utilize v-wheel cam rollers on hardened steel raceways embedded in an aluminum base and can easily integrate with structural aluminum framing.

LAT - Linear Actuator Technology contains a full range of driven solutions that make applying a full linear mechatronic solution a straightforward process.

PBC Linear Featured for Patent Innovation

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PBC Linear Featured for Patent Innovation

PBC Linear was featured today in the Rockford Register Star highlighting the company’s forward thinking and commitment to innovation as reflected in recently filed applications and granted patents. Jonathan Schroeder, Business Development Manager, spoke to the company philosophy of utilizing economic downturns as a time to “innovate and develop new products”. Read the full article at http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1251830196/Rock-River-Valley-sets-record-for-patents-in-2011 .

Inverted Simplicity Linear Bearing Design Factors

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Inverted Simplicity® Linear Bearing Design Factors

Most linear bearings can be used when turned 90° or even inverted, but there are a few factors to consider when mounting linear bearings in this orientation.

In applications where open style bearings are to be mounted at a 90° or inverted completely, plane bearings like the Simplicity^® self-lubricating linear bearings have a distinct advantage over traditional linear ball bearings and grooved plastic insert bearings. Simplicity bearings are a one-piece design with a greater contact area, offering a consistent bearing surface contacting the shaft. This means that no matter what the orientation is, the bearing surface will always be in contact with the shaft. In the case of ball bearings, consideration must be given to where the raceways are oriented to ensure that they are located at an angle to handle the load. The same is true of the linear grooves in a two-piece plastic bearing.

All linear bearings must be de-rated when used in a different orientation, but due to the Simplicity bearings maintaining consistent contact, they are not as susceptible to this design problem. Use the numbers in the illustration shown to de-rate the Simplicity bearings and account for the stress placed on the outer shell material of the open style bearing.

Dave Walden

Application Engineer

The Top 5 - PBC Linear blog posts of 2011

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The Top 5 Blog Posts of 2011

2011 was a great year for the PBC Linear blog! Relevant application stories, technical specs, usage tips, and up to date product information delivered on a regular basis has made the PBC Linear blog a vital way to communicate. You can sign up now to have the latest articles delivered to directly to your email box or to your favorite reader via RSS.

5. Top 5 Killers of Design Projects

Avoid these killers that can turn your design engineering project into a nightmare.

4. PBC and Hiller Inc Provide Ultra-Light Redi-Rail for Aircraft

Aircraft interiors require lightweight and sturdy designs. Hiller Inc., a specialist design firm in luxury aircraft, collaborated with PBC Linear to produce an efficient linear motion solution for a lavatory door.

3. Dealing with Back Drive in a Linear Slide

In a vertical orientation, back drive can occur by the load (or carriage) alone, causing the carriage to drift down. Vibration and other external factors can also cause this movement. Generally, a lead screw with efficiency greater than 50% will have a tendency to back drive.

2. The Science of Self-lubrication

Bearing and linear guide manufacturers’ misuse of performance buzzwords such as “self-lubrication”, “maintenance free”, and “lubed for life” has led to a broad misunderstanding of what these terms actually mean.

#1. Heavy Duty Linear and Roller Bearings in Motion

Announcing the release of a short video detailing both product and potential applications within the industrial and heavy manufacturing space, this was the most viewed and clicked blog post for 2011 at the PBC Linear blog.

PBC Linear Exhibiting Solutions for Lab Automation at SLAS 2012

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PBC Linear Exhibiting Solutions for Lab Automation at SLAS 2012

PBC Linear will be exhibiting a range of linear motion solutions for lab automation applications at the SLAS 2012 Exhibition, February 6 &7 in San Diego. Make your plans now to visit PBC in booth #144 to see the latest innovations in guide rail and linear motion systems for well plate transfer, bio-sample handling, and other medical, life science, and pharmaceutical applications.

ML Compact Linear Actuators - ideal for small envelope designs requiring precise repeatable positioning.

Mini-Rail^® Linear Guides - self-lubricating guides for smooth, quiet, maintenance free motion.

PRT - Profile Rail Technology with miniature recirculating linear ball bearing carriages.

CRT - Cam Roller Technology including the lightweight Redi-Rail® linear guides and V-Guide™ v-wheel bearing systems.

IVT - Integral-V™ linear guides utilize cam rollers on hardened steel raceways embedded in an aluminum base and can easily integrate with structural aluminum framing.

Visit www.pbclinear.com to see the full line of best-in-class linear motion components that allow you to “build it” on budget, on spec, and on time … every time.

The Top 5 Videos of 2011

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The Top 5 Videos of 2011

With almost 200,000 views, 2011 has been a year that has seen the explosion of video as a medium to convey product and technical information for PBC Linear. You can find a variety of hands-on instructional, application focused, and product videos that have been posted on www.pbclinear.com , at the PBC Linear YouTube Channel, or on other engineering related sites around the web.

Here are the top 5 most viewed new videos from PBC Linear in 2011.

5. Application Focus - Automated Delivery Systems

See the benefits PBC Linear can provide to the automated retail and kiosk industry through collaborative Cartesian robotic designs that streamline assembly and lower total costs.

4. Top Five Design Tips for Hevi-Rail

Inspired by the phone calls we receive every day, this video answers the questions on how to set-up, align, finish, preload, install, and utilize the Hevi-Rail® heavy duty bearings and profiles in automation and lift system applications.

3. Complete Mechatronics Solutions from PBC Linear

Whether the application calls for belt, ball or lead screw driven linear systems, PBC can provide a complete mechatronic solution. Available in multiple types of bearing technology and profile sizes, PBC Linear has the full selection of driven systems to match up with your application as well as compatible accessories for easy adaptability.

2. Application Focus - Uni-Guide Linear Slide Simplified On-Demand Book Printer Design

PBC Linear’s Uni-Guide linear slide is applied in several places within a new book printing system. Able to perform the gluing, cutting and collating operations, the Uni-Guide reduced linear motion assembly components from 14 down to 2.

^#1. Simplicity – Your Long Term Linear Motion Match

What is Simplicity technology? Check out this short video explaining how PBC Linear’s proven linear plain bearing products work and how they thrive in demanding applications.

The Top 5 Ways to Get Management Buy-In

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The Top 5 Ways to Get Management Buy-In

It's that time when plans and proposals for the next calendar year have everyone working to sell their idea within an organization. Every engineer has faced the situation where they discover a better technology or recognize a need for change in a process, design, or component, only to be stymied by not being able to persuade management to make the change. Here are 5 ideas to help gain the critical buy-in from the final decision makers.

^#5. Align the change with stated company goals

The closer you can associate your idea to reflect the goal or mission statement of the organization, the better chance you have of someone paying attention to it.

^#4. Speak management’s language

ROI, implementation plan, market share, profit, bottom line, speed to market, etc. are all the types of things that senior management is most concerned about. Putting your initiative into their language and terms will get their attention.

^#3. Keep it short and sweet

Executives lead busy lives and are pulled in a variety of directions. Be short, to the point, and don’t bury them with over analysis.

^#2. Use the experts as resources

Quote those who have done specific research or that know their technology the best. We at PBC Linear work with engineers regularly to develop the justification for changes in a design based on testing, analysis, and experience. Be sure to utilize professionals in a given area to build your case for change.

^#1. Crunch the numbers & track results

Bring facts, not anecdotes to the table. At the end of the day, stories help build a case, but concise, relevant data will seal the deal.

Precision vs. Compensated Mini-Rail® Linear Guideways

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Precision vs. Compensated Mini-Rail® Linear Guideways

Mini-Rail® Miniature Linear Guides are available with two classes of running clearance in all sizes. The 7, 9, 12, 15, and 20mm rails are all available in either a precision version for tighter tolerances or compensated version to tolerate greater misalignment.

Precision Mini-Rail Linear Guides
- Use the prefix “MR” in the carriage part number (MR12C)
- Has the tightest running clearance (.025 - .051mm)
- Recommended for applications that require tighter tolerances and stiffened assemblies
- Not recommended for parallel shaft applications where misalignment can lead to binding issues.

Compensated Mini-Rail Linear Guides
- Use the prefix “MRC” in the carriage part number (MRC15C)
- All dimensions are the same as the precision carriages except the running clearance (.064 - .089mm)
- Ideally suited for parallel shaft applications because of increased ability to deal with misalignment and eliminate binding issues.

The precision vs. compensated feature is utilized in the Simplicity® round shaft self-lubricating linear bearings providing the same performance characteristics and ability to handle shaft misalignement.

Self-Lubricating Bearings - Top 5 Reasons To Go Lube Free

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Self-Lubricating Bearings - Top 5 Reasons To Go Lube Free

Simplicity® linear bearings with the Frelon® liner materials are truly self-lubricating, but why is self-lubrication a big deal? Here are the top 5 reasons that you should go lube free with your linear bearings.

#5 - No more grease stains on your company shirt.

#4 - Save time and money on your preventative maintenance schedule.

#3 - No hazardous waste from the lubricant, disposal, or

cleanup to handle.

#2 - Frictional forces on the bearings and drive system

remain consistent.

#1 - No added grease or oil required that can attract

contaminants that destroy conventional bearings.

To learn more about the technical benefits and the facts behind true self-lubricating bearings, download the white paper The Science of Self-Lubrication - Debunking the Myth of “Lubed for Life”.

Cantilevered Load Calculation for Hevi-Rail® Heavy Duty Bearings

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Cantilevered Load Calculation for Hevi-Rail® Heavy Duty Bearings

Hevi-Rail® heavy duty bearings are designed to handle extreme loads for up to 60 ton systems. They are an ideal for solution for lift stations, palletizers, material handing applications, as well as robotic transfer units and automation. Calculating the maximum cantilever force capabilities of a Hevi-Rail design is a simple process following this formula.

Engineers and Social Media

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Engineers and Social Media

Most engineers that I know are extremely busy people. They don’t have time to be scanning the “wall” for something of interest, or to be “tweeting” about what was on the lunch menu. The idea of social media tends to make them think of a sixteen year old with their laptop open, typing away with one hand while texting on their cell with the other, trying to keep up with the latest romance or breakup, which star is hot, and what song is at the top of the charts.

But has social media reached a point where it is more sophisticated than that? Is there real value in networking and community for a Design Engineer? Is there information, and are there links to solutions for technical problems readily available within the social web experience?

At PBC Linear, we are of course involved in social marketing and social media like most B2B companies in today’s world, but our goal isn’t to be social just for the sake of being social. We want to provide you with the latest news in bearing innovation and application, technical solutions for linear motion, and hands on answers to real world motion control problems in a way that best meets your needs.

With that in mind, send me your comments on your experience with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, the blog-o-sphere, and whatever other social media outlets you use. Especially comments on how these mediums have been useful to you in your professional “day job”. What would you like to see in the realm of social media from a company providing engineered solutions?

You can connect with us by leaving a comment in the blog below, or at http://www.facebook.com/PBCLinear. Thanks in advance for the feedback!

PBC Linear Blog

8,200 Custom Linear Bearing Configurations in 30 years

PBC Linear Exhibiting Linear Motion Solutions at Automatica 2012

PBC Linear Quick Response With Efficient CAD Modeling

Versatile Motor Options for ML Miniature Linear Actuators

Linear Motion Solutions on Display at ATX South 2012

Simplicity® Linear Bearings Temperature Range

Easy-Access Preload Adjustment Feature Patented

Download the New IVT Linear Guide System Selection Guide

Introducing the SIMO® Series Linear Motion Platform

Cantilevered Loads and Simplicity® Linear Bearings

Linear Motion Systems General Selection Criteria

Redi-Rail® Slider Orientation

Flexible Manufacturing Leads to Fast Linear Motion Solutions

Linear Motion Solutions on Display at MD&M West 2012

PBC Linear Featured for Patent Innovation

Inverted Simplicity Linear Bearing Design Factors

The Top 5 - PBC Linear blog posts of 2011

5. Top 5 Killers of Design Projects

4. PBC and Hiller Inc Provide Ultra-Light Redi-Rail for Aircraft

3. Dealing with Back Drive in a Linear Slide

2. The Science of Self-lubrication

PBC Linear Exhibiting Solutions for Lab Automation at SLAS 2012

The Top 5 Videos of 2011

The Top 5 Ways to Get Management Buy-In

Precision vs. Compensated Mini-Rail® Linear Guideways

Self-Lubricating Bearings - Top 5 Reasons To Go Lube Free

Top 5 Design Tips Video for Hevi-Rail® Linear Bearings

Cantilevered Load Calculation for Hevi-Rail® Heavy Duty Bearings

Engineers and Social Media