News from drive technology at a glance

Mechanics News from Drive Technology at a Glance

2025-11-24 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 6 min Reading Time

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Bosch Rexroth AG

Bosch Rexroth AG Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies

HIWIN GmbH

Neugart GmbH

igus GmbH

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We present to you: ball bearings and linear axes for semiconductor manufacturing and the food industry, rack and pinion drives as a precise complete solution, a dynamic linear axis for vertical movement, and an online shop.

Specifically for cleanrooms such as in battery production or the semiconductor industry, Igus has developed a new cleanroom-compatible ball bearing made of wear-resistant high-performance plastics.(Image: Igus) — Specifically for cleanrooms such as in battery production or the semiconductor industry, Igus has developed a new cleanroom-compatible ball bearing made of wear-resistant high-performance plastics.
(Image: Igus)

Polymer Ball Bearings: Safe Alternative in Cleanrooms

In addition to energy chains, Igus now also offers ball bearings made of abrasion-resistant specialty plastics for cleanrooms: The new polymer bearings of the Xiros series are expected to comply with the strictest cleanroom class ISO Class 1 after upcoming certification. They were developed for highly sensitive applications in battery manufacturing and the semiconductor industry, such as use in support rollers. The new ball bearings offer particularly high abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, as well as minimal particle emission.

Conventional metal bearings can generate microparticles due to insufficient lubrication or corrosion. "Recently, more and more cleanroom users have been asking us if they could switch from metal to our lubrication-free high-performance plastics," reports Marcus Semsroth, Head of Business Unit Xiros Polymer Ball Bearings. The new bearing is made from three materials: the inner and outer rings are injection-molded from Xirodur C161, while the cage that holds the glass balls in position is made of Xirodur A161. The company is currently testing the polymer ball bearings in its in-house test laboratory, which was developed and built in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA). Of six trials, three achieved the targeted ISO Class 1 certification, while three others met ISO Class 2.

The polymer ball bearings are suitable for applications with medium speed and light loads. The size 6000 has a maximum rotational speed of 1700 rpm, a static load capacity of 60 N, and a dynamic load capacity of 65 N. The flexural strength at 20 °C (~68 °F) is 27 MPa, and the long-term upper application temperature is 60 °C (~140 °F). "The polymer ball bearings can thus be used, among other things, in lightweight robotic arms, conveyor and support rollers," says Semsroth.

Flexible Linear Axis for Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing

The PSK modules enable short cycle times, for example, in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.(Image: Bosch Rexroth) — The PSK modules enable short cycle times, for example, in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
(Image: Bosch Rexroth)

Bosch Rexroth expands the PSK precision series for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing with a new variant featuring belt cover. This allows highly dynamic handling and positioning processes to be implemented even in less clean manufacturing processes such as laser cutting. The linear axis is available in three sizes.

The ready-to-install precision modules are, according to the manufacturer, easy to integrate and enable short cycle times as well as consistently high manufacturing quality. The foundation is a precision steel profile with integrated guideways, which features high moment of inertia for its dimensions.

With the belt cover, the series can also be used in environments with particle emissions. The enclosed linear system proves its worth, among other applications, in laser cutting, where it handles the height adjustment of the laser head on the Z-axis and separates motion and machining processes.

Additional options include magnetic sensors that can be adjusted over the entire travel path, as well as various lubrication solutions. In addition to basic grease application, a preserved version for custom greases is also available. Furthermore, different motor mounting variants are offered – including belt drives for Rexroth motors or other NEMA-compatible servo and stepper motors. Selection and configuration are carried out via the E-Tool Linselect.

Stainless Steel Bearings with IP69K: When Hygiene Meets High Pressure

The stainless steel bearing units with IP69K protection class withstand even the toughest washdown processes.(Image: FYH) — The stainless steel bearing units with IP69K protection class withstand even the toughest washdown processes.
(Image: FYH)

High hygiene standards, aggressive cleaning agents, and high-pressure jets – for these conditions, Findling Wälzlager has included the High-Protection series from FYH in its range. The stainless steel bearing units of the High-Protection series, with protection class IP69K, withstand high-pressure water jets, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity. No water or dust could enter during tests in accordance with ISO 20653, as confirmed by independent inspections and audits. The bearings come pre-lubricated from the factory with NSF H1-certified lubricant, making them safe for use in the direct environment of food processing and packaging machines.

Technically, the series features multiple protection mechanisms: A sealing lip on the flinger repels liquids and dirt. Additionally, a sealing lip between the flinger and radial seal provides a second protective barrier. As a third barrier, a double-lip RS seal against the inner ring ensures tightness. The bearing units are available in numerous housing types and can be easily used as replacements for standard products thanks to compatible dimensions.

"With this series, we are bringing a solution to the market that is tailored to the real requirements of food and beverage production," says Klaus Findling, Managing Director at Findling Wälzlager. "The certified IP69K sealing means less downtime, longer service life, and thus noticeable relief in daily operations for our customers."

Axis for Vertical High-Speed Applications

The axis operates with an integrated direct drive, enabling high dynamics.(Image: Hiwin) — The axis operates with an integrated direct drive, enabling high dynamics.
(Image: Hiwin)

With the CV axis, specifically developed for vertical applications, Hiwin expands its portfolio of high-dynamic linear axes and special axes. The CV axis combines dynamics, compact design, and precision, making it suitable for modern automation and handling systems. The axis operates with an integrated direct drive in the form of a linear motor, which eliminates the need for mechanical transmission elements. The use of linear motors enables rapid acceleration and deceleration, resulting in short cycle times.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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The manufacturer additionally offers a modular and retrofittable system for weight compensation. It is magnetic by default but can also be implemented pneumatically. It reduces motor load in vertical applications, lowers energy consumption, and expands the application range of the axis.

The lightweight arm ensures low moving mass while maintaining high rigidity. This allows accelerations of up to 80 m/s² (~262.5 ft/s²) and speeds of up to 5 m/s (~16.4 ft/s). The CV axis has a modular design and can be operated individually or integrated into multidimensional systems, particularly Hiwin linear axis systems. Depending on the application, various encoder systems, energy chains, and pneumatic clamps are available.

Rack and Pinion Drives as a Precise Complete Solution

With the new integrated gearbox-pinion-rack combination, Neugart offers a complete solution for high precision and efficiency.(Image: Neugart) — With the new integrated gearbox-pinion-rack combination, Neugart offers a complete solution for high precision and efficiency.
(Image: Neugart)

With a new integrated gearbox-pinion-rack combination, Neugart expands its portfolio with a complete solution for high precision and efficiency in rack applications. The new concept combines perfectly matched components. The three components interlock seamlessly, ensuring smooth operation, high feed force, and precise positioning.

The racks are available with either straight or helical teeth and are made of induction-hardened tempered steel. They cover a module range from 1.5 to 5 millimeters (~0.06 to 0.2 inches) and comply with quality grade 6. Subsequent heat treatment and grinding of the teeth ensure high surface quality and long service life. In addition to standard lengths of 1000 mm and 2000 mm (~39 inches to ~79 inches), customized lengths are also possible.

Matching pinions are available for gearboxes from size 060 to 200 – optionally as coaxial or angular gearboxes in shaft or flange designs. The Precision Line offers higher positioning accuracy, while the Economy Line provides robust and economical solutions for standard applications.

A special feature is the highly durable output shaft bearing of the gearboxes. It reliably transmits high radial and axial forces, even during dynamic cycles and heavy loads. This ensures smooth and quiet power transmission.

Configure and Order Drive Solutions Online

New features simplify the configuration and ordering of drive components.(Image: Getriebebau Nord) — New features simplify the configuration and ordering of drive components.
(Image: Getriebebau Nord)

Nord Drivesystems has revamped its central customer portal Mynord. Marketing Manager Jörg Niermann explains: "With the launch of the new, simplified Mynord product configurator and product search, extended functions, a modern design, and the ability to order Nord drive solutions online have been introduced." Users in Germany now also have the option to view the estimated delivery time of their ordered products directly from the factory through the portal.

Users can configure drive systems and components via the customer portal. A simulation model can now be requested and integrated into a simulated system for virtual commissioning. In this environment, drive configurations can be thoroughly tested. Additionally, the entire standard documentation can be downloaded there.