We present new linear actuators and electric cylinders, showcase innovative profile rail guides and linear units in new sizes, as well as drive technology for the robotics and packaging sectors—seven updates from linear technology.
The combination of innovative technology and a clear commitment to sustainability makes the Franke linear guides from secondary aluminum the ideal choice
(Image: Franke)
Move Precisely And Efficiently
In modern industry, linear guides are a critical component for precise and efficient motion sequences. Franke combines technological sophistication with a sustainable approach. The profile rails consist of aluminum base bodies equipped with integrated steel raceways. The carriages are fitted with maintenance-free needle or ball-bearing rollers. A groove guides the rollers axially, ensuring uniformly smooth operation.
Extended Position-Based Synchronization
Extended position-based synchronization of linear actuators.
(Image: Thomson)
Thomson has introduced an enhanced synchronization option for its smart Electrak HD electric linear actuator. This advancement in control options implements position-based synchronization within the actuator's integrated electronics. The application field includes advanced axis control systems requiring dynamic load distribution among multiple Electrak HD units. The synchronization option supports up to eight Electrak HD actuators, interacting in real time through a CAN bus network for perfectly coordinated operation. A consistently timed signal in each actuator synchronizes position detection across all units. If one actuator experiences a higher load, it signals the others to reduce their speed to maintain uniform positioning. Only a disruption triggers a system shutdown.
New Sizes Bring New Flexibility
With RK Compact 160, RK Rose+Krieger opens the next size class in linear technology
(Image: RK Rose+Krieger)
With 6,500 catalog items, RK Rose + Krieger offers numerous options for developing tailored system solutions for industrial manufacturing. The portfolio includes components for modular, connection, profile, and linear technology. In the latter segment, two additional elements have now been added. The linear unit E-II stainless steel is now available in size 50. The range of single-tube axes for light to heavy adjustment tasks thus covers diameters of 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 inches. Versions with right-hand or left-hand threads, as well as with both right- and left-hand threads, provide great flexibility in planning. Key components of the size 50 unit are made of stainless steel. The end elements are equipped with a standard drain hole for media such as water. With this equipment, the linear unit is corrosion-resistant.
Developed and produced in Germany
With the new electric cylinder, Hiwin GmbH sets a clear impulse for greater efficiency, precision, and flexibility in industrial automation.
(Image: Hiwin)
The electric cylinders from Hiwin are fully developed and manufactured in Offenburg—a clear commitment to "Made in Germany" quality. This not only ensures the highest production standards but also guarantees short delivery times and reliable technical support. The latest drive is available in four sizes, with the stroke length freely selectable in millimeter increments. Inside, a high-performance ball screw drive enables faster travel speeds.
Powerful Miniature Drives for Robotics
A brushless BX4 motor adjusts the gripping force to the parts to be gripped.
(Image: Zimmer)
Today, production and logistics are unthinkable without robotics. The tasks of robots range from gripping and holding to welding. This requires powerful microdrives that can release considerable forces in very confined spaces, operate reliably even in continuous or stop-and-go operation, and often position with high precision. Drive systems from Faulhaber repeatedly demonstrate their capabilities here, from pick-and-place applications to innovative tool changers. To this day, most grippers are pneumatically operated. However, this technology is unsuitable for hygienic environments. Therefore, grippers with electric drives are used in such cases, which also offers the advantage of adjusting the gripping force to different objects through appropriate control.
Packaging: Durable Components for High Availability
In packaging technology, the industry primarily relies on durable and reliable standard components. Schaeffler presents a linear technology portfolio for the food and beverage industry, including roller and shaft guides, the new miniature profile rail guides KUEM in stainless steel, and the four-row recirculating ball units KLLT for various handling axes. With the KLLT series, the company now offers a four-row "all-round" recirculating ball unit in an X arrangement for substructures with lower accuracy requirements, as well as a series in an O arrangement for high demands on precision, rigidity, and load capacity. The housing units feature open mounting eyes, sloped surfaces on the housing, and generous 45-degree chamfers, which facilitate the draining of cleaning fluids and drying. Thanks to the hygienic design concept, they are easy to clean. The housing units are made of glass fiber-reinforced plastic with FDA approval or stainless steel, making them both corrosion- and media-resistant. All deep groove ball bearing components are made of stainless steel.
Rigidity Without Loss of Dynamics
A special feature of the Lifgo HP rack and pinion gears is the helical gearing: it ensures that the rack moves very quietly and the gearbox achieves high positioning accuracy.
(Image: Leantechnik AG)
The development of machines with large travel movements has been challenging so far, as positioning accuracy significantly decreases over long strokes due to vibrations. As a countermeasure, the stiffness of the axes is increased, which, however, comes at the cost of reduced dynamics. The Lifgo HP rack-and-pinion gear from Leantechnik opens up new possibilities. According to the company, the gear ensures high axis stiffness even at long stroke lengths without compromising dynamics. Another feature is the helical gear design, which ensures very quiet rack movement and achieves high positioning accuracy (up to 2 µm/ 0.00008 inches). The precision is further increased by the steplessly adjustable backlash. Drive and guidance are housed within the same unit, saving installation space.
Date: 08.12.2025
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