Highly Specialized Linear Motion Based on Your Applications
With Nook's modular linear actuators, there are no limits in the variety of possible configurations. For several decades we have helped a huge number of customers with very special linear motion requests. Our customers receive customized solutions for a wide range of drive types and guides.
These modular linear actuators are found in virtually every area of the automation industry. Our customers value their performance in processes ranging from simple positioning tasks to highly complex multi-axis systems that require great precision.
Comparing Drive Types
There are typically four main drive types for these linear actuator systems. While there is some common functionality, each method can have several distinct advantages for a given individual application. We will explore each of the drive types in further detail here.
Belt Drive
Linear actuators with "toothed" belt drive are designed for high-speed motion over long distances. They are perfect for fast positioning and handling tasks involving light to heavy loads in which high repeat accuracy with short cycle times are also vital. The drive is provided via a steel-reinforced toothed belt.
With standard accessories, these linear axes are easily combined to create multi-axis systems. Our innovative technology keeps wear in the units to a minimum providing longer service life. They offer a much lower cost solution as compared to linear motors.
Screw Drive
Linear actuators with screw drive are preferred for high axial thrust forces, where the highest precision is also required. They offer a convenient and exact solution. Screw drive makes it possible to generate high feed forces and are particularly suitable where there are stringent requirements for positioning and repeat accuracy. You can choose between acme and ball screw types.
Acme screw or ball screw drive?
- Acme screw drives are suitable for transferring large axial forces while providing a self-locking advantage. Nook acme thread linear actuators are long established standard in robust and precise applications.
- Ball screw drives are particularly suitable for applications with increased precision requirements and are characterized by very high efficiency with very low friction. As a result, the breakaway torque and the drive torque are reduced to a minimum.
Linear actuators with rack and pinion drives are used for highly dynamic movements with long distances. Even with heavy loads, they offer constant positioning accuracy. They also provide greater feed forces in long strokes. This solution gives you high stiffness, excellent positioning accuracy, and high load capacity.
The racks and the rack wheels deliver a very long service life. Any number of rack segments can be connected together, allowing unlimited lengths. Furthermore, several carriages can be operated independently of each other on the linear unit (saves time while increasing throughput).
Explore Rack & Pinion Drives Further
Linear Motor Drive
Linear actuators with linear motor drive are particularly suitable for applications with high accelerations and speeds, where high precision is required with a low load. The carriage is propelled into a linear movement by a flat electric motor. As a result, these linear units boast lower space requirements and, at the same time, offer several advantages over other drive types.
In addition to its outstanding dynamic performance and precision, the compact system is low noise, low wear, and low maintenance. At the same time, you minimize maintenance-related downtimes and drive-induced failures. They are a much higher cost solution as compared to the other alternatives.
