Helix Linear Technologies Blog | Articles, how-tos and information on the latest linear motion topics.

Until the recent emergence of new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) demands for green buildings, the HVAC industry historically developed systems and supporting ductwork that were designed for overcapacity.

Globally, rail car systems build-out is projected for strong growth well into the foreseeable future. The design of rail car components has seen similar steady movement.

The number of medical imaging systems continues to grow at a projected annual rate of 6.8 percent, and linear motion control systems have become vital to the successful development, advancement, and deployment of these important pieces of medical equipment.

Ensuring optimal performance of acme screws and other types of lead screw assemblies often requires pairing the right screw and nut materials with the most suitable lubricant for a particular job

Aside from mechanics and car buffs, most people who drive automobiles have no idea that small electric actuators—also known as mini actuators—are at work, performing a variety of automotive functions that are simply taken for granted

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, dramatically increased demand for automated security systems in practically all facets of society. From military and governmental security technologies to commercial and residential surveillance systems, automated security represents one of the fastest growing markets in today’s global economy.

Several trends are driving increased demand for electric actuators for providing linear motion control in packaging machines. While pneumatics-driven actuation has historically served this function, the industry is transitioning away from that approach in order to realize greater flexibility, cleaner operation, less noise, and reduced costs.

Once thought of as little more than a cheap substitute for ball screws and only suitable for limited use in less demanding applications, lead screws (sometimes called lead screws, power screws, acme screws or translation screws) have evolved and now offer many significant advantages over alternative technologies

Many types of machinery need to position components and/or move loads in a linear fashion, and machine designers routinely face the question of whether to use an electric linear actuator or a pneumatic actuator to fulfill this requirement.

Even though the acme thread form was originally developed more than 100 years ago, it has proven to be such a reliable and effective design that actuators driven by screws using this thread have become a staple for providing linear actuation and motion control in today’s modern aircraft for non flight critical applications, as well as in the docking and maintenance equipment used to service airline fleets.