Helix Linear Blog | Miscellaneous

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

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.

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.

Given the range of motion control devices, systems, and assemblies that are available on the market—plus advances in the development of innovative MCSs and the greater demands for today’s precision guidance and positioning applications.

Achieving precise guidance and positioning through linear motion control has become a common requirement in today’s manufacturing environments. Virtually all manufacturing processes utilize some type of linear motion control, for which linear slides offer a simple, flexible, and cost-effective solution.

Most design engineers know that a mechanical linear actuator is a device that converts rotary motion into linear movement—such as lead screws, ball screws, and acme screws.

The acme thread form, established over 100 years ago, replaced square thread screws, which had straight-sided flanks and were difficult to manufacture.

Not sure which material to use for your acme nuts? Learn the basics of the materials used in acme nuts and how to compare them with our helpful PowerPoint that we have created for you. Please note that all Helix materials used have been selected for low friction, minimum wear, long life and clean operation.

We’re excited to announce that our new and refreshed website is live. The updated site includes several new lead screw and linear actuator products that deliver smooth, clean and quite linear motion solutions.