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

When people hear the word Acme, many conjure up the image of the Acme brand products used by Wile E. Coyote. While Acme products may have had a generic connotation and produced substandard results as demonstrated in the Coyote's experience, Acme, as we know it today, is the exact opposite.

For a lead screw linear actuator to convert rotary motion into linear motion, there must be an anti-rotation element on the nut design where the lead screw is rotating. The anti-rotation feature applies to an external linear actuator design as well. However, for captive and non-captive linear actuators where the nut is integral to the rotor and confined within the motor, the lead screw is prevented from rotating to translate rotary motion into linear motion.

Lead screws are used in multiple types of medical imaging applications. Find out how they are used and what type of lead screw works in each type of imaging machine here.

Torque splines are highly customizable multi-functional linear motion assemblies that are used to provide two axes of motion. Teeth on a drive shaft match with corresponding grooves on a mating piece that transfer torque while maintaining angular correspondence.

Reviewing the characteristics of lead screws vs. ball screws can help you select the right screw-driven system for your linear motion application.

Linear actuators are mechanical devices used to generate motion in a straight line. Linear actuators can be lead screw driven and are used in a wide variety of industries and applications to convert rotary motion to linear motion.

Electric Cylinders (or electro-mechanical cylinders) are captive linear actuators designed as a modular system. Due to lower maintenance costs, enhanced motion control, and a long list of additional benefits, electric cylinders are rapidly replacing pneumatic cylinders in multiple industries.

There are many styles of anti-backlash nuts. Selecting the right nut style for your project depends on various factors, including; payload, accuracy, repeatability requirements, budget, space constraints, and available torque.