HS LINEAR SUPPORT
Linear Motion FAQs
Practical answers on module selection, applications, customization, technical details and quotation preparation.
Module Selection
How to choose the correct linear module according to speed, accuracy, load and stroke.
What information should I provide before asking for a recommendation?
Please provide the application type, stroke, payload, center of gravity, speed, acceleration, cycle time, mounting direction, required repeatability, working environment, available installation space and preferred motor brand. A simple layout drawing or photo of the machine is also helpful.
How do I choose between a ball screw module and a belt-driven module?
Ball screw modules are usually selected for higher positioning accuracy, higher thrust and short-to-medium stroke. Belt-driven modules are often considered for longer travel and faster transfer where screw-driven positioning performance is not the primary selection factor.
When should I choose a rack and pinion module?
Rack and pinion modules are suitable for long-stroke, heavy-load and large-area handling applications. They are often considered when the travel length is too long for a ball screw or when higher rigidity is required over a long distance.
When is a linear motor module recommended?
Linear motor modules are recommended for applications requiring high speed, high acceleration, smooth motion and fast response, such as precision inspection, semiconductor equipment, high-speed positioning and advanced automation systems.
What is the difference between single-axis and multi-axis systems?
A single-axis module provides motion in one direction. A multi-axis system combines modules into X-Y, X-Z, X-Y-Z, gantry, cantilever or other Cartesian structures for handling, dispensing, inspection, loading and assembly applications.
How do I know whether my application needs a gantry structure?
A gantry structure is preferred when the working area is wide, the payload is large, or the moving bridge needs support from both sides. It is commonly used for large-area handling, palletizing, inspection platforms, glass substrate processing and dispensing systems.
When should I use a cantilever structure?
A cantilever structure is suitable for compact machines and light-to-medium payloads. It is commonly used in pick-and-place, screw tightening, dispensing, small-parts assembly and inspection stations where one-side support saves space.
Does a vertical axis need a brake?
Vertical-axis applications require a risk assessment. A motor brake and, where required, an additional anti-drop or mechanical safety measure should be selected according to payload, transmission, control strategy and applicable machine-safety requirements.
Application Matching
Selection guidance for common automation tasks and operating conditions.
What type of linear module is suitable for pick-and-place automation?
Pick-and-place automation usually uses single-axis, X-Z or X-Y-Z structures. For compact stations and small parts, ball screw modules provide stable repeatability. For long-distance transfer, belt-driven or rack and pinion modules may be more suitable.
What should be checked for material transfer between stations?
Confirm the transfer distance, payload, speed, cycle time, acceleration, installation direction and whether the product is carried by a tray, fixture or gripper. For long stroke and high speed, belt-driven or rack and pinion modules are often considered first.
What structure is suitable for machine tending?
Machine tending commonly uses X-Y-Z or gantry systems around CNC machines and processing equipment. The selection should consider machine spacing, loading height, payload, reach, safety protection, gripper weight and cycle time.
What module is suitable for camera inspection or barcode scanning?
Inspection and scanning require smooth motion, stable speed and repeatable positioning. Ball screw, belt-driven or linear motor modules can be selected according to camera weight, stroke, required speed and inspection accuracy.
What should be considered for dispensing or coating?
Dispensing and coating require stable path control, smooth speed and repeatability. For precision dispensing, ball screw modules are often preferred. For large-area coating, synchronized dual X-axis gantry or belt-driven structures may be selected.
What type of module is suitable for screw tightening or small-parts assembly?
Screw tightening and small-parts assembly usually need accurate X-Y positioning and stable Z-axis motion. The Z-axis should be checked for thrust, rigidity, brake requirement and total tool weight including screwdriver, cylinder or suction cup.
Can linear modules be used for cleanroom applications?
Cleanroom compatibility must be reviewed by model and application. Please provide the required cleanliness class, materials, lubrication constraints, stroke, payload and speed so a suitable configuration can be evaluated.
Can linear modules be used in dusty or harsh environments?
Dustproof or covered modules are recommended for dusty environments. The final solution depends on dust type, installation direction, speed, maintenance conditions and whether extra covers, bellows or protective structures are required.
Customization, Motor Position and Documents
Answers for custom stroke, motor, sensors, covers, CAD and engineering documents.
Can the stroke length be customized?
Yes. Many linear modules support standard stroke options and customized stroke evaluation. Please provide the required effective stroke, installation space and drawing constraints.
Can the motor position be customized?
Motor positions such as inline, bottom-side parallel, right-side parallel and left-side parallel may be available depending on the product series. The motor position should be confirmed according to installation space and maintenance access.
Can I use my own motor brand?
In many cases, customer-provided motors can be supported. Please provide the motor brand, model, power, flange size, shaft diameter, brake information and encoder requirements so the adapter plate and coupling can be checked.
Can sensors be added to the module?
Yes. Origin sensors, limit sensors and different sensor layouts can be selected according to the control system. Please confirm whether NPN or PNP output is required.
Do you provide CAD drawings or 3D models?
Yes. CAD drawings and 3D models can be provided for installation checking and machine integration. Please confirm the selected model, stroke, motor position, sensor configuration and any special mounting requirements first.
Can you provide a complete multi-axis system?
Multi-axis configurations can be reviewed based on work area, payload, motion path, speed, accuracy and installation constraints. Available scope should be confirmed for each project before quotation.
Can covers, bellows or special machining be added?
Depending on the series and application, cover plates, bellows, adapter plates, special mounting holes or non-standard machining can be evaluated. Please provide drawings and working environment details.
Technical Notes
Key engineering points that affect speed, load, repeatability and service life.
Why may a module not reach the listed maximum speed in a short stroke?
Maximum speed depends on acceleration, deceleration, stroke length, payload and control settings. In short-stroke applications, the module may not have enough distance to accelerate to theoretical maximum speed before deceleration begins.
Why should speed be reduced for some long-stroke ball screw modules?
For long-stroke ball screw modules, screw critical speed and vibration can limit stable operation. When the stroke is long and speed is high, operating speed may need to be reduced to maintain stability and service life.
Why is payload different for horizontal and vertical installation?
In horizontal installation, the module mainly supports the load weight and moment. In vertical installation, the drive system must also overcome gravity, so allowable payload, motor torque and brake requirements are different.
Why is the center of gravity important?
The center of gravity determines the moment applied to the slider and guide. If the load is far from the slider center, the actual moment may exceed the allowable value even when the weight is within the nominal load range.
What is repeatability?
Repeatability describes how consistently the slider returns to the same position under the same operating conditions. It is important for positioning, assembly, inspection, dispensing and other automation tasks.
What may cause abnormal noise or vibration?
Common causes include poor alignment, loose mounting screws, insufficient lubrication, excessive speed, overload, worn parts, long-stroke screw resonance or vibration from the machine frame.
Quotation & Support
Questions about inquiry, price, lead time, inspection, packing and after-sales service.
How can I get a quotation quickly?
Send the required stroke, payload, speed, mounting direction, repeatability, application description, quantity, motor requirement and sensor requirement. If drawings or photos are available, please attach them.
What affects the price of a linear module?
Price is affected by product series, stroke, drive type, load capacity, motor configuration, sensors, covers, precision grade, customization level and quantity.
What affects the lead time?
Lead time depends on whether the model is standard or customized, stroke, motor and sensor configuration, production schedule, inspection requirements and shipping method.
How do you check product quality before delivery?
Products are checked according to model configuration, dimensional requirements, assembly quality, motion performance and customer-specific requirements before delivery.
How are the modules packed for shipment?
Linear modules are packed to protect the guide rail, screw, belt, slider, motor mounting side and external surfaces during transportation. Export-ready packing can be arranged according to the shipping method.
What should I provide if I need replacement parts?
Please provide the original model, stroke, serial number if available, photos of the part and a description of the issue. This helps identify the correct replacement part and avoid mismatch.