Thomson Industries, Inc. announces the availability of new German-engineered precision ball screw sizes with US-based distribution and machining that provide best-in-class load capacity in a small footprint. The Thomson miniature metric ball screw line uses a unique multi-start ball return design that maximizes support for higher loads. This design provides precise, smooth and quiet operation […]
Thomson debuts online product selector simplifying screw jack configuration, selection
Thomson has added a unique screw jack configuration and selection tool to its online engineering toolset. The new Thomson screw jack product selector helps design engineers optimize and specify screw jacks for applications involving loads of up to 100 tons. “Screw jacks are increasingly replacing hydraulic cylinders in many ultra-heavy, low duty-cycle applications, and there […]
Extending the life of profile rail linear guides
Round rail linear guides can offer the lowest overall cost of ownership, but machine designers often specify profile-rail for its compactness as well as its higher rigidity, load capacity, and accuracy. Here’s how to extend the life of these linear-motion components. By Curtis McCreight • product line specialist | Thomson Industries Dave Buckley • industrial […]
Thomson moves operations to larger facility to make room for growth
Thomson Industries, a provider of linear motion control solutions, is moving its Kristianstad, Sweden, operations into a larger space to meet the growing demand for its motion control technology. The Kristianstad plant has been a steadily growing supplier of Thomson electric linear actuators and linear motion systems to European customers and is on track for […]
Thomson’s new actuators give motion system designers options
Thomson, a provider of linear motion control solutions, has introduced a high-capacity, high-performance electric linear actuator that gives motion system designers more cost-effective options to replace hydraulic cylinders. Among the many new features of the Thomson Electrak XD linear actuator are load handling up to 25,000 N (5000 lb), depending on configuration, for a combined […]
Compact linear motion system brings modularity to small-space applications
Thomson Industries, Inc. has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson. “As demand for smaller-scale applications […]
Compact linear motion system brings modularity to small-space applications
Thomson Industries, Inc. has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson. “As demand for smaller-scale applications […]
Precision ball splines deliver robust rotary and linear motion integration
Thomson Industries, Inc., has introduced a line of precision ball splines that enable robust delivery of rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. These new components give designers more flexibility to compress an assembly, extend a stroke, distribute a load or otherwise meet modern automation demands. “Ball splines have provided an elegant, single shaft […]
Low-load polymer bushing bearings increase motion system design flexibility
Thomson Industries, Inc., has added a polymer bushing to its line of state-of-the-art Ball Bushing bearings. It expands the company’s extensive bearing portfolio, providing design engineers a new option that helps them avoid overdesigning for low-load applications. Thomson polymer bushing bearings provide a reliable solution for machines where moment load is non-critical (30 to 40 […]
Enhancements to Thomson online ball screw configuration tool simplify selection and ordering
Thomson Industries, Inc. has enhanced its online ball screw selection tool to include online configurability options, expert guidance and faster performance. Design engineers using the tool will now have access to more capabilities and expert guidance in configuring end machining, end fixity, thread lengths, nuts and related assembly preferences. An interactive reference table is updated, […]
Screw drives see new uses in robotics, other applications
Some of the surest, time-tested methods of linear actuation are screw drives. Whether lead- or ball- or roller screws, screw actuation remains a large part of the linear actuation equation, thanks to their reliability, accuracy, and relative simplicity of operation. Recently screw drive developments have included advances in materials as well as manufacturing methods leading […]
Application-based tool from Thomson optimizes online ball-screw sizing and selection
Thomson Industries, Inc. has launched an online ball screw sizing and selection tool to give motion designers fast, intuitive and precisely calculated ball screw solutions for their linear motion designs. The Linear Motioneering tool not only simplifies and streamlines the sizing and selection process, it also provides the designer more direct, self-serve access to decades […]
New ball screw selection tool streamlines online product selection
Thomson Industries, Inc., has launched a new online selector tool that simplifies and streamlines the purchasing experience for its precision ball screws. The tool helps design engineers zero in on the right part quickly, access a 3D model with just a click, view pricing and lead times, easily share orderable product specifications and take advantage […]
Electromechanical linear actuators feature embedded CAN bus support, PLC capability
Thomson Industries, Inc. has unveiled their new Electrak MD, a more compact electromechanical actuator that retains all of the intelligence built into its larger counterparts. Mobile off-highway, material handling and factory automation applications can benefit from the compact actuator with up to two kilonewtons (kN) of force, advanced onboard electronics and J1939 CAN Bus support. […]
Thomson introduces online quote tool for customized 60 Case shafting and hardened pins
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has introduced an online instant quote tool that helps design engineers save time during the selection and purchase process of its customized 60 Case shafting. By providing real-time pricing and instant access to lead times for chosen products, Thomson’s intuitive, self-service tool allows designers […]
Thomson creates online industrial linear-actuator sizing and selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. now offers a new Linear MOTIONEERING online tool that helps design engineers accurately size and select electric linear actuators. The powerful, self-service functionality of the tool provides an interactive series of questions, making it easier for users to benefit from Thomson’s extensive application engineering knowledge base. The online questionnaire starts with an […]
Motion Trends: Applications expand for versatile lead screws
Improvements in lead screw designs have meant screws that are increasingly competitive with other types of drive screws, including ball screws. For instance, lead screws can offer shorter lead times and better performance, all at a lower cost than other screw technologies. Quite a few lead screw manufacturers offer a range of anti-backlash options, superior […]
Motion Trends: Ball screws pack more load capacity
Continued developments in manufacturing and materials have improved ball screw performance, with the most recent generation of ball screws having greater load densities than ever before, leading to higher load capacities. High-load ball screws are being integrated into electromechanical linear actuator systems for use in applications with higher loads and more demanding environmental conditions. In […]
Thomson extends Electrak HD smart actuator line to 16 kN loads
Thomson Industries, Inc. has extended the capability of its Electrak HD electromechanical linear actuator line to loads of up to 16 kilonewtons (kN) (3,600 lb.) This new offering delivers heavy load handling capacity comparable to hydraulic technologies but with greater controllability, smaller footprint and low maintenance. The Electrak HD expansion also sets a new stroke […]
Vertical linear motion: Hoists to lifts to AS/RS reach new heights
New technologies boost the reliability and efficiency of vertical motion designs (including an array of lifts and hoists) for setups of various sizes. In the feature, we get input from one industry expert on the subject and then outline five key parameters that dictate what makes linear actuators suitable for lifting. Mounting orientation — especially […]
New Thomson video shows high-precision performance of its WM ball guided ball-screw-driven units
Thomson Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to introduce the benefits of WM80 ball-guided ball-screw-driven linear units. These linear…
New video shows the benefits of prism guided linear units in wash-down applications
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to showcase the benefits of its prism guided linear units for wash-down…
Simplify Industrial Vehicle Design and Improve Performance with New Thomson Electrak® Throttle Actuators
The new Thomson Electrak® Throttle Actuator boasts a rugged and space saving design with integrated features that combine to deliver highly robust, reliable and versatile throttle control operation. As a result, industrial vehicle OEMs benefit from a simplified design process and users benefit from improved industrial vehicle performance. “Rooted in more than 60 years of…
Thomson Solution Delivers Smooth, Backlash-free “Horsepower”
The EquusCT from Artec Imaging is a patient position and CT scanning table with floating carousel that offers a high degree of maneuverability for veterinarians practicing equine healthcare….
Innovative Glide Screw™ Technology from Thomson
Thomson introduces Glide Screw™ – a new mechanical linear motion solution that combines the features of a linear bearing and a lead screw into a single, compact package….