Feature

Fine lines: A guide to linear guides for robotic applications

Engineers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to robots for increased productivity, and key to these engineering marvels are linear guides. Martin Ahner, Head of norelem ACADEMY, discusses the considerations required when choosing these components.

02/08/2021 12:40:48

More and more, robots are seen as the answer to many of the manufacturing and engineering industry’s challenges. From higher productivity to overcoming skills shortages, through to increasing automation and even combatting the pandemic by allowing more workers to change to remote working, robots are key to the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Valued at USD 39.72 billion in 2019, the robotics market is expected to register a CAGR of 25.38% from 2020 to 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence. In the past, robots have generally been seen as high outlay capital assets with a slow ROI, but growth is expected to move from large, costly robots to much smaller collaborative robots (cobots). Often, these cobots are much more attainable with much shorter payback time frames, due to declining sensor prices, component costs, and increasing adoption.

One such group of components that is crucial to future adoption are linear guides and rails. It is vital that engineers consider these components wisely, and look at not just cost, but everything from performance and accuracy to longevity and future maintenance needs...

Read the full article in the August issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.