Learning Center
Here you'll find all information about linear drive technology products and their applications.
Why the Learning Center exists
The Learning Center serves as a comprehensive knowledge base that enables you to become familiar with our electromechanical drive products. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, our Learning Center offers content for every level of knowledge.
We help you with the planning and optimization of your lifting system. Additionally, you'll receive valuable tips and guidance that not only help you save time and increase the efficiency of your projects, but ultimately lead your projects to success.
We want our customers to fully unlock the potential of our drive products. Our Learning Center offers guides and recommendations, including maintenance tips, to help you extend product life and optimize your skills long after purchase.
How this Learning Center helps you to understand electromechanical products and to make the right decision
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- The current trend is moving towards energy efficiency and integrated intelligence. As a result, electromechanical drive systems are increasingly replacing hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Simplified controllability is becoming a focus—precise adjustments with less effort.
- Drive products that are easier to install and require less maintenance are more in demand than ever.
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As a designer:
- Machines with short cycle times and a low failure rate are required to generate the highest possible yield. However, standard spindle drives wear out too quickly and do not reach the desired speed.
- You want to design your machine as quickly as possible to complete your projects efficiently. However, you don't receive CAD data fast enough and lose valuable time figuring out which drive product suits your needs. Due to a lack of support, you feel uncertain during the planning process.
As a buyer:
- You are under time pressure and need to keep an eye on your budget. What’s important to you is a drive product that is high-quality and worth the investment.
As a project manager:
- You need an affordable drive product, but standard products don't always fit your system perfectly, forcing you to develop a custom solution within a short time.
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As a designer:
- By incorporating ball screw spindles in screw jacks or electric cylinders, speeds can be increased by up to 200%. This means the end customer can produce more parts, allowing the system to pay for itself more quickly.
- We provide you with CAD data online, free of charge. Additionally, you will receive personal consultation over the phone and/or on-site. We support you from the very beginning of your planning process.
As a buyer:
- We help you meet project deadlines and minimize downtime during service by achieving a 95% delivery reliability rate. We also offer an express service (manufacturing within 2 working days) for buyers who are in a hurry.
As a project manager:
- We develop a custom solution that is compatible with your system. In addition, we help you save 80% of the development effort for lifting drives and meet 100% of your deadlines by having our design team develop it for you and utilizing our machinery for fast delivery.
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Quick overview of all topics
Blog
- Screw Jack at the Technik Museum Speyer
- Trapezoidal Spindles at Theater Pforzheim
- MINI Actuator at the Munich Theater
- Screw Jacks and King Charles - what they both have in common
- Screw Jacks in Offshore Wind Farms
- Pedestrian bridge in Wertheim
- Linear Chain Container Handling
- Linear actuator moves soundproof hood
- Linear Actuator in the textile industry
- Linear Chain Heat Regulation BMW
- Screw Jacks in Strip Mining
- Screw Jacks for heavy loads
- Aircraft Fuselage - Assembly System
- Research Flumes
- Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
- Textbook on Linear Drive Technology
- Flood defence in Ipswich – Miter gates
- Linear Chain in the freezer
- Linear Chain Lifting Table
- High-lift charging trolley for vacuum furnace
- Linear Chain in the Hardening Furnace
- Linear Chain in high-temperature applications
- Telescopic Linear Chain
- Screw Jacks in the satellite park
- Linear Actuators for roof windows
- MINI Actuator in the food industry
- MINI Actuator in Facade Construction
- MINI Actuators in the Automotive Industry
- Maintenance facility for rail vehicles
- Screw Jacks at Schiphol Airport
- Linear Chain on the conveyor belt
- Linear Chain as an alternative to a Screw Jack
- In-House Manufacturing and Inventory of Screw Jacks
- How we help designers
- Electric Linear Drives
- Screw Jacks in aerospace
All FAQs
A Linear Actuator converts rotational motion into linear motion. It is powered by electric motors. However, linear movements can also be achieved through hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Electric Linear Actuators are used for more precise movements.
A Screw Jack is a combination of a spindle (screw) and a nut (worm gear or traveling nut) that converts rotational motion into linear motion through a worm gear drive.
How screw jacks work and where they are used - GROB GmbH chevron_rightA Linear Chain is a type of chain that can be both pulled and pushed. When the chain links are pushed together, they stay stable and rigid, allowing you to move things forward. It’s often used in machines to lift or push objects.
What a Linear Chain is and where it is used - GROB GmbH chevron_rightAn Electric Cylinder is an electromechanical actuator that operates linearly and is powered by electrical energy to generate motion.
What an Electric Cylinder is and where it is used - GROB chevron_rightA screw drive is a mechanical device that converts rotational motion into linear motion. It consists of a spindle and a nut with matching threads.
Screw Drives: Trapezoidal Screw vs. Ball Screw - GROB GmbH chevron_rightA High-Speed Screw Jack is a mechanical device that enables fast and precise linear motion. It's often used in applications with short strokes and high speeds.
What high-speed screw jacks are and where they are used chevron_rightThere are mechanical, electromechanical, direct electric Linear Actuators (linear motors), as well as hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators. We utilize electromechanical actuators in our drive solutions.
Which types of linear drive technology there are - GROB GmbH chevron_rightElectric linear drives use electrical energy for motion, whereas hydraulic and pneumatic drives use fluids or gases. Electric drives are more precise and efficient.
Basic Version: The spindle itself performs the axial movement.
Traveling Nut Version: The spindle remains stationary in space but rotates. The nut then moves up and down on the spindle.
- Cubic & Classic: primarily external differences. A matter of personal preference regarding which one is preferred. Performance data is nearly identical.
- High-Performance Screw Jack: Standard up to 3000rpm input speed, with oil filling and cooling fins - explicitly higher dynamic load capacity.
- High-Speed Screw Jack: explicitly high dynamic capability, but load capacity decreases to a maximum of 90kN.
The chain of the Linear Chain consists of links that rest on the shoulders and pins of the succeeding link. The chain of the Tower Chain is constructed with U-shaped chain links, providing greater stability and enabling unguided strokes of over 4m.
In standard applications, Linear Chains can be operated with a speed of 250mm/s. Special applications have already been implemented with speeds exceeding 800mm/s.
- Standard gearboxes with standard trapezoidal threads achieve efficiencies between 25-35%.
- Increasing the pitch makes the thread slip more easily, thus increasing efficiency.
- The combination with a ball screw can also achieve an efficiency of up to 50%.
- Best combination: bevel gear lifting drives with ball screws, which achieve over 80%.
Self-locking refers to the "non-slip" behavior of spindle-nut systems without external force. The degree of self-locking is influenced by the material pairing, the pitch angle, and the lubrication.
Yes, depending on the proximity to the product, the chain can also be completely made of stainless steel.
No, within the buckling range, Linear Chains can also be used without guidance.
Higher efficiency, higher speeds, precise theoretical calculation of service life
We always recommend using our standard link to connect your load. Utilize all the holes to ensure proper loading of the chain. Dimensions for the front link can be found here: General Catalog
No, you should provide a brake on the motor.
In our standard range, we adhere to military standards: -20°C to +60°C.
There's no calculation basis for this. Tests have shown that for standard chains, 250,000 cycles, and for hardened chains, 1,000,000 cycles represent realistic values.
The duty cycle (ED) indicates how long an electromechanical drive can operate within a given time period without overheating. It is typically expressed as a percentage and refers to a 10-minute cycle.
Yes, for Screw Jacks with ball or roller screw mechanisms, a lifespan can be calculated. However, for trapezoidal screw mechanisms, lifespan calculation is not possible. More information on the calculations can be found here.
There is no calculation basis for this. The buckling length has been determined through tests. You can find a corresponding diagram for horizontal applications here: General Catalog 2023 (grob-antriebstechnik.de). For vertical applications, please contact us.
- The load must be guided
- The Linear Chain size must be chosen correctly
- It should be driven over a ramp
You have several options for achieving this:
- Modifying the gear ratio
- Modifying the spindle pitch
- Adjusting the motor speed
All of these measures are available in many standard configurations from us
The determining factor for motor size is power, which results from the product of speed and torque. For more information on this topic, please refer to our Learning Center.
Yes, threaded spindles can also be equipped in stainless steel.
Both terms describe the ability of a spindle not to "slip" on its own when at a standstill.
Static self-locking refers to a thread angle between 2.4°-4.5°. In standstill, the spindle does not slip on its own, but it might not come to a stop on its own from motion. Dynamic self-locking occurs when there is an additional braking action from the dynamics. The thread angle is then smaller than 2.4°.
Self-Locking: Static vs. Dynamic | GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH chevron_rightAnti-rotation is always necessary. Due to the sliding friction in the thread, the applied load would simply rotate along with it, and there would be no relative motion (linear motion).
The higher the axial force on the thread, the higher the frictional force, as Fr = FN * µ.
Self-locking is achieved with a pitch angle below 4.5 degrees.
- When under pressure load: depending on the control, 100% repeatability can be achieved.
- Under changing loads: the control system must consider the backlash at the sprocket and manufacturing tolerances in the chain links.
- The load must always be guided
- Acceleration should be controlled via a ramp
- The chain cannot perform a swiveling movement
- The permissible buckling length must not be exceeded
Pillow block bearings are used in lift systems with mechanical coupling (i.e., connecting shafts). The bearings shorten the free length of the connecting shafts, thereby preventing oscillation at high speeds.
No, a fixed bearing is fundamental in any drive system. Without a fixed bearing, reliable axial movement cannot be performed.
Yes, for short spindles or low speeds, the spindle is sufficiently dimensionally stable without additional radial bearings at the spindle end.
When transporting people, DIN EN ISO 17206 applies. This standard for event technology defines the required safety measures, safety devices, and system-relevant shutdowns.
Use high-quality lubricants such as synthetic oil or grease with the recommended NLGI grades for maximum performance and longevity.
Lubricating grease of NLGI grade 1 or 2, suitable for heavily loaded sliding and rolling bearings. Compatibility with the existing lubricant must be ensured. It's crucial whether the grease is mineral or synthetic-based.
A block drive describes the execution of the lift against a fixed stop. In this process, the lifting element is 'blocked' by the fixed counterpart.
The driving element, usually a three-phase motor, doesn't stop automatically but needs a signal for shutdown. This signal can be generated through limit switches, encoders, potentiometers, or other displacement-monitoring components.
Mechanical drives are very sensitive to movement against fixed stops. Depending on the force of the motor, a block drive typically results in damage to the spindle-nut system.
Overheating, unusual noises, or a noticeable decrease in performance can be signs of insufficient lubrication. Pay attention to these symptoms for timely maintenance.
Lubrication should be performed every 3 to 6 months, or after 500 double strokes, depending on the frequency of use and the environment.
Increasing the ambient temperature does affect the duty cycle. A higher ambient temperature necessitates a longer cool-down period.
Inspect moving parts for signs of wear and increasing play. If wear is detected, consideration should be given to inspection or replacement.
Yes, the maintenance and operating manual provides valuable guidance on the procedure. You can find the documentation here.
Is the motor correctly wired and the brake releasing? Do you have sufficient lubricant on the spindle? Are the drives installed without tension? If so, you've already eliminated the most common sources of malfunction. If the issue persists, please call us at +49 7261/9263-0.
The environment can affect maintenance intervals. High levels of dust or humidity may require shorter maintenance intervals. Regularly check the environmental conditions and adjust the maintenance schedules accordingly.
Check the power supply, brake wiring, and the condition of the control unit. If necessary, contact our customer support. Also, ensure proper wiring of the limit switch. Most blockages occur during setup operations.
Check for dirt or worn-out parts. Thorough cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of damaged components may solve the problem. If the Linear Chain is noisy after acquisition, system tensions could be responsible.
Check the connection to the control system and the programming. Ensure all safety precautions are accounted for.
Check the power supply. For 24V DC drives, fluctuating loads can also cause varying speeds. Additionally, ensure that potentiometers, encoders, and brakes are correctly controlled.
Regular maintenance, including lubrication and checking for wear, helps extend the lifespan of your High-Performance Screw Jack.
A thorough familiarization with the operating manual is advisable. However, in case of uncertainty or complex maintenance tasks, specialized personnel should be consulted. You can reach us anytime at +49 7261/9263-0.
For compatibility, it's simply a matter of checking the base of the lubricant (mineral or synthetic) and ensuring the NLGI grade is the same. Divinol Lithogrease 1500 is commonly used as the standard.
No, the standard grease can be replaced by other greases with the same properties. If you would like to know whether your grease is compatible with our standard grease, you can send us the data sheet of your preferred grease, and we will check it for you.
A classic case for troubleshooting. Give us a call, we're happy to assist you. +49 7261/9263-0
Screw Drives require regular lubrication to minimize wear. The type of lubricant and the intervals depend on the operating conditions.
Maintenance involves regular lubrication according to manufacturer specifications. Inspections for wear and timely re-lubrication are crucial for longevity.
GROB Antriebstechnik is characterized by a large inventory of bearings, enabling fast and reliable delivery. Moreover, the family-owned company provides excellent customer consultation and customized solutions.
The extensive inventory allows GROB to have a wide range of products constantly available. This means prompt processing and delivery for customers.
Our dedicated team of experts is here to assist you with expertise and experience. We listen attentively, understand your needs, and provide tailored recommendations for optimal solutions.
We understand that each customer has unique requirements. That's why we offer tailored solutions that are precisely aligned with individual needs and applications.
Thanks to our large inventory, we can efficiently process orders and ship them quickly. This allows for timely delivery that meets our customers' needs.
Our CAD models are available online through the CAD configurator at CAD Configurator - GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH (grob-antriebstechnik.de). If your product is a custom specification, you will receive a model within 3 working days from the quotation stage.
Fundamentals of Linear Drive Technology
Here, you will learn everything you need to know about our top-quality products, including Screw Jacks, Linear Chains, Electric Cylinders, MINI Actuators, High-Performance Screw Jacks, and more. We explain what these products are, how they work, and the crucial role they play in various applications.
Selection Criteria
Choosing the right lift drive can significantly impact the performance, precision, and reliability of an application. This introduction highlights the key selection criteria for our products, helping you make informed decisions to ensure that the chosen lift drive meets the specific requirements of your application.
Planning
Choosing the right electromechanical drive requires careful planning—from safety and precision to optimal integration into your installation space. But what really matters? Our articles help you better understand key aspects such as self-locking, safety solutions, and bearing systems—so you can perfect your application.
Maintenance
Here, you can learn how regular maintenance and the right lubricants can extend the lifespan of your equipment. We also provide practical guides for troubleshooting common issues.
Product Comparison
In our provider/product comparison, we show you why customers choose our company and present successful application examples. We also discuss reasons why companies might mistakenly not purchase from us and how you can avoid making a poor choice. In addition, you will find an overview of the delivery times for all of our products.
Blog
Here, we offer inspiring blog posts on application cases, as well as interesting informational articles about linear drives and GROB. Dive in and discover valuable advice and expertise to best meet your requirements for electromechanical drive technology.
Our location
GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH
Eberhard-Layher-Straße 5-7
D-74889 Sinsheim-Steinsfurt
Opening hours
Monday - Thursday: 7 am - 4 pm
Friday: 7 am - 3 pm
Saturday - Sunday: closed