Electromechanical linear drives for high-speed applications

1. Efficiently implementing fast linear motion – Which drives are the right fit?

In modern production and automation processes, every millisecond counts. High speeds combined with precise motion repeatedly present machine builders and system designers with significant challenges. Below, you’ll learn which electromechanical drives are particularly well suited for fast linear motion and how typical challenges can be addressed efficiently. The focus is on two solutions specifically developed for high-speed applications.

2. High-Speed Screw Jacks: High speed with precise linear motion

High-Speed Screw Jacks are specifically designed for applications that require short cycle times and high linear speeds. Unlike conventional screw jacks, they use a bevel gear transmission that allows significantly higher input speeds, enabling much higher stroke speeds.

A key feature is the integrated gear reduction, which efficiently transfers motor speed to the screw motion. When combined with a ball screw, stroke speeds of up to 300 mm/s or input speeds of up to approximately 3,000 rpm can be achieved — ideal for dynamic processes involving fast lifting or positioning movements.

Typical applications range from cycle-time-critical automation modules, packaging systems, and sorting systems to mechanical engineering applications where linear motion must be executed quickly and precisely.

3. Linear Chains: High speed through optimized partition and dynamic drive control

When high speeds are required for linear motion, Linear Chains - depending on their configuration - can achieve remarkable performance values.

The partition describes the distance between two consecutive chain links. The larger this distance, the faster the chain can travel over the sprocket.

For high-speed applications, this results in the following performance range:

1. 24 mm partition: up to 200 mm/s
2. 40 mm partition: up to 400 mm/s
3. 60 mm partition: up to 600 mm/s

These values enable short cycle times, rapid travel movements, and high repetition rates in many dynamic applications, while maintaining a compact design.

For specific applications, different limits apply:

1. Scissor lift table: up to 100 mm/s
2. Chain storage system: up to 200 mm/s

With customized special designs, linear chains can even be dimensioned for speeds of up to 1,000 mm/s. This makes them among the fastest available electromechanical solutions, particularly where installation space is limited or long strokes are required.

Starting at speeds of approximately 60 mm/s, motion is typically controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD) - including controlled acceleration and deceleration ramps to ensure dynamic, low-vibration, and material-friendly operation.

This makes linear chains especially suitable for applications that require long strokes and high speed simultaneously - for example in material handling, packaging, or transfer processes with strongly cycle-time-driven sequences.

4. Conclusion: Which system to choose and when?

1. High-Speed Screw Jack: Ideal for short strokes, very high stroke speeds, and dynamic cycle movements in a compact design.
2. Linear Chain: Perfect for long strokes, high speeds over extended travel distances, and applications with limited installation space — including special speeds of up to 1,000 mm/s.