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This section provides an overview for linear motion systems as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 39 linear motion system manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear motion system companies as of December, 2024: 1.Maedler North America, 2.LinTech, 3.Technico, Inc..
Table of Contents
A linear motion system is a mechanical element that guides parts by reducing friction in linear motion.
To reduce friction, metal balls are generally used. Some use rollers or high-performance engineering plastics. The balls roll between the conveyor platform and the straight rail and move on the rail while supporting the weight. The balls can circulate on the conveyor table.
Linear motion systems allow smooth movement with little force. The precision-machined guide rails and balls have a little rattle, and the rotation of the balls is accurately transmitted to the transfer table, resulting in high positioning accuracy. Since the linear motion system have no propulsive force, it is used with ball screws, cylinders, or other mechanisms to move the transfer table in any direction.
Linear motion systems are used where precise linear motion is required. They are used in machine tool tables, conveying equipment, inspection machines, robots, etc. They are also used in wood processing machines, construction machinery, and automated machinery. Rolling of linear motion parts improves machine performance, such as higher precision, higher speed, and labor-saving in mechatronics equipment.
Its use is expanding to include liquid crystal manufacturing lines, railcars, welfare vehicles, medical equipment, seismic isolation and vibration control devices for high-rise buildings and housing, amusement equipment, drones, and printers. When precise linear motion is required, two guide rails are used. The mounting surface of the linear motion systems must be precisely machined.
Linear motion systems consists of a guide rail, a carriage block, balls, ball retainers, and return caps. The guide rail is attached to the structural member, and the conveyor block moves on the guide rail with the rolling motion of the balls.
The rolling surface of the guide rail has a groove with a radius similar to the ball's diameter. Contact between the rolling surface and the balls is reduced from point contact to surface contact, greatly improving the allowable load and life. The structure of multiple rows of strips to support the ball enables accuracy to be maintained even under severe operating conditions, such as moment loads during rapid acceleration/deceleration and long continuous operation.
It is necessary to prevent unevenness in operation due to changes in the distance between the balls caused by their rolling during operation. Therefore, retainers are provided to keep the distance between the balls constant during operation. Linear motion systems are classified according to the accuracy of the balls and guide rails.
The higher the accuracy grade, the more restricted the operating environment, so it is necessary to calculate the load and consider the rated life before use. Some guide rails have offset gothic arch grooves in which the balls roll. They have the advantage of high static load capacity.
There are two types of linear motion systems, the miniature type and the medium/heavy load type.
This type consists of two rows of balls that contact the guideway raceway at four points. This type is used in situations where no particularly heavy load is applied.
This type consists of four rows of balls that make contact with the guideway raceway at two points. This type is used for machine tools that perform heavy-duty cutting. The allowable load is increased by providing a groove for the balls to roll on the guideway.
Some types do not use balls. Rollers, high-performance enplanes, oil-less metal, etc., are used for sliding parts. Compared to the ball type, this type has a larger load capacity and is more resistant to dust and other foreign matter. The disadvantage is the high frictional force.
Furthermore, in addition to straight rails, there are other types, such as cross guides and R guides. If high rigidity is not required, there is a compact, lightweight, and low-cost precision ball slide made by precision forming a stainless steel sheet into a U-shape and integrating the raceway portion and mounting surface.
Circulating ball-type linear motion systems are characterized by high rigidity, long life, high accuracy, quiet and smooth operation, and excellent vibration characteristics. Sliding-type linear motion systems that do not use balls are up to about 40% less expensive than ball-type linear motion systems. They are maintenance-free, lubricant-free, resistant to dust and moisture, have excellent corrosion resistance, are hygienic, have low noise, are lightweight, and have other advantages.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Zenda Linear Motion was founded in 2013 as a family business specializing in the manufacture of linear shafts and bearings. Initially operating from a small production facility, Zenda has experienced significant growth over the last decade. The company has expanded to include a family of over 90 employees and now operates three production sites that cover a total area of 25,000 square meters. Currently, Zenda serves more than 150 customers across various sectors, including automated production, food processing, medical equipment, CNC machinery, and other industries that require linear transmission solutions. Zenda provides a variety of linear motion control components, including linear guides, ball screws, linear shafts, linear bearings, slide units, rod end joint bearings, dual-shaft guide rails, and other linear motion products.
Bourns, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1947 and currently headquartered in Riverside, California. Bourns is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of electronic components for several industries including automotive, industrial, instrumentation, medical, consumer, and portable electronics. Bourns operates in 4 market segments: automotive, circuit protection, power conversion, and sensing. The automotive segment produces sensors for almost every use in vehicles including steering, stability, fuel management, and temperature control. Power conversion segment products are used in renewable energy and automotive power. Sensing products are also used in heavy equipment, medical equipment, and welding equipment.
Tolomatic was founded in the 1950s and operates out of Hamel, Minnesota. Tolomatic Is a manufacturer of automation components for industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive construction, life sciences, semiconductor, and utilities. Tolomatic has three main product lines which are electric linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, and power transmissions. Electric linear actuators include rodless electro-mechanical actuators, electric rod actuators, as well as custom & modified products. Pneumatic linear actuators include rodless pneumatic actuators, rod-style pneumatic linear thrusters, and custom & modified products. Power transmission includes roller screws, industrial caliper brakes, industrial gearboxes, and industrial cone clutches.
Technico, Inc was founded in 1986 and is based in Warren, Ohio, is a manufacturer of motion control products required for industrial automation applications. The company provides linear guide systems, GL series linear actuators, KR series linear motion actuators, and caged ball LM guides that have applications in machine tools, metalworking, automotive assembly, and, transfer equipment industries as well as in steel mill equipment, packaging, and light & lamp plants. They also offer inventory, shipping, receiving, assembly, and, machining services for glass, robotics, tire & rubber, medical, and, injection molding sectors.
Anaheim Automation is a manufacturer of motion control and automation products based in California since 1966. Their product list includes Stepper Motors and its Drivers, Controllers, Linear Actuators, and gearmotors that have applications in position control. There are also Brushless DC products, Servo motors, and systems, Integrated Circuits, AC Motors, and more that are necessary for equipment upgrades, process control, XY, and rotary tables, pump flow control, and material handling for industries that involve medical diagnostics, food, cosmetics, labeling, and robotics.
PBC Linear was established in 1983 in Rockford, IL as a manufacturer and supplier of a large array of inventive products and services related to linear motion technologies The portfolio of the company includes linear bearings and rails, patented linear guide systems, linear actuator technology, and also SIMOR) extrusion process. Their Applied Cobotics brand has introduced the Cobot Feeder which offers customers a collaborative automation tool for light’s-out manufacturing. They are continuing to provide expanding markets with effective products and services.
Mädler North America was founded in 2020 as the US-based subsidiary of Mädler which was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1882. Mädler specializes in manufacturing precision-made machine parts. Product lines include linear guides, bearings, bushes, bevel gears, worm wheels, castors and wheel systems, couplings, fastening elements, clutches, gear boxes, idlers, linear bearings, locking assemblies, machine mounts, elements for pneumatic machines various joints, rubber padding and dampers, splined shafts and hubs, sprockets, timing belts, spindles, adhesives, sealants, and other assorted accessories.
Bishop-Wisecarver was founded in 1950 and operates in Pittsburg, California as a family-run business. The company is an AS9100D and ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of motion control guides components and accessories. The company’s product lines are Actuated Linear Guide Systems, Rotary Guide Systems, Signature Motion Linear Actuators, and Manual Linear Guide Systems. Services such as product selection tools and custom solutions are also available. Custom solutions include extruded profile guides to facilitate guide design, as well as specialty bearings.
LinTech was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Monrovia, California. The company is a manufacturer that also designs and engineers positioning components and systems for use in a wide range of linear motion control applications for customers in aerospace, food processing, machine tool, semiconductor, and other markets. The company offers a range of products from linear ball bushings & shafts to ball screw assemblies, rotary stages, and more. The company offers extensive technical support and customer service including assistance with CAD files.
Isotech was founded in 182 and is headquartered in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Isotech is a manufacturer’s representative and distributor of proprietary mechanical and electromechanical products to the industrial, medical, and military OEM and in-plant markets. Some of Isotech’s products include linear slide assemblies & rail sets, shock/vibration mounts & pads, linear bushings & shafting, telescoping lifting columns, positioning stages, air bearings, gas springs/air cylinders, motorized positioning tables, laser marking cutting systems, foamed aluminum/metal/composites, stamped metal, noise control products, and belt driven actuators.
TPA Motion was started in 2002 and based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. TPA Motion is now part of the Acuvi AB group of companies. Acuvi is a Swedish Technology company focusing on developing compact drive solutions for life science, medical, and industrial applications. TPA Motion is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer and distributor of motion and precision assemblies. TPA Motion has 2 main product segments, component products and engineered OEM solutions. Component products include rails, actuators, bearings, guides, and assemblies. Engineered OEM solutions include microplate robots, curved rail systems, special telescopic slides, and high temperature systems.
Gimatic Srl was founded in 1985 and headquartered in Roncadelle, Italy as a subsidiary of Barnes Group, based in Bristol, Connecticut. The company is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of equipment in the end-of-arm tooling market for manufacturing-based industries. The company’s product categories include automotive manufacturing, tooling & factory automation, food & beverage, home applications, and pharma & medical. Product categories for these segments include vacuums and vacuum pumps, suction cups, sensors, machines, and other components.
Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd., founded in 1955, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a subsidiary of Schaeffler Group, a German manufacturer and supplier of precision components and systems for automotive and industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including bearings, precision components, and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis applications. The company’s products are utilized in various industries, ensuring the upmost performance. The company also offers a range of customer services, including technical assistance, product consulting, and after-sales support.
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
Wonststore.com. was founded in 2014 and is based in Sterling, Virginia is a manufacturer of linear motion bearings & guides for industries working on the general use of linear motion. The company provides ball linear guides, roller linear guides, linear bushings & super linear bushings, and, cross roller bearings, as well as linear actuators, smart actuators, isolation tables, and, shafts for machinery manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, construction, and, material handling sectors. They also offer mini linear guides for a compact environment of linear motion, and roller linear guides for ultra-high load, high rigidity, and high precision applications.
Dr. TRETTER was started in 1970 by Dr. Tretter in Rechberghausen, Germany as a manufacturer and supplier of linear technology products using materials such as stainless steel and Hastelloy. These products include tolerance sleeves, ball casters, and linear guides including wave guides, ball bushings, lead screws, and rail guides used in pumps, electric motors, and as construction elements for conveyor systems, feeds, presses or assembly stations. The company also has a facility in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
AirTAC International Group is a manufacturer and supplier of transmission equipment headquartered in Taiwan where it was established in 1988. The company is known for producing Preparation Units, such as Pressure Switches, and Actuators of different types, along with Control Components which are inclusive of various valves and there are Linear Guides as well. The Fitting, Tubing, and accessories include Shock Absorbers, Pneumatic Indicators, PU Tubes, etc. and these products have applications in the automotive, lighting and textile, metallurgy, medical, and food and packaging industries to name a few.
HIWIN GmbH, established in 1974, is based in Offenburg, Germany, and is a manufacturer and supplier of motion control products and systems. The company's main product portfolio includes linear guideways, ball screws, linear motors, and linear actuators. These precision components and systems are used in various industries, including machine tools, automation, and semiconductor manufacturing. HIWIN's performance motion control solutions enable smooth and accurate linear motion, enhancing the efficiency and productivity of industrial processes. With a great ability on research and development, HIWIN,s aims to provide cutting-edge solutions to meet the dynamic needs of the global market.
Igus, founded in 1964, is based in Northampton, United Kingdom, and is a manufacturer and supplier of motion plastics and cable management solutions. The company's main product portfolio includes energy chains, cables, bearings, and linear systems used in various industries, including automation, automotive, and robotics. Igus' motion plastics and cable management solutions are designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy-duty applications, providing ideal and maintenance-free operation. This company aims to provide quality products and services that optimize performance, reduce downtime, and lower overall costs for their customers.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
PMI GROUP is a manufacturer of ball screws, precision ball screw splines, linear guideways, ball splines, and actuators based in Taiwan and established in 1990. Their ball screw product portfolio includes precision ground ball screws, rolled ball screws, automation industry specialized types, and ball screws with cooling systems. The company offers wide-rail, heavy load, ball chain, roller chain, and compact-type linear guideways These components are applied to electric discharging machines, wire cutting machines, semiconductor equipment, precision orientation equipment, and plastics injection machines in the medical, rail transit, automotive, renewable energy, and electronic industries.
UNION Tool Co., established in 1955 is a manufacturer and retailer of cutting tools, linear motion products, sensor products, and measuring instruments based in Tokyo, Japan. The company offers tungsten carbide-made cutting tools such as MDP drill pointer, OPTECH-M non-contact drill diameter, and ring setting machines. The company also has a rolling dies/ forging tools/ coating rods product segment which includes various products including screw manufacturing dies, rack dies, rolled products, and roll dies & incremental dies. Their products are used in PCB drill development, and machine tools & semiconductor manufacturing applications.
Nippon Bearing was established in 1939 and is headquartered in Ojiya-City, Niigata, Japan as a manufacturer of linear motion products. The company is known for producing linear bearings, and some of its other products include Linear and Slide Guides, Ball Splines, Cross Roller Guides, and Linear Bushings. These items have extensive use in industries that work with optical equipment and high-precision measurements as the products have motion accuracy as well as rigidity. The company also provides parts and tools for general machinery as well.
Takeuchi Precision Works Co., Ltd, established in 1964, is a manufacturer of machine element components, including ball bushings, feed screws, linear guides, ball screws, and linear shafts, headquartered in Fukushima, Japan. The company offers standard, round, and square-shaped ball splines in long, flange, flange double, standard double, and flange long types. Its ball bushings are available in housing, self-aligning flange, flange, and straight shape standard types with a single-length bearing or high-load capacity double-length bearing. TSK has achieved ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certifications allowing its products to be used in control equipment, including CNC machine tools, medical equipment, and industrial robots.
Rodriguez GmbH, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Eschweiler, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and linear technology. The company's primary products include thin-section bearings and large-diameter slewing bearings, and its linear components include profiled rail guides and linear actuators. Apart from shafts and ball bearings, it produces OCS buckles for seatbelts, side curtains, and roof rollers for the automotive industry. It also serves various OEMs, including packaging technology and medical device manufacturers. The company's services include the development and production of customized components and assemblies.
Rollon Corp, established in 1979 in New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer of linear guide systems, actuators, and telescopic rails. The company operates in the USA, Italy, Germany, France, UK, China, and India, offering efficient linear guides, drives, and systems for various applications. The products include Compact Rails, Prismatic Rails, Telerace, Robot Transfer Units, and Clean Room Actuator Systems, to name a few. They have applications in automation, aerospace, transportation, and medical systems owing to their precision in movement, easy handling of components, and accurate positioning in aggressive work environment such as extreme heat.
IKO International was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Himeji, Japan. As a certified ISO 9001:2015, the company is a manufacturer of needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables. Its products are used in a wide variety of applications, including industrial machinery, robotics, and medical equipment. The company's product range includes needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables and are used in some of the world's advanced machines. IKO International has over 6,000 employees and operates in more than 50 countries.
TOK America Inc., established in 2016 in the USA, is a manufacturer of mechanical and motion control components and parts for commercial and industrial clients. The company's product line includes ball bearings, one-way clutches, rotary dampers, torque limiters, and guides used in furniture, electrical appliances, home appliances, office equipment, and medical devices. TOK America specializes in the use of stainless steel, steel, ceramic, polyacetal, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). The company also provides custom product design, testing, and production services.
Thomson Industries, headquartered in the United States, is a global manufacturer of motion control solutions since 1936. They have been one of the forerunners in the motion technology industry with products supplying optimized motion solutions to a broad range of industries and application areas including factory automation, medical, aerospace and defense, and more. The company merged with Regal Rexnord in 2023 as a key business in the automation and specialty platform. As part of Regal Rexnord, they are even more equipped to provide complete system solutions through their control, drive, power transmission and precision linear motion technologies.
Bosch Rexroth’s origins date back to 1795 and is now based in Lohr am Main, Germany. Bosh Rexroth is a manufacturer of industrial and mobile equipment control and motion products and systems. Bosch Rexroth’s products are divided into 10 technology segments. First is assembly technology which includes modular components. Next are electronic drives and controls which include CNC and motion control. Industrial hydraulics and linear motion technology follow. Mobile hydraulics, electronics, and IoT include solutions for mobile machines. Gear technology includes planetary gearboxes. The final four segments are molding and casting technology, tightening technology, resistance welding, and mobile robotics.
OILES Corporation, founded in 1952 with headquarters in Japan and facilities in Germany, the USA, South Korea, and China, is a manufacturer of self-lubricating bearings and damping devices. The company's product line has grown to include plastic bearings, multi-layer bearings, metallic bearings, die components, and sintered vents used by the automotive industry for powertrain assemblies, exhaust systems, and oil pumps, as well as many other industries, including agriculture, office equipment, and process plant markets.
NSK Europe Ltd., situated in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, is a manufacturer and distributor of a range of mechanical components. Its offered components include motion control products, and automotive components such as wheel bearings, engine belt drive parts, and mounting components. These products are used in various applications such as wind turbines, machine tools, production lines, and vehicles. The company holds several certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 across all its European sites and IATF 16949:2016 for its automotive operations.
HepcoMotion, established in 1969 and based in Tiverton, England, is a manufacturer and supplier of linear motion components, linear guides, and bearings. The company’s product portfolio includes stainless steel linear guides, precision track systems, and aluminum extrusion profiles. These products are used in various industries, including nuclear power generation, pharmaceuticals, and the food processing industry. The company provides services including technical support, custom solutions tailored to specific customer requirements, and product catalogs. It exports its products to various countries, including the United States, South Africa, and Japan.
SBC Linear, established in 1982 in South Korea, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision linear motion systems and components. The company’s product range includes linear guides, ball screws, linear tables, and linear motors, catering to industries such as automation, robotics, semiconductor, and medical equipment. SBC Linear's passion for quality and creativity is demonstrated through its advanced solutions that enable precise and smooth linear motion in various applications. With decades of experience and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, SBC Linear continues to provide cutting-edge solutions for the evolving needs of industries worldwide.
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
Finch Specialty Services was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company is and industrial distributor for pneumatic, robotic, electrical, and electronic automation equipment for a wide variety of manufacturing customers throughout the manufacturing belt of the United States. The company’s automation component product categories include robotics, motion control, pneumatics, safety, and laser marking. The company also offers technical expertise in providing factory automation installation, product customization, programming, service and maintenance.
Schaeffler Group, founded in 1946 in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision-engineered components and systems for automotive and industrial applications. The company's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of solutions, including high-precision bearings, rolling and plain bearings, linear technology, and engine components. These products find applications in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and renewable energy. The company continuous to develop advanced technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and performance across different sectors, remains a key player in shaping the future of mobility and industries.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maedler North America |
5.5%
|
| 2 | LinTech |
4.2%
|
| 3 | Bishop-Wisecarver |
4.2%
|
| 4 | Technico, Inc. |
4.0%
|
| 5 | Isotech, Inc. |
3.9%
|
| 6 | Wonststore.com. |
3.8%
|
| 7 | Bourns, Inc |
3.6%
|
| 8 | Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd. |
3.5%
|
| 9 | Tolomatic, Inc. |
3.4%
|
| 10 | TPA Motion, LLC |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear motion system page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
10 | 33.3% |
|
Japan
|
9 | 30.0% |
|
Germany
|
3 | 10.0% |
|
Taiwan
|
2 | 6.7% |
|
China
|
1 | 3.3% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 3.3% |
|
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 3.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 3.3% |
|
Ukraine
|
1 | 3.3% |
| Korea | 1 | 3.3% |
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