Sizing and Selecting Linear Motion Systems: How LOSTPED Can Help

Dec. 13, 2010
From packaging and material handling to semiconductor fabrication and automotive assembly, virtually all manufacturing processes incorporate some type of linear motion, and as manufacturers become familiar with the flexibility and simplicity of modular linear motion systems, these systems-whether one, two or complete three-axis Cartesian robotics systems-are finding their way into more and more areas of production.

A common mistake that engineers and designers make when sizing and selecting linear motion systems is to overlook critical application requirements in the final system. This can lead to costly redesigns and re-works in the worst case, but may also often result in an over-engineered system that is more costly and less effective than desired. With so many possible solutions, it's easy to become overwhelmed when tasked with designing a linear motion system. How much load will the system need to handle? How fast will it need to move? What is the most cost-effective design?

All of these questions and more were considered when Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group developed "LOSTPED"-a simple acronym that guides the engineer or designer in gathering the information needed to specify the appropriate linear motion components or modules in any given application.

What Is LOSTPED?

From packaging and material handling to semiconductor fabrication and automotive assembly, virtually all manufacturing processes incorporate some type of linear motion, and as manufacturers become familiar with the flexibility and simplicity of modular linear motion systems, these systems-whether one, two or complete three-axis Cartesian robotics systems-are finding their way into more and more areas of production.

A common mistake that engineers and designers make when sizing and selecting linear motion systems is to overlook critical application requirements in the final system. This can lead to costly redesigns and re-works in the worst case, but may also often result in an over-engineered system that is more costly and less effective than desired. With so many possible solutions, it's easy to become overwhelmed when tasked with designing a linear motion system. How much load will the system need to handle? How fast will it need to move? What is the most cost-effective design?

All of these questions and more were considered when Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group developed "LOSTPED"-a simple acronym that guides the engineer or designer in gathering the information needed to specify the appropriate linear motion components or modules in any given application.

What Is LOSTPED?