THK America, a mechanical motion solutions provider based in Schaumburg, IL, has announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Yaskawa Electric, producer of variable speed drives, servo controls and robotics.

The alliance will allow the companies to provide a new motion control package that will include THK's VLA series of linear actuators with Yaskawa's Legend Servo Amp & Controller and Sigma II servomotors. The integrated, out-of-the-box motion control solution will include both mechanical products coupled with electrical motion products with a "plug 'n work" architecture.

The VLA's incorporate Caged Technology, a QZ Lubricator, and electro-mechanical components and are available in slide and cylinder types replacing pneumatic cylinders in many applications. Legend Wizard software setup prompts the user for answers via text-based questions that generate the program code. Users can accomplish intended motion in minutes versus hours and can solve industrial linear motion needs with a single motion control package.