Linear motion systems are used when an industrial machine requires reliable, controlled and repeatable movement in a straight line. Inobalt supplies and helps select Thomson Linear actuators, linear motion units, ball screws, lead screws, linear guides, linear bearings, shafting and related components for machine building, automation and industrial modernization projects.

We help evaluate load, stroke, speed, accuracy, duty cycle, mounting position, environmental conditions and motor integration, so the selected linear motion solution fits the real mechanical and control requirements of the application.

Linear motion components and systems for industrial machines

Linear motion is one of the core functions in modern industrial equipment. It is used for lifting, pushing, positioning, feeding, clamping, dosing, guiding and moving machine parts along a straight path. A correctly selected linear motion system improves accuracy, reduces mechanical wear, increases repeatability and helps reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.

Inobalt supplies Thomson Linear solutions for OEM machine builders, production plants, automation integrators and industrial maintenance teams. Depending on the application, the solution can include a complete linear actuator, a ready-to-integrate linear motion unit, a ball screw, lead screw, linear guide, bearing, shafting or a complete mechanical motion assembly.

What does a linear motion system include?

A linear motion system may include an electric actuator, screw drive, belt drive, linear guide, bearing, shaft, carriage, motor, gearbox, feedback device, limit switches and control electronics. The correct configuration depends on the required load, stroke, speed, accuracy, duty cycle, stiffness, mounting orientation and operating environment.

In practice, the system must be evaluated as a complete mechanical and control chain. A drive that is too weak can overheat or wear prematurely. A guide system with insufficient stiffness can create vibration or positioning errors. A poorly selected screw can reduce efficiency, accuracy or lifetime. Correct selection helps the complete machine operate more reliably.

Main linear motion product groups

Electric actuators

Electric actuators are used when a machine needs controlled linear movement for lifting, pushing, opening, closing, tilting or positioning. They can often replace pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders when cleaner operation, position control, reduced maintenance or easier electrical integration is required.

Linear motion units

Linear motion units are ready-to-integrate linear axes that combine a drive mechanism, guidance system, carriage and mounting structure in one assembly. Thomson linear motion systems can be configured for high-speed applications, high-precision applications or more demanding industrial environments, balancing performance, lifetime and cost. Thomson also provides RediMount motor mounting adapter kits to simplify motor selection and mounting. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ball screws and lead screws

Ball screws and lead screws convert rotary motion into linear motion. Ball screws are typically selected when higher efficiency, accuracy and reduced friction are required. Lead screws can be a practical option for simpler, quieter or more economical motion systems, especially where self-locking or lower duty cycles are acceptable.

Linear guides, bearings and shafting

Linear guides, bearings and shafting provide mechanical support and guidance for moving loads. These components are critical for system stiffness, load capacity, smooth motion and long-term reliability. They should be selected together with the drive mechanism, not as isolated components.

Typical applications

Linear motion systems are used across many industries and machine types, from simple adjustment mechanisms to high-performance automated axes.

• Packaging, labeling and converting machines;
• Material handling and feeding systems;
• Automated assembly and testing equipment;
• Food, beverage and pharmaceutical equipment;
• Laboratory and medical technology;
• Plastic, wood and metal processing machines;
• Agricultural, marine and mobile equipment;
• Special-purpose OEM machines.

How Inobalt helps select the right solution

Inobalt helps evaluate the technical requirements of the application: load, stroke, speed, acceleration, duty cycle, accuracy, mounting position, environmental conditions, motor type, feedback needs and integration with the machine control system. Based on these parameters, we can help select a suitable Thomson component or complete linear motion assembly.

If you are designing a new machine, modernizing an existing mechanism or replacing pneumatic or hydraulic movement with an electric solution, Inobalt can help choose a technically suitable and practically reliable linear motion system.