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Linear Motion

Linear motion components convert energy into controlled straight-line movement for positioning, transfer, clamping, and actuation in industrial machinery. Facilities maintaining installed linear motion systems depend on access to compatible replacement hardware to keep equipment operational without redesign or reconfiguration. PLC Direct supplies Rexroth hardware as an independent supplier to maintenance and procurement teams sourcing replacement parts for existing installations.

Where Are Linear Motion Components Used in Industrial Environments?

Linear motion components are used in any industrial environment where installed linear motion systems require guided straight-line movement for positioning, feeding, or transfer operations. Applications span discrete manufacturing, assembly automation, process industries, and material handling across a wide range of sectors.

Facilities and operations that depend on linear motion components include:

Machine tools and CNC machining centers for axis positioning, tool change mechanisms, and workpiece transfer.

Packaging and filling lines for product indexing, carton forming, and linear feed operations.

Automotive assembly plants for body-in-white transfer, fixture positioning, and press loading systems.

Printing and converting equipment for roll and web positioning and cutting slide mechanisms.

Material handling and logistics automation for sorting gates, divert mechanisms, and shuttle transfer systems.

When a component fails in an installed linear motion system, a direct replacement sourced to the original specification minimizes downtime and avoids the cost and disruption of system-level modifications.

Which Brands of Linear Motion Does PLC Direct Stock?

PLC Direct stocks linear motion components from Rexroth for replacement and maintenance in existing installed systems.

Rexroth Linear Motion Components: Rexroth manufactures pneumatic actuators, linear modules, and guided positioning hardware used across machine tool, packaging, and industrial automation equipment.

All Rexroth linear motion hardware is available as surplus sealed, refurbished, and used.

What Should You Know Before Ordering Linear Motion?

Hardware condition options: Linear motion hardware is available as surplus sealed, refurbished, and used. Surplus sealed units are factory-sealed stock; refurbished units have been tested and restored to operational condition. Used units are inspected as functional. Condition grade should be selected based on application requirements, criticality, and budget.

Compatibility and part identification: Rexroth linear motion part numbers encode series, bore or stroke, and configuration within the number itself. The complete part number from the component nameplate or machine documentation is required for a compatible replacement. Abbreviated or partial numbers may reference multiple variants and are not sufficient for accurate ordering. For pneumatic linear actuators, the bore diameter, stroke length, and port configuration must match those of the installed unit.

Warranty: All linear motion hardware purchased from PLC Direct carries a standard 1-year warranty covering defects and functionality, applicable to surplus sealed, refurbished, and used products.

PLC Direct supplies linear motion hardware for replacement and maintenance purposes and does not provide system design, programming, or integration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Linear motion components provide the mechanical means to produce or support controlled straight-line movement, either generating the movement itself (as in a pneumatic actuator) or guiding and constraining a driven element (as in a linear module). Understanding which function the installed component performs is the first step in identifying the correct replacement type.

Rexroth linear motion part numbers encode series designation, dimensional data, and configuration within the number, so the complete part number is required to identify a compatible replacement. Partial or abbreviated numbers may reference multiple variants and are not sufficient for accurate ordering.

A linear module integrates a guide system with a motorized drive, typically a ball screw or toothed belt, to provide guided, controlled positioning within a self-contained assembly. A pneumatic linear actuator generates end-to-end motion via compressed air and is suited for actuation tasks that do not require servo-level position control.

Rexroth linear motion hardware is found in machine tools, automotive, packaging, printing, and general industrial environments, wherever guided straight-line positioning or transfer is required within installed machinery. These components support long service lives and are frequently sourced for maintenance of systems that remain in active operation.

Replacement is generally the correct approach when a pneumatic actuator shows internal seal failure or bore damage, or when a linear module carriage develops play or binding that indicates bearing wear. Repair is rarely cost-effective for components at this scale, and a like-for-like replacement to the original part number preserves the machine's motion specifications without adjustment.