Thomson Opens New Northeast Machining Center

WOOD DALE, IL –Thomson has opened the new Northeast Machining Center for rapid delivery of genuine Thomson 60 Case™ Shafting. Located in Long Island, New York, the 10,000 sq. ft. Northeast Machining Center promises same and next day shipment of the highest quality stainless or carbon steel shafting available in the industry, in quantities up to 25 pieces. Larger quantities are available for same and next day shipping subject to availability. Full random lengths are available up to 202 in. in diameters up to 2 in. (50 mm), or shafting can be cut to customer specifications with no setup fees on cut-to-length and special machining orders. Thomson also has Midwest and West Coast Machining Centers for rapid delivery of genuine 60 Case Shafting throughout the United States.

A complete range of special machining is available including, among others, special length and straightness tolerances, axial and radial holes, keyways, flats, diameter reductions, threaded shaft diameters, annealing, retaining ring grooves, machined joints. Custom coatings including Armoloy™ and hard chrome plating are currently available from the Thomson Midwest and West Coast Machining Centers; custom coating capability will be available from the Northeast Machining Center in Q3 or Q4, 2009.

“Customers increasingly need high quality motion control products faster than ever before, and this program delivers on both counts. Not only will most products ship the same or next day, but Thomson toolmakers and machinists average 22 years experience, and it shows in what we believe to be the highest quality shafting available in the industry today,” says Dennis Howe, General Manager, Linear Bearings and Guides.

The company says that genuine Thomson Ball Bushing® Bearings used in combination with Thomson 60 Case Shafting can last up to 60% longer than imitation bearings and shafting.

Thomson
www.thomsonlinear.com

igus’ Rol-E-Chain Cable Carriers

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – igus®’ Rol-E-Chain cable carriers have a unique design: built-in wheels to facilitate travel over long distances, such as on a crane. The wheels are integrated into the cable carrier’s side links and reduce friction dramatically, which makes longer travel, heavier load and faster speed applications possible.

The upper portion of a conventional cable carrier glides on the lower portion over longer distances. However, requirements for cable carriers in long travels have been increasing in recent years. Travels over thousands of feet present new challenges in crane construction, as do high travel speeds and cable loads up to 33.6 pounds per foot. As length of travel, load and speed increases, so does friction, which can lead to premature wear and load problems for a cable carrier.

This new-found need to expand the technical limits of cable carriers was behind the development of Rol-E-Chain. With its unique design, friction is decreased and travels over 2,600 feet are achieved easily at speeds up to 32.8 feet per second. Moreover, the drive power required to move the cable carrier is reduced by more than 25%. Rol-E-Chain is also resistant to applications involving harsh environmental conditions, such as thick dirt.

The cable-carrier design is ideal for applications on cranes, material handling devices, plasma cutters and high-speed transfer systems.

igus
www.igus.com/rol-echain.asp

Rexroth CKK Ball Screw Actuators Raise Performance for Wind Turbine Builders

Wind turbine technology is an established sustainable, green technology. Many consider it a technology that will help define the energy future. But wind energy also depends, to a great extent, on more traditional manufacturing techniques, such as welding – vitally important for creating the massive towers.

One of the leaders in creating welding solutions for the energy industry – as well as many other applications – is Rexburg, ID-based machine builder AMET Inc. (www.ametinc.com). Recently, AMET called upon the Linear Motion and Assembly Technology specialists of Bosch Rexroth to help them create a new generation of custom welding systems for the increasingly important wind energy industry.

The design of AMET welding equipment – and the role of linear motion technologies – is largely dictated by the techniques required to create massive wind turbine towers that can be around 90 meters high (close to 300 feet). During a weld, while the bulk of the equipment remains stationary, the weld head constantly moves small distances along at least 2 axes, both along and across the seam. A linear control actuator mounted at the end of a horizontal arm determines the motion of the weld head.

AMET’s goal was to create a cost-effective, dependable welding system that could perform accurate longitudinal and circumferential submerged arc welding. One of the most important challenges, however, was to assure smooth and precise (within 1/100th of an inch) control of the weld head, to avoid improper welds that would need to be redone and ultimately result in wasted time and materials. And this precise control had to be maintained within a very demanding environment. “The tremendous amount of particulates, especially flux dust, generated by this form of welding can really cause problems for this machine’s finer controls, particularly with systems such as linear actuators,” said Craig Dees, AMET Engineering Manager.

AMET also wanted linear motion elements that offered good strength (dynamic loads in excess of 20,000 Newton) with light weight and compact size. Yet another challenge was to support smooth weld head acceleration of up to 3 meters per second squared (3m/s2), for a travel speed of 1.5 meters per minute.

To meet these needs, AMET turned to a familiar source for linear motion: Northwest Motion, Inc. (www.nwmotion.com), a distributor of Rexroth linear motion products. Rexroth precision-ground, hardened steel guide rails were to be specified for the guide rail that carries the suspended weld head for outside welding. With the CKK Compact Modules, however, AMET put Rexroth linear motion systems in a particularly crucial role.

The compact CKK design, light in weight but durable and strong, makes machine assembly smoother and easier. “We knew that other linear motion solutions couldn’t give us the reliability and protection against contamination and pitting that the CKK modules could,” Dees says.

Another important feature leading to better and faster machine production is the fact that CKK 20-145 modules are complete, prepackaged systems, with dual ball rails and a ball screw drive integrated into the module. This simplifies design, saves space, and removes the costs and effort of machining, assembly, bearing alignment and other application engineering tasks.

Download the complete case study from the Bosch Rexroth Case Studies & Technical Papers web page.

Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth-us.com

Self-Lubricating Linear Bearing Pillow Blocks from Thomson

WOOD DALE, IL –Thomson introduces “Lube for Life” Self-Lubricating Linear Bearing Pillow Blocks. Lube for Life assemblies eliminate the need for expensive lubrication systems and provide continuous bearing lubrication and enhanced protection for maximum linear bearing life and true maintenance-free operation. Available for open or closed pillow block assemblies, Lube for Life can now be ordered as an option with Thomson Super Ball Bushing® Bearing and Super Smart Ball Bushing® Bearing Pillow Blocks. They come as a complete assembly for new applications, or in a retrofit kit for existing non self-lubricating pillow block assemblies.

Thomson Super Smart Ball Bushing Bearings offer more than 200 times the life of a conventional Ball Bushing Bearing. Combined with a Lube for Life assembly that promises up to three times the life of a bearing that is lubricated just once (and not subsequently) during installation, OEMs and after-market applications can realize big benefits. OEM’s will benefit from maintenance-free machines that deliver significantly longer life and increased reliability to their customers, while MRO specialists who need to replace linear bearings in existing applications will benefit from increased maintenance and replacement intervals for greater machine uptime and throughput.

Lube for Life pillow blocks work through self-lubricating cartridges pressed into each end of the pillow block housing, with the linear bearing itself initially lubricated with EP2 grease. The Lube for Life polymer is under constant pressure against the 60 Case shafting, ensuring a film of lubricant is always present between the ball bearings and the inner race. Thomson 60 Case Shafting is available for same and next day shipment, with no set-up fees on cut-to-length and special machining orders.

Thomson
www.thomsonlinear.com

Patent Awarded To Bishop-Wisecarver For New Dualvee® Washdown Wheels

Pittsburg, CA – Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, manufacturer of the original DualVee® guide wheel and industry leader in guided motion technology, announced today that it has been awarded a third U.S. Patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its latest technological development of a washdown wheel in their signature DualVee family of products.

Designed primarily for washdown environments, such as those experienced in food and beverage applications, the DualVee washdown wheel significantly extends bearing life and increases bearing replacement intervals at least three-fold. The new bearing incorporates the patented inner seal and outer shield design. The design of the outer shield allows it to act as a momentary seal; while pressure from high velocity fluid causes the shield to deflect and conform to the wheel’s metallic surface. When the pressure is removed, the shield returns to its normal position, allowing any liquid and debris that entered between the shield and seal to drain out or be spun out by centrifugal force. Available in sizes 2 and 3, DualVee washdown wheels feature AISI 440C stainless steel construction, FDA approved grease, and exceptional protection from high velocity washdown fluids and debris. Washdown wheels are interchangeable with Original DualVee wheels for ease of replacement.

“The issuance of this patent for our washdown wheel clearly illustrates the value and versatility of Bishop-Wisecarver’s signature DualVee® product line”, says Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “Once again, we have established our position as the leader and innovator of guide wheel technology by providing our customers with a product that is truly unique and effective in an industry where regular washdown practices have an adverse affect on the life and performance of standard bearings.”

For more information: DualVee washdown wheels and to view this patented technology in action>>

PNP Output-Type Sensors for Linear Actuators

Franklin, IN – NSK Precision America now offers two types of photo sensor kits for use with its MCM and MCH Monocarrier linear actuators. The variety of sensor types available for NSK’s Monocarrier lines now includes PNP output sensors, as well as NPN output sensors. Both types of sensors are RoHS compliant and give users added flexibility to use a variety of controller types.

NSK’s Monocarrier linear actuators integrate multiple products including ball screws, linear guides and support bearings. Products in the Monocarrier line offer an all-in-one structure, maintenance-free operation and a lightweight, compact design and can be used in a wide range of applications, including assembly, inspection and transporting equipment.

For more information on NSK Precision America’s products and services, visit www.nskprecision.com.

Single Axis Robot RS Series Actuators

Schaumburg, IL – Misumi USA, Inc. announces the expansion of its line of Single Axis Actuators with an all-new product offering Misumi Single Axis Robot RS Series Actuators. The new RS Series can be utilized in a wide range of automated machine applications requiring precise motion control. For example, they can be used to perform part assembly, pick-and-place, stacking, inserting, inspection, alignment and testing, and other functions.

The new Single Axis RS Series Actuators are CE compliant and are available in six small sizes (RS) and six large sizes (RSH), as well as in Clean Room Class 10 versions. The small types are driven by stepper motors, large types by AC servo motors.

The new RS Series product line offers:

–A superior structure to extend product life span, even in harsh environments. (Rated life span is 10,000km and above.)
–A configurable stroke of 50 to 1050mm with constant load capacity regardless of speed.
–Clean Room Class 10 versions (RS C and RSH C), which feature a sealed design and high durability stainless steel cover.
–Rapid delivery time. In North America, units ship within eight (8) days of order.
–A favorable price/performance ratio over competitive products in the market.

Misumi offers an array of accessory options for the Single Axis Robot RS Series Actuators. These include: Power and signal cables, I/O cabling, control terminal, noise filter, support software and dedicated USB cable (to connect controller to the PC), and replacement data backup batteries for larger, RSH- type controllers. Functions such as cycle time simulator and monitoring module are unique to Misumi support software.

MISUMI USA, Inc.
www.misumi-ec.com/eusaen/mech/

Integrated 3-Axis Micro-manipulator from Steinmeyer

Burlington, MA –  Steinmeyer, Inc. introduces the MP63 3-axis micro-manipulator module. The MP63 is a fully enclosed 3-axis positioner with 25mm stroke in each direction. Included inside the compact precision assembly are DC gearmotors, rotary encoders, lead screws, and non-contact limit switches.

Accuracy in each direction is 5 microns with ± 1 micron repeatability and standard straightness and flatness is ± 3 microns with 1 micron available as an option. The entire assembly weighs only about 2kg. Cable connectors are located on one end for convenience and simplicity and as an option, the assembly can also be made clean room compatible.

For more information on the MP63 or other products, contact Steinmeyer at 1-781-273-6220 or visit the Steinmeyer group web site at www.steinmeyer.com.

Dual Shuttle Rotary-linear Motion Platform from NUTEC

Deer Park, NY — NUTEC introduces a universal multi-function motion platform with innovative design.

This complete motion subsystem offers an X-Y table function and a second linear-rotary motion on a common base axis with a common digital servo control system. In this unique architecture all axes can be controlled in simultaneous motion or independently, what ever the application requires. Typically it shuttles from rotary-linear mode to an X-Y mode at the users command to perform required operations. It can thus position workpieces and/or tooling in any combination to suit the application. Additional axes within a Cartesian coordinate system can be added for supplemental capabilities.

The mechanical translators are designed with direct drive servo motors, non-contacting encoders and most modern guide technology. The precision level is matched to the application and includes accuracies to less than 1000 nanometer with LIBEC*

–travel ranges from 125-2000mm
–digital servo control system with G-Code, standard GUI and customization
–discrete motion increments to 250 nanometers
–system customization to meet application requirements
–Al Aly or granite structures

Typical applications include laser machines, optical metrology, super precise femto laser work, semiconductor manufacturing, PV solar work, automated manufacturing operations.

NUTEC COMPONENTS
www.nutecomp.com

New Rotary Table RF from Techno Inc.

New Hyde Park, NY – Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems releases the New Rotary Table RF, a variable speed, infinite positioning rotary table that can be used in various industrial applications. Offered with optional accessories, magnetic brake, 3-Jaw Chuck and 490 mm diameter flat disk, the new RF provides customers the opportunity to complete their application without going to multiple vendors. The Rotary Table RF is available with stepper or servomotor and several different ratios, thus providing high-speed or high-torque options.

The Rotary Table RF can take loads up to 170 lbs. It has a footprint of 410 x 275 mm and a height of 122 mm (stepper option) and 200 mm (servomotor option). Additionally, it can be mounted horizontally or vertically. This low backlash, rotary table is compact and sturdy, set in a rigid cast aluminum body.

Each Rotary Table RF is complete with a hardened, ground and flat milled steel rotary surface. Maximum output torque is 188 Nm and is available in 24:1, 52:1, and 100:1 ratios. Customers can choose between high-speed or high-torque options, based upon their application requirements. Techno’s Rotary Table RF is recommended for use in pick and place, assembly, testing, inspection and dispensing applications.

View CAD Drawings, catalog specifications and more information on the New Rotary Table RF online at: http://www.techno-isel.com/Tic/Catdas/rotaryRF.htm

Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems
www.techno-isel.com