Linear Motion Handbook from Rexroth
March 2, 2010 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Featured, Linear Actuators, Linear Guides
Hoffman Estates, Ill. – A new 350+ page Linear Motion Technology Handbook from Rexroth is an educational, engineering reference book on linear motion technology and its uses, offering everything from a review of basic principles to examples of practical applications. It deals extensively with all common types of linear motion guides, as well as ball screw drives and ready-to-install linear motion actuators and Cartesian systems.
The first section of the handbook provides insights into the fundamental physical principles involved in linear motion technology, including information about the structural design, operating principles and characteristics of linear motion technology components. Topics such as rolling contact, life expectancy, pre-load, rigidity, accuracy and lubrication are also discussed in detail.
Later sections describe the structural design and technical characteristics of the manufacturer’s linear bushings and shafts, profiled rail systems, ball screw assemblies, and ready-to-install linear motion actuators and Cartesian robots. Readers will also find useful design hints and advice on product selection, assembly and installation, as well as tips for cost-effective project engineering.
To download individual sections of the handbook or to get the entire handbook, visit
www.boschrexroth-us.com/country_units/america/united_states/en/index.jsp
Ceramic Linear Piezo Motor from Physik Instrumente
February 3, 2010 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Motors
Auburn, Mass. – PI (Physik Instrumente) introduces the new N-216 NEXLINE® high-load piezo linear motors. These highly precise nanopositioning actuators provide travel ranges to 20mm with a resolution of 0.03nm, and push/pull forces to 600N (130lbs) and holding forces to 800N (177lbs).
The piezoceramic clamping and shear elements act directly on a moving runner coupled to the load. For maximum velocity, and long distance movements, the runner can be driven in full step mode. Extremely uniform motion and constant velocity is achieved with the nanostepping mode.
The N-216 linear motors come in two versions for open- or closed-loop operation, as well as in two different load configurations. Closed-loop versions are equipped with a linear encoder for direct position measurement of the moving runner. The encoder features 5nm resolution over the full travel range.
Applications include high-end ultra-precision manufacturing and semiconductor test equipment to astronomy and high energy physics applications. Extreme reliability makes them ideal for applications in difficult-to-access internals of instruments, requiring nanometer-realm adjustment and/or vibration cancellation.
For datasheets or more information, email info@pi-usa.us or visit www.pi-usa.us.
Hard-Cover, Side-Sealed Linear Stages from Aerotech
January 18, 2010 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Featured, Linear Stages / Gantries
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Aerotech’s PRO Series are low cost, side seal, hard cover, ball-screw-driven linear stages available in 68 standard models with travels from 50 to 1500mm.
The PRO Series features a hard-cover design for protection from debris, while side-seals keep dirt and particulates out of the stage and protect the bearing surfaces from contamination. Aerotech’s vertical side-seal design easily deflects debris away from the stage. The tabletop can be outfitted with an optional brush assembly to remove any particles that collect on the hard cover.
Models are available with either a 5mm/rev, 20mm/rev, or25 mm/rev ball screw with a matched brushless rotary servomotor to provide maximum travel speeds up to 1400mm/sec. Specifications include ±6μm accuracy, ±1μm bidirectional repeatability, and 0.5μm resolution, depending on model, ball screw, and encoder.
These modular stages easily can be combined into custom multi-axis solutions (XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ). In addition, Aerotech’s complete line of single- and multi-axis motion controllers and drives are a perfect complement and can be included to provide a turnkey system.
The PRO Series can be outfitted with English or metric bolt-hole pattern tabletops, and a brake option is available to prevent back-driving the screw when power is removed from the servomotor. A fold-back kit is also available to effectively reduce the overall stage length for space-constrained applications.
PRO Series data sheets are available at http://www.aerotech.com/products/stages/Mechanical_bearing_ballscrew_stages.html
CAN in Automation 402-CANopen Profiles Extended to OEM Drives
December 29, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Controllers
Covina, Ca. – QuickSilver Controls, Inc. has added CANopen® DSP 402 (CiA® DSP 402 v3.0) to its OEM line of controllers/drivers for NEMA 11, 17 and 23 frame brushless servo motors, further extending the capabilities by adding encoder following and hard-stop homing capabilities as a manufacturer extension to the specification. This adds the QCI-D2-MG-C and QCI-D2-IG-J low-cost and small format controllers to the QuickSilver products supporting CANopen. These controllers provide 3.5A continuous and 4.5A peak output at 12 to 48V.
CiA 402 refers to CAN in Automation (CiA) CANopen Drives and Motion Control Profile 402. This profile defines such functions as start-up and homing techniques as well as motion profiles. A host controller, for example a PLC, supporting CiA 402 could command multiple CiA 402 motor controllers from multiple vendors.
CiA 402 runs on top of CANopen (CiA DSP 302 v4.0) which can be configured for peer-to-peer, master or slave. This allows controllers to share I/O and registers with other CANopen enabled SilverDust™ controllers or 3rd party CANopen devices such as I/O blocks, encoders, PLCs, etc.
For more information on CANopen and CiA DSP 402, visit http://www.can-cia.org/
Nanopositioning Stage for Super-Resolution Microscopy
November 20, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Featured, Linear Stages / Gantries
Auburn, Mass. – The nano1×3 ™ series X-Y and X-Y-Z nanopositioning stages from PI (Physik Instrumente) are multi-axis stages for super-resolution microscopy applications, providing highly accurate motion with closed-loop control for sub-nanometer precision over travel ranges of 200µm in X-Y and X-Y-Z planes.
The stages feature a piezo controller and comes with three, 24-bit digital interfaces (USB, TCP/IP, and RS-232) and a wide-band analog interface for compatibility with all control signals. With 24-bit DAC converters, commanded resolution is improved by two orders of magnitude over the still widely used 16-bit converters. The controller is also compatible with all major image acquisition packages and comes with a wide variety of software drivers and programming examples.
For highly stable, closed-loop operation, piezoresistive sensors are applied directly to the moving structure of the stage and precisely measure the displacement of the platform. The very high sensitivity of these sensors provides optimum position stability and responsiveness as well as sub-nanometer resolution. The proprietary servo circuit significantly improves the motion linearity compared to conventional piezoresistive sensor controllers.
For more information, email info@pi-usa.us.
Enhanced Roller Pinion System from Nexen
November 13, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Featured, Linear Drives
Vadnais Heights, Minn. – Nexen’s new enhanced Roller Pinion System (RPS) provides high-accuracy linear positioning with zero backlash and simple installation in precision motion control applications. 
The RPS features an ISO 9409 flange mount pinion and pinion preloader, making it easier for system integration. The system has high precision surfaces and an adjuster that allows the pinion to be easily moved up or down in the rack, while maintaining proper pinion orientation to the rack.
The pinion consists of bearing-supported rollers that engage a unique tooth profile. Two or more rollers connect with the rack teeth in opposition at all times, eliminating backlash. The RPS rollers approach the tooth face in a tangent path and then smoothly roll down the tooth face, greatly reducing noise levels associated with other linear motion systems, such as tooth slap or ball return noise. The low-friction design delivers more than 99% efficiency in converting rotary to linear motion, greatly reducing wear and providing longer service life at high speeds up to 11 m/sec (36.1 ft/sec). The RPS rack is available in standard segmented lengths of one meter and half meter increments and can be custom cut as required, allowing unlimited run lengths and easily accommodating diverse application requirements.
With a new line of integration solutions for ISO 9409 flanged gearheads, the innovative RPS system is now even easier to install in a broad range of linear motion applications. Flange mount pinions can be directly mounted to the gearhead, ensuring the highest degree of stiffness and accuracy, with no shaft or bushing required. Since the direct mount pinions rigidly secure close to the drive bearings, they ensure high performance. Additionally, the pre-loader system includes everything needed to properly integrate the RPS, regardless of the orientation.
For more information, contact Nexen Group, Inc., at 651-484-5900 or via email at info@nexengroup.com
Two-Axis Motion Control Modules from AMCI
October 27, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Controllers
Terryville, Conn. - Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) announces the 3100 Series two-axis motion control modules for the 1762 MicroLogix PLC. These two-axis controllers plug directly into MicroLogix PLCs and are available in two versions: 3102 (X-Y motion control) and 3102i (X-Y motion control + interpolation).
AMCI’s 3100 series modules provide encoder feedback in addition to a wide range of motion commands, satisfying simple to sophisticated application requirements. Both the 3102 and 3102i are 100% compatible with MicroLogix 1100, 1200, and 1400, and are easy to program using Allen-Bradley’s RSLogix 500 software.
AMCI’s 3100 series motion modules are easy to program with no extra software required, and offer a wide range of motion commands including registration, jogging/changing speed on the fly, and blend moves. Linear and circular interpolation are exclusive to the 3102i module, enabling more sophisticated motion control. Both modules provide encoder feedback, providing closed-loop positioning.
The 3102 module can control servo and/or stepper drives with step/direction input. Motion commands include jog, home, and point-to-point control. Common applications for this motion controller include assembly lines, conveyor control, in-process gauging, and valve control, among others.
Developed to simplify more complex applications, the 3102i module includes linear and circular interpolation commands. These additional features make this module stand out with the ability to reach specific target positions and output contoured motion profiles. Popular applications for this more advanced controller include high-speed assembly, water jet cutting, storage and sorting, laser trimming, needle inspection systems, and more.
www.amci.com
TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno
October 22, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Stages / Gantries
New Hyde Park, NY – The new TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems is a multi-axis motion platform complete with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure, all fully assembled. The TechnoMod is available in three different sizes and can be used for pick and place, dispensing, assembly, testing, drilling, routing, welding and general automation applications.
Travel ranges are 650 x 300 x 275mm for the Model 30, 650 x 450 x 275mm for the Model 45 and 650 x 650 x 275mm for the Model 65. Additionally, a 4th or 5th rotary axis can be added to the machine for more complex operations. All drive motors are DC brushless servos providing high torque and precision. The TechnoMod can be delivered with or without electronics as well as a sliding front door with safety interlock. It has a built-in industrial computer and rugged swing arm console which includes a monitor and keyboard.
To view CAD Drawings, catalog specifications or for more information on the new TechnoMod Gantry, visit http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/TechnoModGantry.htm.
Or call 1-800-819-3366 to speak with an application engineer.
Micropulse Generation 7 Linear Position Transducers from Balluff
October 2, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Encoders
Florence, KY – Balluff has introduced the first of its new Micropulse Generation 7 linear position transducers, featuring improved measurement and environmental specifications, longer lengths, and more flexible setup than previous models. Debuting in the analog rod style housing, Generation 7 is available in two versions, Micropulse and Micropulse Plus. Micropulse is fully backward compatible with Balluff’s Generation 5 products, yet delivers better measurement performance and environmental ratings. The advanced version Micropulse Plus features flexible output scaling and configuration using a PC interface.
Performance improvements include stroke lengths to 300 in. with the maximum non-linearity cut in half. This features ±50 µm for nominal strokes less than 500mm, ±0.01% of full scale for 500 to 5500mm, and ±0.02% of full scale from 5501mm to 7600mm. Shock ratings are to 150g and vibration rating to 20g. EMC severity for static, RF, burst, and line noise is Level 3; for surge, Level 2 and magnetic field immunity to Level 4. Additionally, housing protection is to IP68 for pre-wired cables and IP67 for connector models.
Other improvements allow easier and more flexible configuration options during setup. Dual bi-color LEDs handle double duty for diagnostics and as a setup aid for pushbutton scaling of the position outputs. Communicating to a PC over standard USB, Micropulse Plus outputs can be scaled, inverted, and configured for single- or two-magnet position, velocity, or differential position between two magnets. Intuitive software features a simple-to-use graphical interface that allows drag-and-drop adjustment of the output characteristics. Configuration files can be saved for backup, replication, or for emailing to remote locations. Manual adjustment without a PC is also possible using the included pushbutton tool and simplified setup procedure that minimizes button-pushing complexity while maximizing operational flexibility.
For more information, visit: http://www.balluff.com/btl7-z
Linear Drive Selection Software Simplifies Calculation of Thrust and Speed Requirements
September 21, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Software
Aston, PA – The UH5 software program from Uhing Company enables rapid analysis of linear motion application requirements to assure correct size selection of Uhing rolling ring linear drives.
OEM designers and production personnel can submit linear motion application data by telephone or using forms on the Amacoil web site. Based on application criteria such as travel distance, weight of payload to be moved and desired ramp up time, Amacoil tech support specialists use the Uhing UH5 software program to quickly calculate technical and performance data such as required side thrust and linear travel speed.
The software saves time and eliminates trial and error in selecting linear drive size. Complex drive selection criteria are calculated in seconds including shaft rotational speed, drive torque, power requirements and shaft sag. Additional output data includes Fourier transformation analysis (showing drive displacement versus distance traveled at a constant speed) and dynamic simulation charts for visualizing shaft deflection off the centerline in relation to shaft rotation speed.
As the exclusive North American distributor for Uhing, Amacoil provides sales, technical support, service/repairs and parts.
For more information please contact Amacoil at 1-800-252-2645, Fax: 610-485-2357, or email at amacoil@amacoil.com
