New Thomson T60 Precision Range expands Heason Technology’s Linear Actuator Range

Heason Technology (www.heason.com) has announced that it added the latest Thomson T60 precision ballscrew linear actuator to the company’s wide array of positioning solutions. The T60 is a compact and powerful push-rod style actuator with a 38mm diameter hard chromed steel extension tube and 75mmx60mm profile housing for acceleration to 8m/sec2, speeds to 300mm/sec, selectable travel up to 1500mm and direct force to 1000N.

Its simple and yet effective design offers a long life, low-maintenance linear positioning with efficiency, precision and control that will outperform hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder actuators in a very similar format.

The unit has IP65 rate and is designed for harsh environments. The T60 is based on the same successful design of larger T130 and T90 Precision Linear Actuator (PLA) models from Thomson (www.thomsonlinear.com) which both suit a wide range of industrial applications from pharmaceutical manufacture to electronics production, as well as from pick and place systems to packaging automation.

The Thomson T60 is available in the market with a choice of 25mm diameter precision ballscrews with leads of 50mm, 25mm, 10mm and 5mm repeatability with a pre-loaded single nut arrangement for backlash. Its maximum input speed of 3000rpm allows comprehensive choice of motor technologies from speed controlled stepper motors, DC motors or full positioning servo motors. A wide range of accessories also allow side-mount options complete with belt drive arrangements or inline mounting with couplings.

New 28 mm Diameter Ball Screw Per JIS Standard

BURLINGTON, MA — Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new addition to its line of precision ball screws – a 28 mm diameter screw with 12 mm pitch. Normally our product line is guided by the DIN standard which specifies shaft diameters of 20, 25, 32, 40 mm, etc.

This new 28 mm diameter product was designed as a size compatible with the JIS standard. The ball screw is supplied with choice of two nut styles: single nut with flange series 1416; or double nut with flange series 1516. The ball nut is normally provided preloaded for zero backlash. The screw shaft is precision ground and offered in accuracy grades T0 to T5. Threaded length, journal details and overall length are per customer specification.

Steinmeyer
www.steinmeyer.com

New URS precision rotation stages from Newport

Newport Corporation (www.newport.com), a global leader in photonic and laser solutions that “Make, Manage and Measure Light”, is proud to announce the release of the URS50BPP and the URS50BCC precision rotation stages that feature 360°, continuous motion. These new stages have the smallest footprint of 50mm in size, and are offered in very affordable price, while maintaining the high performance of URS motion product family from Newport.

The URS50BPP and the URS50BCC provide very low wobble and backlash-free, continuous rotation with extremely high MTBF of up to 20,000. Competitively priced, the high-performing rotation stages feature large stage performance in a very small package. The two stages also offer exceptional 6µm eccentricity and easy integration.

The URS50B’s feature a one of a kind, two-part bearing design with pre-tempered bearings and steel gears to ensure long-life motion positioning and precision. The URS50BCC, the DC-motor version with embedded index pulse for precision homing, is best suited for demanding applications that need bi-directional positioning.

The economical URSBPP stepper motor version is ideal for less demanding, yet precision rotation applications. Each URS50B has a cable URS50B for plug-and-play compatibility with XPS, SMC and ESP.

ERD Electric Rod-style Actuator from Tolomatic

HAMEL, MN – Tolomatic’s new ERD electronic rod-style actuators are designed as an economical electric alternative to non-repairable pneumatic cylinders and provide design engineers with a new option for automating manual processes. Sleek and compact, ERD electric rod-style actuators deliver forces up to 75 pounds (334 N) at speeds up to 40 inches per second (1,016 mm/sec). ERD actuators are stroke configurable and ship within five days from order entry at the factory. The products are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including product change-overs, pick-and-place, sorting and diverting, heat-staking and more.

The ERD electric rod-style actuator is available in body sizes that are equivalent to 5/8”, 1” and 1.5” bore non-repairable pneumatic cylinders. These three sizes are available in stroke lengths up to 8, 10 and 12 inches, respectively, and forces up to 20, 40 and 75 pounds. The three sizes, from small to large, accept NEMA 11, 17 or 23 frame stepper and servo motors. The acme lead screw is made of high-performance steel and is available in three lead sizes per size to optimize speed or force.

ERD products are round bodied, following the footprint of most pneumatic actuators in this performance class. The rear head of the actuator features an oversized main bearing to accommodate high thrust loads and provide long life. The main tube and thrust tube are made of stainless steel for high rigidity and corrosion resistance, while the metric-threaded nose mount accepts a jam nut that provides convenient mounting for many applications. Mounting options include a rear trunnion mount, foot mounts or a front flange mount.

The ERD actuators can accommodate six different sensing or switching choices: reed, solid state PNP (sourcing) or solid state NPN (sinking), normally open, flying leads or quick-disconnect. The switches are activated by a standard internal magnet located inside the thrust tube. Commonly used for end-of-stroke positioning, these switches allow clamp-on installation anywhere along the actuator tube. All switches are CE rated and are RoHS compliant for environmental compatibility.

Tolomatic
www.tolomatic.com

Compact Linear-Motor Gantry from Aerotech

Aerotech’s AGS1500 series Cartesian gantry systems are designed for ultra-precision, high-dynamic contouring, and provide outstanding performance in precision micromachining, stencil cutting, fuel cell manufacturing, solder-ball placement, printed electronics, high-speed pick-and-place, automated assembly, vision inspection, dispensing stations, and high-accuracy inspection.

The AGS1500 is based on our industry-leading AGS15000 gantry, and maintains many of the same leading-edge characteristics but in a more compact footprint. The planar design minimizes dynamic pitch errors at the work point. The design also keeps the linear motors and linear encoders to the outside of the work area, making the gantry less susceptible to debris-induced damage.

High Speed/High Acceleration
Aerotech’s high-performance brushless linear servomotors drive the AGS1500 to speeds of 3 m/s and accelerations of 5 g. Dual linear motors and encoders are included on the lower axis for the highest level of performance and precision. The bearings are preloaded linear motion guides with wiper seals and grease fittings, and are mounted to provide optimized dynamic stiffness and load distribution. The rugged noncontact optical linear encoders offer resolutions to 1 nm when coupled with Aerotech’s controllers.

Long-Lasting Cable Management System
The cable management system (CMS) is optimized and field-proven as the industry’s most reliable design. Large bend radii and high-flex cables ensure that the AGS1500 provides millions of cycles of maintenance-free operation. In the unlikely event of a component failure, the AGS1500’s modular design ensures that part replacement is fast and easy.

All customer cabling and pneumatics can be routed through the system e-chain. Connectors are provided at the work piece and at the opposite end of the e-chain, greatly simplifying final machine integration.

Aerotech’s years of experience manufacturing precision positioning and control systems can be leveraged by acquiring a turnkey system. Typical options include Z-theta mechanisms, risers to accommodate automated parts handling equipment, brackets for flying optics components, isolation systems, and machine bases that are designed to accommodate the entire controls and electronics subsystems. In addition, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of amplifiers and advanced motion controllers that are optimized for high-performance automation applications and are a perfect complement to your Aerotech gantry.

Aerotech
www.aerotech.com/products/gantries/ags1500.html

High Lead Miniature Ball Screw from Steinmeyer

BURLINGTON, MA — Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new addition to its extensive line of precision miniature screws – a 5 mm diameter ball screw with 3 mm pitch. This high lead miniature screw is the perfect solution in applications for the aerospace arena, such as fin actuators. Maximum speed is 4500 rpm with a dynamic load capacity of 590 newtons. The ball screw is supplied with our series 2422 ball nut which can be modified to include trunnion supports as shown in the photo. The screw shaft is precision ground and offered in accuracy grades T0 to T5. Available with either zero backlash, using oversize balls, or minimum axial play of less than 20 microns, the ball screw is offered in standard lengths with machined journals as well as custom configurations. All parts are manufactured from certified materials.

Used in aerospace actuators around the globe, the ball screws offer internal ball return for smoother motion, higher speeds and very compact nut bodies.

The Steinmeyer Group
www.steinmeyer.com

PBC Linear’s Uni-Guide Design Helps Team Win FRC Innovation Award

The FRC (First Robotic Competition) is put on through FIRST and used to provide hands-on design/mechanical physics and engineering experience to high school students—along with valuable teamwork building and project management skills. This year, Team 2641 (a.k.a. the Vikings) of Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School decided to implement PBC Linear’s Uni-Guide linear slide for reliable operation of their robot’s “kicking” mechanism. Installed into a system they designed, the Vikings took the Uni-Guide through a host of competitive events throughout the country, pitting their design against other high school teams in a remote game put together to test the ingenuity of each team.

FRC varies their game every year. For 2010, FRC rolled out Breakaway: a team effort game using a 27’ x 54’ carpeted field divided into thirds by two 13’’ barriers. The teams are grouped into alliances (3 teams and 3 robots per alliance). The robots use varied student-made designs to toss soccer balls at targets located on either side of the field in order to score points—the Vikings accomplished this utilizing their Uni-Guide controlled design. Teams can also score points by elevating or suspending robots by climbing towers at the center of the dividing barriers. To summarize, the alliance has 2 minutes 15 seconds to score the most points using their 3 unique and FRC approved robots.

At the beginning of the season, each team is given a strict budget of $3500.00 to create their unique robot design. For their robot, the Vikings required a reliable linear guide system to conduct the kicking mechanism in order to shoot the soccer balls into the targets. The linear guide would need to endure several performance obstacles: high shock vibration from periodic impact crashes during the game; functioning in particulate-heavy environments due to steel and aluminum filings; and fast changing repeatability under high charged loads.

The Vikings decided to go with PBC Linear’s Uni-Guide system. Using a motor driven, dual-carriage design, the Uni-Guide would drive one carriage down the slide and attach to the other. As the second carriage was retracted back up the slide, potential energy built-up—awaiting the trigger’s release. Once triggered, the carriage releases in a slingshot-like motion to provide the kicking foot with enough energy to easily knock soccer balls into the goal.

The Uni-Guide was the perfect solution. The linear slide’s plane bearing technology sustained smooth velocity control for the operation of the “kicking foot.” Containing no rolling elements, the Uni-Guide tolerates shock forces and contamination without experiencing system failure or binding. The simple, two-piece (rail and carriage) assembly mounts to existing systems and is precision machined to ensure high accuracy and repeatable travel. This reduces cost by eliminating further alignment machining and fasteners that other multiple piece linear guide assemblies require. Available in driven or un-driven assemblies with multiple carriages, the Uni-Guide is well-suited for unique applications that necessitate sophisticated control—even in harsh surroundings.

Put to the test in three regional competitions, the Vikings’ robot excelled in mechanical performance due to the team’s innovative design and hard-working components; such as the Uni-Guide. The Vikings were even recognized for their design, winning an award for Innovation and Control at the 2010 Long Island Regional (at which they also took first place). To learn more about the Vikings Robotics Team or FRC, please visit their website at http://robotics.centralcathorlichs.com/node/1.

PBC Linear
UniGuide.pbclinear.com

IP66-Rated Direct-Drive Rotary Stages from Aerotech

The ASRT is an IP66-rated, direct-drive, sealed rotary stage that provides precise angular positioning in hostile environments where dirt, dust, cutting fluids and fluid jets are present. Applications range from industrial machining automation to precision sensor positioning in hostile environments, and the ASRT is also an effective solution for precise rotary motion in product environmental test and range tracking applications.

The ASRT is offered with either high accuracy encoder or magnetic encoder feedback. Unlimited travel is standard, with an optional limited travel model also available. Three different models cover a wide range of load and torque requirements.

The ASRT series uses Aerotech’s brushless, slotless motor that has no brushes to wear, no gear trains to maintain, and high acceleration and high speeds. The low inertia and zero backlash make the ASRT the ideal solution for applications requiring frequent directional changes. In addition, Aerotech manufactures a wide range of servo amplifiers and advanced controllers to provide a complete, integrated package.

Dual large-diameter bearings are used to maximize performance with respect to tilt error motion (3 arc sec), moment stiffness, and repeatability (1 arc sec). The large diameter bearings permit large payloads (up to 175 kg) without compromising performance.

Maximum rotary speeds are from 100 to 200 rpm. The ASRT includes an electrically grounded shaft and housing to protect against electrical shock and eliminate RF re-radiation, and housing grounding points are included. Circular sealed connectors are standard, while options include desiccant cartridge, air purge, and mounting flange accessory.

A polymer-based paint on the housing and a hard-coated tabletop prevent corrosion. The stage has optional brown, green, grey, black, and white paint colors. Standard operating temperature is 0 to 70°C. Operation below freezing requires the optional air-purge and desiccant, with air-purged stages operational from -20 to 70°C.

Aerotech
www.aerotech.com

Sliding Slewing Ring Bearings Used in Welding Machine

A developer and manufacturer of custom-made equipment for the fabricating industry uses sliding slewing ring bearings from igus® for rotary motion on an ultrasonic welding machine.

iglide® PRT slewing ring bearings facilitate movement on both the X and Y axis of the machine, which enables the welding gun to achieve numerous degrees of freedom. This means a variety of different welding jobs can be performed. The slewing ring bearings replaced a system of metal shafts and flange bearings that required time-consuming assembly and maintenance.

PRT slewing ring bearings do not require lubrication and so are unaffected by the welding dust produced by the machine and will not seize, unlike other bearing systems can. The unit comes as a ready-to-install solution, so the manufacturer saves both time and money during the design and assembly process.

The iglide PRT range uses low-friction polymer sliding elements in place of ball bearings. These sliding elements are made from an igus-developed, low-cost, high-performance polymer called iglide J, which is completely lubrication- and maintenance-free. iglide PRT slewing ring bearings are suitable for all environments; in particular, semiconductor and cleanroom applications, assembly lines, production facilities and robots.

PRT slewing ring bearings are an off-the-shelf, low-cost solution. All the housing components are made from aluminum (except style 02 – which has wear-resistant iglide J head rings) and all the surfaces parallel to the iglide J sliding elements are hard anodized with stainless steel fasteners. Stainless steel and geared versions are also available upon request.

igus
www.igus.com

The Wide World of Cable Carriers

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – igus® announced the results of its worldwide cable carrier competition at this year’s Hanover show. The winners were awarded their prizes during a reception at the igus booth.

There were around 80 entries for the first Vector Awards two years ago, which was only open to European entrants. In contrast, this year more than 110 entries were submitted from all over the world: from China, India, Korea, and Singapore, to the USA, Canada and Brazil, and right across Europe.

The gold award and €5,000 prize money went to the Czech power supplier CEZ Group for the longest travel in the world ever to be accomplished with a plastic cable carrier: 2,018 feet in a lignite-fired power plant in Tušimice. A heavy-duty roller cable carrier system from igus’ 5050 RHD series is installed on the conveyer unit of the lignite excavator, which operates in extremely demanding conditions. Roller cable carriers, developed by igus for long distances, have been in use around the world for more than ten years.

CEZ Group says the robust system – which is also equipped with igus’ Chainflex® continuous-flex cables – makes a significant contribution to operational safety. System downtimes caused by cable breakage, for example, have been reduced to zero compared with before.

The jury awarded the silver Vector Award to the National Mineral Development Corp. Ltd. (NMDC) in Hyderabad, India. The state company belongs to the Ministry of Steel and carries out exploration work, among other things.

NMDC use a 61-feet long plastic cable carrier system with a rearward bending radius (RBR) on a bucket-wheel reclaimer in a steel mine. The reclaimer can rotate by +/- 180 degrees, while operating in an area that is difficult to access. The loads the cable carrier must withstand are enormous: the cables in the cable carrier alone weigh over 36 pounds per foot.

The heavy steel chain used previously in this application was damaged after just two years. According to NMDC, the igus cable-carrier system has been running reliably and with little maintenance and no downtime since its installation.

The bronze Vector Award and €1,000 prize money went to Rene Petsch, a design engineer from Deckel Maho Seebach GmbH. In this application, a traveling column milling machine underwent advanced development to make it more accurate, adaptable and economical than its predecessor. The rigid machine bed made from composite mineral and the symmetrical traveling column were to ensure improved precision.

To keep the design space compact, the Y and Z-axes of the machine use just one cable carrier: System E4.1 from igus. The E4.1 system ensures higher lateral stability, which was necessary due to the high lateral acceleration through the X-axis of 26 feet per second². The cable carrier was attached in an upright position with the run bent in at one side.

All the cable carriers applications submitted can be found on the competition website at www.vector-award.com. Video content is also available for certain entries.

The Vector competition was run in conjunction with the German Central Association for Electrical Engineering and Industry (ZVEI), the tooling laboratory (WZL) of the RWTH Aachen and TÜV Rhineland. The Vector Award is under the patronage of the Industrial Automation sector of the Hanover show.

igus
www.igus.com

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