Linear Motion Tips provide information on the latest innovations in linear motion components such as linear bearings. Linear bearings systems are an appropriate solution for demanding applications and newest ball bearing materials and construction. Browse the articles below for more information.

igus’ new DryLin R linear bearings save up to $36,000 a year

Worldwide manufacturer and distributor of plastic plain bearings, Igus (www.igus.com), has unveiled the new DryLin R linear bearings in its series of chemisorptions and physisorption analysers.

Igus said the plastic bearings will replace the re-circulating ball bearings, which need frequent re-calibration and maintenance. As a result, the DryLin R linear bearings can save up to US$36,000 per year.

Specifically utilised in the analyzer’s elevator unit, DryLin R linear bearings helps facilitate the up and down motion of both the furnace and cooling bath during the sample analysis control. It is also corrosion-resistant and self-lubricating, making it an ideal choice for barren environment where the analysers are being used.

Meanwhile, the company’s comprehensive line of DryLin R linear bearings as well as its guide systems, do not need external grease or oils, becoming an important feature for medical laboratories and helps keep the environment free from any contaminants.

Igus noted that its products are also necessary in determining the physical characteristics of solid and powder materials in areas like nanotechnology, cosmetics, polymer science and pharmacology. The chemisorptions and physisorption analyzers are designed to bring reliable and consistent determinations related to pore structure, active metals and surface area for R&D applications and quality controls.

Furthermore, the company will showcase this wide range of products at booth 234 in the upcoming SLAS 2012 conference and exhibition hosted by the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening. The event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in California from 4 to 8 February 2012, with the exhibition hall open from 6 to 7 February 2012.

ELGG bi-parting drive ensures simultaneous movement of carriages

Festo (www.festo.com) has released its latest ELGG bi-parting drive which features a pair of bearing guides that supports two similar carriages, driven by a toothed belt connected to the bottom of one carriage and the top of the other.

The ELGG offers an adaptable and cost-effective means of ensuring tow carriages’ simultaneous movement — in opposite directions — on one linear axis.

Based on the cost-optimized design concept of a famous low-cost Festo electric actuator, the company’s new electric bi-parting drive eliminates the need for a full length profile utilized by traditional toothed belt axes. It guarantees straight line movement of the carriages, by relying on the rigidity of the steel bearing guides. An extremely robust and rigid structure is achieved as the bearing guides are supported on both ends and the electric bi-parting drive provides the option of a center support. Built on the same aluminum profile, the carriages and the supports help minimize cost and employ asymmetric extrusion geometry to deliver the required offset.

Available in 35 mm, 45 mm and 55 mm wide profiles, the ELGG drives offer standard stoke lengths of 400 mm, 500 mm and 750 mm per carriage, respectively. For higher loads and speeds, the moving carriages can also be designed with re-circulating ball bearing guides or with sliding bushing. Depending on the drive’s configuration, all models are capable of repeatable positioning accuracies to within ±100 microns, offer longer in-service life that is beyond 5,000 km of travel and deliver speed as high as three meters/second.

It is compatible with Festo’s wide array of stepper and servo motors and controllers, as well as with third-party motors.

Thomson Introduces EngineersCALC App

Thomson introduces EngineersCALC – a powerful and simple-to-use engineering calculator for mobile devices that provides ready access to four of the most common engineering utilities used by motion and machine design professionals. With EngineersCALC, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android and Blackberry users can now convert a number from one set of units to another, calculate the inertia of a common shape, determine the density of a material in a particular unit, or look up a common trigonometric or calculus function. They can also quickly and easily save and share the calculations with built-in email and texting features.

EngineersCALC is available as a free desktop computer application known as Engineer’s Toolbar, which is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7.0 operating systems. Thomson also has available a number of additional free machine design resources, including web-based application sizing and selection tools, attribute-based product selectors, and configurable 2D and 3D interactive models that are downloadable in all major CAD formats.

Thomson
www.thomsonlinear.com

 

Aerotech provides accurate positioning of heavy and offset loads

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has released a broad based version of its ABL1500 air-bearing linear translation stage, specifically designed as a base for X-Y systems or for high precision positioning of offset and heavy loads where maximum support is vital.

Offered in four travel options starting from 200mm to 500mm, the ABL1500WB features a nominal width of 400mm. Possessing a powerful dual linear motor drive and a selection of high accuracy or standard precision linear encoders, the stage can withstand a direct load of 60kg with submicron accuracy and resolution, and delivers up to 2m/sec and 2g of speed/acceleration.

ABL15000’s all aluminum stage benefits from an active air preload system for certified flatness/straightness of less than +/- 2.0 microns for the 500 mm travel version. It is also targeted at high test applications and throughput manufacturing in nanotechnology or semiconductor production that demands a no-compromise performance for step and repeat or scanning positioning.

Aerotech’s exceptionally high stage stiffness with advanced offset load handling characteristic is attributed to the stage’s active air bearing design, which sustains equal pressure on both horizontal and vertical bearing surfaces and distributes the load of the stage across the maximum area. Its brushless linear servo motors, air bearings and non contacting encoders all contribute to the stage’s negligible friction. It also requires minimal maintenance requirements.

The stage can be supplied individually or with other positioning mechanics as a multi-axis engineered system. The systems enable machine builders and OEMs to realize their automation needs. These can also include cabinet frames, special fixtures, granite base and various advanced machine and motion controls that combine to enhance production throughput, development timescales, and customer product’s final quality.

ILG’s new thrust bearings and linear bearings manufacturers directory

Industrial Leaders Group (ILG) has recently launched two new bearing manufacturers directories that focus on linear bearings, spherical, miniature, precision, stainless steel, ball, pillow block, hinge, slewing, needle roller, as well as other magnetic, fluid, flexure, jewel, plain and roller element bearings material handling, commercial, industrial, aerospace and other applications at Global Bearings Directory Website (http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/suppliers/bearings.html).

ILG said manufacturers sourcing for power transmission and motion control solutions are usually in need of custom made products and OEM.

Steven Morgan, spokesperson for the company, said the bearing manufacturers found on the site are primarily from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and China serving more than 54 countries across the globe with emphasis on the West. Mr. Morgan added that more than 30 thrust bearings manufacturers have been added to the directory, which also serves as power transmission equipment and motion controls purchasing guide for engineering, plant maintenance, hydraulic, conveying and other markets, as well as heavy equipment, automotive and agriculture mechanics.

“There are many industries and applications where a more suitable type of bearing can help a company improve reliability, service intervals, accuracy, efficiency, speed of operation as well as the overall operating and purchasing value of machinery and equipment,” said Morgan. “Industrial Leaders created its new bearings directory to help companies compare manufacturers offering different types of plastic and metal bearing products such as ball, roller, sleeve, rifle, journal, angular contact and other kinds of bearings offered in a wide range of standard and customized dimensions and materials.”

Bishop-Wisecarver Promotes National Sales Manager

Pittsburg, CA - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announced that National Sales Manager Michael McVeigh has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. He will have the primary responsibility of overseeing the entire sales channel for Bishop-Wisecarver, and manage all global efforts both domestically and internationally.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike for four years as our National Sales Manager. He has done a fabulous job of growing our sales efforts, even during the recent economic downturn,” said Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “The Board of Directors felt that bringing Mikes’ management skills to our entire sales channel will be an important element of our global sales efforts going forward. I look forward to working with Mike on our strategic sales plans for growing our sales both domestically and internationally.”

McVeigh is a college graduate from the University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to joining Bishop-Wisecarver in 2006 as the National Sales Manager, McVeigh worked in the bearing industry for 16 years in both sales and marketing. Since his hire at Bishop-Wisecarver, he has grown to appreciate the uniqueness of Bishop-Wisecarver’s customer base and their applications.

“Our overriding company goal is to become the customer’s 1st choice,” said McVeigh. “I am honored to be leading our team to meet this challenge as the Vice President of Sales.”

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Renishaw Helps Achieve High Accuracy Grinding for Giant Wind Turbine Bearings

KMT Lidköping (www.kmtgroup.com/lidkoping/) has unveiled its new hard-turning VTG4000 (Vertical Turning Grinding) machine that uses a combination of Renishaw SiGNUM optical angle and linear encoders to achieve the required accuracy, and Renishaw magnetic encoders placed on the exposed axes of the cutting heads.

“Our largest machine used to accommodate parts up to 600 mm diameter, but the VTG4000 can handle diameters in excess of 4000 mm, the size of the largest wind turbine bearings. This is hard turning and grinding which can be very demanding, and the positioning accuracy is very important, with a direct effect on the quality of the finished bearings. A standard size machine, using ballscrews on the axes, will manage to maintain a 3 µm form deviation, yet despite the considerable difference in relative size, the VTG4000 has been proven to achieve an exceptional form deviation of less than 1 µm, with feed resolution in 0.1 µm steps,” said Eive Johansson, Lidköping’s VTG Chief Designer.

“At the heart of a Lidköping machine are the linear slides. The combination of hydrostatic guideways, air seals and linear motors create a stiff, accurate and maintenance-free system. To achieve dynamic stiffness we need high gain and the gain is linked to the quality of the encoder scales. It also makes a big difference that the angle encoders have the scale integrated directly onto the ring,” he added.

Mr. Johansson first saw the Renishaw SiGNUM encoders during the EMO 2007 exhibition in Hannover, and then followed a period of rigorous testing by the company. As he explained: “The choice of Renishaw was easy; we compared different scales assembled on our reference slide and bought the one with the best performance. It was important that the linear encoders could be supplied in a continuous length of at least 4.5 m and SiGNUM is the easiest way to achieve this. The Renishaw encoders also give more resistance to dirt. We have now fitted Renishaw encoders to all four linear slides and as expected, we have had no problems!”

“The rotary table has the same design principle, with hydrostatic radial and axial bearings, air seals and torque motors for the drive. The same analysis was done, and the Renishaw SiGNUM angle encoders were chosen,” he added.

The Renishaw encoders have an integral patented set-up LED that speeds installation and eliminates the need for separate set-up equipment/complex external, or oscilloscopes.

“One of the best features of the Renishaw encoders is how easy they are to set-up,” Mr. Johansson said. “With the scale attached and the readhead approximately located the indicator lights make it very easy to see how well the two elements are aligned and then make the final adjustments.”

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

Amish Communities Adopt Plastic Bearings

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An Ohio-based manufacturer of horse-drawn farming equipment predominately employed by Amish communities uses iglide® plastic plain bearings from igus® on a ‘crumbler’ mechanism; used to crush clods of dirt during the tilling process. The bearings replaced a system of metal shafts and collars that required messy lubricants and frequent maintenance.

iglide G300 bearings are used on each of the crumbler’s eight rolling elements. Grease fittings made the rollers susceptible to dirt build-up, which eventually led to the formation of a thick sludge as the tool sat idle in-between harvests. Fortunately, iglide bearings are lubrication-free and dirt- and dust-resistant and so are ideal for use in this outdoor application. They are also unaffected by rain and any moisture from the soil, thanks to their corrosion-resistant and low moisture absorption properties.

iglide plastic plain bearings are available in 28 different polymers. Every iglide bearing material possesses a number of special features, which makes it suitable for particular applications and requirements. iglide G300 bearings are cost-effective and can be paired with a number of different shafting materials. They are best for rotational and oscillating movements and low to average running speeds. They also possess a low coefficient of friction and high wear-resistance. To request free samples, call 1-888-803-1895, visit www.igus.com/iglide.asp or e-mail sales@igus.com.

igus
www.igus.com

Reduce Friction in Machine Guard Doors

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The word ‘hybrid’ is used in engineering to describe a system where two technologies are combined together. igus® has now achieved this with a completely new type of cost-effective hybrid linear bearing that both rolls and slides.

The new hybrid bearing, DryLin® WJRM, was developed with the goal of reducing driving force, especially in applications involving the manual adjustment of machine-guard doors, partitions and adjustable locks, or for light handling tasks. For this purpose, igus took the advantages unique to sliding and rolling movements and combined them.

A self-lubricating plastic, sliding sleeve bearing ensures the hybrid linear system is robust, dirt and moisture resistant, lightweight and low cost. Meanwhile, a maintenance-free polymer roller brings ease of use to applications where heavy machine doors up to 110 pounds have to be adjusted manually. The required driving force is reduced by a factor of 4 to 5 due to this roller bearing, which carries the main load. This makes manual operation much easier.

The new hybrid bearing is the latest extension to the tried-and-trusted DryLin W linear guide range from igus. The extremely compact system was modeled by igus’ design engineers in such a way that the rollers fit inside the linear profile without increasing height, which remains at a low profile 0.71 inches (18 mm). Standard linear guide profiles can be used, which are available in three styles for shaft diameters of 0.39 (10 mm): as individual rails for more flexibility and as double rails for fast installation without time-consuming alignment. The latter comes with a distance between rails of 1.57 inches (40 mm) or 3.15 inches (80 mm). The hybrid bearing housing is made from blue-chromed die-cast zinc.

DryLin W is a flexible, modular linear guide system made from hard-anodized aluminum profiles, die-cast zinc housings, stainless steel or aluminum and plastic plain bearing materials. The wide variety of different combinations within this easy-to-install system allows users to optimize available design space. DryLin W linear guides work without lubrication as dry-running systems and do not require maintenance during operation. They use plastic liners made from iglide® J or iglide J200, both of which are extremely low wear and have a very low coefficient of friction. They are also chemical resistant, vibration dampening and absorb negligible amounts of moisture.

igus
www.igus.com

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