Linear Motion Tips provides the best source of information on linear drives and drive belt systems. Linear drives and drive belt systems enable smooth movement in your process and can reduce maintenance expenses. For the latest news, take a look at the articles below. Subscribe to our RSS feed to stay up to date on the latest in linear drives and drive belt system news and trends.
HepcoMotion® PDU2M Belt Driven Unit from Bishop-Wisecarver
March 10, 2010 by admin
Filed under Belts, Linear Drives
Pittsburg, CA – - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces the availability of the new HepcoMotion® PDU2M Profile Belt Driven Unit, a high capacity version of the successful PDU2. The PDU2M incorporates a carriage that contains four extra rollers on each side in order to withstand increased moment forces. Suitable for demanding single-axis systems and multi-axis applications, the PDU2M delivers a 50% higher load capacity, a 200% increase in moment load capacity and a 1,000% improvement in moment load stiffness compared to the standard PDU2. Designers can now specify a single PDU2M unit as a horizontal axis in an X-Z system, where previously two PDU2 units working in parallel would have been required to provide the necessary rigidity and strength.
PDU2M is comprised of a rigid but lightweight aluminum slotted profile fitted with a toothed belt drive and carriage which effectively encloses the unit. Rated for operating speeds up to 6m/s and loads up to 750N, PDU2M’s 20AT3 belt allows for driving forces up to 280N. Left, right or double drive shafts can be specified together with a range of options such as brakes, positioning encoders and mechanical or inductive limit switches. Internal bumpers provide end of stroke protection at both ends.
Key to this unit is the extra ultra-high performance HepcoMotion Herculane® wheels that are mounted on adjustable eccentric studs. These wheels run virtually friction-free on the inside of the profile providing stable support for the carriage plate; felt wipers sweep debris from their path. Several carriage styles are available to allow for quick and easy construction of multi-axis systems with minimal brackets and hardware.
PDU2 is fully compatible with aluminum profile systems (which Bishop-Wisecarver carries) and is an ideal replacement for failing ball-based systems that are unable to match its speed and reliability.
Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com
SQUIGGLE® RV Micro Motion System
January 15, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Linear Drives, Linear Motors
Victor, NY – New Scale Technologies, Inc. announced a breakthrough in piezo motion control system design. The SQUIGGLE RV reduced voltage linear drive system consists of a SQL-RV-1.8-6-12 SQUIGGLE motor and NSD-2101 drive ASIC. It is the industry’s first miniature piezo motor drive solution with a driver chip that is smaller than the motor and driven directly from battery power as low as 2.3 VDC without the need for a voltage boost.
The SQUIGGLE RV motor is New Scale’s next-generation piezo micro motor, using state-of-the-art, multi-layer piezo technology from TDK-EPC (www.epcos.com) to reduce the input voltage requirements of this tiny motor – still the world’s smallest linear motor at 2.8 x 2.8 x 6 mm. The NSD-2101 driver was developed for this new motor in partnership with austriamicrosystems (www.austriamicrosystems.com) using advanced integrated circuit designs and patented control systems. This smart IC measures only 1.8mm x 1.8mm and drives the SQUIGGLE RV motor directly, without the need for an external boost circuit.
The SQUIGGLE RV linear drive system is more than five times smaller and uses 40% less power than comparable electromagnetic linear drive systems.
Moog and Thompson Friction Welding Develop World’s Largest Linear Friction Welding Machine
January 15, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Hydraulic Cylinders, Industry News, Linear Drives
East Aurora, NY USA – Moog and Thompson Friction Welding have developed the world’s largest linear friction welding machine. It is capable of welding a surface area of 10,000 mm2 (15 in2), nearly twice as much as previously achieved, and breaks the record of weld forge load at 100 tons.
Designated the E100, this new machine now extends the use of Linear Friction Welding (LFW) in the automotive and aerospace industries to produce components such as vehicle flooring and secure the blades on jet engines.
The E100, is a one hundred-ton piece of equipment that was manufactured at the Thompson facility in the United Kingdom. To develop the E100, Thompson found the perfect partner in Moog with the requisite expertise in hydraulics, servovalve systems, and hydrostatics.
The E100 machine and control system represent a major industry-breakthrough as friction welding technology had never been used before over such a wide operating envelope. Its automatic handling systems and rapid machine open/close features cut production cycle times when compared with traditional manual operations, while recharging of the accumulators takes only around 30 seconds for the largest and longest welds. The E100 now opens up new possibilities for welded fabrication of parts that previously needed to be machined from solid metal, a process that can result in up to 80% material waste. It is set to transform how jet engines are manufactured by cutting production cycle-times and dramatically reducing waste of expensive materials such as titanium.
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Linear Motor Axes Deliver Cutting-edge Motion
January 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Linear Drives, Linear Motors
With acceleration values of 140 m/s², Festo linear motor direct drives are the perfect actuators for fast acceleration with high precision, such as is required in photovoltaics production, medical technology, the electronics industry or the assembly of small parts in the clock and watch-making industry.
Short strokes in less than 20 milliseconds: the linear motor drive DNCE-LAS. (Photo: Festo)
The electric linear motor drives ELGL-LAS, DNCE-LAS and DFME-LAS accelerate at one and a half to four times the rate of all other electric and pneumatic drives used in automation technology. They are also two to three times faster than electric axes with a spindle or belt drive. And all this to an accuracy of 10 µm. This makes linear motor axes the ideal choice for short assembly times, where not only high speeds but above all high rates of acceleration are required.
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Misumi USA Announces New Series of Drive Shafts
December 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Industry News, Linear Drives
Misumi USA, Inc. announces the availability of an entire line of new Drive Shafts, designed for use in automated machinery, plant automation systems, and motion control machinery and devices. For example, the rugged and reliable Drive Shafts can be specified by design engineers for use as drive or idler shafts in motion control machines and equipment, roller-based conveying systems, and other industrial machinery.
Misumi offers the new series of Drive Shafts in a variety of product models, each available in different sizes, dimensions, and configurations to meet the needs of a vast number of applications. The new product configurations include:
* Straight Drive Shafts in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZAN, KZAC, KZAP) and 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZAF). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, key groove additions, etc.
* One End Stepped Drive Shafts in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZBN, KZBC, KZBP) and 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZBF). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, key groove additions, etc.
* Both Ends Stepped Drive Shafts in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZCN, KZCC, KZCP) and 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZCF). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, groove additions, etc.
* One End Stepped, One End Double Stepped Drive Shafts in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZDN, KZDC, KZDP), 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZDF), and 304 stainless steel (Type KZDS). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, groove additions, etc.
* Drive Shafts With Flange in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZEN, KZEC, KZEP), 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZES), and 304 stainless steel (Type KZEF). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, groove additions, etc.
* One End Stepped Drive Shafts With Flange in 1045 carbon steel with optional black oxide or nickel plating (Types KZFN, KZFC, KZFP), 1045 induction hardened carbon steel (Type KZFS), and 304 stainless steel (Type KZFF). Available in various sizes/dimensions and with various machining alterations such as threaded or tapped ends, wrench flat, groove additions, etc.
* All the shafts listed above are available with h7 tolerance fit. We also offer some of the hardened shaft options with h6 tolerance.
* Please, note that our standard rotary shaft offering is now also available with more tolerance fit options. Besides standard g6 tolerance, many shafts are now offered in h9 and h7 to cover more rotary motion application types.
Manufacturing and delivery time for Misumi’s new line of Driving Shafts ranges from six to ten days, depending on product type selected and machining requirements. Additional information, including complete technical data, pricing, easy product selection and machining alterations, can be found in the Misumi catalog and on the website at www.misumi-ec.com/eusaen/mech/
MISUMI USA, Inc.
www.misumiusa.com
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
EXCEL-A-BELT Miniature Drive Belt System
Something new in the miniature drive belt system from NBK. After years of testing, NBK’s system offers a unique arched tooth profile with zero backlash which enables the system to run longer, cleaner, and quieter than common drive belts in use today.
The key to the new tooth profile, which allows for high accuracy positioning and precise rotation transmission, is that it provides a rolling action between the belt and the specially formed drive sprocket. As the belt tooth enters and leaves the sprocket it does so in a rocking motion which reduces wear and contaminates from belt or sprocket tooth abrasion.
The drive sprockets have bore sizes ranging from 3-25mm and PD’s of 17-54mm and come standard for shaft clamping. Four belt widths of 3, 4, 6, and 9mm are available. Excel-A-Belt miniature drive system is perfectly suited for use with motors of 10-1,000W.
Gates Energy Efficient Power Transmission Drive Solutions
March 17, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Belts
With energy costs on the rise, you’ve got to keep your power transmission systems performing at optimum efficiency. On average, synchronous belt drives operate at a consistent 98-99% efficiency, which is 5% more efficiently than V-belt drives. That means that converting from a V-belt drive to a synchronous drive can increase your production by 5% or lead to savings on your energy bill.
Plus, properly installed synchronous belts eliminate time spent retensioning, reduce maintenance expenses, and may save your plant thousands of dollars.
The cost-saving benefits of Gates synchronous belt drives make them ideal for a wide variety of markets, including chemical processing, ethanol refining, oil refining, and food and beverage.
Gates has your energy efficient solution.
Download an Energy Efficiency Whitepaper and the Belt Preventative Maintenance Manual here >>>
PowerGrip® Rubber Synchronous Belts
March 17, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Belts
PowerGrip belts have solved real-world application requirements for more than 60 years. In working with Gates to conceive an innovative belt drive solution, you’ll find a partner that exceeds your expectations.
PowerGrip belts are used in a diverse range of applications requiring speed, strength and durability – from timing belts for automobiles to heavy-duty belts and sprockets for factory-grade machinery – and in the OEM, and replacement markets.
Just one of the belts in the industrial line is the PowerGrip GT®2 belt, which offers:
•High horsepower and torque-carrying capacity
•Low noise and vibration with narrower drive designs
•Accurate registration
•No maintenance or equipment downtime
•Excellent abrasion resistance
•Long life
In fact, it features twice the HP capacity as HTD®, GT and competitive RPP® belts, allowing smaller, more compact drive designs for the lumber/pulp processing, food processing, packaging, aluminum/steel production markets and numerous others.
PowerGrip Twin Power® belts provide double-sided power and synchronization, while TruMotion® belts are clean running, small pitch belts for contaminant-conscious applications.
In addition to the range of high quality products, Gates offers the engineering and design resources to support you from project conception to completion.
Misumi Expands Line of Precision Linear Shaft Designs
March 12, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Drives
Schaumburg, IL - Misumi USA, Inc. announces that it has significantly expanded its line of Precision Linear Shafts, components frequently utilized in machine building and in the design of industrial automation machinery and systems. The new line is featured in Misumi’s 2009 Catalog of Mechanical Components for Assembly Automation.
The new Precision Linear Shafts are available in a multitude of design options, most of which listed below Misumi manufactures and ships to customers within 3 to 6 days. Options include:
available for many styles)
offerings – 8 days to ship
All of Misumi’s induction-hardened Standard and Precision Linear Shafts are precision formed, ground and machined to tight concentricity and straightness dimensional tolerances. The shafts come in standard and configurable sizes and lengths, as well as in a selection of materials/grades (e.g., Bearing Steel, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel) and surface treatments (e.g., chrome plating, LTBC plating), depending on the user’s specifications and application requirements. Users can also configure the dimensions of over 90 different machined end variations.
