Get the latest SLS linear drives and linear belts news from industry experts. Linear Motion Tips is dedicated to providing engineers and manufacturing professionals with up-to-date information. Our comprehensive list of articles provides information about tools, products and procedures designed to help with efficiency in the field.
New Timing Belt Drive Resists Sag over Long Travel
April 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Belts, Featured, Linear Drives
Aston, PA – The new model AZ1040 drive is the most recent extension to the Amacoil-Uhing line of timing belt drives used for smooth linear motion in positioning and indexing applications. The drive features a one-piece aluminum profile extrusion which serves as the belt housing. T-slots and receiver grooves for the load carriage guide bars are incorporated into the profile design. The one-piece construction permits longer, sag-free stroke lengths without necessitating scaling up to a larger size drive. In cross-section, the profile reveals a dynamic crisscross structural pattern which further increases sag resistance and overall durability.
Belt pulleys are built-in to the AZ1040 end caps. T-slots are also designed into the end caps which provide more options for mounting and integration with other assembly components. The load carriage measures 188 mm x 160 mm (7.4″ x 6.3″) and has pre-drilled and tapped payload mounting holes, and also T-slots running parallel to the line of travel. Maximum travel speed is up to 5.0 meters/second (16.4 ft/sec) depending on the weight of the payload which will also affect required drive torque and acceleration capability. The drive has a repeatability of +/- 0.2 mm (0.008″) over travel spans of up to 2,000 mm (6.5 ft).
Amacoil-Uhing AZ1040 timing belts are made of a heavy-duty synthetic rubber with a built-in steel cord strengthener. Multiple profile sections may be joined to accommodate long travel requirements. Five different AZ models are offered all of which are distributed in the USA by Amacoil, Inc. who also handles parts, repairs and technical support for Uhing linear drive products.
Amacoil
www.amacoil.com
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
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.
