Exlar expands its planetary roller screw portfolio

Exlar (www.exlar.com) has expanded its component planetary screw portfolio to offer two new performance capacities, available in PRR and PRS models.

The PRR models feature G9 lead accuracy, deliver static load ratings up to 18,000-lbf and are offered in screw diameters ranging from 12 mm to 27 mm. Meanwhile, the PRS models offer static loads up to 218,000-lbf, G5 lead accuracy and comes in screw diameters of eight mm to 80 mm.

Providing a mechanism for easy conversion of rotary torque into linear motion, Exlar’s roller screws operates just like ball screws or acme screws, featuring a nut traveling on a threaded shaft. Unlike ball or acme screws, however, Exlar roller screws can support heavy loads, at high speeds, and with high duty cycles for longer hours during the most difficult conditions. This effectively makes them an ideal substitute for ball screws.

The roller screw actuators offer a superior alternative to pneumatic or hydraulic solutions in applications that anticipates high loads and require faster cycling. Electromechanical systems employing roller screws provide great advantages, since they do not demand a complex support system of pumps, valves, sensors and filters. Hence, aside from demanding lesser space, roller screw based systems also offer minimal maintenance and longer working lives. These systems also deliver highly efficient operation as they reduce noise levels, eliminate hydraulic leaks and provide increased flexibility.

Exlar’s new planetary roller screws are specifically designed with more contact points on sizes similar to ball screws. The increased contact points allow the roller screws to deliver higher load capacities and optimized stiffness.

Electric vehicle barriers features GSX40 actuato

With linear actuators from Exlar (www.exlar.com), Robotic Security Systems (www.rssi.com), a vehicle security barriers manufacturer, has launched the RS-2000, an electric barrier that is reliable, simple to install and operate, and cost-effective to maintain.

“The main difference between a hydraulic barrier and an electric barrier is performance. With electric motors, the barrier can operate faster—with more duty cycles and operations in a given time period—without sacrificing reliability,” said Bill Jempty, RSSI VP of Sales and Marketing.

Exlar’s GSX40 actuator provided RSSI the advantages of brushless servo design and roller screw technology. Featuring planetary rollers fitted around the extending rod of the actuator that follow threads, the roller screw mechanism converted electric motor power within the actuator into linear motion.

“The GSX40 … allowed us to move our barrier up and down faster with a higher number of duty cycles,” said Jempty. “The servomotor was especially helpful because it knows where the barrier is at all points in its operation. With the old style you only knew if the barrier was up or down.”

Aside from its capacity to support heavy loads at high speeds, GSX40’s roller screw mechanism provided it with longer functional life attributed to its larger cumulative contact surface.

Delivering high speeds of 3000 rpm that translates into 10in/sec for the barrier, the actuator’s compact system permits for high torque even at the speed of 0. K-12 certified, RSS-2000’s actuator back-up battery system allows for 300 more uses even after its power has gone out.

Exlar’s EXP-24 Positioner controls linear and rotary actuators

Exlar Corporation (www.exlar.com) has announced the release of EXP-24 Positioner, which can be utilized to control most of the company’s three-phase rotary and linear actuators, including ER115 rotary and EL100 linear actuators.

Fitted in a robust, IP66-rated housing, the ATEX (Directive 94/9/EC) and CSA regulations compliant positioner is designed with a brushless servo motor amplifier and a 24VDC motion controller and has the capability to power most of the market’s resolver feedback brushless motors. Following an analog input signal, the EXP-24 Positioner provides the functionality to position a damper or a valve. It also offers position feedback through an analog input. The positioner’s operating temperature range of -29°C to 82°C is suitable for process control applications. The EXP-24 features additional motion modes to enable it to cater to the widest range of motion control applications.

Specifically engineered for analog control, Exlar’s positioner allows easy integration into factory-wide process systems through its isolated RS485 Modbus serial interface. Various diagnostics features are also made available including following error, real time monitoring, input and output status, position error, communication diagnostics, data logger and a multi-channel oscilloscope.

The EXP-24’s explosion-proof rating, robust packaging and high performance make it ideal for an extensive range of applications, including shipboard fuel management systems, valve and damper control, fuel skids, engine test stands, oil wells and platforms, printing presses and paint booths.

Exlar’s actuators support Ethernet-based communication protocol

Exlar (www.exlar.com) has announced the release of its latest Ethernet-based communications protocol, which is supported by Modbus TCP/IP, Tritex II linear and rotary actuators of the company. The Ethernet connection is integrated in M12 connectors in order to maintain standard connectivity.

The Modbus TCP protocol is paired with another protocol, the Modbus RTU, which is supported by the convenience of Ethernet connectivity through the company’s Tritex product portfolio.

Aside from the Modbus TCP support, Exlar Expert software also provides improved functionality for users of Modbus commands through a PLC or HMI.

Exlar also offers a unique Modbus Mapping table, which enables users to map all parameters they want to use in a contiguous register bank that is comprised of 100 registers. Now users can focus on programming the PLC since the table eliminates the need to dig into manuals searching for individual parameter addresses. Rather than forcing the PLC program to read numerous data that might not all be used, the table allows the PLC to make a single write operation and a single read operation to the selected registers.

Operating from 100V AC to 240V AC, the Tritex II actuators allow direct connection to power sources of factories. Its optimized software features include 16 programmable indexes, while the actuator’s Modbus port linked moves and firmware flash upgrade capability. The port offers the actuator complete monitoring and programming control of all its aspect, while it performs an application via the RS/485 protocol.

Customers can choose from various communications options including HART, Ethernet IP, CAN J1939 and CAN Open protocols.

Exlar 2011 Catalog Features Versatile Motion Control Solutions

Exlar announces its 2011 Product Catalog and Engineering Guide is now available by download or in print by request. The catalog details Exlar’s broad selection of linear and motion control products, including linear actuators, rotary motors and gearmotors, as well as new and updated products now rated for use in hazardous locations. Sections include series overviews, specifications, performance curves, drawings, system configurations, additional options and ordering information.

A section on roller screw technology explains how this mechanism for converting rotary torque into linear motion functions. This section details the advantages of roller screw technology over alternative linear motion technologies such as ball screws or hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.

New this year, the hazardous products section includes information on the EL Series Explosion Proof Linear Actuators with new ATEX certification and ER Series Explosion Proof Rotary Motor and Gearmotor Actuators—both specifically designed for reliable performance even in demanding conditions. Additionally, the standard GSX/GSM and SLM/SLG linear actuators are now available with a Class I Division 2 Option for hazardous locations.

An easy-to-reference engineering section includes definitions and equations for determining move-profile, velocity and acceleration, force, thrust, motor velocity and torque. A table of factors for converting units of rotary inertia, torque and material densities between English and metric units is also included, as well as a notes section.

Exlar Corporation
www.exlar.com

ATEX Rated Explosion-Proof Linear Actuators from Exlar

Exlar’s linear actuator line has been expanded to include the EL100 explosion-proof linear actuators, rated for Class I, Div 1, Groups B, C, D and T3 hazardous environments. The EL100 linear actuators also meet ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are in conformity with the EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.

The EL Series linear actuators integrate a highly efficient planetary roller screw mechanism with a high torque servomotor in a single self-contained package. The roller screw consists of multiple threaded rollers assembled in a planetary arrangement around a threaded shaft. This highly robust design is engineered to provide reliable and precise operation over thousands of hours, handling heavy loads even under extremely demanding conditions.

Exlar’s servo-electromechanical systems offer clean, fast, simple and cost effective replacements for hydraulic actuation and longer lasting alternatives to pneumatic actuation. Reduced emissions and energy consumption (80% system energy efficiency) as well as increased position control and accuracy—all leading to reduced cost—are provided by servo electric actuation. Other features that make Exlar’s servo-electromechanical systems particularly easy to set-up and use include:

* Speeds up to 25 ips
* Forces up to 2000 lbs
* 8 pole brushless motors
* Strokes up to 6 in.
* Feedback configurations for nearly any resolver-based servo amplifier
* Several mounting configurations
* Windings available from 24 VDC to 460 Vrms
* CSA Class I, Div 1 Group B, C, D and T3 hazardous environment rating
* ATEX II 2 G Ex d IIB T3 Gb IP66
* Completely sealed motor for trouble-free operation

For process applications, the EL100 offers a unique combination of high speed, performance and accuracy in a compact package when coupled with Exlar’s EXP Series Positioner. High performance is achieved with respect to speed, linearity, load sensitivity, deadband and temperature range. For valve and damper control, the EL Series actuators continuously hold the position of the valve stem or shaft allowing extremely fast response to the smallest command signal changes without overshoot even when friction is present. This results in improved loop performance and reduced process variability.

Exlar’s EL Series provide a superior and cost-effective solution even in the most severe and demanding environments.

Exlar Corporation
www.exlar.com

USS Gerald R. Ford’s advanced weapons elevators use Exlar Linear Actuators

Exlar Corporation (www.exlar.com) has announced its award to be the provider of linear actuators to the AWE (Advanced Weapons Elevators) of Federal Equipment Company (www.fedequip.com) on the USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier.

The Ohio-based Federal Equipment Company is currently manufacturing 11 high-tech Advanced Weapons Elevators for the latest class of US Aircraft Carriers. These elevators have capacities of up to 24,000lb and speeds up to 150ft/min, as well as vastly improved payload capabilities compared to the previous weapons handling systems. Also known as CVN-78, the next-generation Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford is a totally new design for the US Navy and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

The GSM30 linear actuators from Exlar are used to fire locking pins in order to keep the elevators in position in every deck level. The Exlar actuators combine an inverted roller screw, an encoder/resolver feedback source and a brushless servo motor into a single compact assembly, eliminating the complexity and cost of systems engineering’s approach, as every element needed to produce linear motion have been correctly designed and matched into the actuator. All GSM Series linear actuators’ brushless servo design allows the actuators to be used in closed-loop servo systems, where electronic control of velocity and positioning is needed. In these systems, position feedback can be supplied in different forms to match customer specifications, which include encoders, resolvers or internal-mounted linear position feedback sensors.

GSM Series linear actuators’ patented design uses an inverted roller screw mechanism to automatically convert the brushless motor’s rotary motion into high thrust, high speed linear motion. This mechanism offers a lead accuracy of 25mm/300mm for high precision operation and can be supplied with no backlash.

GSM actuators are ideal for demanding applications such as automatic tool changers, wire guiding, dispensing, wafer and chip handling, testing, robot manipulation, indexing material cutting, web guidance, volumetric pumps, tension control, automated assembly, simulation testing, injection riveting and molding, as well as joining and fastening.

Exlar’s I-Series Actuators in 4D Theater for Motion Simulation Requirements

Exlar Corporation (www.exlar.com) is proud to introduce its latest linear actuators for the six degree-of-freedom motion bases in a South Korean museum theater for four-dimensional (4D) entertainment.

South Korea’s Gridspace Corporation chose the I-Series actuators from Exlar over ball screw actuators for the demanding application in order to meet several motion simulation requirements. These motion bases require servo control for smooth and precise positioning, accuracy and repeatability, as well as overall long life. The I-Series actuator provides machine users the flexibility to mount any motor into the actuator.

Exlar’s I Series Linear actuators feature many benefits. These include multiple stroke lengths, high cycle rates, wide variety of mounting styles, repeatable and accurate positioning, less noise compared to other motion technologies and millions of cycles without maintenance and re-lubrication. The series also has roller screws that offer up to 15 times longer life compared to ball screws. The actuators also use up less energy compared to fluid power with electric actuation.

The roller screw technology from Exlar was selected over alternative solutions and it can deliver the strict requirements needed for a successful simulator applications.

Exlar Actuators Provide Linear Actuation for US Navy Advanced Gun System

Chanhassen, MN—Exlar Corporation announces its award to provide linear actuators for the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Gun System (AGS) Program.

BAE Systems, along with partner General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, delivered to the U.S. Navy the first automated magazine for the 155-mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) being developed for the DDG 1000 (Zumwalt) Destroyer Program. The magazine is the first major production component to be delivered under the AGS program. It is one of a total of four magazines that will be built under a Navy contract to produce four AGS weapon systems for the Navy’s first two Zumwalt class destroyers.

More than 40 Exlar GSX20 and GSX30 linear actuators are used for each gun and magazine as part of the Advanced Gun System. Exlar’s inverted roller screw actuators with integrated brushless servo motors provide linear actuation as part of the world’s largest fully automated ammunition supply magazine.

Exlar’s GSX series actuator combines a brushless servo motor, an inverted roller screw and an encoder/resolver feedback source into a single compact assembly, which eliminates the cost and complexity of a systems engineering approach, as all elements for producing linear motion have been properly matched and designed into the actuator.

The brushless servo design of the GSX series linear actuators allows them to be used in state-of-the art closed loop servo systems where electronic control of positioning and velocity is required. In these systems, position feedback can be provided in a number of different forms to match customer specifications, including resolvers, encoders or internally mounted linear position feedback sensors.

The GSX series actuators employ an inverted roller screw mechanism to convert the rotary motion of the brushless motor into high speed, high thrust linear motion. This mechanism has a lead accuracy of 25mm/300mm for high precision operation and can also be supplied with zero backlash.

GSX actuators are suitable for use in many other demanding applications, including: automatic tool changers, dispensing, wire guiding, chip and wafer handling, robot manipulation, testing, web guidance, indexing material cutting, tension control, volumetric pumps, simulation testing, automated assembly, injection molding and riveting, joining and fastening.

Exlar Corporation
www.exlar.com

Exlar 2010 Catalog Details Motion Control Product Offering

Chanhassen, MN – Exlar announces its 2010 Product Catalog and Engineering Guide is now available. A manufacturer of high performance servo actuators and motors, Exlar offers seven product families featuring a broad range of capabilities with peak forces exceeding 40,000 lbf, linear speeds in excess of 60 inches per second and a life expectancy 15 times longer than that offered by ball screw technology.

The 2010 Catalog details Exlar’s selection of solutions for linear and rotary motion control applications. Product families span integrated actuator and motor designs, explosion proof designs, force tube actuators, and servo motor and gearmotors. The catalog and engineering guide additionally details Exlar’s advanced roller screw and stator technology as applied to linear and rotary actuators – with drawings, performance graphs and complete specifications for various configurations and applications. With a wide array of features and capabilities, Exlar offers several robust choices matched to each application’s diverse requirements.

An easy-to-reference engineering section includes definitions and equations for determining move-profile, velocity and acceleration, force, thrust, motor velocity and torque. Also included is a table of factors for converting units of rotary inertia, torque and material densities between English and metric units.

Exlar Corporation
www.exlar.com