Linear Drive Offers Option for Automatic Shaft Cleaning and Lubricating
April 15, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Drives
Aston, Penn. – For automatic cleaning and lubrication of the drive shaft, Uhing linear drives are now available with a combination shaft scraper/grease fitting option. The addition removes excessive grease, dust and dirt from the shaft while the drive is running and simultaneously assures adequate shaft lubrication. 
As debris accumulates at either end of the shaft it can be wiped away with a cloth. In most applications the shaft scrapers may be used without the grease fittings to clean the shaft while the drive runs. The grease fitting combination is recommended, however, in heavy usage applications and also when shaft RPMs exceed rated speeds (1,000 RPM for Model RG drives; 1,500 RPM for Model RS drives).
The shaft scraper is an O-ring made of specially formulated rubber which is mounted in a Delrin® brand plastic fitting. One shaft scraper is attached to each of the end bushings on the drive unit. When equipped with the grease fitting, the plastic fitting is made larger to accommodate the addition of a felt wiper ring which wicks oil out of the grease and applies a thin oil film to the shaft as the drive runs. Most standard grease gun nozzles fit the Uhing grease fittings. Note that special, molybdenum disulfide-free grease must be used. If attached in the field, users must also note that the addition of the shaft scraper with or without the grease fitting will slightly reduce the travel distance of the linear drive, which for most applications this is less than 1 in.
Amacoil-Uhing RG linear drives are used in equipment requiring a reciprocating or positioning linear motion component such as material handling systems, winding machines, spraying assemblies, converting equipment and metrology systems.
For more information, email amacoil@amacoil.com or visit www.amacoil.com.
New RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN
April 13, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Actuators, Linear Drives
Bartlett, Ill – The new RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN meets the demand for a modular, standardized rack and pinion system capable of transferring higher maximum feeding forces. 
The combination of gearbox, pinion and rack represents intelligent integration of specifically developed drive components. The rack assembly of the RP+ is the alpha high performance rack which is characterized by high precision and optimal power transmission. Using this rack results in a quiet-running solution which is weight- and noise-optimized. The gearbox and pinion components of the RP+ system are unique to the design, significantly increasing allowable torques. The high forces produced by the meshing of rack and pinion teeth are controlled more effectively, improving system rigidity and positioning accuracy.
To learn more about the new RP+ system, email info@wittenstein-us.com or visit www.wittenstein-us.com.
Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems from ATLANTA Drive Systems
March 9, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Drives
Farmingdale, NJ – ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc. offers a complete range of Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems that eliminate all axis backlash, providing ultra-precise positioning and repeatability. Positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as during changes in direction of travel. 
The axis backlash is eliminated by using two pinions; one to drive the axis and the other to engage the opposite tooth flank and take up the backlash. Mechanically preloaded systems use a split-pinion, which consists of two pinion halves and an axial preload pack. The pinions halves mesh with opposite tooth flanks on the same rack. The preload setting is fully adjustable on the machine by turning the axial spring pack at the end of the pinion shaft.
Electrically preloaded systems use two motor/reducer assemblies with dual pinions operating on the same rack in a master/slave setup. One pinion drives the axis (the “master”) while the second pinion is “preloaded” to remove the backlash (the “slave”). The preload is created electronically with a special motor controller; these systems can also be set up to drive together during cycle times when backlash is not critical.
The drives are ideal for a wide range of applications, including traveling gantries and columns and milling machines, among others, in industries such as material handling, automation, aerospace, woodworking, machine tool and robotics.
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
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.
Amacoil/Uhing Improves RS Linear Drives
March 9, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Drives
Aston, PA – Amacoil/Uhing model RS linear drives are now available with five linear pitch settings and adjustable axial thrust. This permits varying pitch/thrust combinations until optimum settings are achieved. Optimizing pitch and thrust settings results in very smooth linear movement making the drives ideal for metrology applications and other linear motion processes requiring backlash-free, smooth movement.
Turning a thrust set screw increases or decreases pressure on the rolling ring bearings which raises or lowers side thrust. The thrust will remain constant even if linear pitch is changed. Likewise, the linear pitch will not vary if thrust is adjusted. For designers and operators this flexibility facilitates the process of finding the settings that will best enhance smooth linear movement and overall optimum drive function for a given application.
Pitch, or the distance moved per shaft revolution, may be specified at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 times the shaft diameter. Changes to pitch require no re-gearing or adjustment to motor speed. Nor do any other components of the linear motion system need to be changed. The specific pitch setting is achieved by placing wedges between the bearings to hold them at a specific angle relative to the shaft. This angle determines the linear pitch which will remain constant regardless of motor speed.
Amacoil/Uhing RS linear drives are available in seven sizes for shaft diameters measuring 10 mm to 60 mm. The larger the drive shaft diameter the more thrust the drive has. The drive shaft is threadless and cannot trap debris which facilitates jam-free operation. RS drives have zero backlash and are used for automated manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries including textile, automotive, metrology and CNC machining. Depending on size, the drives achieve linear speeds of up to 5 feet per second over distances of up to 13 feet with axial thrust up to 500 lbs. Repeatable accuracy is dependent on the type of controls used. Except for occasional light lubrication of the shaft, no other maintenance is required.
New Thomson Selection Guide Now Available
January 28, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Bearings, Linear Guides
Metric Super Ball Bushing bearings are precision bearings with a coefficient of friction as low as 0.001 that allows users to employ smaller and less expensive motors, belts, gears and ball screws when replacing high friction, plain bearings.
Stainless Steel MultiTrac Ball Bushing bearings are built to thrive in harsh environments with temperatures up to 180ºF (82ºC), and feature a patented multiple track design that delivers up to twice the load carrying capacity, or 8 times the operating life, of conventional linear bearings.
Stainless Steel “A” Ball Bushing bearings feature all steel construction for rust and corrosion resistance, while providing maximum system rigidity in the most challenging application environments, including vacuum, ozone and mild radiation, even in temperatures up to 600ºF (315ºC).
