Motorized Linear Rail System features space saving fold-over design

Linear motion products manufacturer Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions (www.haydonkerk.com) has announced that its Kerk® RGS/RGW linear rail platform now comes with a 180° folded-over motorized design. The design permits for a small footprint linear actuator system suitable for precision motion applications in space-limited work environments.

The folded-over linear rail offers all the necessary components for a complete motion subassembly, including the belt and pulley, stepper motor, bearing supports, precision lead screw, and rail with load carriage. Its rail also offers the ability to mount sensors in the integrated dovetail grooves.

With a fiberglass reinforced neoprene timing belt and lightweight aluminum pulleys, the available standard drive ratios from the motor to the screw are 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1, while the screw leads available range between 0.050 in/rev and 1.2 in/rev. A 0.125 thousandths positioning resolution can be achieved by using a 0.050 in/rev lead screw, a 200 step/rev stepper motor and a 2:1 ratio. For high-speed applications, a 1.2 in/rev lead screw and a 1:2 pulley ratio offers a maximum speed of over seven in/s.

To ensure accurate and repeatable positioning, all RGW and RGS linear rail are designed with wear-compensating anti-backlash driven carriages as standard. The 303 stainless steel lead screw and splined aluminum guide rail are coated with Kerkote® TFE coating, giving a permanently lubricated surface. The folded-over motorized RGS delivers a maximum load capacity of 35 lbs in the hanging/gantry load position and 35 lbs in the “Z” direction. Maximum “pitch” moment is 5.66 in-lbs, while maximum “yaw” and “roll” moment is 3.25 in-lbs.

Balluff BIP Inductive Position Sensors suitable for linear motion applications

Balluff (www.balluff.com), a sensor and systems manufacturer, has proudly announced the release of its latest BIP linear inductive position sensor, which features an absolute measuring principle. This makes the sensor ideally suited for various position monitoring applications that include drive spindles and clamping devices.

The new BIP position sensor can also be utilized in linear motion applications, such as grab positions, valve positions, punch depth measurements and rolling positions.

A non-contact type sensor, Balluff BIP sensor can detect up to 40 mm linear travel. To deliver optimal process quality, the inductive positioning BIP sensor provides a high resolution of 14 µm, a repeat accuracy of +/- 80 as well as +/- 250 µm non linearity. It also offers a high level of repeat accuracy and reliability as well as 0 to 10 V and 4 to 20 mA output to ensure unrivalled process quality in cramped working locations.

The BIP sensor’s flexibility to adapt on site enables it to minimize the need to adjust the sensor mechanically for various applications. The measurement ranges can be conveniently set based on the user’s preferred application, and since the sensor incorporates an IO-Link variant, this feature can also be controlled through the control system.

Balluf manufactures photoelectric, vision, magnetic, inductive and capacitive sensors together with linear position transducers, RFID systems and networking products. Its products for OEM and factory floor solutions are utilized to assemble, regulate, automate, position and monitor assembly, packaging and manufacturing sequences for industries including plastics, aerospace, automotive, medical, electrical, electronics and others.

Nook Sensor System offers precision position control

Nook Industries (www.nookindustries.com), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of linear motion control systems and components, has launched its latest patent-pending Nook Sensor System (NSS), which was designed to offer precision position control for translating screw jack systems.

Specifically developed for the ActionJac, the NSS delivers a highly accurate repeatability of up to +0.004 inches (0.1MM). The sensor features a simple design that is unique to the screw jack world. Its custom aluminum stem cover offers a housing shroud for certain position as well as on travel limit sensors mounted with custom profiles and utilized to detect ring magnets integrated on the translating screw. The operation of the sensors is based on a state-of-the-art, patented electronic magnetic circuit.

The system’s sensors are manufactured utilizing a polypropylene over-molding technology, which enables the sensor to be fully sealed into small sizes without sacrificing durability. To meet a vast array of position sensing requirements, the system can be added with an unlimited number of sensors since configurations with the ActionJac are only limited by the stem cover length.

With its simple aluminum stem housing design providing the functionality of position sensing, the cost efficient NCC serves as an alternative to expensive rotary limit switches. Its ease-of-use design can also be integrated to effectively meet the demands of various industrial applications such as in material handling, aerospace, defense, stamping, medical devices, sorting and conveying.

Aerotech introduces new standalone multi-axis drive and motion control system

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has expanded its Ensemble portfolio of advanced multi-axis motion controllers with the addition of its latest Epaq MR Series. Featuring a selection of up to eight micro-stepping drives or servo fitted in a 19-inch 3U rack, the newcomer comes complete with connectors and power supplies for feedback, motor power and expandable machine I/O.

The Epaq MR offers multitasking programming for five separate tasks of synchronized multi-axis motion as well as I/O with circular and linear interpolation, velocity profiling, electronic gearbox and contouring functions. Data capture and I/O triggered ‘on-the-fly’ position registration functions are also included as a single-axis implementation of the company’s innovative Position Synchronized Output (PSO), where laser power control and axis position and other external events are coordinated tightly.

The new Ensemble Epaq MR supports technologies such as linear stage and PWM servo amplifiers for brushless and brushed motors, and micro-stepping drives.

Each axis of the Epaq MR features servo feedback that includes primary and secondary encoders. It also offers a selection of 4096 or 65636 multiplication factors to offer the connected mechanical system with positioning resolution ranging from micron- to nano-level. Every drive features a complement of I/O that comes with an optional expansion card for additional analogue and digital I/O.

Specifically designed with Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software platform, the Epaq MR seamlessly blends simplicity with adaptability through optional software modules.

The Ensemble range of motion controllers also features a remote ASCII interface for non-Windows (including Linux) or Windows programs, enabling external command via the standard Ethernet port.

Aerotech offers high speed, cost-effective ACT linear motor actuator

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has introduced a high speed, cost-effective linear-servomotor-driven actuator that is more precise than a belt-drive or a ball screw — the ACT Linear Motor Actuator. Unlike belt-drives and ball screws, the high-performing ACT is maintenance free, as it is comprised of non-contact linear motors and encoders.

Since it is a built-in assembled mechanical system, it does away with the guesswork involved in assembling individual parts, making it suitable for various applications, such as pick and place machines, assembly, packaging, electronic assembly and qualification, dispensing, vision inspection, image scanning and processing, life sciences, and inkjet printing.

The ACT is powered by Aerotech’s cog-free linear motors, which enables it to accelerate to five g and achieve a top speed of five m/s. Its rigid mechanical structure reduces settling times while providing outstanding dynamic performance. Providing remarkable system responsiveness, its linear motor has zero friction, no windup and zero backlash, while its magnetic field is self-contained in the U-channel design.

Each ACT actuator features non-contact linear optical encoders that deliver micron-level of repeatabilities. For maximum flexibility, the ACT has also been designed with an amplified sine-wave output or line-driver output encoder. It also comes with optional factory calibration to optimize standard repeatability and accuracy.

The ACT’s flexible design is available with numerous cable management and limit options to meet customer’s specific needs. Meanwhile, a cable management chain is also offered for applications that demand for a complete solution. A bulkhead termination and cable pigtail option is also offered for OEM or applications that demand a user-defined cable management.

Piezo Motor allows lower profile rotation table

Physik Instrumente L.P. (www.physikinstrumente.com) has unveiled a higher-precision variant of its M-660 low profile rotary table.

The new model is powered by piezo motors enabling it to feature a very low profile of just 14 mm (0.6 in). It is designed with a high accuracy direct measuring encoder and offers eight times the position resolution of the current version.

The new M-660 rotary table can also accelerate to velocities of 720 degrees/sec with its directly matched precision optical encoder resolving positions down to four µrad (0.00023°), offering the servo controller backlash-free, phase-lag-free feedback.

The new model’s self-clamping drive delivers very high stability, without any heat generation and energy consumption at rest, making it suitable for various applications, such as semiconductor/ test equipment, Optical Instrumentation and Metrology.

With its light-weight direct-drive ceramic motor functioning without magnets or gears, inertia and mass were significantly reduced as compared to traditional rotation stages. This result to precise bidirectional position and speed control — which is very important for high speed motion contouring — and very fast start/stop behavior, effectively making the M-660 outperform the acceleration, stability and settling speed of conventional servo motor gear-driven and direct drives mechanisms.

The company also offers a special motion controller for the piezo motors to allow customers to take full advantage of ultrasonic ceramic motors’ specific motion characteristics, which includes a solid software and driver package as well as a USB interfacing.

H2W linear stepper motor stages ideal for robotic applications

H2W (www.h2wtech.com) has launched a high performance linear stepper motor stages that travel at a maximum speed of 80 in/sec (two m/sec). These four and two phase linear steppers also deliver a maximum acceleration of 1G and stoke lengths of 144 in. (3.6 m), making them ideal for wire bonding, pick-and-place, parts transfer, inspection machines, semiconductor wafer handling and other robotic applications. Four of its models offer 20 lbs [89 N], 10 lbs. [45 N], six lbs. [27 N], and two lbs [nine N] of continuous force.

The new single axis linear steppers also provide low profile highflex and long life ribbon cable, bearings, motor and positioning system with optional end-of-travel limits and home position integrated into a compact package.

The company’s linear stepper motors offer precise acceleration, position and velocity control when integrated with an indexer and a microstepping drive. The four phase motors deliver one microstep equals .00002 in. (.5 microns) and one full step equals .005 in. (125 microns) of resolution, while the two phase motors provide one microstep equals .00004 in. (1 micron) and one full step equals .010 in. (250 microns).

The microstepping driver’s step and direction signal is provided to a moving four or two phase “Forcer”, which is comprised of a coil and magnet assembly, through a power cable. The ground “Platen” or track is surfaced and hard chrome plated for use with roller bearings. Linear steppers can also be personalized to meet the specification requirements of the customers. Stages can be custom drilled, sized, and tapped for convenient integration into an existing or new application. The company also offer fully tested and factory integrated microstepping indexers and drivers.

Haydon Kerk widens IDEA programmable linear actuators portfolio

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions (www.haydonkerk.com) has expanded its portfolio of IDEA programmable linear actuators.

Featuring fully programmable control unit with built-in linear actuator and easy-to use, RoHS compliant electronic drive, the versatile unit is ideal for systems or equipment that demand a small footprint. The RS-485 data protocol allows the new IDEA platform to communicate and overcome the limitation of various drive communication methods, effectively making it a programmable linear actuator suitable for industrial applications.

The most important advantage offered by the RS-485 protocol, particularly in industrial equipment such as industrial motor drives, stepper drives and servo systems, is its capacity to provide excellent immunity from electrical noise during long data transmissions. The protocol uses twisted pair cabling to eliminate induced noise current and “differential” signal lines to reduce common mode noise coupling, enabling IDEA devices to reach a maximum of 256 addressable device nodes and to communicate more than a 100-foot network without requiring for termination resistor. The industrial controller also has the ability to immediately transmit commands to all the drives or control each drive independently when assigned a distinct identifier, such as a number from 0 to 255.

Featured hardware of the IDEA Drive platform includes a single supply voltage of 12 to 48 VDC, programmable current control, eight opto-isolated general purpose I/O and 2.6Arms (3.68Apeak) maximum rated current per phase. The inputs are rated between five and 24 VDC, 4mA maximum per input, while the outputs are open collector ranging from five to 24 VDC, 200mA maximum per output.

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.

Linear Shaft Motor Stage Offers Nanoprecision

Radford, Va. - Nippon Pulse America’s new SCR100 stage is an ultra high precision, compact single axis stage that integrates a slide guide, encoder, and Linear Shaft Motor. It offers a wide range of advantages for ultra high performance and accuracy applications. The Linear Shaft Motor is a coreless direct drive linear motor which has zero cogging, allowing for higher resolution, speed, and continuous force than standard stepper motors and piezo servomotors. 

The SCR100 stage is a moving magnet design, which locates all cables and connectors in the stationary base. The absence of any moving cable means a clean and compact design and eliminates motion errors due to cable forces. The precision ground cross roller way provides high stiffness and smooth motion. Together they are capable of supporting higher torque levels due to offset loads with travels from 50mm to 300mm. The non-contact Linear Shaft Motor and optical linear encoders are self-contained inside the stage, making it a low-profile compact solution. The built-in non-contact optical linear encoder is available with resolutions from 1 micron to 10 nm with digital output. The sub-micron resolution results in a high accuracy stage, which is laser tested for optimum performance.

The SCR100 stage has the added benefit that any standard digital servo driver can drive the SCR100 stage. Any two SCR stages will bolt directly together to form a very stiff, compact X-Y stage. Two SCR stages can be supplied compounded as an X-Y stage to insure true orthogonal orientation.

www.nipponpulse.com

 

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