Festo (www.festo.com) has introduced an electric bi-parting drive that offers a cost-effective and adaptable way of securing synchronized movement of two carriages — in different directions — on similar linear axis.

The new ELGG bi-parting drive features a pair of bearing guides that support two similar carriages. It is driven by a toothed belt connected to the bottom of one of the carriage and the top of the other. This allows the carriages to simultaneously move, either towards or away from the center line of the axis.

Aside from long in-service life, the new ELGG drives are also available in 55, 45 and 35 mm wide profiles, with standard stoke lengths of up to 750, 500 and 400 mm, per carriage, respectively. The moving carriages can be fitted with recirculating ball bearings or sliding bushing for higher loads and speeds. All models can achieve speeds as high as three m/sec, and can deliver to within ±100 microns of repeatable positioning accuracies, depending on the configurations.

The new bi-parting drives feature various accessories and configuration options to maximize the flexibility of the application. To accommodate loads with high turning or twisting moments, the sides of the axis can be fitted with an extended length carriage. The company also offers a variant of a passive guiding axis, called the ELFR, which is primarily comprised of an ELGG drive without the pinions or belts. The ELFR can be utilized alongside an ELGG drive to enhance system resistance to torsional loads.

The new ELGG bi-parting drives are compatible with the company’s portfolio of stepper and servo motors and controllers, as well as with third-party motors.