Features of Nippon Pulse’s Green Drive include:

• Acceleration (peak) force of up to 600N for 40 seconds
• Effective stroke lengths between 10mm and 1540mm
• Cooling systems that can increase rated force up to 20%
• Rated force between 13N and 150N
• Position repeatability of ±0.05mm
• T-slots for easy and quick integration into applications
• Position sensors, temperature sensors, interpolation electronics
• Four different feedback output types: analogue SIN/COS, Digital Bus BISS-C, Digital A/B TTL Linedrive Incremental, and Absolute SSI
• Color coded quick connectors
• High-performance slide bearings

The Green Drive currently is available in two sizes, the G16x series and G25x series. The G16x series features a shaft (magnets) with a 16mm diameter and the G25x a 25mm shaft diameter. The G16x series is 66mm wide and high, while the G25x series is 88mm wide and high. Each has varying lengths depending on the required effective stroke.

Nippon Pulse will be highlighting the Green Drive at the ATX West tradeshow in Anaheim, CA in mid-February. Those interested in the Green Drive can visit booth #4348 to learn more about the actuator.

Nippon Pulse America, Inc.
www.nipponpulse.com

Motion Control Tips

The EHA, unlike conventional hydraulic actuators, needs no hydraulic piping, therefore improving reliability and cutting costs.

The actuator uses Moog’s hydraulics and electrical expertise which are applied to aircraft flight controls for over 18 years. The company aims to transfer such expertise to industrial applications where redundant or failsafe operation and high forces are needed, delivering cost, environmental, and energy benefits.

Moog’s EHA technology offers high efficiency and reliability to machine-builders with reduced wear, space savings, and up to 40 percent weight savings. The integrated design increases reliability while long hydraulic lines and rotary couplings are avoided.

The actuator particularly caters to low duty-cycle or actuation-on-demand applications requiring high force density typical of hydraulic systems. Operating the electric system reduces energy consumption.

The self-contained actuator incorporates electric and hydraulic components such as hydraulic pump and valves, servomotor, accumulator, manifold, software and controller. Fluid is used to transmit power to the actuator from the motor, which rotates only when movement is needed, thus reducing wear and saving energy. Eliminating the risk of leaks and environmental contamination, the hydraulic components and fluid are placed within the assembly.

“The motion control industry is seeking new technologies that address the need for better energy efficiency and reliability at lower weight and size,” said Dr Sherif El Henaoui, Marketing Manager at Moog Industrial Europe.

Motion Control Tips

The miniature brushless actuator is able to adjust its vibrating force without changing the vibration frequency. This surface mount device (SMD) provides high acceleration, superior reliability, and quick signal response for a wide range of mobile communication and safety devices. New applications involve devices and machines that use touch or tactile (haptic) motion and are used in video game and computer controllers, touch pads, robots and medical instruments.

For more information, visit www.nidec-copal-usa.com or email info@nidec-copal-usa.com.

Motion Control Tips

The PFL35T features an outer diameter of 35mm and features neodymium magnets, which allow for a high driving force. Its sturdy design and construction and its ball bearing support makes the PFL35T durable and gives it a long life cycle.

The PFL35T is available with three lead screw pitches (0.48mm, 0.96mm, and 1.2mm), both bipolar and unipolar windings, a force rating up to 39.5N (at 200pps), rated voltages of 5V and 12V, and 48 steps per revolution.

Applications for the PFL35T include XY stages, liquid dispensing devices, medical pumps, semiconductor wafer handling machines, and data storage recorders.

For more information, visit www.nipponpulse.com.

Motion Control Tips

The addition of ball screw choices improves the force range of the ERD up to 200 lb. The combination of NEMA and metric motor mounts allows users to select their preferred brand of servo or stepper motor. All three sizes of the ERD are available with an optional external guide system that prevents rod deflection and rotation during operation. The guide also features a tooling plate for mounting hardware.

www.tolomatic.com

Motion Control Tips

Due to its unique harmonic principle, the H3 belt achieves a gear reduction equivalent of up to 40:1 without the need for a gearhead, which means cost savings as well as decreases in space and weight requirements.

The HLD60-H3 can achieve lengths greater than 3m without attributable losses in performance and can be used in a wide range of applications. It also has a sturdy and seamless magnetically retained seal strip and meets European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

www.oemdynamics.com

Motion Control Tips

PILine ultrasonic piezo drives provide an affordable substitute to motor-leadscrew combinations and electromagnetic linear motors when small dimensions and/or high speed are important. These drives are compact, fast and are readily integrated; offering velocities of up to 200 mm/s. PIline motors do not need additional motor brake as they are self-locking when at rest.

The new M-272 closed-loop linear drive combines linear encoder, guiding system, motor, brake and actuator functionality in a compact package. Its integrated guiding system enables users to position and attach the payload easily to M-272’s drive rod.

PILine piezo motors are based on a patented and ultrasonic drive principle by PI. The system’s main piece is a piezoceramic plate, which is excited with high-frequency eigenmode oscillations. A friction tip is attached to the plate, which moves at eigenmode frequency along inclined linear path. The moving part of the mechanical system is pushed by the ceramic friction bar or runner. The mechanical system is designed to execute at few nanometers only for every oscillatory cycle, resulting in a smooth motion with nearly unlimited travel range. Preloaded against the runner, the piezo ceramic plate is the holding force when the drive is not moving. The technology is protected under German Patent No. 10154526 and US Patent No. 6,765,335.

Motion Control Tips

The new C-867, which is optimized for piezo linear motors, features integrated drive electronics for ultrasonic motors; dynamic servo parameter switching for faster settling; 4+4 programmable transistor-transistor logic inputs/outputs; RS-232, USB and joystick interfaces; daisy-chain networking for up to 16 axes; a data recorder and macro programming language; and extensive software support, including dynamic link library and LabView.

A compact case comprises components for controlling/communication and drive electronics for the piezo ceramic motors. The PIMikroMove user software features the PITuningTool for optimizing system performance.

This motor controller is made for closed-loop micropositioning systems integrated with piezo linear motor drives. The controller can be operated from an RS-232 interface or a host PC via a USB port. Stand-along operation can be done by joystick or through preprogrammed macro commands.

Maximum output voltage per channel is 200V, while maximum output power per channel is 15W. Operating temperature ranges between 5°C and 40°C, while operating voltage is 24VDC from an included external power supply.

The self-locking and nonmagnetic ultrasonic ceramic motors provide better positional stability compared to conventional magnetic linear motors or motor/leadscrew drives, according to Physik.

The all-new C-867 can be used in applications such as microscopy, biotechnology, automation, fiber positioning, quality assurance testing, photonics/integrated optics and testing equipment.

Motion Control Tips

“Robust linear actuators from Thomson are an easy-to-apply ‘green’ alternative to hydraulic or manual actuation. Design engineers will benefit from a wide range of actuator platforms, with flexible design and envelope possibilities to meet the diverse requirements for solar tracking systems, and the key operating components of wind power, and this guide is designed to help them quickly and easily start to navigate the options,” said Rob Gallagher, Manager of Thomson Marketing Communications.

Industrial linear actuators from Thomson are designed to deliver robust and reliable operation in varied outdoor conditions. The industrial linear actuators are available with proven weather protection, which ranges from IP56 to IP67, to offer maintenance free, 20 years life based on a single complete cycle per day. Proven power drive units are able to hold static loads of up to 4000 lbs and provide superior resistance against high wind conditions. Overall temperature ratings cover varied conditions from -40F to +185 F.

The Thomson screw jack provides versatility and reliability in several clean energy applications. With an easy-to-mount housing, these can be easily extended to form wide-area jack systems with the help of a wide range of accessories.

Motion Control Tips

The IDEA Drive is an easy-to-use electronic drive and a fully programmable control unit that comes with a patent pending graphic user interface. On-screen buttons are used to program the compact drive, instead of proprietary programming languages or complicated command sets.

The graphic user interface features automatic population of the drive and motor parameters based on the entered Haydon actuator part number after being prompted by the user interface. In-depth stepper motor knowledge or complex parameter calculations from the user is unnecessary. For experienced user, default values can be easily adjusted provided that they remain in the safe range computed by the software, which allows the system designer to troubleshoot programs using multiple line or line-by-line program execution with the interactive debug feature. Outputs and inputs can be simulated in software prior to connecting actual I/O hardware.

PCM4806 IDEA programmable linear actuator drive also features a single supply voltage of 12 VDC to 48 VDC, programmable current control, eight opto-isolated general purpose I/O, and 0.6Arms (0.84Apeak) max rated current per phase. The outputs are open collector, 5 VDC to 24 VDC, 200 mA maximum per output. Communications to the IDEA Drive is achieved through a USB to mini USB.

Motion Control Tips

All motorized linear actuators produced by Oriental Motor feature the Alpha-Step stepping motor equipped with built-in closed loop performance, which is best for high response moves with no gain hunting or tuning problems common to servo solutions. They also feature a common controller allowing users easily run in driver mode or set all functions needed, accepting direction and step from a PLC or master controller.

Each of the new packages has unique features. With an aluminum frame structure as well as a pulley and belt mechanism, the SPV Series is best for applications requiring high speeds and long strokes, whilst the EZC II Series is a space saving ball screw system best for high speed applications or positioning where the load is pushed or pulled.

The EZA Series, with a built-in guide, offers greater ease of use and improved performance while maintaining a compact size. Just install a load directly in to the rod, and the EZA will do the push-motion and transfer operations. Lastly, the PWA II Series is ideal for high thrust force, through the use of a ball screw, and gears, together with the folded motor configuration. This package achieves a compact size ideal for applications with pressurized positioning and push motion.

Commonly, linear actuators are used in X-Y applications, pick and place applications, parts assembly or parts inspection applications, pressurized positioning operations and push-motion applications.

Motion Control Tips

The control system uses servo motors and a series of belt-driven linear actuators (in a custom size) to drive 9-feet-wide panels over the bedroom spaces and 18-ft-wide panels over the main living room. The house also features a Siemens APOGEE building control system, which controls ten stops in the system. The APOGEE control system is programmed to send a signal to automatically close the panels if, for instance, the wind gusts reach 30 mph, in order to protect the house.

“The thought behind the Lumenhaus design was to build a sustainable smart house with the ability to maintain optimal energy performance at all times. So when the weather is good the house automatically opens up and doesn’t use energy,” said Professor Joseph Wheeler, Virginia Tech’s project coordinator. “Conversely, when the weather turns bad a system is in place that enables the house to protect itself.”

The Lumenhaus features a “whole building design” construction approach, wherein all of the systems and components of the house have been built and designed to work together in order to maximize the owner’s comfort with environmental protection. The house has an integrated environmental control system that is powered by motion control products from Thomson (www.thomsonlinear.com) and Kollmorgen (www.kollmorgen.com).

“To create a more energy-efficient house, the idea was to protect the glass in the house when the weather becomes extreme,” said Wheeler. “But we didn’t want to lose beautiful, natural light in the house. We started by designing polycarbonate panels filled with aero gel insulation, but the initial challenge was how to drive the panels back and forth over the facade of the house.”

Motion Control Tips

Exlar’s all electric actuators are best suited as replacements for pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. The patented GS Series actuators from Exlar offer power density similar to hydraulic actuators without the mess, inconvenience and maintenance required by oil powered hydraulic systems. By using servo amplifiers, the set-up time for an Exlar electric system is far shorter than a fluid power system.

Aside from providing industrial solutions for a variety of web controls, Exlar actuators also deliver high force, precision and speed, all from a completely sealed package. Exlar’s electric actuators also make joining and fastening applications more precise with increased throughput. Their high-shock-load capacity and high-cycle-rate capability make the actuators a reliable motion solution.

In addition, controlling laser cutters, water jet cutting heads or ultrasonic welding equipment are ideal applications for the precise high-force motion from Exlar’s actuators. The precision, as well as high force from the actuators makes them optimal for assembly presses. The GS Series actuators offer precision position control at high stiffness and high forces, which are utilized in applications that require force sensing and positioning.

Motion Control Tips

To get the best damper control, engineers are currently replacing existing windbox dampers with electric servo actuators from Exlar (www.exlar.com). Each actuator, when supplied with the company’s all-digital SV positioners, will immediately respond to command signal changes within 5 mSec. The response speed combined with the all-electric actuator’s dynamic capability delivers greater repeatability and accuracy compared with pneumatic or induction motor actuators.

The patented linear actuator from Exlar is based on a unique design especially made for integrating an effective and robust threaded roller mechanism into the interior of a high performance, high power density brushless servo motor. If combined with an exact position feedback mechanism, the outcome is an extremely compact all-electric actuator, which delivers superior performance for damper control applications.

Exlar’s electric actuators have the roller screw’s design for transmitting forces. Moreover, Exlar’s high performance brushless servo motor yields control and speed that are unachievable by conventional motors.

The digital SV Series Positioners are specifically designed for use with rotary and linear actuators from Exlar for controlling dampers and valves in process control applications. The positioning of the damper along with the SV Series can be proportionally controlled in response to an analog input signal that allows simple control by PLC or DCS systems.

Additional characteristics include 3″ to 18″ stroke lengths, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, and 7″ frame sizes, up to 40″ per second linear speeds, up to 12,000 pounds max thrust capability, and rear clevis, front flange, double side, trunnion, side, or extended tie rods mounting options.

Motion Control Tips

A Shimpo Able servo reducer is the interface between the servo motor and STH output actuator. Able features simple mounting of nearly any small to medium servo motor and gives the complete STH package net ratios ranging from 12:1 through 324:1.

STH’s very large crossed roller output bearing allows for impressive thrust loads and tilting moments. A generous hollow through-bore allows wiring or tubing to be passed through to effectors, fillers, or other active machinery.

Shimpo Drives
www.shimpodrives.com

Motion Control Tips

The new DRL line of linear actuators is one of a kind in the marketplace with its optional lead screw combinations with guide or no guide, hollow rotor shaft and large bore bearings for handling direct thrust loads. It is significantly different compared to a standard step motor with a lead screw and is best suited for heavier loads, where durability and repeatable accuracy is critical. The series is available with longer stroke lengths.

The DRL line of linear actuators features high repeatable positioning accuracy of +0.005 millimeter (0.0002 inches) for Ground Screw and +0.02 millimeter (0.00079 inches) for Rolled Screw. The option of a high-resolution motor for better positioning accuracy of the DRL line is 1,000 steps per revolution. The resolutions on the system are available from one to 250 of the actuator’s basic resolution.

The DRL line of linear actuators also features an electromechanical brake, adjustment knob, longer strokes length from 2.36 inches (60 millimeters) to 3.94 inches (100 millimeters) and Standard DRL or DRL with Guide.

Motion Control Tips

As newer motion equipment demands more in terms of precision, the crossed roller bearing has gained prominence for use in friction reducing devices. Here’s a closer look at its features and suitability for your motion system design.

Rollers in a resin cage can be closer together. Cage creep can be prevented by studs that roll into the raceways depressions.

Linear bearings have evolved rapidly to carry heavier loads, take up less space, and deliver precise positioning reliably. In cancer research, for example, to find one cancer cell on a slide holding a billion cells, the microscope depends on sample positioning, bringing the images into focus and moving the proper filters into place to produce an image in three colors. The automated movements within the instrument work in concert with one another to take multicolored images of the cellular sample that is in the chamber. The linear bearings have to meet specific requirements to achieve perfect positioning. These are determined by the amount of space within the product envelope, distance to be traveled, load to be carried, and most critical of all, the degree of accuracy needed.

When referring to linear bearings, the reference usually is to devices that incorporate ball bearings – meaning friction is reduced between moving parts by recirculating (usually metal) balls. Bushings, ball splines, linear guides and slides typically incorporate recirculating ball bearings.

Resin retainer fits around the roller so the whole shape can be in contact with the load

As newer motion equipment demands more in terms of precision, another type of bearing has gained prominence in friction reducing devices – the crossed roller bearing. High-tech microscopes, wafer manufacturing equipment, robots and vision inspection systems increasingly rely on crossed roller bearings.

Crossed-roller slideways or bearings are the most accurate form of mechanical linear motion component. Also known as crossed roller slides, these bearings work similarly to ball bearing slides, except that those housed within the carriage are cylinder-shaped instead of ball shaped. The rollers crisscross each other at a 90° angle and move between the two parallel guides (alternately termed table and bed) that surround the rollers. The rollers are between “V” grooved bearing ways or raceways ground out of the guides. The travel of the moving guide/table, ends when it meets an end cap, a limiting component.

Crossed roller slides offer a line of contact, versus a ball bearing’s point contact. The line of contact creates a broader contact surface that can carry a heavier load. Such a feature offers more rigidity, less deformation, and thus more accuracy compared to the point contact of balls. Plus, due to the crossed rollers’ consistency of contact between the carriage and the base, erosion is slower. The recirculation of ball bearings creates vibration when the balls leave the load-carrying path to recirculate. Because most crossed roller bearings do not have recirculating components, this source of vibration is eliminated.

Load capacity: resin versus metal cages
Roller-to-rail contact determines load capacity. Of course, rollers provide a large contact area, since they usually do not recirculate they are all carrying the load, which produces greater rigidity as well as high load capacity. Balls typically contact at a single point, though a raceway’s surfaces can be designed as curves to increase the points of contact.

There is a direct correlation between the contact area of the crossed rollers and load capacity. Load capacity can be increased as much as 250% by designs with greater roller-to-rail contact. The closer together the rollers are, the more rollers can be fitted into the same space and the more weight per inch the linear device can carry.

How the cage holds the rollers also governs the amount of roller contact area per inch. Since the amount of space between the rollers is a factor in calculating the roller surface per inch available to carry a load, the design of the cage surrounding the rollers is important.

Traditional metal cages limit, some-what, the rollers’ contact area because of the way the cage holds in the rollers. However, the more recent development of resin retainers offers more design options. Resin retainers/cages can be shaped to allow a larger contact area with less space between rollers. They can also be thinner in critical parts.

Metal and resin cages hold the rollers in different ways. Metal cages hold the rollers through a notch on the top and on the bottom of the rollers. However, the resin retainer fits around the roller. The resin retainer is able to harvest the whole shape to be held. The whole shape can be in contact with the load because the resin retainer exposes the necessary contact areas. It doesn’t compromise the contact area when holding the rollers.

Rollers in a resin cage can be closer together. This increases the number of allowable rollers within the cage length. So either the cage can be shorter while maintaining the same load capacity, or while maintaining the same cage length the load capacity will increase with the increase in the number of rollers per cage. A resin cage can afford at least a 30 to 58% increase of the contact area as compared to a metal cage.

Metal cages are less expensive and can be all stainless or steel. Therefore they can be used in high temperature or medical applications involving water. Metal is also better suited in a vacuum since resin can have out-gas emissions.

Deeper V-grooves allow greater roller contact.

Travel length
The longer the travel the longer the rail has to be. However, as opposed to recirculating-ball bushings, which require a shaft only as long as the travel distance, with crossed roller bearings, the whole rail assembly must be twice as long as the stroke. That’s because both rails containing crossed roller bearings move in opposite directions. So the whole assembly has to move within a space that is twice as long as the travel length. (The exceptions are in the minority of cases in which crossed roller linear guide products have recirculating crossed rollers or roller guide products that are not crisscrossed – having four circulations with opposite roller orientations. These products don’t need rails moving in opposite directions.)

With a resin cage, stroke length on a given length rail can be longer because the cage can be shorter for a given load.

Travel limits
The length of travel is limited by the space available for the rails within an application. Since the rails move in opposition to each other, the space required is twice the distance that the load will be carried. An endstop limits travel length. Because there is little or no difference between static and dynamic frictional resistances – even under low-load conditions – crossed roller bearings are well suited for minute motion.

Wear
For motion control applications with extremely fast acceleration and deceleration (at dimensions ranging from 30-600 mm lengths, 2-12 mm rollers) endurance can be 150 million cycles.

In crossed roller bearings without anti-cage creep mechanisms, cage creep may necessitate the replacement of guides and readjustment of the machine or installation. This affect often occurs as a result of high acceleration and uneven preloading or load distribution, as well as orientation (inclined or vertical) can easily cause creep.

Smoothness
A benefit of not recirculating is less frictional resistance fluctuation making them extre-mely quiet and smooth. Crossed roller bearings are almost as quiet as cage-limited non-recirculating linear bearings using balls.

Accuracy and deflection
Crossed rollers provide a large contact area, which reduces elastic deformation. Because of this greater stiffness, crossed rollers provide consistently precise movement.

The crossed roller is less forgiving of mounting surface inaccuracies because of the linear bearing’s rigidity and the way they are designed. They’re much less forgiving of an inaccurate mounting surface than recirculating ball bearings. For recirculating ball bearings precision, 5 – 10 microns of deflection is accommodated.

Because crossed roller bearings are so precise, they must have a very accurate mounting surface to fully ensure their acc-uracy. Often the bearings can be specified with mounting tables hone to exacting standards. This makes sense since for ultra precision, 2 microns is the maximum allowable deflection from the mounting surface.

Fit and interchangeability
The cage in any bearing prevents ball-to-ball or roller-to-roller contact, which can cause more friction and wear. Whether the cage holding crossed roller bearings are metal, resin or other material, it alters, somewhat, a crossed roller bearing’s dimensions, which affects how they fit into a design. Stoppers can also affect their size and therefore their fit.

Resin, as opposed to metal cages, allow the crossed rollers to be much closer together allowing the total number of rollers to be greater in the same space. Also, because of the additional contact area allowed by a resin cage, load capacity will be high, as well. In any case, it is prudent to contact the manufacturer and provide them with the required stroke length to accurately determine rail and cage lengths before ordering.

In addition to stoppers and the cage material and design, another factor that affects interchangeability is the design of the anti-creep mechanism. External anti-creep mechanisms often obviate interchangeability. Internal mechanisms are much more accommodating.

Cage creep
In non-recirculating linear components, the retainer floats between the rails and can drift (or creep) from center position. As the roller cage creeps away from center, it will begin to restrict the slide’s travel. It will creep over time if a full stroke is not used, especially when mounted vertically. If, after the retainer drifts, the full stroke is once again used, the retainer will hit the endstop of the rail and be forced to skid in order to center itself again. This action requires a strong motor and can damage the retainer, the rollers and the slideway. With higher preload, it is even more difficult and damaging to skid the cage back in place. Cage creep is damaging because every time it creeps, rolling ele-ments are not rolling, instead they are slipping and causing metal to metal rubbing, which will wear out elements very quickly.

Metal cages hold the rollers through a notch on the top and on the bottom of the rollers.

Anti-Cage creep mechanisms
The term “anti-creep” describes the method used to eliminate any slippage of the retainer holding the crossed rollers between the two V-grooved rails of the slideway.

By eliminating ‘creeping’ of the retainer, the slideway can be used in any mounting direction and with lower momentum motors, such as linear motors. Several complex anti-creep devices have been developed and manufacturers have used a few different approaches, such as a rack and pinion mechanism; an external attachment made of plastic gears outside of the rail; and a metal gear inside of the rail. Some of these devices are quite expensive.

There is one mechanism that does not use a gear. It is an anti-cage creep mechanism that uses a roller with round balls studded around its surface. It has the smoothest tracking motion and therefore is quieter than an externally attached toothed-gear type anti-creep device. This Studroller™ mechanism, prevents creepage because the raceway has depressions that track the studs or nodules, preventing slippage – in any position.

By placing studs in the center roller and machining a path along the rail, this retainer will never slip. It is suitable for high acceleration, vertical mounting and uneven load distribution. The Studroller™, is a simple non-slip design and uses a ball bearing as opposed to a gear or exterior control, so its cost is almost the same as a standard slideway; plus, there are no re-design costs to replace a standard slideway.

Discuss this on The Engineering Exchange:

NB Corporation of America
www.nbcorporation.com

::Design World::

Motion Control Tips

The ICR linear rod-style SmartActuator is an all-in-one electric actuator (digital drive, servomotor and actuator) designed for complex industrial motion-control applications requiring 100 percent duty-cycle performance. The ICR Basic model provides simple extend-and-retract functionality with the ability to independently adjust extend/retract velocity. The ICR Plus model provides programmability, communication options and other functionality to meet the most complex industrial applications.

The new reverse-parallel motor SmartActuator is also available with a rear clevis mount as a mounting option. This allows the actuator to pivot freely on its mounting, replacing existing pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that are typically used in this mounting configuration.

The SmartActuator ICR operates on either 24 VDC or 48 VDC and accepts signals from PLCs, sensors, network communications or an existing motion controller. Depending on the model, the ICR features extend/retract functionality similar to pneumatic cylinders, a flexible indexer programming environment, optional CANopen and DeviceNet communication to daisy chain up to 127 axes, stand-alone operation, stepper mode and analog position mode.

The new SmartActuator with the reverse-parallel motor option incorporates Tolomatic’s Endurance TechnologySM features for long service life with low maintenance. The ICR combines a powerful servomotor with a rugged drive belt and ball screw housed in a sturdy aluminum extrusion. Depending on screw selection and drive ratios, the ICR is capable of delivering up to 720 lbs of thrust for speeds up to 5 in./sec, or 150 lbs of thrust at speeds up to 23 in./sec. The ICR is stroke-configurable up to 24 in.

www.tolomatic.com

Motion Control Tips

New control interfaces: Ethernet/IP and Analog Position Control

* Ethernet/IP
o Supports 10/100 MB communication
o Makes setup simpler
o Eliminates Expensive accessories
o Same Programming Format as our Devicenet Communication

* Analog Position Control
o 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA input for Position Control
o Ideal for Proportional Valve Control / Flow Control

Other recent additions to the Ternary line include

New IP40 Protection class

* Available with either Robust or Economical connectors
* Savings of up to 30% from IP65 version

New 200 and 400 Watt Rotary Servo Actuators

* Increase your output with new 100 mm frame size motor
* Available with all standard Fieldbus interfaces
* 110 or 220 VAC direct Power input
* Available with or without gearboxes
* Ideal for distributed control applications

The new Ternary catalog is also available for download from www.wittenstein-us.com/tech-support/manuals.

Wittenstein
www.wittenstein-us.com

Motion Control Tips

“The IMA’s compact footprint, combined with the energy savings and flexibility of control from an electric actuator, makes the IMA a powerful, viable alternative for replacing pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders,” says Aaron Dietrich, electric product manager, Tolomatic. The high-force design of the IMA allows it to be used in a variety of applications such as pressing, clamping, valve control, spot welding and volumetric filling.

The Tolomatic IMA provides high force (up to 2000 lbf) along with high speed (23 in./sec.) and positional accuracy (+/- 0.00984 in. or +/- 0.25 mm). The IMA can be ordered in any incremental stroke length from 6 to 18 inches.

Built with Tolomatic’s Endurance Technology features for maximum durability and extended service life, the IMA is offered with multiple ball screw leads, and a choice of motor winding voltages. The patent-pending screw lubrication system allows for easy re-lubrication without disassembly for extremely long service life.

Tolomatic
www.tolomatic.com

Motion Control Tips

Featured prominently in the catalog are:

•The new Single Axis Robot RS Series Actuators, which offer superior construction to improve product life span and allow units to be used in harsh industrial environments. All models offer constant load capacity regardless of speed. Clean Room Class 10 versions are also available for specialized applications.

•An expanded line of LX Series Actuators, to include high precision class actuators and actuators with motors. Misumi’s popular LX Series models are available in over 1000 possible configurations. They are also available in standard or cover types, as well as versions with brackets that allow a combination of two units on a different axis.

Those interested in ordering the new MISUMI 2009 Single Axis Actuator Catalog can complete an order form at Misumi’s booth #2817 at the Assembly Technology Expo during Design & Manufacturing Midwest. Or you can order it on line. Visit www.misumiusa.com

Misumi, USA, Inc.
www.misumiusa.com

Motion Control Tips

In addition to the new languages, visitors will also find new features at Portescap.com, including:

• thinkMOTION – a new whitepaper library
• More robust search capabilities
• Updated specification pages, CAD drawings, and additional literature
• An Events page that includes the latest information on special events, promotions and key new products

Portescap E-store capabilities are currently available only for the USA and Canada Markets.

Portescap
www.portescap.com

Motion Control Tips

The SMAC LAR31 series electric linear and rotary actuator is equipped with a standard encoder resolution of 5µm, with options of 1µm, 0.5µm and 0.1µm resolutions, and repeatable positioning to +/- 2 encoder counts. Further to this, highly accurate placement with shaft run-out = 10um. The unit has no backlash, low repeatable friction and very low hysteresis. The LAR31 series actuator is compact measuring only 140mm x 77.25mm x 35mm with stroke length 30mm, and 180mm x 77.25mm x 35mm with stroke length 50mm. The actuator can easily be programmed to control force/torque, position and velocity in all axes at the same time. This enables the ability to press with specific force and measure displacement.

The unit offers multi-functionality with the ability to assemble and test components, with additional life test and measurement functions in one single unit. The system has the significant advantage of low repeatable friction.

The actuator also has SMAC’s unique “Soft-Land” function which enables the unit to gently land on a surface and then apply the specific force required to set the part. This is ideal for handling fragile components without damage.

SMAC
www.smac-mca.com

Motion Control Tips

NSK’s Monocarrier linear actuators integrate multiple products including ball screws, linear guides and support bearings. Products in the Monocarrier line offer an all-in-one structure, maintenance-free operation and a lightweight, compact design and can be used in a wide range of applications, including assembly, inspection and transporting equipment.

For more information on NSK Precision America’s products and services, visit www.nskprecision.com.

Motion Control Tips

Hamel, MN – The ICR Plus linear rod-style SmartActuator from Tolomatic is a fully programmable integrated actuator for complex industrial motion-control applications requiring 100 percent duty-cycle performance. The ICR Plus integrates a programmable digital drive, servomotor and actuator in a compact all-in-one package to deliver maximum flexibility for low- to medium-force applications. At half the price of traditional electric systems, the SmartActuator ICR Plus can be built to order and ready to ship in five days from factory order.

The SmartActuator ICR Plus model operates on either 24 VDC or 48 VDC and accepts signals from PLCs, sensors or an existing motion controller. The integrated digital drive features a flexible indexer programming environment capable of solving the most complex application challenges. With CANopen and DeviceNet communications capabilities, the ICR Plus can be daisy-chained with up to 127 other units.

Incorporating Tolomatic’s Endurance TechnologySM features for long service life with no maintenance, the ICR Plus combines a powerful servomotor with a rugged ball screw housed in a sturdy aluminum extrusion. Two screws can be selected, providing up to 80 lbs of continuous force (150 lbs peak) for speeds up to 23 in./sec, or up to 200 lbs continuous force (400 lbs peak) for speeds up to 9 in./sec. Maximum stroke length is 24 in.

Tolomatic’s electric linear and pneumatic actuators are used in a variety of industries, including the packaging, material handling, medical, food processing, automotive, semiconductor and general automation industries.

For more information about the new SmartActuator ICR Plus, contact Tolomatic at: 763-478-8000 or 1-800-328-2174.

www.tolomatic.com

Motion Control Tips

The G4 Canstack Linear Actuator from HaydonKerk Motion Solutions is the 4th generation design built for extended reliability and high performance. The first actuator to be released in the line is the 25mm diameter. The new design uses optimized teeth geometry along with high-energy neodymium magnets.

With 20 percent higher output force across the entire speed range compared with previous designs, the G4 also contains the latest custom engineered plastic molded threads and an over-sized spline for a more robust and better life product. Additionally, the use of larger bearings provides greater rotor support and higher axial load capability.

The G4 Canstack provides exceptionally high torque-to-size ratios and is ideal for a variety of applications, including medical equipment, bar code scanning devices, printing equipment, laboratory instrumentation and other mechanisms requiring high force in a small package. Three configurations are available as with other Haydon stepper motor linear actuators; captive, non-captive, and external linear.

For more information on the G4 Canstack, contact HaydonKerk Motion Solutions at info@HaydonKerk.com

www.HaydonKerk.com

Motion Control Tips

To create a solar panel, silicon ore needs to be fused in a furnace similar to how glass is made from sand. These furnaces are immense, and require a multitude of precision components to work in harmony for the succesful creation of silicon ingots. The ingots are then sliced into thin sheets for the fabrication of the solar panels. If this delicate process is upset, production time and cost would exponentially increase as these furnaces are heated to thousands of degrees and take days to cool down for servicing. PBC Linear’s PLA actuator was installed to control the furnace’s heat damper during the process cycle. The damper provides precise temperature control during the process. To control the critical lifting and positioning of the damper, the manufacturer required a linear system that was low cost, precise and reliable in order to compete on an international level.

The PLA ball-screw driven linear actuator was the answer. The PLA stands out from its competition with its SIMO™ (Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation) machined profile that mills out tight, consistent tolerances on all sides of the system to ensure repeatable guidance at no added cost. The PLA is also equipped with Integral V™ Technology (IVT) to provide enhanced precision guidance of the actuator’s V-rollers. When these advantages combine together, they create a superior linear actuator with no additional costs to the end user.

The silicon ingot manufacturer was immediately impressed with the PLA’s performance and reliability. Since implementation, the actuator has been running successfully, aiding in the production of solar panels and helping jumpstart the renewable energy industry.

For additional information on the PLA linear actuator, PBC Linear’s patent pending SIMO™ process, or the cost reducing Integral V™ linear guide system, please visit their dedicated pages: LAT.pbclinear.com, SIMO.pbclinear.com, and IVT.pbclinear.com.

www.pbclinear.com

Motion Control Tips

Tritex AC Powered Linear Actuator

The new Tritex II actuators operate from 100-240 VAC, allowing direct connection to factory power sources. Enhanced software features include 16 programmable indexes, linked moves and firmware flash upgrade capability via the actuator’s Modbus port. This port, via a RS/485 protocol, allows complete control, programming and monitoring of all aspects of the Tritex II actuator as it performs an application. Planned communications options include Modbus, Ethernet/IP™, HART, Modbus TCP/IP, CANopen, and CAN J1939 protocols.

Tritex AC Powered Rotary Actuator

The Tritex II actuator has ample I/O capability: 8 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, plus one analog input and output. Feedback choices include analog Hall effect (standard) and incremental encoder for high positioning resolution. The new Tritex II design offers excellent connectivity with internal terminals accessible through the actuator’s removable cover. Tritex II also offers a provision for Imperial or metric threaded ports for cable sealing glands, optional M23/M16 connectors for power and I/O, with an M8 connector for the RS485 port.

Tritex II linear actuators provide the same form factor as hydraulic and pneumatic actuators and provide for simple, clean all-electric retrofits in what were formerly fluid power applications. They are available with many different mounting options (metric or Imperial) such as front flange, rear clevis mount, side mount, trunnion mount, extended tie rod, and rear flange.

Tritex II rotary actuators are available in standard IEC metric dimensions. Direct drive units, as well as units with integral planetary gearing, provide compact, powerful solutions for most rotary applications. Custom mounting and options for both rotary and linear actuators are available to meet a wide range of installation requirements.

www.exlar.com

Motion Control Tips

PI’s (Physik Instrumente) 2009 hardcover catalog “Piezo Nano Positioning Inspirations 2009″ covers nanopositioning and piezo technology. The 530-page publication is a comprehensive reference book on the fundamentals of nanopositioning, piezo systems and micropositioning technology. The catalog contains over 200 product families, 30% of which are new, with more than 1,000 drawings, graphs, images and technical diagrams.

Products and technologies covered include:

• Parallel-kinematics nanopositioning / scanning stages
• High-speed ultrasonic linear motors for automation
• Ceramic-encapsulated piezo actuators
• PiezoWalk® piezo worm type linear motors for Bio/Nanotechnology
• 6-Axis Hexapod micromotion robots
• High-load, low-speed mirror alignment systems for astronomical telescopes
• Motorized precision actuators and stages for semiconductor applications
• Digital & Analog nanopositioning motion controllers & piezo drivers
• Servo & stepper motor controllers
• Photonics alignment systems, photometers

In addition to product descriptions and selection guides, extensive tutorials on piezo technology, the fundamentals of nanopositioning, micropositioning and nanometrology are included to aid users in selecting the system that best meets their needs.

A PDF catalog version can also be downloaded from PI’s website at http://www.pi.ws/2009cat

For more information or to download individual catalog sections, visit:

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/news/fullnews.php?newsid=149

Motion Control Tips

Thomson’s robust linear actuators are an easy-to-apply “green” alternative to hydraulic or manual actuation. Their proven track record of providing robust linear actuators for tough outdoor applications fills a real need in the emerging clean energy market place. Designers will benefit from a wide range of platforms and flexible design and envelope possibilities to meet the diverse requirements for solar tracking systems, and the key operating components of wind power.

Thomson industrial linear actuators are engineered to deliver robust, reliable operation in the varied outdoor conditions a clean energy facility may experience. Their industrial linear actuator products feature proven weather protection (ranging from IP56-67) to provide maintenance free , 20-year life based on one complete cycle per day. Thomson’s proven power drive units can hold static loads of up to 4000lbs and provide superior resistance to back driving in high wind conditions. Temperature ratings cover significantly varied conditions, ranging from -40F to +185 F.

www.DanaherMotion.com

Motion Control Tips

ADVANCING SERVO GEAR TECHNOLOGY
CGI has been building to custom gear requirements for over 36 years and we’re still going strong. Time and time again customers continue to bring us application requirements that no other manufacturer can do quickly and inexpensively. CGI’s has engineered precision gear solutions for a wide variety of markets including Medical, Aerospace, Semiconductor, Packaging, Military and Entertainment industries.

LINEAR ACTUATORS
CGI gearheads are easily adapted to any of the commercially available linear actuator products on the market. All of our inline or right-angle gearheads can be used to help reduce inertia. Our gearheads match up directly to products manufactured by: Intek, Linear Industries, Parker Daedal, Bosch Rexroth, THK, NSK, IKO, Warner, Tol-O-Matic, Macron Dynamics and Danaher IDC.

QUICK, AFFORDABLE CUSTOMIZATION
CGI has a reputation for design and manufacturing engineered solutions to meet demanding applications. From customized output and mounting, special sealing or materials for harsh environments, and ease-of-use options, CGI can provide exactly what you need.

AEROSPACE AND MEDICAL
CGI has provided custom engineered solutions to NASA, and many Aerospace companies. We’re also proud to be a premier suppler to numerous manufacturers of precision surgical devices from hand tools to robotics. More and more, companies from these two demanding industries rely on CGI’s expertise in precision motion control.

SEMICONDUCTOR AND FOOD PACKAGING EQUIPMENT
CGI is a USA manufacturer with capability and experience in providing complete Stainless Steel gearing solutions, and other exotic material expertise. We have gearboxes in washdown, food-handling and completely submerged applications.

www.cgimotion.com

Motion Control Tips

The MotoDrive PDE Actuator is an integrated linear actuator and electronic drive designed to operate with optically isolated inputs of pulse, direction and enable signals. The MotoDrive PDE is programmable for micro-stepping ranging from full step mode to 64 micro steps per full step. Step resolution ranges from 200 full steps per revolution to 12,800 steps per revolution when micro-stepping. When combined with the Haydon™ captive, non-captive, or external linear actuator, extremely fine positioning resolutions can be achieved. With a supply voltage of 12 to 42 vdc, the MotoDrive PDE Actuator functions with a run current programmable at HaydonKerk up to 2.6 Arms per phase. The drive direction is enabled with logic level voltage, and is activated using +5 vdc. Further, when operated at ground potential, the drive results in a retract move of the actuator, allowing for multi-functional and flexible usage. Hold current on the drive is adjustable and can be selected as zero, 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent of run current using a jumper and associated pins located in a connector on the side of the drive. A logic signal of 5 vdc needs to be provided to the board for operation. For more information on the MotoDrive PDE actuator, please contact HaydonKerk Motion Solutions at info@HaydonKerk.com.

www.HaydonKerk.com

Motion Control Tips

VRX actuators are available in bore sizes of 1 inch (25.4 mm), 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) and 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). Each model is available with single or double vanes on a corrosion-resistant single- or double-ended shaft. The single-vane models rotate to 280 degrees and produce up to 242 inch-pounds (27.3 Newton-meters) of torque. The double-vane models rotate to 100 degrees and produce up to 484 inch-pounds (54.7 Newton-meters) of torque.

The VRX series also features self-lubricating Highly Saturated Nitrile (HSN) seals that deliver three to five times the service life of Buna-N. In addition, the seals are molded directly onto the oversized vanes and rotor shaft to ensure a tight fit. All models have corrosion-resistant bodies and heads that are anodized to ensure long life and low breakaway. VRX models with double-ended shafts and bores of 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) or 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) are available with an infinitely adjustable stop option. This mechanism allows users to dial in rotational stops of less than the 100 or 280 degrees of standard rotation.

www.tolomatic.com

Motion Control Tips