Miniature Linear Vibration Actuator from Nidec Copal
June 20, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators, Linear Motion
Torrance, Cal. – Nidec Copal’s new LD14 miniature linear vibration actuator uses a new voice coil technology to develop an acceleration output of 1G at 150Hz operated by square wave output. The actuator is a compact 0.552” (14mm) long by 0.433” (11mm) wide by 0.10” (2.5mm) high, with only 2V and 77mA needed to excite the LD14 actuator. 
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.
New Ball Screw and Guide Options for Tolomatic Actuator Series
March 23, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators, Linear Motion
Hamel, Minn. - Tolomatic has expanded its new line of ERD electric rod-style actuators to make the line more flexible than ever before. Enhancements such as ball screws, motor mounts for NEMA and metric stepper and servo motors, plus a guide option, make it possible to employ ERD actuators in many more types of motion control applications. Originally designed as an affordable replacement for pneumatic cylinders, the ERD has become a very economical actuator solution for applications such as product changeovers, pick-and-place, sorting and diverting, heat-staking and more. 
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.
Enhanced Harmonic Linear Belt Drive Actuators from OEMDynamics
February 23, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators
Santa Clara, Cal. – OEMDynamics, a division of Animatics Corporation, announces enhanced features on the HLD60-H3 actuator. Enhanced features include no gearheads required, which saves money and reduces maintenance, and no brake required in many vertical applications. 
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.
M-272 linear actuator based on maintenance-free ultrasonic motor technology
January 18, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators, Linear Motion
Piezo motor specialist PI (www.pi-usa.us) proudly launches its latest line of linear actuator, the M-272 linear actuator or automation applications. It is maintenance-free as it is based on PILine ultrasonic ceramic motor.
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.
Haydon’s PCM4806 IDEA drive for can stack linear actuators
September 22, 2010 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators, Linear Motion
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc. (www.HaydonKerk.com) has unveiled the new Haydon RoHS compliant PCM4806 IDEA™ programmable linear actuator drive – the latest addition to the IDEA Drive family of products. The new drive is optimized to regulate low-current power stage suited for controlling smaller Haydon’s can-stack linear actuators. With the PCM4806’s addition to the IDEA line, there is a programmable drive available for use with almost the entire line of Haydon’s stepper motor linear actuators.
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.
New EZ Limo Motorized Linear & Rotary Actuators from Oriental Motor
September 14, 2010 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators, Controllers, PLC - PACs
Oriental Motor USA has introduced four new linear motor driver packages to its already wide range of linear and rotary actuators. Designed for higher performance in positioning applications and greater ease of use, each of the four new packages –SPV, EZC II, EZA and PWA II, accommodates a wide array of possible applications as well as simplicity in product integration.
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.
Tolomatic’s Rod-style SmartActuator with Reverse-parallel Motor
June 2, 2010 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators
Hamel, Minn. – Tolomatic’s ICR linear rod-style SmartActuator is now available with a reverse-parallel mounted motor that delivers up to 720 pounds of force in a more compact package. With the motor mounted on top of the actuator instead of inline, the length of the total package is reduced, giving it greater versatility and performance in industrial motion-control applications.
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.
SMAC Upgrades LAR31 Series of Linear and Rotary Electric Actuators
August 25, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators
Carlsbad, CA – SMAC introduces upgraded LAR31 series of linear and rotary electric actuators. The actuator has the vacuum built in the shaft through the rotary motor. The vacuum assures that any external objects (e.g. dust) are ejected through the other end, which prevents dust build-up in the unit. This reduces maintenance down time and improves production efficiency. The actuator is reliable and has MTBF >100 million life cycle.
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
PNP Output-Type Sensors for Linear Actuators
August 18, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators, Linear Motion, Sensors/Vision
Franklin, IN – NSK Precision America now offers two types of photo sensor kits for use with its MCM and MCH Monocarrier linear actuators. The variety of sensor types available for NSK’s Monocarrier lines now includes PNP output sensors, as well as NPN output sensors. Both types of sensors are RoHS compliant and give users added flexibility to use a variety of controller types.
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.
SmartActuator Plus Delivers Fully Programmable Motion Control in an Integrated Package
June 17, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators
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.
G4 Canstack Linear Actuator from HaydonKerk
April 28, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Actuators
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
PBC Linear Actuator Gives Green Energy a Lift
March 27, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators
In an economy that is gearing more towards green energy, PBC Linear is helping lay down the initial framework. Utilizing the high-accuracy PLA linear actuator, a cutting edge US company that manufactures silicon ingots from solar furnaces is able to sustain smooth, quiet and long-lasting operation for the their specially designed furnace damper that controls temperature for the ingots crystals. These ingots, in turn, are used in the production of electricity generating solar panels for cleaner and renewable energy.
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.
Tritex™ II Series Electric Actuators
March 27, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators
Chanhassen, MN—Exlar announces the Tritex™ II Series electric actuators, offering 1500 Watt, AC powered operation and digital position control within a single, space-saving housing. These actuators combine a brushless servomotor with either rotary or linear (output) actuation, assembling all elements into a compact, sealed housing for demanding environments. With their built-in mechanical converters, Tritex II actuators eliminate the need for traditional ball screw or gear reducer mechanisms—they incorporate all the required position control and power electronics into the actuator itself, providing a complete system solution. This design additionally eliminates the inconvenience and expense of an external servo amplifier and cables, which are often required with typical servo systems.
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.
Haydonkerk Motion Solutions Offers The Motodrive™ Pde Integrated Linear Actuator/Drive System
February 20, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Actuators, Drives, Linear Motion
HaydonKerk Motion Solutions™, a premier manufacturer of linear motion products, introduces the MotoDrive™PDE Actuator, available in size 17 single or double stack.
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.
