Bosch Rexroth’s New Ball Rail System for Humid to Wet Production Environments

Charlotte, NC – Bosch Rexroth’s new NFRG ball rail system is well-suited for use in humid to wet production environments. The profiled rail and the ball runner block are both made entirely of corrosion resistant steel according to DIN EN 10088 and of certified plastics according to EU Directive 2002/72/EC and US Regulation FDA21CFR. The NFRG ball rail systems are offered in five sizes and can withstand a relative humidity above 70 percent and temperatures above 30°C over an indefinite period. 

The certified plastic parts in the new ball rail system are even resistant to weak acids, lyes, organic solvents, oils and alcohols. They are strong and possess good sliding properties. Contrary to systems made from coated non-corrosion resistant steels, NRFG ball rail systems are not affected by surface damage and any resultant corrosion, increasing service life significantly. The ball rail systems are corrosion resistance Class 2 and hygiene Class 3 compliant.

The profiled rail can be mounted from the top, using the clip-on stainless steel cover strip to create a smooth surface. Alternatively, the mounting holes can be covered with white caps, or mount the profiled rail from underneath. The fully integrated sealing results in longer lubrication intervals, which means less maintenance. The ball runner blocks are not pre-lubricated so that users can fill in the proper lubricant recommended for their specific applications. Lube ports with metal threads are provided on all sides to give engineers a greater degree of freedom when space is tight.

NRFG ball rail systems are perfect in dry working zones such as primary packaging, even in environments where there is a combination of high humidity and high temperatures. Combined with screens or other protective barriers, they’re also suitable for splash areas and wet working zones in food processing, where liquid, moist or sticky foods stick to machine parts, or which are wet-cleaned and disinfected. Using FDA-certified plastics throughout eliminates the risk of unacceptable contamination during processing.

The ball runner blocks, which come in a flange version or a narrow version, are available in accuracy class H and in three preload classes. The O configuration of the balls ensures that the system has the required rigidity and equally high load capacities in all four main loading directions. Users can mount parts onto the runner blocks from the top or from underneath.

For more information, visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.

What is Linear Motion?

Linear motion is an area of motion control encompassing several technologies including linear motors, linear actuators, and linear rolling guides and bearings, among others.

Linear motors
Traditional linear motors are basically a permanent magnet rotary motor rolled out and laid flat. It’s as if the stator and rotor were cut along a radial plane and then unrolled so that they could provide linear thrust. When the stationary part of the motor is energized, it causes motion in the moving part that contains some kind of conductive material.

Linear motor benefits include high speeds and fast response times, high precision and stiffness, and because there are no mechanical transmission components the elimination of backlash.

On the down side, linear motors can be more expensive than other traditional solutions. They also demand better response from controllers such as increased bandwidth and higher update rates. Linear motors also typically cannot produce as much force as some other types of solutions such as ball screws. Another issue may be heating from I2R losses, which may require special cooling considerations.

Choosing the best linear motor for an application involves a number of factors including force and thermal considerations, loads on bearings, and space and clearance considerations.

Early linear motors were cylindrical. In these motors, the forcer is cylindrical in construction and moves up and down a cylindrical bar that houses the magnets. U-channel types of linear motors have two parallel magnet tracks facing each other with the forcer between the plates. The forcer is supported in the magnet track by a bearing system. Lastly there are flat type linear motors, which can be one of three different types: slotless ironless, slotless iron, and slotted iron.

Linear actuator
Linear actuators essentially produce linear motion. Sometimes the primary source of motion is non-linear or rotary, such as a motor. In this case, some other mechanical means such as belts, pulleys, chains or other mechanical components convert the rotary motion to linear motion. Other types of linear actuators produce linear motion on their own, such as through fluid (hydraulic or air) pressure. Common linear actuators include mechanical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and piezoelectric.

A rotary source linear actuator typically uses an electric motor to provide its input energy. This actuator can use a lead screw to turn the motor’s rotational motion into straight-line motion.

The best fit for the application depends on factors such as required output, size and power requirements. There are several important factors to consider when choosing a linear actuator. First is determining the stroke or length of motion required. Next, how much force is required of the actuator? That is, what is the weight of the object the actuator will need to move? How will the actuator be mounted—horizontally or vertically?

Linear actuators are used in a wide array of both industrial applications such as material handling equipment and robotics as well as everyday consumer applications such as appliances and in computer equipment such as printer heads and scanners.

Linear motion rolling guides
Linear rolling guides are not actuators themselves but the mechanical component that guides a linear motion, which could be a rail or a shaft connected to some type of actuating device. Rolling guides for linear motion applications can help reduce friction in machines. They’re used in various fields ranging from advanced semiconductor manufacturing devices to large machine tools or construction equipment.

Linear rolling guides come in different forms including linear ways and linear roller ways rail guiding systems and ball spline-based shaft guiding systems.

Important considerations for choosing a linear-motion rolling guide include the load, the static load, the stroke and speed as well as the desired precision and accuracy. Pre-loading may also be required depending on the application requirements. Lubrication is another important consideration, as is any method to minimize contamination of the linear guide system from environmental factors such as dust and other contaminants using bellows or special seals.

Roller chains

In any motion control system, the object is ultimately to move some kind of load. The component in the motion system that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is the motor. But the task doesn’t end there. A motor’s output shaft has to connect somehow to whatever the load is.

This final connection can take many forms. Some of the most efficient ways to connect with the load are so-called direct drive methods, where the motor is directly coupled to the load. When this isn’t feasible, various intermediary methods are available to couple the motor to the load. One of these is a roller chain.

Roller chains have the benefit of being a fairly straightforward and simple method of transmission of mechanical energy. Roller chains are constructed like a typical chain link structure; that is, a series of cylindrical rollers connected by links. A rotating sprocket which is connected to the motor moves the chain. The other end of the chain can then be connected to some part of the load.

On the down side, chains wear out over time and when they do the pitch increases, making them looser and more compliant, which can add instability in the form of “play” into the system. Also, chains need to be lubricated to keep them operating effectively.

The primary factors that limit chain life are corrosion, wear, and fatigue. However, following a few simple guidelines can help extend the life of roller chains. For starters, in order to maximize useful life, chains should be properly lubricated to minimize wear. Also, corrosion can accelerate the effects of wear and fatigue. To combat this, make sure that the chain is protected. A properly lubricated chain can minimize exposure to the environment and extend product life.

Also, some manufacturers offer options to improve fatigue resistance including specially manufactured components such as hardened pins and rivets as well as optimized chain dimensions for given applications. However, the general rule for chains is that when a chain becomes between 1.5 and 2% longer than the original length, it begins to ride up the sprocket teeth. This is the point at which sprocket and chain wear accelerates.

Some manufacturers offer corrosion-resistant chains. These can be made from one of several types of materials including stainless steel, nickel-plated chains, titanium, or stainless steel chains combined with special polymers.

Lead Screws

When it comes to translating the rotary motion of a motor to linear motion, there are many different ways of accomplishing this task. Often times in the world of motion control, the battle between the different methods and technologies can get quite contentious. However, as a rule, it’s best to remember that specific applications are better for some technologies than others, and as always, cost and product life time are also critical factors in determining which technology to use in a given application.

One of the most common technologies is the lead screw. A lead screw, also known as a power screw, is a threaded rod or bar that translates rotational motion into linear motion. Lead screws generate sliding rather than rolling friction between a nut and the screw. Consequently, higher friction means a lower overall efficiency. And efficiency, when talking about lead screws, is simply the ability to covert torque to thrust while minimizing mechanical losses.

Lead screw manufacturing processes can determine the performance and cost of the lead screw. For instance, there are three ways lead screws can be manufactured; by machining, rolling, or grinding. Ground lead screws are the most expensive and are generally considered to be the highest performing as well.

Another determinant of efficiency is the thread type. Acme threads are the simplest to produce, the most inexpensive, but also among the least efficient. Other types include buttress threads and square threads, which generally have the least amount of friction and higher efficiencies.

Lead screws have a number of advantages including a relatively high load carrying capacity. They are also compact and simple to design into a system with a minimal number of parts. The motion is also generally smooth and quiet and requires little maintenance. Lead screws also work well in wash-down environments because the materials used and the lubricant-free operation allows total immersion in water or other fluids.

On the other hand, lead screws do not have high efficiencies. Because of lower efficiency ratings they’re not used in applications requiring continuous power transmission. There’s also a high degree of friction on the threads meaning that the threads can wear quickly. Because a lead screw nut and screw mate with rubbing surfaces they have relatively higher friction and stiction compared to mechanical parts that mate with rolling surfaces and bearings.

There are several considerations when choosing the right lead screw for a linear motion application. These include thrust, speed, accuracy and repeatability.

The two most important factors in determining the performance of a lead screw are the screw pitch and lead. The pitch is the linear distance between the threads while the lead is the linear distance the nut travels. Speed is another critical parameter. Lead screws have a critical velocity, which is the rotational velocity limit of the screw. Reaching this limit induces vibrations in the lead screw.

Accuracy and repeatability are also important factors to consider. The accuracy of a lead screw is a measure of how close to a desired end point the assembly can move a load to within a given tolerance. The accuracy of the lead screw will mostly determine the system’s accuracy. On the other hand, repeatability is a measure of how well a lead screw assembly can repeatedly move a load to the same position.

4mm Linear Servomotors from Nippon Pulse America

Radford, Va. – Nippon Pulse America introduces their smallest linear servomotor, the 4mm Linear Shaft Motor. The 4mm shaft diameter, a small forcer size (10mm x 10mm), a total weight of 9 grams, and strokes as long as 40mm make the 4mm Linear Shaft Motor a suitable replacement in piezo type applications. 

The 4mm Linear Shaft Motor is quiet due to the absence of friction because the only mechanical contact section is the linear guide. The coreless construction of the Linear Shaft Motor also eliminates cogging and due to its design it also has no backlash.

The motor’s high stiffness allows it to be used in high precision positioning applications where a resolution of 0.09 nanometers is achievable. The motor also boasts virtually no fluctuation in speed.

Durable construction makes it possible to operate the Linear Shaft Motor in harsh conditions, including a vacuum situation and underwater.

www.nipponpulse.com

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

Miniature Linear Vibration Actuator from Nidec Copal

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.

Bishop-Wisecarver Releases UTCSK Camera Slider Kit

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announce the availability of a camera slider kit based on their UtiliTrak Linear Guide Technology. The UTCSK camera slider is a sleek, compact motion solution for filmmakers looking to create smooth, professional camera shots with minimal equipment and hassle.

“The UtiliTrak product line has been successful in diverse industrial applications as linear guides due to the smooth, and precise rolling characteristics of the guide wheels,” said Brian Burke, Project Engineer for Bishop-Wisecarver. “Our creative in-house video production staff requested a camera slider for producing impressive dynamic shots to incorporate into product demonstration videos. We realized that this useful application would be valuable to other B2B professionals as a cost-effective solution to their own in-house video productions.”

Ideal for small to medium lightweight DSLR cameras and lenses, UTCSK is available in two standard lengths of aluminum track (1000 mm and 1500 mm). For easy tripod mounting, ¼-20″ threads are located at the center and on both ends of the track. The anodized aluminum wheel plate with linear guide wheels includes a ¼-20″ camera thumb screw for use with or without a ball head mount. For camera safety, two adjustable end stop blocks with nylon screws come as standard.

For more information on the UTCSK camera slider including pricing and product sheet, visit www.utcsk.com

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

STMicroelectronics introduces most accurate location-placing solution

STMicroelectronics (www.st.com) has introduced a set of three, high performance MEMS sensors which offers comprehensive and accurate information on angular, linear and magnetic motion as well as altitude readings, smarter user interface and optimized navigation in mobile phones and other portable devices.

A new kind of mobile applications, such as pedestrian dead-reckoning and location-based services for multi-floor and indoor navigation, has emerged and demand complex sensing capabilities. With three ST MEMS sensors —a gyroscope, a geo-magnetic module and a pressure sensor — a device can enjoy complete indication of its angular velocity, linear acceleration, earth gravity, altitude and heading. These data enable mobile users to identify their precise location and direction in all three dimensions, including in locations with low or no GPS signal.

ST’s first advanced filtering and predictive software engine facilitated in integrating motion-sensor data in various consumer devices. The software incorporated the outputs from three-axis gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetic sensors. Fusing the data from the sensors via state-of-the-art algorithms, the iNEMO Engine provides more reliable and accurate sensor performance required by manufacturers of next-generation smart consumer devices for optimized motion-based applications.

“Multi-sensor capabilities enhance the mobile user experience with previously unseen realism and accuracy in next-generation motion- and location-based applications,” stated Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of Sensors and High Performance Analog Division at ST MEMS.

“With its formidable arsenal of world-class MEMS components, software, design and manufacturing expertise, ST is leading the way to fusing multiple sensors in mobile phones, navigation systems, and other consumer devices.”

The new ST MEMS chips feature ultra-small size and reduced current consumption together with superior reliability and accuracy.

Linear Motion Technology Selection Guide from Rexroth

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Bosch Rexroth’s new Linear Motion Technology selection guide offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits and applications of Rexroth’s linear motion products for machine designers. The guide is also a resource to help engineers determine which linear motion products meet their application requirements, as well as technical insights into issues like cost savings through standardization and energy efficiency. 

The guide is available as a free download at www.boschrexroth-us.com/linearmotion. The 88-page guide provides information about the applications, performance capabilities and energy efficiency of linear motion technology.

It also contains an overview of the structural design, operating principles and characteristics of Bosch Rexroth’s linear motion products, including precision modules, profiled rail, ball screw drives, miniature components, electromechanical actuators and completely preconfigured linear motion systems with matching motors and controls.

The selection guide also offers engineers example applications and technical drawings to illustrate, for instance, how reducing friction can dramatically lower energy consumption without sacrificing machine performance or capacity.  Other examples illustrate how precision-engineering and manufacturing of profiled rail systems can minimize downtime during changeovers, provide cost–efficiency in logistics and installation, and lower the overall cost of ownership.

The new guide is part of the recently created Bosch Rexroth Linear Motion Resource Center online, which offers easy access to Rexroth’s most popular linear motion resources, including interactive tools for system design, product configuration tools, technical documents, product updates, and other useful information.

www.boschrexroth-us.com

35mm Linear Stepper Motor from Nippon Pulse

Radford, Va. – Nippon Pulse’s PFL35T LINEARSTEP® tin-can type linear actuator gives engineers the ability to design a linear motion system simply and at a low cost. Nippon Pulse’s LINEARSTEP series offers direct linear motion without the need for any mechanical transformers, allowing users the ability to design a simple system at a low cost. 

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.

Linear Drive Offers Option for Automatic Shaft Cleaning and Lubricating

Aston, Penn. – For automatic cleaning and lubrication of the drive shaft, Uhing linear drives are now available with a combination shaft scraper/grease fitting option. The addition removes excessive grease, dust and dirt from the shaft while the drive is running and simultaneously assures adequate shaft lubrication. 

As debris accumulates at either end of the shaft it can be wiped away with a cloth. In most applications the shaft scrapers may be used without the grease fittings to clean the shaft while the drive runs. The grease fitting combination is recommended, however, in heavy usage applications and also when shaft RPMs exceed rated speeds (1,000 RPM for Model RG drives; 1,500 RPM for Model RS drives).

The shaft scraper is an O-ring made of specially formulated rubber which is mounted in a Delrin® brand plastic fitting. One shaft scraper is attached to each of the end bushings on the drive unit. When equipped with the grease fitting, the plastic fitting is made larger to accommodate the addition of a felt wiper ring which wicks oil out of the grease and applies a thin oil film to the shaft as the drive runs. Most standard grease gun nozzles fit the Uhing grease fittings. Note that special, molybdenum disulfide-free grease must be used. If attached in the field, users must also note that the addition of the shaft scraper with or without the grease fitting will slightly reduce the travel distance of the linear drive, which for most applications this is less than 1 in.

Amacoil-Uhing RG linear drives are used in equipment requiring a reciprocating or positioning linear motion component such as material handling systems, winding machines, spraying assemblies, converting equipment and metrology systems.

For more information, email amacoil@amacoil.com or visit www.amacoil.com.

New RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN

Bartlett, Ill. – The new RP+ Linear System from WITTENSTEIN meets the demand for a modular, standardized rack and pinion system capable of transferring higher maximum feeding forces.

The combination of gearbox, pinion and rack represents intelligent integration of specifically developed drive components. The rack assembly of the RP+ is the alpha high performance rack which is characterized by high precision and optimal power transmission. Using this rack results in a quiet-running solution which is weight- and noise-optimized. The gearbox and pinion components of the RP+ system are unique to the design, significantly increasing allowable torques. The high forces produced by the meshing of rack and pinion teeth are controlled more effectively, improving system rigidity and positioning accuracy.

To learn more about the new RP+ system, email info@wittenstein-us.com or visit www.wittenstein-us.com.

Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor Features Sub-Micron Resolutions

Radford, Va. – The Nippon Pulse Linear Shaft Motor is designed and constructed for ultra high-precision applications needing sub-micron resolutions. Because of its design features, the Linear Shaft Motor is more energy efficient and can achieve motion profiles that similar linear motors can’t.

The design of the Linear Shaft Motor maximizes use of magnetic flux, provides stiffness up to 100-times greater than that of other ironless linear motors, minimizes generated heat and reduces the impact of heat on the work point. It also doesn’t produce Eddy currents, and doesn’t have cogging issues. As a result, the Linear Shaft Motor can achieve sub-micron motion profiles, outperforming competing linear motors.

The Linear Shaft Motor’s cylindrical design provides two inherent benefits. First, the motor is able to use 100 percent of magnetic flux and to use that magnetic flux at maximum efficiency. All available magnetic flux cuts the coils at a 90-degree angle.

Also because of its cylindrical design, and despite being completely ironless, the Linear Shaft Motor provides stiffness up to 100-times greater than all other similar motors.

In part because it has no cogging issues and does not produce Eddy currents, the Linear Shaft Motor also generates less heat than traditional linear motors. As a result, the motor does not dump heat into the work point and thus is able to achieve precise and accurate motion profiles. The lower heat production also comes because the Linear Shaft Motor does not have inherent airflow restrictions.

In tests conducted by the University of Virginia, the Linear Shaft Motor is proven to consume 51.8 percent less energy than a comparable u-shaped motor while performing the same motion, carrying the same load, and producing the same linear force.

For more information on the Linear Shaft Motor or other Nippon Pulse products, visit www.nipponpulse.com.

New Ball Screw and Guide Options for Tolomatic Actuator Series

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.

www.tolomatic.com

Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems from ATLANTA Drive Systems

Farmingdale, NJ – ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc. offers a complete range of Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems that eliminate all axis backlash, providing ultra-precise positioning and repeatability. Positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as during changes in direction of travel.

The axis backlash is eliminated by using two pinions; one to drive the axis and the other to engage the opposite tooth flank and take up the backlash. Mechanically preloaded systems use a split-pinion, which consists of two pinion halves and an axial preload pack. The pinions halves mesh with opposite tooth flanks on the same rack. The preload setting is fully adjustable on the machine by turning the axial spring pack at the end of the pinion shaft.

Electrically preloaded systems use two motor/reducer assemblies with dual pinions operating on the same rack in a master/slave setup. One pinion drives the axis (the “master”) while the second pinion is “preloaded” to remove the backlash (the “slave”).  The preload is created electronically with a special motor controller; these systems can also be set up to drive together during cycle times when backlash is not critical.

The drives are ideal for a wide range of applications, including traveling gantries and columns and milling machines, among others, in industries such as material handling, automation, aerospace, woodworking, machine tool and robotics.

www.atlantadrives.com

High Speed, High Force, Sub-micron Positioning, Voice Coil Stage Features 20 mm Aperture

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Equipment Solutions’ VCS-2020 Voice Coil Stage features a 20 mm diameter aperture, 20 mm (0.7874 in.) travel, and sub-micron (1.1811 10^-6 in.) positioning resolution. An integrated Analog position feedback sensor assures 100 nanometer (3.937 10^-6 in.) repeatability.  The cross-roller voice-coil stages are self contained, compact, and can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical axis.

The compact 117 x 75 x 81 mm (4.60 x 2.96 x 3.18 in.), low mass, voice coil stage is a fully self-contained system including a high precision cross roller stage, voice coil actuator, analog position sensor, servo amplifier and servo controller. The low-inertia cross roller stage is integral to the standard threaded “C” lens mount and motor coil for tip/tilt free motion. Custom lens mounts are available. The voice coil motor is rated at 17.8 N (4 lbs.) continuous force and 71.8 N (16 lbs.) peak for 10 seconds and is cleanroom compatible. For easy integration into a new or existing application, the VCS-10H Voice Coil Stage has multiple sets of mounting holes on several surfaces.

This compact voice coil stage is ideal for such micro-positioning applications as scanning interferometry, disk drive testing, auto focus systems, surface structure analysis, confocal microscopy, biotechnology, and semiconductor test equipment.

For more information, email info@equipsolutions.com or visit www.equipsolutions.com.

New Linear Motor Line from Siemens

Elk Grove Village, Ill. – With the recent introduction of its 1FN6 Linear Motors, Siemens now offers three models of Linear Motors for seamless integration with all Sinumerik or Simotion control systems using Sinamics drives. The three new motors are the 1FN3 Peak Load Motor, 1FN3 Continuous Load Motor, and the1FN6 Magnet Free Secondary.

The 1FN3 Peak Load Motors feature high acceleration/deceleration and velocity rates and can be used for horizontal or compensated vertical axes.  They feature nominal force of 8,100 N, maximum force of 20,700 N, and maximum velocity of 253 m/min with liquid cooling.

The 1FN3 Continuous Load Motors feature long power-on duration for horizontal, inclined or compensated vertical axes. Nominal force is 10,375 N, maximum force is 17,610 N with maximum velocity of 129 m/min with liquid cooling. Both the 1FN3 Peak and Continuous load motors can be run with air convection cooling, but the ratings must be reduced by 50%.

Lastly, 1FN6 Magnet Free Secondary motors are ideal for long traverse lengths at high acceleration and velocity rates and can be used for horizontal, inclined or compensated vertical axes. The nominal force is 2,110 N with maximum force of 8,080 N and a maximum velocity 532 m/min  with air convection cooling.

One linear motor stationary track (either with magnets or magnet-free) can support multiple primary sections moving either the same slide in a master-slave configuration or moving separate slides independently at different rates and in different directions.  This allows designers to consolidate drive systems on multiple slide machines for cost efficiency and better productivity. Also, linear scales for position and velocity feedback are available from a variety of third party suppliers to suit the application.

To help in the design and application process, Siemens has developed a number of tools to help take a slide design application and configure the right size motor to it. Once this process is complete, it is a simple matter to integrate the motor(s) into a complete Siemens system that includes controls, motors, operator stations and even complete panels and cabinets.

www.SiemensCNC.com

M-272 linear actuator based on maintenance-free ultrasonic motor technology

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.

Linear Motion Module with 0.5 micron Resolution from New Scale Technologies

Victor, NY – New Scale Technologies, Inc. announced the latest product in its M3 Micro-Mechatronics Module family; the miniature M3-L closed-loop linear motion module. With 0.5 micron position resolution and a total package size of less than 27.5 x 13 x 7.5 mm, the M3-L module is the smallest, highest-resolution closed-loop linear motion control system on the market.

Motion and control functions are fully integrated into the M3-L module, including a piezoelectric linear micro motor, position sensor, guide mechanism, motor driver, control processor and software. The module runs on 3.3V input for battery-powered operation and draws approximately 500 mW of power while moving and 200 mW quiescent. It weighs approximately 4.5 grams. The standard serial interface (I2C or SPI) accepts PID closed-loop system tuning parameters, as well as high-level input commands such as ”move specified distance.”

The M3-L module is offered with a bullet nose for pushing or a hook tip for pulling loads. Typical travel range is 6 mm. New Scale also develops custom OEM modules including bi-directional (push/pull) systems, modules with custom travel range up to 20 mm, and multi-axis configurations.

The module is ideal for precision motion control of variable inductors, trimming capacitors and optical elements for RF, microwave and photonics tuning applications. It also adds reliable motion to a wide range of miniature optical and hand-held instruments; aerospace and UAV controls; and biomedical systems including fluid controls and microsurgery.

Find out more by emailing sales@newscaletech.com or visiting www.newscaletech.com.

www.newscaletech.com

MicroE Systems introduces world’s smallest linear encoder with 1.2nm resolution

MicroE Systems (www.microesys.com) is proud to launch its all-new Miniature Encoders that are ideal for XY microscope stages, nanometer and sub-micron positioning systems, fine control of optics and piezo-motor stages. With resolutions of up to 1.2nm and miniature sensors, the latest MicroE Systems Mercury II encoders can upgrade the user’s motion system.

The Mercury II encoders’ specifications include the following vacuum models up to 10-8 torr; long-Range Accuracy up to ±1ìm; short-Range Accuracy up to ±20nm; rotary resolutions up to 268M CPR; and linear resolutions from 5 µm to 1.2nm.

The linear encoders offer linear glass with limits and stick-on index (low expansion glass available); cut-to-length PurePrecision laser tape with limits and stick-on index; and rotary scales.

The Mercury II encoders also feature software for encoder data plots and setup, lowest power consumption, robust tolerance to scale contamination, user-programmable resolution, wide setup tolerances and tiny sensors.

Mercury II encoders allow compact system designs with a sensor measuring 8.7mm and tape scale 6mm wide. The models include programmable interpolation of up to x16384. The operator can benefit from analog or digital output from the sensor, particularly a smaller footprint as well as a variety of connector options such as customer-specific connectors.

The Mercury II encoders’ small size, integrated interpolation electronics, excellent operating performance, ease of installation and low power consumption are perfect for metrology and precision motion control applications. Ultra-high speed applications are well supported by faster A-quad-B output, as well as serial word versions of up to 10m/s with 1.2nm resolution.

In addition to the new linear encoders, MicroE Systems develops small-diameter rotary, vacuum-rated models and low-cost PCB mount that are all RoHS compliant.

MISUMI launches medium/heavy load Linear Guides for automation and motion control

MISUMI USA, Inc. (http://us.misumi-ec.com), a fully-owned subsidiary of MISUMI Corporation (www.misumi.co.jp), is proud to launch several new products to add to its expansive line of configurable Linear Guides for motion control equipment and machinery.

The all-new Linear Guides from MISUMI will include: SX2RD (dual block) and SXRD (single block) Heavy Load, and SV2RD (dual block) and SVRD (single block) Medium Load versions which are double-sealed, along with an added side seal to enhance sealing as well as preventing any intrusion of machining chips, dust or other debris into the guide rail. The double-sealed versions of SX2RK (dual block) and SXRK (single block) Heavy Load, and SV2RK (dual block) and SVRK (single block) Medium Load provide a metal scraper integrated in the external side seal that automatically remove any large pieces of hot welding spatter or foreign material from the guide rail.

Ruggedly constructed of carbon steel, these Linear Guides can be precisely configured to a wide range of specifications such as height, length, load rating, and tapped hole machining.

Moreover, MISUMI offers a comprehensive line of advanced and standard Linear Guides in multiple configurations and sizes to add to the new dust-proof heavy and medium load versions. These include long and wide blocks, interchangeable, small clearance and preload types. All of the Linear Guides from MISUMI can operate under a temperature range from -20°C to 80°C, and are designed to precise dimensional tolerances. The Linear Guides can be selected and configured by design engineers to their specific requirements relative to thrust, friction resistance, load, and rated life span, conveniently using calculations and tables provided in MISUMI’s online or print Metric Catalog.

Bosch Rexroth Launches New Linear Motion Resource Center

Hoffman Estates, Ill. –– Bosch Rexroth, the Drive & Control company, has launched a new online Linear Motion Resource Center, providing Rexroth linear motion customers with easy access to its most popular linear motion resources. The site features product configuration tools, technical documents, product updates and other useful information at www.boschrexroth-us.com/linearmotion.

Among the linear motion tools, a new 3D Configurator for Linear Modules and Cartesian Systems has been integrated with the Online Catalog for Linear Motion Technology on Rexroth’s global web site, and features a more user-friendly navigation and a more stable software platform. All 3D CAD Generator links lead directly to the Online Catalog, where the user can choose a product, configure the specifications, and produce a 3D model in the format of their choice. For solid models of individual products and components, the Resource Center also offers a library of 3D and 2D CAD files and solid models, backed by SolidWorks’ 3DPartStream Technology. With this tool, solid models can be downloaded easily in almost any format.

The site also features the newest linear motion products from Rexroth, such as the Electromechanical Cylinder (EMC), a contained precision rolled ball screw actuator designed to provide high thrust/speed capability with greater flexibility and control to applications traditionally using Hydraulic and/or Pneumatic cylinders.

The Resource Center allows users to easily take advantage of Rexroth’s GoTo Focused Delivery Program, which is designed to provide fast delivery of the most popular linear motion products.

Dozens of catalogs and brochures are also conveniently linked from the new online resource, for quick access to catalogs for ball rail and roller rail systems, ball screws, linear modules, linear bushings, Cartesian systems and more. Downloadable white papers and instructional materials are only a click away, too, with topics such as “Total Cost of Ownership” and Rexroth’s popular “LOSTPED” article on sizing and selecting linear motion products. Of particular interest to design engineers, the site also features all 350 pages of Rexroth’s Linear Motion Technology Handbook, an engineering reference work with calculations and design details presented in an informative, non-commercial format.

For more information, visit www.boschrexroth-us.com/linearmotion

www.boschrexroth-us.com

Bishop-Wisecarver Promotes National Sales Manager

Pittsburg, CA - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announced that National Sales Manager Michael McVeigh has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. He will have the primary responsibility of overseeing the entire sales channel for Bishop-Wisecarver, and manage all global efforts both domestically and internationally.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike for four years as our National Sales Manager. He has done a fabulous job of growing our sales efforts, even during the recent economic downturn,” said Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “The Board of Directors felt that bringing Mikes’ management skills to our entire sales channel will be an important element of our global sales efforts going forward. I look forward to working with Mike on our strategic sales plans for growing our sales both domestically and internationally.”

McVeigh is a college graduate from the University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to joining Bishop-Wisecarver in 2006 as the National Sales Manager, McVeigh worked in the bearing industry for 16 years in both sales and marketing. Since his hire at Bishop-Wisecarver, he has grown to appreciate the uniqueness of Bishop-Wisecarver’s customer base and their applications.

“Our overriding company goal is to become the customer’s 1st choice,” said McVeigh. “I am honored to be leading our team to meet this challenge as the Vice President of Sales.”

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Exlar introduces servo actuators with smooth and accurate rotary and linear motion control

Exlar (www.exlar.com) has unveiled its new electric actuators that provide easy-to-use rotary and linear motion for different types of motion control applications in the medical device industry. The electric actuation that utilizes servo controls also provides environmentally friendly, high-efficiency and low-maintenance solution.

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.

The new L427 Series with 5 mm air gap from Nippon Pulse

Nippon Pulse (www.nipponpulse.com) introduced its latest linear shaft servomotor from the Linear Shaft Motor (LSM) family, the L427 series. It features a five-millimeter air gap between the magnetic shaft and forcer. In the LSM family, the new L427 series offers a low-maintenance linear motion solution with applications in a broad industry range.

With a five millimeter air gap between the motors shaft and forcer, users will have more flexibility machining their device to level. Also, it is a good linear motion solution when users lack the resources or do not have the ability to make an accurate alignment of the shaft and the forcer.

The device is also an optimal motion solution for environments where there is a possibility for debris to stick to and develop on the shaft. If there is a possibility for the debris to develop on the shaft, the five millimeter air gap keeps the motor from jamming and increase the required time between cleanings.

The L427 series features a constant force of 110N and has a useable stroke length between 100 mm and 4,600 mm. The motor’s force constant is 31(Kf) N/Amps, while its peak force is 450N. Other features of the L427 include a 3-kg forcer weight, a 10 V/m/s back EMF, a 14A peak current, a 3.6A continuous current, and a 42.7 mm shaft diameter.

Nippon Pulse’s LSM has three basic concepts. The motor is high precision while giving complete stiffness with its advantageous ironless make-up that offers zero cogging. It is also simple, consisting of only one magnetic shaft and one forcer. And being non-contact, its shaft motor has a non-critical air gap that eliminates force variation throughout the entire stroke of the device.

Wittenstein’s Ternary Actuator Released with New Options

Ternary has been known as the Intelligent Integrated Actuator for nearly a decade. Since this revolutionary product came into the industrial world, it has developed beyond simply a standard actuator. The new options that the Ternary now offers allow customers to mix-and-match their requirements to choose the product the application needs.

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

Ceramic Linear Piezo Motor from Physik Instrumente

Auburn, Mass. – PI (Physik Instrumente) introduces the new N-216 NEXLINE® high-load piezo linear motors. These highly precise nanopositioning actuators provide travel ranges to 20mm with a resolution of 0.03nm, and push/pull forces to 600N (130lbs) and holding forces to 800N (177lbs).

The piezoceramic clamping and shear elements act directly on a moving runner coupled to the load. For maximum velocity, and long distance movements, the runner can be driven in full step mode. Extremely uniform motion and constant velocity is achieved with the nanostepping mode.

The N-216 linear motors come in two versions for open- or closed-loop operation, as well as in two different load configurations. Closed-loop versions are equipped with a linear encoder for direct position measurement of the moving runner. The encoder features 5nm resolution over the full travel range.

Applications include high-end ultra-precision manufacturing and semiconductor test equipment to astronomy and high energy physics applications. Extreme reliability makes them ideal for applications in difficult-to-access internals of instruments, requiring nanometer-realm adjustment and/or vibration cancellation.

For datasheets or more information, email info@pi-usa.us or visit www.pi-usa.us.

Hard-Cover, Side-Sealed Linear Stages from Aerotech

Pittsburgh, Pa. – Aerotech’s PRO Series are low cost, side seal, hard cover, ball-screw-driven linear stages available in 68 standard models with travels from 50 to 1500mm.

The PRO Series features a hard-cover design for protection from debris, while side-seals keep dirt and particulates out of the stage and protect the bearing surfaces from contamination. Aerotech’s vertical side-seal design easily deflects debris away from the stage. The tabletop can be outfitted with an optional brush assembly to remove any particles that collect on the hard cover.

Models are available with either a 5mm/rev, 20mm/rev, or25 mm/rev ball screw with a matched brushless rotary servomotor to provide maximum travel speeds up to 1400mm/sec. Specifications include ±6μm accuracy, ±1μm bidirectional repeatability, and 0.5μm resolution, depending on model, ball screw, and encoder.

These modular stages easily can be combined into custom multi-axis solutions (XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ). In addition, Aerotech’s complete line of single- and multi-axis motion controllers and drives are a perfect complement and can be included to provide a turnkey system.

The PRO Series can be outfitted with English or metric bolt-hole pattern tabletops, and a brake option is available to prevent back-driving the screw when power is removed from the servomotor. A fold-back kit is also available to effectively reduce the overall stage length for space-constrained applications.

PRO Series data sheets are available at http://www.aerotech.com/products/stages/Mechanical_bearing_ballscrew_stages.html

www.aerotech.com

Ultra Narrow Precision Linear Stage from Steinmeyer

Burlington, Mass. – The new PA 30×40-SM01 is a single-axis, precision linear stage from Steinmeyer that is ideal for applications needing an extremely narrow positioning table.

The compact, fully enclosed stage is 30mm wide and 40mm high and available in travel ranges from 25 to 150mm. Positioning repeatability is 1 micron, maximum speed is 50mm/sec and load capacity is 100N. The PA 30×40-SM01 comes with a precision preloaded 8mm diameter Steinmeyer ball screw, miniature size 9 linear guideway, non-contact limit switches and a choice of either stepper motor or DC servo motor with encoder. A separate motion controller is available as an option.

Typical uses include miniature robotics, pick and place devices, specimen handling for life sciences and scientific applications where precision positioning is required within a very narrow foot print.

www.steinmeyer.com

Enhanced Roller Pinion System from Nexen

Vadnais Heights, Minn. – Nexen’s new enhanced Roller Pinion System (RPS) provides high-accuracy linear positioning with zero backlash and simple installation in precision motion control applications.

The RPS features an ISO 9409 flange mount pinion and pinion preloader, making it easier for system integration. The system has high precision surfaces and an adjuster that allows the pinion to be easily moved up or down in the rack, while maintaining proper pinion orientation to the rack.
The pinion consists of bearing-supported rollers that engage a unique tooth profile. Two or more rollers connect with the rack teeth in opposition at all times, eliminating backlash. The RPS rollers approach the tooth face in a tangent path and then smoothly roll down the tooth face, greatly reducing noise levels associated with other linear motion systems, such as tooth slap or ball return noise. The low-friction design delivers more than 99% efficiency in converting rotary to linear motion, greatly reducing wear and providing longer service life at high speeds up to 11 m/sec (36.1 ft/sec). The RPS rack is available in standard segmented lengths of one meter and half meter increments and can be custom cut as required, allowing unlimited run lengths and easily accommodating diverse application requirements.

With a new line of integration solutions for ISO 9409 flanged gearheads, the innovative RPS system is now even easier to install in a broad range of linear motion applications. Flange mount pinions can be directly mounted to the gearhead, ensuring the highest degree of stiffness and accuracy, with no shaft or bushing required. Since the direct mount pinions rigidly secure close to the drive bearings, they ensure high performance. Additionally, the pre-loader system includes everything needed to properly integrate the RPS, regardless of the orientation.

For more information, contact Nexen Group, Inc., at 651-484-5900 or via email at info@nexengroup.com

www.nexengroup.com

TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno

New Hyde Park, NY – The new TechnoMod Gantry Machine from Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems is a multi-axis motion platform complete with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure, all fully assembled. The TechnoMod is available in three different sizes and can be used for pick and place, dispensing, assembly, testing, drilling, routing, welding and general automation applications.

Travel ranges are 650 x 300 x 275mm for the Model 30, 650 x 450 x 275mm for the Model 45 and 650 x 650 x 275mm for the Model 65. Additionally, a 4th or 5th rotary axis can be added to the machine for more complex operations. All drive motors are DC brushless servos providing high torque and precision. The TechnoMod can be delivered with or without electronics as well as a sliding front door with safety interlock. It has a built-in industrial computer and rugged swing arm console which includes a monitor and keyboard.

To view CAD Drawings, catalog specifications or for more information on the new TechnoMod Gantry, visit http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/TechnoModGantry.htm.

Or call 1-800-819-3366 to speak with an application engineer.

www.techno-isel.com

Micropulse Generation 7 Linear Position Transducers from Balluff

Florence, KY – Balluff has introduced the first of its new Micropulse Generation 7 linear position transducers, featuring improved measurement and environmental specifications, longer lengths, and more flexible setup than previous models. Debuting in the analog rod style housing, Generation 7 is available in two versions, Micropulse and Micropulse Plus. Micropulse is fully backward compatible with Balluff’s Generation 5 products, yet delivers better measurement performance and environmental ratings. The advanced version Micropulse Plus features flexible output scaling and configuration using a PC interface.

Performance improvements include stroke lengths to 300 in. with the maximum non-linearity cut in half. This features ±50 µm for nominal strokes less than 500mm,  ±0.01% of full scale for 500 to 5500mm, and ±0.02% of full scale from 5501mm to 7600mm. Shock ratings are to 150g and vibration rating to 20g. EMC severity for static, RF, burst, and line noise is Level 3; for surge, Level 2 and magnetic field immunity to Level 4. Additionally, housing protection is to IP68 for pre-wired cables and IP67 for connector models.

Other improvements allow easier and more flexible configuration options during setup. Dual bi-color LEDs handle double duty for diagnostics and as a setup aid for pushbutton scaling of the position outputs. Communicating to a PC over standard USB, Micropulse Plus outputs can be scaled, inverted, and configured for single- or two-magnet position, velocity, or differential position between two magnets. Intuitive software features a simple-to-use graphical interface that allows drag-and-drop adjustment of the output characteristics. Configuration files can be saved for backup, replication, or for emailing to remote locations. Manual adjustment without a PC is also possible using the included pushbutton tool and simplified setup procedure that minimizes button-pushing complexity while maximizing operational flexibility.
For more information, visit:  http://www.balluff.com/btl7-z

www.balluff.com

Anti-backlash Leadscrew System

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – igus® has unveiled a new addition to its line of DryLin® SLW leadscrew tables. DryLin SLW Pre-Loaded uses anti-backlash nuts to reduce axial clearance and is also fitted with DryLin W ‘turn-to-fit’ linear bearings, which offer adjustable radial clearance.

DryLin SLW Pre-Loaded is available off-the-shelf and is less expensive when compared to ball bearing assemblies. Costs associated with research, design, drawing, purchasing, QC, and assembly are virtually eliminated. In contrast to other linear shaft systems, DryLin SLW Pre-Loaded also features high torsional stiffness and is completely lubrication-free and contaminant-resistant.

The clearance on the DryLin W carriages can be adjusted with an Allen wrench. The setscrew makes an audible clicking sound with every increment of adjustment, which helps the end user achieve consistent and quick assembly every time. This new technology makes higher-precision applications possible at a lower cost.

“The pre-loaded version of our DryLin W Adjustable provides design engineers with more options,” said Matt Mowry, product manager for linear technology at igus North America, “Instead of buying a number of different components to piece together an assembly, they can purchase a high-performance part from our catalog and use the time saved to design several other aspects of their equipment.”

igus
www.igus.com

IP69K Linear Position Transducer for Harsh Applications from Balluff

Florence, KY – Balluff’s new Micropulse® ProCompact linear position transducer for demanding linear feedback applications is rugged, accurate, and protected against environmental hazards such as high humidity, ambient temperature variations, high-pressure wash down, and exposure to caustic chemicals.

The Micropulse ProCompact rod-style transducer incorporates field-proven, non-contact magnetostrictive technology into a welded, hermetically sealed stainless steel housing providing superior long-term reliability and service life compared to competing contact-based sensors such as linear or rotary potentiometers.

The ProCompact is ideal for the following types of applications: hydropower and other wet applications, railroad maintenance equipment, steel production, sawmill applications, or any other application involving high humidity, ambient temperature variations, and high-pressure wash down.

The Micropulse ProCompact linear position transducer comes in standard ¾-in.-16 UNF (optional M18 x 1.5) mounting threads, allowing the transducer to be installed into hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. Right out of the box, the ProCompact is environmentally protected to IP68. For even more demanding applications, the threaded fitting on the ProCompact housing can accommodate a cable protection system, offering environmental protection up to IP69K.
For more information, visit: www.balluff.com/procompact

SKF’s New LLT Profile Rail Guides

New SKF® “LLT” profile rail guides integrate a unique “all-around” sealing system and unprecedented design features to protect against contaminants, increase repeatability, provide smooth-running performance, and promote longer service life requiring minimal maintenance. These guides ideally suit linear motion applications in the material handling, injection molding, packaging, medical device, printing, and woodworking industries, among others.

Their standard sealing system consists of double-lip front seals and side and inner seals to prevent contamination and retain lubricant. Guides are supplied pre-lubricated and with integral grease reservoirs to deliver constant relubrication without oversight. Steel threaded lube ports on their carriages accommodate automatic lubrication systems for an easy fit and enhanced reliability.

An arrangement of four ball rows in a 45º angle with equal loading capacity from all directions imparts high levels of stiffness, strength, and accuracy. The X-arrangement of ball rows additionally contributes self-aligning capabilities.

LLT guides are available in a wide range of sizes (15-45), carriages, rail sizes (80mm-4000mm), preload and accuracy classes, mounting configurations, and accessories. Normal and high precision accuracy grades have been engineered for interchangeability to allow for component flexibility and adaptability in any system design without sacrificing precision class.

SKF USA Inc.
www.skfusa.com

Bimba Introduces New Movable Housing Linear Slide

Monee, IL—Bimba Manufacturing introduces the newest addition to their linear slide product offering, the Movable Housing Linear Thruster. The Movable Housing Linear Slide is available in bore sizes 9/16” through 3”, spanning 7 different bore sizes and five guide shaft diameters. In addition, the Movable Housing Linear Slide is available with ball bearings (Model TMH) or composite bearings (Model TEMH) with both styles housed in black anodized carriages.

“This design compares favorably to competitive movable housing or gantry slides in load carrying capability, offering up to 50% more load carrying capability than the most popular competitive models,” said Bimba’s linear thruster Product Manager, Tom Carlson. To achieve increased load carrying, the new Movable Housing linear thruster uses a precision machined housing, guided by precision ground, case hardened chrome plated shafts powered by Bimba’s original round line cylinders.

Bimba Manufacturing
www.bimba.com

Del-Tron Crossed Roller Tables

Del-Tron’s aluminum and steel crossed roller tables are the perfect choice for applications requiring high accuracy and exceptional load carrying capabilities. Accuracies range from 0.0001” per inch of travel straight line accuracy on our aluminum tables to 0.00008” of parallelism on our steel crossed roller tables and are capable of carrying loads in excess of 2600 lbs.

The aluminum crossed roller tables are available with both inch and metric mounting holes. You can choose from our low profile LPT series with its 3 rail design or opt for our Gold Motion series with its flanged base and 4 rail design. Both are available with stainless steel crossed roller rails and roller cages for applications where corrosion resistance is a requirement. For vertical applications or applications involving high acceleration or deceleration forces you may want to consider our Anti-Creep crossed roller tables. These units employ a rail and roller cage design that eliminates roller cage migration or slippage due to load orientations or acceleration forces. Solid model drawings for our entire product line are available on our website.

Del-Tron Precision Inc.
www.deltron.com

Bishop-Wisecarver Launches New Spanish Web Site

Pittsburg, CA – Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation has unveiled a new Spanish language web site. Complete with detailed product pages, a library of downloadable product catalogs, 3D CAD files, and a full line of application stories, the new web site is part of the company’s extensive initiative to support the needs of its Spanish-speaking customers. The initial site features Bishop-Wisecarver’s full line of signature DualVee-based products; the addition of its other product offerings is planned in the near future.

Continuing its effort to establish a stronger presence in the Latin American community, the company has recruited Ricardo Iraheta, a bilingual customer service representative who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ricardo is fluent in both Spanish and English and is available to assist Spanish-speaking customers with their application requirements. Bishop-Wisecarver has also partnered with a bilingual manufacturers’ representative firm, RCB International, which offers substantial knowledge in linear motion products and markets. RCB International provides customer service and technical support in the Southern Florida and Caribbean regions.

“The Spanish web site is another important element supporting our dedication in assisting our growing number of Latin American customers, as well as Hispanic customers within the United States,” says Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “Combined with the addition of bilingual personnel and the availability of Spanish literature, the web site enhances our objective to extend superior service and technical support in their native language, while providing them with 24/7 accessible information that was not available before.”

To visit the company’s new Spanish web site go to: www.bwc.com/index_es.php.

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Miniature Piezomotor Linear Slide

Auburn, MA – Physik Instrumente’s (PI) patented P-653 piezomotor linear slide is significantly smaller than other miniature linear stages and provides significantly higher velocities and resolution. It features a travel range of 2mm with force generation to 0.15N and comes pre-assembled and mounted on a PC board and is only 8mm long.

This true linear motor system has no conversion of rotation, eliminating rotary conversion losses, and consists of only 4 parts and can replace classical drive elements like miniaturized motor/lead screw systems or other linear motors with speeds of up to 200mm/sec (8in./sec) and an auto-locking feature. Integration of the P-653 is simple because the moving slider and the piezomotor are delivered assembled as a unit on a PCB driver board running on 5VDC.

P-653-series PILine® ultrasonic motors are ideal for OEM applications where quantities are high and space is at a premium. The systems are optimized for moving small objects such as optical fibers, micro-optics, or micro-electromechanical elements fast and precisely. These non-magnetic ceramic motors can also be used in medical applications.

Motion is controlled by TTL voltage pulses applied to the driver electronics. The self-adjusting driver creates the high-frequency, nanometer level oscillations (~500kHz) that make the ultrasonic ceramic motor move. PILine^® linear piezomotors are based on a patented ultrasonic drive. At the heart of the system is a rectangular monolithic piezoceramic plate (the stator), segmented on one side by two electrodes. Depending on the desired direction of motion, the left or right electrode of the piezoceramic plate is excited to produce high-frequency eigenmode oscillations of hundreds of kilohertz. PILine® motors are vacuum compatible, non-magnetic and self-locking.

A developer’s kit can now be ordered from PI-USA’s Piezo Basics Online Store at http://store.pi-usa.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=P-653.01D

www.pi.ws

Heavy-Duty Slide 2 Carries Heavy-Cantilevered Loads

New Hyde Park, NY – Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems introduces the newly improved Heavy-Duty Slide 2, constructed from a single rigid aluminum extrusion profile and capable of handling heavy-cantilevered loads. The 225mm wide, modular design is available in travels from 122mm (4.8in.) to 2722mm (107.2in.) with a new wraparound motor mounting kit that allows for longer travel with shorter overall lengths. The Heavy-Duty Slide 2 is made to be extremely versatile with T-slots on three sides for easy mounting options.

The Heavy-Duty Slide 2 offers a wide stable base for use in assembly equipment and the ability to handle large cantilevered loads makes it ideal for a range of applications. The Slide 2 also uses Teflon lip seals so that the full length of travel is utilized and the interior components are guarded against contaminants.

All models are fit with four precision rails, four bearing blocks, home reference and end limit switches. Users can choose from inline or side-mounted stepper motors or servomotors. The 16mm anti-backlash ball screws are available in 2.5mm (0.1in.), 5mm (0.2in.), 10mm (0.4in.), and 20mm (0.8in.) leads. Complete CAD drawings are available on the web.

To speak with an applications engineer call 1-516-328-3970.

For additional information about the Heavy-Duty Slide 2, visit http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/HeavyDutySlide2.htm.

Parker’s New Guide Features Daedal Linear Slides and Micrometer Stages

Irwin, PA – Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division announces the release of a new catalog featuring its Daedal brand of manually driven positioning slides and stages. The 144-page, full-color guide covers all of the manual ball slides and crossed roller slides, all of the micrometer (standard and digital) stages, and all of the micrometer driven rotary stages from the Parker Daedal and Parker Bayside offering.

New in this catalog are all of the available Parker Bayside linear slides and stages including:

– SE Series – The “E”xtended travel manual crossed roller slides
– SP Series – The SE series with stop “P”lates on the ends of travels of the slides, ideal for general factory automation.
– SC Series – A “C”rank driven manual crossed roller stages
– SK Series – A “K”nob driven manual crossed roller stages
– SW Series – A double V design with no need for a base plate and a lower overall height crossed roller manual slides

The catalog also features a new quick-selection chart for ease of product selection. Open the guide to page 9 and quickly select the right product based upon the application needs of travel, payload and any footprint constraints (overall width).

Similar to the Electromechanical catalog 8092 from Parker Daedal this is printed on recycled paper. Parker continues the green initiative, seeking to reduce waste and ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Other projects in this effort include special Parker products for applications in the energy industries, such as solar scribing, hybrid vehicles and the Vectrix electric scooter.

This catalog is complementary to the vast selection of motion control products that are presently being offered by the Parker Automation Group. From this core family of products, Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division can design a wide variety of plug-and-play bundled solutions to meet customer needs.

Parker Electromechanical Automation
www.parkermotion.com

Stainless Steel Rail System from LM76

E. Longmeadow, MA – LM76 introduces their new, DEFENDER Linear Rail TM linear bearing system. This all stainless steel rail and bearing system is strong, anti-magnetic, corrosion resistant, low cost and easy to install. Designed to be washed down with disinfectants or high strength industrial cleaners the DEFENDER Linear Rail TM linear bearing system is ideal for medical, pharmaceutical and food processing applications, as well as draw and rack glides, and sliding doors.

The bearing rails are rolled 304 stainless with an internal bearing race. Each three bearing slider unit is 80 mm (3.15 inches) long. Each 440C stainless steel ball bearing roller is lubricated for life, features 2RS seals, and can be washed down. The slider’s center bearing is mounted on a eccentric shaft for adjusting the preload. The cross section of the compact bearing and slider is only 26 mm x .22 mm (1.02 in. x .866 in.). The Stainless Steel rails are available in lengths of 1040 mm (40.94 in.), 1520 mm (59.84 in.), 2080 mm (81.89 in.), and 3120 mm (122.83 in.) or in cut to order sizes.

www.lm76.com

Tritex™ II Series Electric 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.

www.exlar.com

Harmonic Linear Drive

Santa Clara, California – Animatics Corporation, through OEM Dynamics Linear Division, has expanded its product line into the Linear Actuator market with the release of the Harmonic Linear Drive Series.

The Harmonic Linear Drive™ (HLD) is an innovative linear belt drive solution providing high accuracy and low cost without the need for a gearhead or brake. Instead of using a fixed belt to move the load, the HLD uses a recirculating belt, folded back upon itself and routed over subtly different diameter pulleys yielding gear reduction by way of the Harmonic Drive Principle, without the cost or backlash of a separate gearhead (see animation at www.oemdynamics.com).

The HLD is available in standard stroke lengths from 100mm to 3200mm and equivalent pitch ratios from 2.5mm/rev to 12.5mm/rev. Custom strokes are available. These fully integrated units are shipped with the patented Animatics SmartMotor technology to provide an all-in-one Closed-Loop Brushless Servo Motor, Drive Amplifier, Optical Encoder, I/O, Field bus option, belt actuator and bearing support.

The HLD60 produces standard thrust up to 450 Newtons, with an average moment loading of up to 150Nm. Each unit provides a near Zero Backlash solution with bidirectional repeatability approaching 60µm and unidirectional repeatability of less than 20µm.

www.animatics.com