Industrial Factory Automation

Hepcomotion has developed a range of actuators for linear motions systems so that each axis operates optimally and contributes to the overall efficiency and longevity of the system. The Hepcomotion light- and medium-duty X-Y-Z systems are suitable for industrial and scientific applications such as pick and place, automated assembly, inspection and product labelling. The X-axis foundation of the system is the PDU2 linear actuator, which features Hepcomotion's Herculane wheel technology in a compact belt-driven unit. The Y-axis requires a particularly high load capacity and stiffness against twisting loads. The PDU2M shares the same technology and format as the PDU2 but with moment load capacity improved by 200 per cent and stiffness by 1,000 per cent. The needs of the Z-axis are different again, with enhanced linear force and higher gearing required. The PSD80 linear actuator is suitable for this duty, with drive from a super-smooth stainless-steel lead screw operating with a beari...

Ormec Systems has announced the global launch of the XD-Series indexer servo drives to provide reliable motion control capabilities for challenging applications. The XD-Series allows programming of 32 individual motion profiles, which can be mapped to I/O points, one or two functions per point, initiated via Modbus/TCP and chained or looped together. The adaptable I/O, with 14 inputs and eight outputs, can be mapped to change from position, velocity or torque modes during program execution. Motion can be synchronised with supported machine I/O, allowing for start, stop or trigger speed changes, with inputs at any point in the chain, and user-defined units for axis position speed and acceleration, further simplifying implementation. By employing an HMI or optional Fieldbus communication, the XD-Series allows motion parameter adjustments, remote commanded motion and real-time indexer status read capabilities. Communication setup may be accomplished via USB or Ethernet connections, with ...

Parker Hannifin has launched the Compax3F electrohydraulic controller, designed to help engineers increase productivity and machine performance. The control features optimised force/pressure control, controller pre-setting for closed-loop position control, an updated valve library with the latest Parker valves, and a multi-axis tool supported by a comprehensive database of multi-axis applications. Compax3F is particularly suitable for applications such as die casting, metal forming, blow moulding and tube bending. Up to 31 motion profiles can be selected including absolute/relative position, force/pressure control, positioning or electronic gearing, with the controller providing synchronous running for up to two hydraulic axes, including replacement for NC 100 axis in new projects. With absolute/relative positioning, for example, a motion set defines a complete group of motions by target position, travel speed, maximum acceleration, maximum deceleration and maximum jerk. In the case o...

Q-Sys offers a complete design-and-build service for all types of precision motion and positioning systems. Q-Sys aims to fill the gap between standard catalogue motion products and real-world applications. Instead of trying to create a solution for a complex motion task from components designed for mass production, Q-Sys enables engineers to obtain exactly what best suits their needs - bespoke, high-accuracy motion equipment. By exploring the real requirements of the application, Q-Sys said its engineers can offer high-performance but cost-effective solutions to today's demanding motion systems needs. This may result in a custom design to directly meet the customer's specification. However, more often than not, the solution will use one or more elements from previous designs. These are carefully selected to ensure the most cost-effective solution. The company said that this technique has proved successful, not only for one-off special-purpose systems, but also in producing th...

Micromech 's Promech linear actuators from Parker are for OEM instrument manufacturers looking to speed time to market and reduce the overall installed cost for linear motion axes. Promech Series LP28 and LD28 actuators come completely assembled and tested and include linear bearings, drive screw, thrust bearings, motor mount, coupling and motor. With a travel range from 5mm to 500mm, the LP28 has several linear bearing options and a variety of leadscrew and motor size options to match the positioner to the application requirements. This compact actuator is suitable for positioning payloads up to 4.5kg and may also be fitted with optional seal strip, home and limit sensors. The LD28 is a complete linear actuator solution that offers greater screw and motor design flexibility, enabling OEMs to pursue optimal solutions for their applications. It offers a travel range from 5mm to 300mm and is offered with a variety of options to match the actuator to application requirements. The LD28...

Schmidt-Kupplung is offering the axially fixed Loewe GK Torque, designed for torque applications where the coupling has to resist axial motion. The coupling combines the technical features of a single universal joint and a shaft coupling. The crossed pins slide in the plain bearings, which allow a pivotal and radial displacement of the two anodised aluminium hubs with lowest side and bearing loads. The series GK Torque is available with outer diameters ranging from 27mm to 100mm and with a torque range up to 220Nm. Anodised aluminium clamp hubs ensure a press-fit shaft connection. For higher torque requirements, a special customised steel version of the axially stiff coupling is realised. This coupling size has an increased outer diameter and a torque capacity of 600Nm.

Hepcomotion has introduced the PDU2M to its Profile Driven Unit (PDU2) belt-driven linear motion system. The company said the PDU2M delivers a 200 per cent increase in moment load capacity and 1000 per cent uplift in moment load stiffness compared to a standard PDU2. Direct load capacity is also 50 per cent greater. In practice this means, for example, that designers can use a single PDU2M unit as a horizontal axis in an X-Z system, where previously two PDU2 units working in parallel would have been required to provide the necessary rigidity and strength. Key to this capability is the high-performance Hepcomotion Herculane wheels that are mounted on adjustable eccentric studs. These wheels run virtually friction-free on the inside of the profile, providing stable support for the carriage plate. Felt wipers sweep debris from their path. The unit is available with a number of carriage designs to allow the quick and easy construction of multi-axis systems with a minimal requirement for b...

Jena Tec has announced two further models to its linear and rotary motion ranges in the field of precision rotary tables. The first model, the MRT230, is a lightweight ring grinding unit driven by a pancake segmented motor via a gearbox and toothed belt. The cast alloy base plate allows bolting directly to a grinding machine table. Mounted on the rotary axes employing ABEC 7 angular contact bearings is a magnetic chuck, 230mm diameter providing load capability of up to 30kg. The central 40mm location spigot allows location of fixturing and the unit can be supplied with a variety of three jaw chucks and t-slotted face plates on request. The unit is supplied complete with an electrical control box providing infinitely variable speed control up to 120rpm. The MRT230 is suitable for rotary grinding of bearing spacers and other applications where constant surface finish is important combined with accurate parallelism. The second product is the ABRT series air bearing rotary table. This ran...