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Lightweight battery-powered aircraft are ready for take-off.
Linear Transfer System Is Precise and Flexible
In the past, cams and pneumatic cylinders were the mainstays of motion control. While effective, these technologies were not very flexible.
John Sprovieri // Chief Editor
CONTACT
Austin
Lightweight battery-powered aircraft are ready for take-off.
Today, engineers have myriad options that are fast, flexible, powerful and precise. In this month’s “New & Noteworthy,” read about a new direct-drive linear transfer system and other motion control technologies that promise to boost the performance of your next automation project.
Direct-Drive Linear Transfer System
The LS One direct-drive linear transfer system is for applications requiring the highest levels of precision and flexibility. Thanks to its linear motors, high dynamics and a freely selectable motion profile are possible.
Each workpiece carrier can be controlled and moved individually and separately. Thanks to individual control, grouping procedures and buffer processes are easy to implement in a wide range of constellations. For start-up, the workpiece carriers can be freely programmed in the WEISS application software or individually taught their positions via the jog operating mode.
The machine is delivered wired, operational, preconfigured and preprogrammed as a complete system, including the control cabinet and control system. Weiss application engineers prepare the system in consultation with the customer. As part of functional integration, the sensors and control system are already integrated into the linear motors, so daisy chain wiring is easy to implement. This reduces installation and service costs.
The machine has a repeat accuracy of ± 0.03 millimeter in the X, Y and Z directions. A fully metallic, rolling element-based high-precision rail guide supports the precision of the linear motors. The workpiece carriers are pretensioned and guided by a rail guide. Additionally, they are supported by a metallic, rolling element-based flat track.
In addition to the stop positions, the acceleration, speed and direction of movement of the workpiece carriers are also freely programmable. The carriers are designed for loads of up to 5 kilograms and can handle process forces of up to 300 newtons without support.
WEISS North America, Inc.
See this company at The ASSEMBLY Show Oct. 21-23 in Rosemont, IL.
Trunnion Positions Parts for Robotic Welding
The VTMF series of rotary indexers is designed for vertical mounting orientations. It is ideal for robotic welding, inspection or assembly applications. Additional sealing ensures optimum performance in vertically mounted configurations. Additional mounting surfaces have been provided for safety lockout devices. This is particularly crucial for maintaining safety protocols in vertically mounted positioning applications.
Equipped with advanced cam and cam follower technology, the indexer guarantees high accuracy and repeatability. The standard VTMF1010 and VTMF2010 models feature a four-point contact bearing assembly on the rotating flange’s outer diameter, providing rigidity and supporting specified loads without requiring additional bearing supports. The VTMF3010 goes a step further, incorporating additional bearing support to handle substantial static torque and tilting moments.
The indexer can serve as an auxiliary axis to all major robot brands. The VTMF1010 can handle swing diameters of approximately 2,800 millimeters and more than 2,000 kilograms. The robust VTMF3010 manages swing diameters of 4,500 millimeters and several tons.
The trunnion features a compact cast housing, a large center through-hole for running utilities and mounting equipment, and a large rotating diameter for increased mounting surface.
The machine is fully programmable. This allows for a minimum of four oversized cam followers to be engaged with the barrel cam at all times. The trunnion is driven directly by a gear reducer coupled to either an AC motor with encoder or a servomotor. Both options provide an accuracy of less than 10 arc-seconds. This allows the indexer to be driven by a dedicated amplifier or as an auxiliary axis to a robot drive.
Motion Index Drives
Linear Actuator Is Smart
The Powerise IPR35 Smart Drive is an electromechanical linear actuator with an integrated motor control. This compact device is suitable for applications where an external control unit cannot or should not be installed.
The actuator can be used to lift, lower and position hoods, flaps, windows, doors or gates. Spindle pitches range from 2 and 25 millimeters per revolution. The actuators reliably lift, lower and position loads with forces between 250 and 2,500 newtons. Stroke length ranges from 50 to 350 millimeters. The actuator can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
Each drive can synchronize up to four actuators and offers two closure contacts for simple control.
Stabilus Group
Drive Wheels Are Fast, Reliable
Drive wheels with keyed shafts are available for industrial drive system applications. To ensure short lead times, Hamilton has pre-engineered the most popular drive wheel configurations. Available in diameters ranging from 4 to 12 inches, the wheels have extra-large hubs to endure the most demanding industrial applications.
Three types of wheels are available in a range of diameters and keyway sizes.
Duralast wheels feature a durable, liquid-cast polyurethane tread chemically bonded to an iron core. The material provides excellent traction, wear resistance, and floor protection—ideal for drive applications requiring quiet, cushioned rolling.
Built from steel or cast iron, single-flange track wheels are designed to run on flat track systems. These wheels offer guided directional control and are commonly used in rail-based systems or production-line setups.
Machined to run on inverted angle iron, V-grooved wheels provide consistent tracking and are self-cleaning by design. A partial flat tread allows smooth rolling on flat surfaces when needed.
All wheel types include two set screws for secure mounting.
See this company at The ASSEMBLY Show Oct. 21-23 in Rosemont, IL.
Hamilton Caster
