Feature Linear motion
as Thomson’s E050 entry-level actuator) can push or pull loads of up to 510N in a fully encapsulated, permanently sealed lubricated unit. The use of lubricated ball screws means that in many applica- tions they are maintenance free, and even in the harshest, most intense processes, only require maintenance every three to six months. The system can be equipped with drilled channels connected with a grease nipple which enables lubrication from a single point without having to open the casing. As the unit never has to be opened, very limited amounts of dust or water can penetrate the system. Electromechanical actuators offer
total flexibility with control of velocity, position and applied force giving the user complete control over the motion profile. They provide limitless vari- ables in movement adjustment and, with on board limit switches, can be easily integrated into higher level control loops, making them a good choice for complex applications. Further flexibility is obtained because changes to the profile can be pro- grammed without the need to shut down the system, meaning the devices
result in higher quality and less waste through scrap. Electromechanical solutions offer a
quieter, personnel friendly solution, without the need for additional sound- absorbing equipment; and their reduced energy and maintenance costs provide a lower total cost of ownership.
As an electromechanical
actuator directly controls position, it provides much more precise opera- tion, leading to benefits including reduced wear on machines and, in production environments, reduced scrap due to inaccuracies.
Applications Electromechanical actuators are an obvious choice where sophisticated motion profile control is required. In packaging applications, for example, the simplicity of adding advanced control options for the motion profile into the system can mean maximising productivity of rapid product throughput while providing better control over the pressing stage with
Precision linear actuators are sealed
pre-assembled linear motion systems for use in handling, machining and manufacturing applications where longer strokes and more sophisticated motion profiles are required
Benefits of the technology The use of electro- mechanical devices to provide linear motion within a process offers
the potential for real savings in terms of energy and maintenance costs. With high accuracy they provide the opportunity to increase productivity and reduce waste in a solution which is easy to specify, design, install and operate. They require no additional supporting systems, keeping their operation simple, and they offer a solution which is clean, quiet and reli- able. They can work in a completely covered, sealed unit to minimise dirt and water ingress, reducing mainte- nance and protecting the system from premature failure. Furthermore they are robust and compact. For sophisticated applications,
‘The use of electromechanical devices to provide linear motion within a process offers the potential for real savings in terms of energy and maintenance costs’
are suitable for processes where varia- tion is required within a working shift. This would include applications such as different packaging sizes in a packaging solution.
slower movement. The technology also offers fast changeover times, again increasing productivity. In blow moulding applications the control over the whole motion profile can
Continuous motion system helps simplify machine development
RFID insertion, laser die cutting, booklet labelling and camera inspection. With its new turret rewinder module, the company specified a HepcoMotion PRT2 precision ring
M
track system in place of a complex centre shaft arrangement to carry the turret disc. PRT2 is a second-generation continuous motion system. The turret option allows for non-stop rewinding of label rolls at the end of the finishing processes, automatically cutting the material and re-applying it to the new rewind mandrel. In addition, as the finishing processes run continuously, waste is virtually eliminated. Another optional unit can also be added which automatically applies glue to the cardboard cores. The PRT2 is used to carry two mandrels that are mounted on the ring. When one mandrel is full, the
turret rotates 180˚ so the next mandrel can be rewound. For this application, A B Graphic specified its PRT2 with a gear cut option as it provides an easy means
of direct driving on the circumference of the turret disc. The more positive and rigid drive that this arrangement provides is essential to the high performance of the unit. Furthermore, as the PRT2 supports the disc around the circumference it leaves a hollow centre which accommodates the rewind drive input and air supply to the mandrels. The previous centre shaft arrangement could not provide such a neat design solution. Of additional benefit, the new mechanism required less structural support, and mounting the turret disc accurately to the machine face plate is easier. HepcoMotionEnter 228 T: 01884
243400www.hepcomotion.com
Design Solutions JUNE 2013 31
achinery manufacturer A B Graphic International produces fully modular digital converting, inspection and turret rewinding solutions, as well as machines for specialist applications including
electromechanical technology pro- vides the ability to easily control the motion profile and, because it is electrically powered, it is straightfor- ward to integrate with higher level controllers used within the overall system. It brings the flexibility of being programmable and the ability to change the motion profile without shutting down the machine.
Thomson Linear
www.thomsonlinear.comEnter 227
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