1st Quarter 2013Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Feed units in machine tools, assembly lines and handling applications often have to be plunged deeply and quickly into large workspaces. Given the ever faster cycle times of production machines, this places especially high demands on the axis mechanics in the automated process. To address this, a linear module with a very low dead mass is needed to enable top speeds to be reached.
Bosch Rexroth offers a solution with its new linear motion system, the Omega module. The belt drive is fixed to both ends of the main body and looped around the drive shaft of the table part in the shape of the Greek letter Ω, combining low dead weight and a fast belt drive to allow for higher dynamics over longer distances. By guiding the table part over ball rail systems, the module achieves a high degree of rigidity for precise movements.
Because the drive is stationary, the linear system can be set up in any position and can also be used as a vertical axis. A pneumatic clamping element maintains the position at standstill and also clamps hanging loads. As a single axis system, the Omega module comes with the necessary mechanical and electric interfaces to fit with Bosch Rexroth’s EasyHandling modular system. Thanks to the Easy-2-Combine form-fit connection method, installation, even in multi-axis systems, becomes quick and easy and does not require calibration. In addition, it simplifies the direct attachment of pneumatic grippers and rotary modules.
One of the special features of EasyHandling is that it allows for fast start-up. As with the EasyWizard start-up tool, a minimum of axis-specific data needs to be entered, reducing start-up time to just a few minutes. As a single axis system, the Omega module is especially well suited to applications in connection with handling, assembly and general automation. However in conjunction with EasyHandling it can also be part of a multi-axis system.
The Omega module is available in three sizes, covering a variety of performance requirements. With a stationary main body, users can freely configure the length up to 5500 mm and choose from main bodies with widths of 55, 85 or 120 mm. This setup allows for several table parts with their own drive to be operated independently from each other.
Bosch Rexroth offers the linear motion system with matching drives, engines and controllers. In the largest size, the mechanics are designed for input torques up to 154 Nm. With high acceleration speeds of up to 50 m/s² and speeds of up to 5 m/s, it allows the cycle times of longer movements to be shortened.
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