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.
Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
Read more...Smart features increase crane safety
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.
Read more...Redefining industrial lifting
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
Read more...Seven years of uninterrupted service
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.
Read more...New generation soft starter ranges Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.
Read more...Reinventing the wheel
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Once a curiosity in the early automotive age, in-wheel motors are now re-emerging with real promise. From electric cars to commercial vehicles and even aircraft, they are on the verge of transforming transportation engineering.
Read more...NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.
Read more...PC-based control for sustainable fertiliser production on an industrial scale Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Redefining motion control with Festo’s vision for seamless and intelligent automation Festo
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The quest for precision, flexibility and efficiency continues to shape the future of industrial automation, and Festo, as a long-standing leader in automation technology, stands firmly at the forefront of this movement, driving innovation and setting the benchmark for excellence.
Read more...The opportunity and impact of MEPS electric motor regulations WEG Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
South African companies are gearing up for the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards, part of a global trend towards energy-efficient electric motors.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version