Key multi axis electric motion speci�ication considerations

The decision to opt for a pneumatic or multi axis electric motion solution depends upon operator needs. Increased complexity of motion tasks and system monitoring requirements is seeing electric motion emerge as a preferred specification route.

Some common industrial issues and potential Norgren multi axis electric motion solutions include:

Environmental conditions should determine the combination of drive and guide component specification for a multi axis electric motion system. Application machinery can often be subject to contamination and adverse environments and in such cases, linear axes with robust roller guides and toothed belt drives are particularly well suited for this purpose. An appropriate product solution here is the ELZ series.

I must deal with component weight

The mass to be moved often determines the dimensioning of the axis system and has significant influences on the overall machine size. The handling of small and light components, for example, requires fast and reliable movement and products from the ELZI series with toothed belt drives are efficient in such cases. Conversely, heavy loads and/or high moment forces would be better served with the heavy duty DSZ series.

The type of application in question determines the speed and the required precision. For simple handling of components for transfer to the next production process, highly dynamic linear units can be used to ensure high output levels. Compact and fast drives such as the LLZ series are a popular choice in such cases.

Precision and accuracy are my key concerns

The machining of sensitive electrical components or filling in pharmaceutical production may require high-precision applications. For this purpose, the systems used must operate with maximum accuracy. Here, many applications rely on very precise ball screws in combination with rail guides such as seen in the QSK series for low to medium loads, or DSK series where heavier loads are a requirement.

If short distance travel and highly precise adjustment of a workpiece are required, short spindle drives offer the best solution. Depending on the application, linear axis such as the QST/QSK series can be equipped with trapezoidal or ball screw spindles to provide the most accurate positioning over short distances.

A sustainable production process needs to address energy consumption and energy costs. Some manufacturers are replacing pneumatic components with electric linear units, including multi axis capability to support this objective. Due to the comparatively high efficiency and lower energy costs, electric linear units are generating much interest in automation applications.