LINEAR SLIDES • DRIVES • ACTUATORS
Linear guides, PT, and actuators
see unexpected applications OUR 2020 SURVEY of the industry indicates an unabated trend
towards more automation of previously static or manually tended systems. Key to these new offerings is installation simplicity for OEMs and end users of linear components for linear axes … as well as positioning stages and Cartesian robots. In fact, Cartesian robots (also called linear robots) increasingly serve as turnkey solutions where tasks were previously done manually. That’s in part because (where suitable) linear-based solutions offer simplicity and precision at a price point that’s unrivaled by other solutions. So linearmotion adherents want these multi-axis arrangements to come to mind when laypeople and engineers alike discuss robotics. “When discussing robotics, some people think of walking robots. Others picture consumer-grade designs or even toys and Japanese companion robots. Those in automation often conjure a 6-DOF robot or SCARA in their mind’s eye. I’d really like to change such preconceived notions — at least in our industry. After all, a gantry qualifies as a robot. It is taking human motion and it’s repeating it and it’s programmable,” says Macron Dynamics national sales manager Michael G. Giunta. Giunta considers it a core mission to help industry recognize Cartesian arrangements as robotics. “The official definition of robot is a machine capable of
automatically replicating certain human motions and functions. So a linear-motion installation in a fast-food kitchen that picks up a fryer basket and moves it to a second location as a human would do is in fact a robot. In contrast, the Da Vinci surgical system is often called a robot, but technically it does not qualify — because its movements are ultimately controlled by a human being,” explains Giunta. Trends in linear guides and guide rails, slides, and ways include more uses for profile rails and linear bearings with plain bearings and linear guide wheels. Our experts reported more configurability for both rails and shafts as well as carriages and runner blocks that traverse them. That’s to satisfy demand for flexible machines that employ modularity to adjust to changing processes for material-handling machinery, packaging, and other forms of factory automation. This year has also brought increased focus on hygienic component designs. Those in turn are supporting some newer automation industries — such as that for CBD or cannabis-related products. “Machine builders are now using our products for automated watering systems as well as the positioning of lights and a whole range of tasks in the vertical and indoor farming industries,” says Matt Mowry, DryLin product manager at igus. DryLin products are also used in automated installations to support planting — especially for seeding and (after harvest) the pressing out of plant oils. “Designers use our lead screws because they continuously run clean. If dirt does get on them, they still perform well,” adds Mowry. The self-lubricating screws need no oil, which is important to the CBD and cannabis market for meeting the standards for products meant for human consumption. “Plus the linear actuators are much lower in cost than actuators based on ballscrews … and maintenance free.”
These are IMA-S integrated electric servo actuators from Tolomatic that meet hygienic standards with no harborage points for bacterial growth. 316 stainless-steel construction resists corrosion and withstands hot and high-pressure caustic washdown. IP69K ingress protection makes these linear actuators suitable for open machine designs. A hollow-rotor motor design outputs up to 11.1 kN and strokes to 450 mm with options for planetary roller screws or ballscrews. Feedback is via a multi-turn absolute encoder (Hiperface DSL, Hiperface SinCos, EnDat 2.2), incremental encoder, or resolver to integrate with most PLCs or control systems.
motioncontroltips.com | designworldonline.com
3 • 2020
DESIGN WORLD — MOTION
21
