Product category:
Linear Drives and Motors
News Release from: Amacoil | Subject: Linear drive assembly
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 August 2002
Linear drive assembly reduces downtime
Amacoil/Uhing has introduced a linear drive assembly providing mechanical control over linear speed and travel direction.
Amacoil/Uhing has introduced a linear drive assembly providing mechanical control over linear speed and travel direction Used in a variety of converting, packaging, metalworking and other manufacturing industries, the assembly provides automatic, instantaneous reversal without complex electronic controls or programming
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 10 Sep 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Catalogue details "rolling ring" linear drives
The just-published RS linear drive catalogue from Amacoil/Uhing provides complete descriptive and design engineering information for using "rolling ring" linear drives in positioning and indexing.
Linear assembly adjusts tool head stroke length
A novel linear motion system requires no programming and has mechanically triggered controls which automatically adjust the tool head stroke length and reversal, "on the fly".
Applications include bending, slitting, rewinding, scanning, folding, cutting, coating and spraying.
The drive head travel speed and direction are mechanically controlled independently of the motor, without clutches, cams or gears.
The system does not have to be slowed or stopped in order to change the travel direction or linear speed of the drive head.
Further reading
All-mechanical ramp down for linear system
The K option is a new linear motion assembly from Amacoil/Uhing that enables purely mechanical control over ramp-down speed prior to reversal of the drive head.
Online form simplifies linear specification
Those considering a "rolling ring" linear motion assembly may now submit application requirements using convenient online forms.
This permits the use of an inexpensive single speed, unidirectional motor to drive the system.
Throughput capability is improved because production machinery may be operated for longer periods of time without having to stop and make adjustments.
Besides the on/off switch, there are virtually no other controls, which minimises operator training costs and simplifies maintenance.
The assembly is designed and built to user specifications for production managers and machine design engineers requiring subprocess assemblies for production machinery.
Spray heads, extension arms, vacuuming heads, glue guns, applicators, feed guides, cutters/slitters and other tools, may be attached directly to the load-bearing traversing drive head (nut) - a separate load carrier is usually not needed.
The linear drive which moves the drive head operates on a smooth, threadless shaft which prevents dirt and debris from collecting and clogging or jamming the system.
This eliminates the need to fabricate or purchase a shaft bellows assembly in order to protect screw threads.
The assembly also eliminates backlash because the linear drive uses "rolling ring" bearings which assure constant zero-play, point contact between the bearings and the drive shaft.
The Amacoil/Uhing linear drive assembly provides axial thrust capability ranging from 6 to 800lb, depending on the linear drive model selected.
Travel speed is up to 13ft/s, over distances of up to 16ft.
Accuracy is to within +0.005in and stroke length is user-adjustable to meet application needs.
Options include automatically self-adjusting stroke length, dwell capability and the ability to ramp down/up the tool drive head travel speed.
Amacoil applications engineers are available to provide technical and engineering support.
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