New linear motor approach to XYZ movement control

ACP and D have this month launched their range of linear steppers which incorporate pneumatics and does away with the need for belts, screws or linear bearings.

A radical new design of linear slide looks like it will transform the market for precision XYZ movement control.

ACP and D have this month launched their range of linear steppers which incorporate pneumatics and does away with the need for belts, screws or linear bearings.

In this innovative design the coils of the stepping motor and the magnets of the stator are fitted into the carriage.

The pneumatics are also connected to the carriage.

The beam (which is also referred to as the stator) along which the carriage 'floats' on a bed of air is simply a length of stainless steel with notches cut into it.

The notches are filled with a polymer in order to make the beam surface smooth.

As the carriage 'floats' on a bed of air there is no friction.

The strong magnetic field keeps the carriage in place and should there be a pneumatic failure the carriage comes into contact with the stainless steel stator and is held in position by the magnetic forces.

Vertical movement is also possible with this system.

Finally it is possible to build two stepping motors into a single carriage thus making an XY system which 'floats' over a stainless steel sheet.

This is known as a 'Planar Drive'.

It is possible to undertake linear and circular interpolation using ACP and D's Goya 100 controller.

Prices for the linear stepping motor are extremely competitive and start at £600 for the carriage, steel beam and electronic Star2000 stepping motor controller.

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