Festo unveils linear motor based actuators
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Festo product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 8, 2009
Festo has developed a class of electric actuators based on very high-performance linear motors.
The first product in this class is an ultra-precise linear motor axis with an air bearing, which is available for immediate delivery.
Subsequent products, due to be launched progressively throughout this year, include three types of electric cylinder, all featuring tubular motor technology.
Festo's ELGL-LAS linear motor axis employs a magnetically preloaded air cushion bearing to ensure very precise positioning and excellent linearity.
The motor is a conventional linear synchronous design; the stator takes the form of a fixed bed, and the windings in the moving carriage are fed with drive signals from the motor controller.
The carriage features an integrated displacement transducer to provide digital position feedback to the controller, and up to three carriages can be used on the same bed and controlled independently.
The carriage also contains a series of embedded permanent magnets to provide an integrated locking brake function - the carriage is only free to move when the air cushion overcomes the magnets' attraction to the fixed bed.
Furthermore, the use of an air cushion bearing minimises friction in the guide components, making lubrication and routine maintenance unnecessary.
At launch, there is a choice of six ELGL-LAS linear motor axes; one model has a standard stroke length of 1m, while the other five models provide 2m stroke lengths and offer a variety of different acceleration, speed and thrust ratings.
The most powerful 2m axis can handle acceleration rates of up to 50m/s/s and speeds as high as 4m/s, and can produce a continuous force of 349N, with a peak rating of 463N.
All six models have a very high repetition accuracy of +/-0.01mm.
The 2m models are available ex-stock; Festo will also produce models with stroke lengths up to 6m, to special order.
ELGL-LAS linear motor axes are suitable for applications that demand high positioning accuracy and stiffness.
Typically, these include electronics assembly, semiconductor manufacturing, medical scanning systems and small parts handling systems.
The axes' air cushion bearings also make them relatively impervious to dirt, allowing them to be used as transport mechanisms in dusty environments, such as the wood-working industry.
Festo's ELGL-LAS linear motor axes have similar form factors to the company's pneumatic linear actuators, allowing system designers to mix and match different drive technologies to create task-optimised automation.
The company produces a wide range of accessories for the ELGL-LAS axes - including controllers, limit switches, mounting brackets, cables and energy chain holders.
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Contact Festo
Tel +44 1252 775000
Other Festo stories
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Festo cylinders employ linear-motor technology
Festo has launched two series of high-performance electric cylinders employing the company's tubular linear-motor technology. -
Festo cushioning offered on DSNU actuator
Festo has developed a self-adjusting pneumatic cushioning system, available as a build-to-order option for the company's DSNU series round-cylinder pneumatic actuators. -
Festo solutions aid Guernsey water treatment plant
Guernsey Water has adopted various valve solutions recommended by Festo at one of the island's water treatment plants to improve the supply of drinking water to about 24,000 households and businesses. -
Festo valve for pneumatically-operated automation
Festo has launched the MS6-SV electrically-operated pneumatic soft-start and exhaust valve that provides safer start-up and reliable venting of compressed air supplies in the event of an emergency. -
Festo unveils control solutions for water industry
Festo has launched a series of products, including modular controllers, real-time communications modules, sensors and actuators.
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