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Micromech offers complete linear motion solution

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 30, 2009

Micromech's Promech linear actuators from Parker are for OEM instrument manufacturers looking to speed time to market and reduce the overall installed cost for linear motion axes.

Promech Series LP28 and LD28 actuators come completely assembled and tested and include linear bearings, drive screw, thrust bearings, motor mount, coupling and motor.

With a travel range from 5mm to 500mm, the LP28 has several linear bearing options and a variety of leadscrew and motor size options to match the positioner to the application requirements.

This compact actuator is suitable for positioning payloads up to 4.5kg and may also be fitted with optional seal strip, home and limit sensors.

The LD28 is a complete linear actuator solution that offers greater screw and motor design flexibility, enabling OEMs to pursue optimal solutions for their applications.

It offers a travel range from 5mm to 300mm and is offered with a variety of options to match the actuator to application requirements.

The LD28 is also suitable for thrusting applications requiring up to 4.5kg of thrust.

The LP28 has a miniature cross section of 28mm x 28mm, is designed with an optimal length-to-travel ratio, has a high-performance leadscrew drive train and re-circulating linear bearing.

Some competitive miniaturised drive trains use the radial bearings in the step motor to contain the motor rotor, manage thermal expansion as the motor heats, and bear the axial loads generated by the application.

In some cases this is an acceptable practice, but may prove to be a reliability risk further down the road.

The LP28's bearing design results in a highly reliable and long life positioner, said Micromech.

The leadscrew options are 1mm, 3mm and 10mm, and NEMA 11 or NEMA 17 stepper motors are included as standard.

Fully adjustable home and limit sensors are available and the actuators can be configured for multi-axis platforms.

The design has an extruded aluminium body that provides functionality and structural strength.

Internally, the drive train is highly integrated and includes the drive screw, screw nut, independent pre-loaded thrust bearing set, shaft coupling and motor.

Externally, an optional linear bearing may be used to support heavier or cantilevered payloads.

Installation is performed using toe clamp mounting.

Home and limit sensors, which are triggered by a magnet in the carriage assembly, may be mounted using the T-slot and are fully adjustable over travel.

The LP28 is engineered for transport of small payloads over distances as short as 5mm and as long as 500mm.

The LP28 is commonly used in life sciences, medical and semiconductor equipment although it is not limited to these markets.

Typical applications include transport of 0.45kg to 0.9kg payloads such as microplates, vials and small syringe pumps.

In inspection applications, the LP28 can be used as a focus axis for adjusting the position of a camera, optics or payload.

The LP28's light weight also makes it suitable for mobile equipment.

It is available with multiple lead options to match payloads over the life of the actuator.

The LD28 is also a miniature cross section actuator 28mm x 28mm and has an independent thrust bearing set resulting in a high thrust per package size.

It can have either stepper (NEMA 11 or NEMA 17) or servomotor; it has backlash compensation and a high-performance leadscrew drive train with options of 1mm, 3mm and 10mm leadscrew.

Designed for OEMs needing simple positioning solutions for instrument and light industrial applications, the Promech range of positioners offers a complete positioning solution.

The LD28 is also a packaged linear actuator having all the same 'completeness' attributes as the LP28 being fully assembled and tested.

The Promech LD28 is engineered for thrusting small payloads over distances as short as 5mm and as long as 300mm.

In addition to the standard configurations, the LD28 actuators can be customised to address the unique requirements of a particular high-volume application.

These modifications may further reduce the installed cost and can include special motors (stepper, servo or DC), motors fitted with rotary encoders, special screws (finer leads, ballscrews, special nuts), and environmental preparation (vacuum, high temperature).

Here again the LD28 is commonly used in life sciences, medical and semiconductor equipment, although it is not limited to these markets.

Typical applications include syringe pumps and positioning stages and its light weight makes it suitable for mobile equipment.