Product category:
Machine Building Components
News Release from: Montech | Subject: LEP units
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 June 2000
All-in-one linear units simplify
automation
Montech's all-in-one modular linear units are pneumatically-actuated devices that provide automation designers with a simple, compact means of delivering precision linear motion.
Montech's all-in-one modular linear units are pneumatically-actuated devices that provide automation designers with a simple, compact means of delivering precision linear motion These high-performance LEP units are sufficiently rigid to give a positional repeatability of 0.005mm or better
Furthermore, the use of Montech's dovetail clamping system allows the linear units to be fixed securely to Quick-Set aluminium framework components or, alternatively, adaptors can be used to mount the units onto other machine elements.
Thanks to their accuracy and adaptability, the linear units are proving to be highly successful in applications such as positioning units, pick-and-place systems, assembly cells and robotic handling.
Typically the linear units are used in pairs, with a vertical axis mounted on a horizontal axis, the whole being supported by a Quick-Set portal or gantry framework.
Other Montech automation elements, such as rotary units or grippers, can be easily mounted onto the linear units via Quick-Set clamps.
Note that the automation components all have a two-year warranty.
The horizontal and vertical linear models are essentially the same, having telescopic rectangular aluminium profiles separated by rollers acting on precision ground rods.
However, the vertical units feature a spring counterbalance and the horizontal versions have an integral terminal box.
Position sensors mounted on the linear axes, rotary units, grippers or other attachments can all be wired via this one terminal box, which makes installation, commissioning and maintenance far easier, as well as providing a neat appearance that is free of trailing cables.
Vertical units are driven by a 16mm bore ISO/CETOP cylinder, whilst there is a choice of size for the horizontal units, which are driven by 16, 20 or 25mm cylinders, depending on the load-carrying requirement of the application.
Three stroke lengths are offered for the vertical units (60, 90 and 160mm) and the horizontal units are available with five different stroke lengths, ranging from 90 to 450mm.
All models have adjustable hydraulic dampers at the end stops to ensure that the fastest possible cycle times can be achieved without causing shock loadings.
Both end positions can be adjusted very easily, and customers can optionally specify two stops at the extended position.
In this case, an integral pneumatic selector is used to switch between the two stop positions, allowing far greater automation flexibility.
A nice touch is that the position sensors do not have to be adjusted if the end positions are altered.
Various accessories are available, such as clamping elements, support rollers and a stop valve.
This stop valve is especially useful as it prevents any movement of the workpiece if the air supply to the linear unit is interrupted, perhaps as a result of an emergency stop situation or a pipe failure.
A comprehensive brochure and selection guide and CD-Rom are available.
The CD-Rom includes full technical data, CAD drawings and prices not only for the LEP linear units, but also for all of Montech's other automation components.
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