Precision Link Conveyor

Image courtesy of Sankyo Automation

The IC80 Series of precision link conveyors are fast, accurate and reliable. The conveyor is engineered to achieve a feed pitch accuracy within ±0.1 millimeter, ensuring consistent and precise positioning for assembly processes. The conveyor’s innovative chain tensioning system and all-needle bearing design reduce vibration and eliminate chain stretch, extending the service life of the conveyor.

A key feature of the conveyor is its zero-backlash design. Each link is preloaded in the X, Y, and Z axes, eliminating any play or movement that could affect performance. This design ensures smooth and reliable operation, even under demanding conditions.

Each chain link boasts a static force capacity based on load distance from the link face and the conveyor orientation. This provides strength to handle substantial loads, making the conveyor suitable for a wide range of assembly tasks, from delicate components to heavier assemblies.

The conveyor is ideal for linear assembly processes requiring precise positioning. Its modular design allows for reconfigurable lengths, accommodating various product sizes and production requirements. The conveyor can serve as the main chassis for assembling multiple components, or it can be integrated into existing systems.

To meet diverse manufacturing needs, the conveyor offers several customizable options. Four link sizes are available: 80, 120, 160, and 240 millimeters. The drive mechanism can be a fixed-motion indexing drive or a programmable servomotor drive.

Applications including assembly of medical devices, auto parts, electronics and consumer products.

See this company at The ASSEMBLY Show Oct. 21-23 in Rosemont, IL.

Sankyo Automation
https://sankyoautomation.com

Precision Ballscrew With Finished Shaft Ends

Image courtesy of THK America Inc.

Model SDA-VZ is a precision ballscrew with a screw shaft that has its end shape standardized to fit the corresponding support unit. The pre-machined shaft ends allow it to be shipped quickly, and it contributes to both higher machine performance and a smaller machine footprint thanks to its high speed and compact structure.

The ballscrew can be used at high speeds with stable torque. Picking the balls up in the tangential direction enables high-speed rotation at a maximum speed of 5,000 rpm and produces stable torque even when running at high speeds for long periods of time.

The compact design contributes to decreased equipment size due to a maximum outer diameter size reduction of 30 percent compared to conventional precision ballscrews.

See this company at The ASSEMBLY Show Oct. 21-23 in Rosemont, IL.

THK America Inc.
www.thk.com

Electric Linear Actuator for Heavy Loads

Image courtesy of IAI America Inc.

The Ultra Large Slider is an electric linear actuator for heavy loads. 

Model EC-S18(X)(LP) can carry a maximum payload of 400 kilograms horizontally or 80 kilograms vertically. Maximum speed is 500 millimeters per second either horizontally or vertically. Maximum stroke length is 2,800 millimeters. It is best-suited for inter-process transfer of heavy payloads.

Model EC-S18(X)LFR can carry a maximum payload of 120 kilograms vertically. Maximum speed is 300 millimeters per second vertically. Maximum stroke length is 2,800 millimeters. It is best-suited for lifting applications.

Deceleration with the side-mounted motor mechanism (timing belt and pulley) enables the actuators to handle high payloads. In the case of emergency stops, the brake will be activated immediately to prevent injury and damage to the product. If the belt of the side-mounted motor breaks, the built-in magnetic belt break sensor will activate an alarm.

Impact-less transference is possible thanks to being able to individually control the acceleration, deceleration, position, and speed settings. In addition, these settings and trial operations can be performed via wireless Bluetooth connection (optional).

See this company at The ASSEMBLY Show Oct. 21-23 in Rosemont, IL.

IAI America Inc.
www.intelligentactuator.com

Linear Actuator Automates Motion

Image courtesy of ACE Controls Inc.

With the push of a button, the Industrial Powerise linear actuator can lift, lower or precisely position loads using forces from 250 to 4,000 newtons. The actuator can automate the motion of components such as covers, hoods, doors, gates and windows, offering flexible spindle pitches from 2 to 30 millimeters and stroke lengths ranging from 50 to 350 millimeters.

Applications include medical technology, manufacturing equipment, commercial vehicles, boats, airplanes, construction equipment and furniture.

The Industrial Powerise is derived from the company’s Automotive Powerise actuator, which was designed for raising and lowering vehicle tailgates and hoods. Re-engineered for industrial use, the Industrial Powerise offers flexibility in both vertical and horizontal applications and functions effectively as a positioning system. Its quiet operation—just 55 dB(A)—adds to the overall value, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.

The Industrial Powerise is compatible with ACE’s Newtonline industrial gas springs. Whether integrated into existing systems that already use gas springs or incorporated into entirely new designs, this combination offers a unique advantage: The actuator provides the dynamic motion, while the gas spring delivers effective load compensation. This synergy eases the load on the actuator—allowing for heavier applications and faster travel speeds—and enhances ergonomics for manual operation. Unlike conventional drive systems, this combination enables manual adjustments without self-locking, ensuring greater flexibility and safety during power failures.

The actuators are available as plug-and-play, maintenance-free systems—delivered ready for installation and including control units and accessories. Thanks to a modular design, each system can be easily customized to meet specific application needs.

ACE Controls Inc.
www.acecontrols.com 

Single and Multiaxis Systems With Stepper Motors

Image courtesy of Bosch Rexroth Corp.

Systems for handling small parts must be compact, cost-effective, and quick to implement. Bosch Rexroth’s space-optimized, screw-driven SMS modules, which are available from stock, now have fully configured drive and connection elements. New high-performance stepping motors with integrated drive controllers significantly shorten commissioning thanks to pre-parameterization, which is carried out without any additional tools using the onboard controller. A multi-Ethernet interface with an EtherCAT communication profile provides the connectivity and, with the ctrlX CORE open control platform, Bosch also provides engineers with a suitable control system as an option.

Building on the compact SMS linear modules in sizes 30 to 120, Bosch continues to expand its wide range of products with configured motors, attachment options, and connection technology. These systems are ideal for small parts handling in automotive, electronics, consumer goods, medical technology, or 3D printing.

Bosch Rexroth Corp.
www.boschrexroth.com

Table Provides Precise Vertical Positioning in Tight Spaces

Image courtesy of IKO International

The TZ Series precision elevating table provides exceptional vertical positioning accuracy for manufacturing semiconductors and optical components. 

This compact elevating table features a unique wedge mechanism guided in the vertical direction by a pair of IKO C-Lube Super MX linear motion rolling guides arranged in parallel to achieve highly precise positioning with exceptional rigidity. An optional linear encoder provides full closed-loop control to achieve positioning accuracy as high as 0.005 millimeter, with repeatability of ±0.001 millimeter. Limit, origin and pre-origin sensors are integrated into the standard version to save space and simplify mounting.

The integrated Super MX linear motion rolling guides come with built-in IKO C-Lube capillary systems, supplying lubricating oil to allow maintenance-free operation for five years or 20,000 kilometers. 

Engineers have a choice of two table dimensions: 120 and 200 square millimeters. Wedge reduction ratios of 1-to-2 and 1-to-4 to allow an ideal stroke length and resolution for the application. Maximum vertical stroke is 24 millimeters.

For applications requiring XYZ positioning, TZ elevating tables can be combined with an IKO CT Series positioning table.

IKO International
www.ikont.com

High-Resolution Positioning Stage

Image courtesy of Dover Motion

The SmartStage Shuttle linear motor stage provides 200 to 500 millimeters of travel with 5-nanometer resolution. The controller is included inside the stage for a compact footprint.

The shuttle is engineered for high-throughput imaging in life science and metrology applications. It combines high-resolution motion with consistent velocity stability, enabling both point-to-point movements and long, constant-velocity scans. The stage offers coordinated motion support, facilitating integration with multiaxis systems and external triggers. It supports advanced motion capabilities and rapid positioning of large masses—all via one cable connection. Recirculating bearings reduce swept volume in space-constrained instruments, relative to cantilevered cross-roller bearing stages.

The shuttle integrates seamlessly with other SmartStage products, enabling rapid prototyping and scalable production-ready configurations. This modular compatibility allows users to build compact, high-throughput systems with reduced complexity. The shuttle can be configured as an XY system by stacking a SmartStage linear stage on top. An optional magnetically attached cover is also available for protection in sensitive environments.

Dover Motion
http://dovermotion.com

For more information on motion control technology, read these articles:

Five Trends Driving the Use of Electric Linear Actuators
Linear Axis Extends Range of Cobots
Valve Terminal Optimizes Machine Performance