New Motion Control Tech Increases Flexibility
Some 15 suppliers will display the latest motion control technology at The ASSEMBLY Show.
For a product to be assembled successfully, it’s essential to move the right parts or tools to the right place, in the right orientation, at the right time. Motion control technology makes that happen.
Whether you’re looking for a rotary indexing table, a pneumatic linear actuator, or an electric motor, you’ll find it at The ASSEMBLY Show, which will take place Oct. 21-23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. At least 15 suppliers of motion control technology are exhibiting the latest components at the show. Here’s a sample of what’s on the show floor.
Twin-Track Pallet Transfer Conveyor
Image courtesy FlexLink Systems Inc.
The XT twin-track pallet transfer conveyors move individual assemblies on pallets. Pallets travel on flexible plastic chains. The standard pallet widths are 240 by 240 millimeters or 640 by 640 millimeters. The weight of the conveyed assemblies can vary from a few grams up to 30 kilograms. Configurable standard modules make it easy and fast to create advanced and straightforward layouts for routing, balancing, buffering and positioning pallets. RFID tags on the pallets enable engineers to track, trace and control production on the line. The conveyor can be used for both manual and automated assembly lines. For pallet handling, we offer a wide range of conveyor components. Accessories are available for stopping, locating, lifting, rotating and supporting pallets.
FlexLink Systems Inc.
www.flexlink.com
Booth 621
Create Custom Drives With Modular Components
Image courtesy Maxon
Parvalux by maxon has designed a series of modular components that are easily mixed and matched so that engineers can create custom motor drives for specific applications quickly and easily. Engineers can piece together components, such as motors, gearheads, brakes and encoders from one manufacturer, as opposed to several. This saves time and simplifies integration.
In a three-step process, designers can purchase a motor that is built to order using the company’s online configurator. Engineers enter key parameters, such as voltage, speed and torque. The modular system provides a range of options that meet those requirements. Once basic components have been selected, engineers can fine-tune their system with a range of accessories, including brakes, encoders, shaft extension kits, and controllers.
The Parvalux line of motors includes permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors, brushless DC (BLDC) motors, and single-phase or three-phase AC motors, all of which are available with inline or right-angle gearboxes. The company’s line of AC/DC motors are available in series-wound or shunt-would versions. PMDC motors are small with impressive output performance. BLDC motors require no maintenance and offer high starting torques, excellent power density, and quiet operation.
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The product line also includes the SC 50/15 controller, which provides precise control over speed, torque and motor efficiency.
Maxon
www.parvalux.com
Booth 1044
Guard Protects Feet From Being Injured by Carts
Image courtesy Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Co.
The Field-Installable Toe Guard protects feet from being injured by carts. The guard supports two brake styles—heavy-duty contact brakes and ergonomic brakes—as well as optional floor brushes. All components are field-installable. Heavy-duty contact brakes ensure steady support for larger loads, while ergonomic brakes reduce operator strain and fatigue. Optional floor brushes sweep away debris and foreign objects during operation, protecting casters from damage and keeping pathways clear.
Constructed from 3/16-inch steel and finished in a sleek platinum gray, the toe guard is built for durability. It installs with an industry-standard ½-inch floor clearance—no drilling or modifications required—and is available for wheel sizes of 4 to 12 inches. The guard can be ordered pre-assembled on new casters, or it can be ordered separately for retrofitting.
Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Co.
www.hamiltoncaster.com
Booth 342
Advanced Capabilities for Custom Parts Feeding
Image courtesy Performance Feeders Inc.
Performance Feeders Inc. designs and manufactures part feeding equipment for packaging and assembly operations. Utilizing in-house advanced resources and capabilities, with solid modeling and CAM software, a complete CNC machinery operation, 3D printed prototypes, and robotics, the company manufactures repeatable custom automation equipment to feed medical, pharmaceutical, packaging, automotive, electronic and industrial products.
The company’s extensive line of products includes vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, step feeders, drum feeders, flex feeders, conveyors, unscramblers, spring feeders, prefeeders, elevators, protective enclosures, visual inspection, and part isolation with custom control packages.
Performance Feeders Inc.
https://performancefeeders.com
Booth 439
Controller for Vibratory Feeders
Image courtesy MP Elettronica Italy
The R3FC is a compact and easy-to-use phase angle controller for vibratory bowl feeders and vibratory linear feeders. The maximum current is 3 amps. Input voltage can be 115 or 230 volts. Vibration frequency can range from 50 to 100 hertz or 60 to 120 hertz. The controller can be equipped with a NPN/PNP sensor. It is also available in an opto-isolated version. A soft start can be programmed from 0.2 to 2 seconds. Enclosures are available to meet protection ratings of IP00, IP55 or IP65.
MP Elettronica Italy
www.mpelettronica.com
Booth 1501
Manipulator Moves Heavy Loads
Image courtesy Dalmec Inc.
Partner Equo is a column-mounted pneumatic manipulator with articulated arms that enables workers to lift, move and position heavy loads. The manipulator can be equipped with vacuum cups and other tooling to grip a variety of objects. Its modular structure has been designed to resist the torsion resulting from moving heavy loads. A pneumatic cylinder, combined with a transmission lever system, provides balance to the load. The force of the cylinder is controlled by two specially arranged pneumatic circuits: The first keeps the weight of the gripping system always balanced; the second keeps the weight of the load always balanced.
The manipulator can rotate 360 degrees on the column and tooling axis, and 300 degrees on the intermediate axis. It can lift a maximum load of 500 kilograms. It has a maximum working radius of 4,000 millimeters and a vertical lift of 2,450 millimeters. Maximum vertical lifting speed is 0.5 meter per second.
Dalmec Inc.
www.dalmec.com
Booth 1037
For more information on motion control technology, read these articles:
Five Trends Driving the Use of Electric Linear Actuators
New Products for Material Handling
How to Optimize Backlash in Gear Systems
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