New & Noteworthy
Chassis Combines Walking Beam and Belt Transfer Systems
Walking-beam transfer systems involve a simple mechanical concept: A lift-and-carry motion transfers a pallet along a linear path, from one process step to the next, through an indexing system.
Cam-actuated mechanisms work in sync to lift and shift each pallet and are powered by the same cam. After a lifting beam engages the pallet from below and places it onto a track, a walking beam moves the pallet forward and back in controlled, accurate increments to each station.
The concept has been used for decades, but it is relatively inflexible. Indexing systems work best when each process step takes about the same amount of time. Leak testing and other processes that take longer than simple pick-and-place operations are difficult to integrate into such a system.
The CWB chassis from Stelron Components Inc. solves that problem by combining a walking beam system with a conventional belt-driven pallet transfer system. Read about it and other new motion control products in this month’s “New and Noteworthy.”
Automation Chassis Offers Best of Both Worlds
Stelron’s CWB conveyor walking beam chassis is a variation of its RWB recirculating walking beam chassis. The difference is that the CWB chassis allows the integration of high-accuracy position indexing and power-and-free conveyor movement of the pallets.
CWB chassis sections can be configured for one lane, two lanes, perpendicular lanes or recirculating end units with maximum cycle rates from 40 to 60 one-up indexes per minute, depending on pallet size. In the dual lane design, each lane can be powered by a single drive or independently driven for maximum flexibility. Any configuration of the CWB chassis can be run continuously or cycle on demand. Continuous operation can include synchronously driven pick-and-place or other cam-driven motion devices. Cycle-on-demand operation allows for integration of non-synchronous robotics and other electric or pneumatic motion devices as well as independently driven cam-driven devices.
The chassis is available in lengths of up to 22 feet and widths ranging from 24 to 54 inches. Standard pallets are 4, 5, 6 and 8 inches square. Rectangular pallets up to 8 inches are also available.
Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
Stelron Components Inc.
https://stelron.com
Image courtesy Sankyo Automation
Servo-Driving Rotary Indexing Table
The drive mechanism of the RGR Series of servo-driven rotary indexing tables is preloaded for zero-backlash motion. The servomotor is mechanically reduced while maintaining powerful torque, rigidity and stability. Designed to handle heavy, uneven loads and high-speed rotation, this lightweight indexer features a low profile and a large through-bore. Corrosion-proof, waterproof and dustproof options are available.
Sankyo Automation
www.sankyoautomation.com
Image courtesy IKO International
X-Y Stage Features Parallel Drive Configuration
The PD…S X-Y parallel drive stage achieves highly accurate positioning without sacrificing workability and performance. Unlike typical X-Y stages layered with one-shaft actuators that make access from the outside difficult due to cables and moving motors close to the stage, the PD…S is designed with a mechanism that converts the ballscrew actuator’s linear motion into X-Y motion via two parallel shafts. With two motors arranged in one direction, the stage creates an open, accessible work area for easy, flexible designs and customizations, all in a lightweight, compact unit with low sectional height.
Along with X-Y motion, the stage can also provide diagonal and circular motion. Precise positioning is ensured thanks to an integrated, maintenance-free rolling guide. The motors stay in a fixed position as the table operates. No extra space is necessary to prevent interference, and no additional wiring or cable carriers are required.
IKO International
https://ikont.com
Image courtesy IKO International
All-in-One Controller for Servomotors
The InoDrive is a compact, all-in-one motion control card for precise, real-time control of brushless DC servomotors. It combines the functions of a servo amplifier, motion controller and logic engine in a single, space-saving unit, reducing hardware requirements and streamlining system design. It is the core hardware component of the company’s InoWorx motion control platform, which provides a unified hardware and software environment for building, scaling and managing motion systems.
The InoWorx platform pairs InoDrive with InoWorx Programmer, a visual, drag-and-drop interface that replaces coding and ladder logic with an intuitive configuration process. Engineers can quickly create motion sequences, graphically test and visualize configurations before deployment, and run systems without the need for separate PLCs or third-party software, while still retaining the option to integrate with a PLC or PC when an application calls for it.
For applications requiring coordinated multi-axis movement, InoSync technology keeps multiple InoDrive modules synchronized without external controls. This simplifies electronic gearing or coupling applications.
The InoDrive supports up to 400 watts continuous power and operates across a wide input voltage range. Standard features include dual-channel STO, overcurrent protection, temperature monitoring and fault diagnostics.
Cardinal Kinetic
www.cardinalkinetic.com
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
