A new precision drive from Amacoil/Uhing is a Model RG rolling ring linear drive with a motion controller for precise linear-motion applications. Depending on the size of the drive nut, the drive provides 7 to 800 lb of axial thrust. The linear movement of the drive head is controlled via software and monitored by sensors feeding back to an electronic control unit. It stores up to 20 programs which may be recalled at the touch of a button. The drive offers virtually unlimited flexibility regarding customized linear movements of the drive nut. Stop/start, travel direction, linear pitch, travel speed, repetitive processes, ramp up/down, and all other variables pertaining to drive nut movement may be programed. The core PLC/software package can control several Model RG drives, making it unnecessary to buy several drives to sustain high production rates.
A stepper motor controlled by a Siemens S7 PLC is included. The shaft on which the drive runs is smooth case-hardened steel. There are no threads, so contaminants cannot damage or clog them. The shaft rotates in only one direction, so there is no need to buy a reversible motor. Drive nut travel direction, linear pitch, and other motion parameters are controlled by the angle of the rolling ring bearings inside the drive unit which, in turn, is controlled by user programming.
The drive is fully programmable and can be used in precision winding/spooling, pick-and-place machines, X-Y coordinate tool movement, metrology equipment and other machine for fast, accurate positioning and reciprocating linear motion. It is well suited for precision winding a wide range of round or flat materials including wire/cable, PVC tubing, string, fiber, rope, rubber hose and vinyl strips. The Precision Motion Drive system also handles custom winding patterns and irregularly shaped spools.
Amacoil, 610-485-8300, www.amacoil.com
