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Mike Likes:
Feed units get a new best friend

Feed units in machine tools, assembly lines, and handling applications often require fast, deep plunges into large workspaces. Combined with the increasingly fast cycle times of production machines, this places especially high demands on the axis mechanics in automated processes. Well Rexroth has a new innovation that can dish it out and take it.

The Omega Module linear motion system features a very low traveling mass so that top speeds can be reached. The belt drive is fixed to both ends of the main body and is looped around the drive shaft of the table part in the shape of the Greek letter "Ω," reducing the module's mass considerably compared to ball screw assemblies -- and thereby making it highly dynamic. By guiding the module's table part over ball rail systems, the module achieves a high degree of rigidity for precise movements. Key benefits include:

• The Omega Module linear motion system allows for higher dynamics over longer distances in feed units, thanks to the combination of its low traveling mass and fast belt drive. Because the drive is stationary, the linear system can be set up in any position in addition to being used as a vertical axis. A pneumatic clamping element maintains the position at standstill and also clamps hanging loads.
• As a single axis system, the Omega Module comes with the necessary mechanical and electrical interfaces to fit with the modular Rexroth EasyHandling system. The system's standard Easy-2-Combine form-fit connection method, can speed assembly and reduce up-front engineering time, even in multi-axis systems. In addition, it simplifies the direct attachment of pneumatic grippers and rotary modules, or other end-of-arm tooling.
• One of the special features of EasyHandling is that it allows for fast start-up. With the EasyWizard commissioning tool, only a handful of axis-specific data needs to be entered, which helps to reduce start-up timeto just a few minutes. As a single-axis system, the Omega Module is ideal for assembly and handling applications or in other automation tasks.
• The Omega Module comes in three sizes to handle a variety of performance requirements. With a stationary main body, users can specify custom lengths up to 5,500 mm and choose from main bodies (frames) with widths of 55, 85, or 120 mm. This set-up allows for several carriages with their own drive to be operated independently from each other. Rexroth offers the linear motion system with matching drives, motors and controllers. In the largest size, the mechanics are designed for input torques up to 154 Nm. With high acceleration speeds of up to 50 m/s² and speeds up to 5 m/s, it opens up the door for reduced cycle times even for longer movements.

Source: Bosch Rexroth

Published October 2012

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