Posted to News on 17th Aug 2012, 15:19
Heavy-duty linear axis with belt drive or ball screw
Festo is launching the cost-effective EGC-HD linear drive that is claimed have the highest load capacity for its size. It is also described as reliable and easy to install, enabling machine builders and OEMs to make significant cost savings.
Constructed from aluminium, the EGC-HD has high stiffness and strength to support heavy loads of up to 1300kg and up to 1450Nm torque. The EGC-HD is based on the proven technology of Festo's EGC linear axis to deliver exceptional performance over a long service life, and is suitable for use when heavy loads have to be moved accurately - for example on palletising, transfer lines and pick-and-place applications.
The ECG-HD linear drive features two guide rails and is available with a toothed belt or a ball screw drive in three widths (125mm, 160mm and 220mm), with stroke lengths of up to 5000mm for the toothed belt version and 2400mm for the ball screw option.
Previously, users would have specified two separate axes, which would need to be carefully aligned, and would require a coupling shaft. However, now it is only necessary to use one EGC-HD axis, which provides significant cost savings because it is much quicker to install and there is no need for an additional coupling shaft.
Festo's EGC-HD has been designed for use with high feed forces and speeds. The belt drive version can move at velocities of up to 5m/s and has an accuracy of 100um, while the ball screw version can move at velocities of up to 1.5m/s with an accuracy of 20um. The ball screw version is available in a choice of pitches from 10mm to 25mm and features an innovative ball screw support system, so the drive can operate reliably at full rotational speed, regardless of the stroke length.
The axis has a versatile motor mounting and is easy to install, as machine builders do not need to specify the position of the motor at ordering stage. The motor can be freely mounted on any of the four corners, and can be changed at any time. The linear axis can be simply mounted from the back or sides with slot nuts, and it has the option for flush-mounted over-travel inductive sensors. Users can simply bolt the axis to the machine and it is ready to run.
High-force feeds
Nigel Dawson, the handling and positioning product manager at Festo, says: "Market demand was for a more cost-effective solution that would handle higher loads. The new EGC-HD has been optimised for high-force feeds, so it is capable of accurately handling heavy weights. It delivers excellent performance while being economical, and it is easy to install, design-in and order."
A simple way to size the axis is using Festo's free Positioning Drives software. Customers simply download the software from the Festo website, enter the load and speed requirements and the software calculates the size of all products including drives, motors and gearbox. Axes are custom built and delivered in 7-10 working days.
Follow the link for more information about Festo's EGC-HD axis. For information about the company's full range of linear drives and its sizing software, go to www.festo.com or telephone +44 (0)800 626 422.
