Linear positioning actuators for complete automation flexibility

Aimed at applications where accuracy, durability and minimum installation space are important selection criteria, the LMS will suit large area gantry, pick & place and robotic handling systems - as part of a complete MiniTec machine frame system - or as separate components, complete with MiniTec supplied motors, drives and motion controls.

Minitec's LMS is delivered as standard with lubricated-for-life dual linear rail ball bearings with matched carriages that support loads in all directions for speeds of up to 1.6m per second with the 16mm diameter × 16mm pitch ballscrew option. Other ballscrew pitch options include 4, 5 and 10mm variants, and a T7 accuracy grade option features a preloaded nut system for 0.04mm axial play and repeatability to 52 microns per 300mm. An acme screw version is also available, with a further choice of a preloaded nut arrangement for increased precision.

The flexibility built into the range also extends to the choice of bearing system. The standard bearing system may be replaced with dual heavy duty recirculating linear rail guides with four carriages, rated at a 10,000km service life. Alternatively, a novel low-friction plastic bushing version can be supplied for an economical positioning system. Furthermore, the LMS actuator has a 10mm diameter drive spigot which can be fitted with a pulley for belt drives, adapter plates with flexible couplings for servo or stepper motors, or as a manual hand-wheel drive.

Rapid assembly with no pre-machining

MiniTec's ProfileSystem range of machine framing and machine building components includes both extruded aluminium and formed stainless steel profiles and is characterised by the Powerlock fastening system that allows rapid assembly with no pre-machining - for proven faster assembly times than competitive systems and much reduced profile wastage with profile re-usability.

The range includes a vast collection of ancillary components from panels, wheels and hinges to sensors and process control parts that are combined with automation and motion control components such as the new LMS Linearmodul actuators. The modularity and flexibility built into ProfileSystem allows the structural base and functional components that OEMs and machine builders can adapt, both economically and quickly, to their own specialist area for applications that include safety and guarding systems, test and assembly stands, workbenches, parts conveyor and parts handling machinery, automated manufacturing and test equipment, special fixtures and display consoles, multi-axis linear systems, and even complex production assembly and test plant.

For further information abut Minitec's Linearmodul LMS and ProfileSystem, visit the website at www.minitec.co.uk.