MiniTec and LG Motion hold Open Day in new premises

MiniTec UK Ltd demonstrated its full range of Profile System and Linear System machine framing and automation component systems. The comprehensive ranges include modular aluminium and stainless steel profiles that are assembled using the unique and fast Powerlock fastening system and a full range of ancillary components for the cost effective build of complete machine frames and automation elements that can be used throughout production and test machines, materials handling systems, work stations, machine guards and automated manufacturing systems.

MiniTec showcased its new iCAD Assembler software that allows machine builders and designers to conceptualise, plan and cost their machine designs. The free of charge software works in both standalone mode, requiring no CAD platform or CAD expertise, or can be used in combination with most standard CAD systems with over fifty 2D and 3D output formats for AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ProEngineer as well as IGES, STEP4 and many others.

LG Motion demonstrated its design and manufacturing capability for specialist motion products and services. A presentation detailed considerations when designing motion technology into extreme environment applications considered vacuum, high and low temperatures, outdoor, altitude and many other challenging and arduous areas.

Schneeberger looked at vacuum compatible and clean-room applications from its perspective as world-class supplier of linear bearings and systems. A presentation included design rules, surface finishing, material selection, tribology, electric drives and logistics. A discussion on ceramic bearing technologies was also included for high vacuum, anti-magnetic application requirements.

SMAC displayed its wide range of precision programmable electric actuators based on moving coil technologies. These actuators are unique in that force, position and speed are totally programmable. They are designed to perform at exceptionally high speeds or very low speeds and with sub-micron accuracy and repeatability. This makes them ideal for a wide range of positioning, measuring, inspection and pick and place applications, particularly where 100 per cent verification is required. SMAC hosted a presentation on its moving coil actuator technologies demonstrating high speed/high throughput test and inspection at production line speeds.

Heidenhain, the leading designer and manufacturer of linear and rotary position feedback components and systems presented details of how encoder technology will be changing over next few years. A presentation charted the trends towards absolute encoder technologies from incremental devices and the challenges this presents to control systems manufacturers.

Customers and prospective customers were able to bring along their own applications and particular motion control or machine building problems where experts from LG Motion, MiniTec, Schneeberger, SMAC and Heidenhain were on hand to help.