Posted to News on 19th Aug 2020, 09:44
Side-mounted energy chain for high-speed linear robots
"Twice as fast at half the weight" is what igus says makes the linear motor robot from FIBRO LPPLE TECHNOLOGY (FLT) different from many other solutions. In order for the robot to perform as designed, a compact, durable and silent energy supply was required, and a side-mounted igus energy chain system with pre-harnessed chainflex cables proved to be the solution.
FIBRO LPPLE TECHNOLOGY developed its linear robot with a new carbon fibre design and linear motor to save up to 50 per cent in weight compared with "conventional' solutions. The company claims that the resultant weight and mass reduction enables twice the rate of acceleration with twice the positioning accuracy of potential alternatives. Instead of a rack and pinion drive the designers chose a linear motor to allow for improved performance and an unsupported energy chain of the E4.1 series from igus ensures a secure energy supply for the z-axis.
The integration of a suitable energy chain system in the compact installation space of the x-axis was a challenge because in this application a classic gliding or unsupported solution was out of the question due to the high forces. "Together with igus, we therefore decided on a side-mounted energy chain", explains Boris Bind, Head of Mechanical Design and Development at FIBRO LPPLE TECHNOLOGY. An igus E4.1 series energy chain is used with additional sliding pads that further reduce wear, and the design team also selected the igus range of cables, choosing pre-harnessed chainflex cables (readycables) that are specifically designed for use in energy chains.
Learn more about the E4.1 series energy chain at www.igus.co.uk.
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