The machine builders drive chain that can push as well as pull

R A Rodriguez says that its Grob LinearChain is a special product in linear drive technology because it functions just like a bar, with the ability to both pull and push 

"At first glance it seems like a contradiction: but it is actually an ingenious solution in linear drive technology" says Hertfordshire based R A Rodriguez, through whom Grob LinearChain is now available in the UK

The company states that LinearChain offers “endless” possibilities over other drive solutions such as traditional chains which can only pull, and cylinders, which (unlike LinearChain) need to retract a distance equivalent to their length. A combination of cylinder and chain without the disadvantages mentioned would be ideal, hence the development of LinearChain. 

The product consists of specially formed, high-precision mechanical chain links that engage positively with one another to provide mutual strength and support (as a rigid unit), thus facilitating both a pull and a push capability. Importantly, LinearChain is a purely mechanical movement actuator and is thus said to be environmentally friendly, reliable and requiring little maintenance. Stroke lengths of up to 30m are easily achievable says Rodriguez, who cite many successful LinearChain applications. One of these is for lifting. Applications such as table and platform lifts benefit from the space-saving and easy positioning attributes of the product. Stroke forces of up to 35kN are possible with a single chain, a factor that also makes the solution suitable for other types of lifting system, including scissor lifts and columns. Often, a single motor is sufficient to drive two parallel LinearChains says the supplier

A recent customer project saw a LinearChain installed in a lifting column with a length of 6m for the safe transportation of heavy loads between building floors. Two directional changes of the LinearChain through 90° enable parallel storage of the chain in the system. Consequently, installation engineers could either mount the lifting column directly as a free-standing unit on the floor, or with additional fastenings to the ceiling or wall without requiring further space for chain storage. Ultimately, LinearChain ensures the lifting column can position large loads precisely within constricted space conditions. Systems that require horizontal motion can also gain from the adoption of LinearChain according to Rodriguez. A case in point is the provision of infeed and outfeed motion to an industrial washing machine for pharmaceutical transit boxes. In another example, LinearChain is aiding the transfer of shipping containers from rail to road transport, and vice versa. This operation takes place in under 3 minutes without the need for either a crane or a forklift. Further recent applications highlighted include the forwarding of workpiece loads in and out of a heat-treatment furnace, and the use of LinearChains (attached to a plunger) for pressing raw tobacco into transport containers. The latter takes place at a stroke speed of 300mm/s.

Rodriguez says that LinearChain is also finding favour at a number of automotive OEMs, with one plant using the product for an engine marriage system. This system features two tables, each of which lifts and lowers using a LinearChain with 35kN lifting force and 2m stroke length. The first table lifts and engages its pallet with a front-end engine assembly from the plant’s monorail system, before the table lowers and the engine transfers to the second table via a conveyor. Subsequently, the second table raises up from where two line workers guide the engine into the car and secure it in place using nut-runners. While this is taking place, the empty pallet returns to the first table via a second conveyor.  

Thanks to high positioning accuracy, constant stroke speed and shock-free motion with no elastic hysteresis under load, the potential uses for LinearChain are said to be virtually endless. Some of the more unusual projects to date have involved the movement of flower boxes in commercial greenhouses, clearly a growing aspect of the business and taking centre stage with lifting equipment in theatres. 

Oresome - Grob LinearChain is used in furnaces
Oresome - Grob LinearChain is used in furnaces
Plant equipment - Grob LinearChain is helping to fuel growth in the horticultural industry too
Plant equipment - Grob LinearChain is helping to fuel growth in the horticultural industry too

R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd

14 Old Bridge Way
Shefford
SG17 5HQ
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1462 670044

info@raruk.co.uk

www.rarodriguez.co.uk

More news
7 hours ago
Schaeffler rewards suppliers for outstanding performance
Schaeffler presented 19 of its suppliers with the Schaeffler Supplier Award at the Supplier Day in Herzogenaurach, Germany, in honour of their exceptional performance.
10 hours ago
Educational programme announced for Manufacturing and Engineering Week
With just under two weeks until Manufacturing and Engineering Week 2023 and its centrepiece exhibitions open their doors on 7th and 8th of June at Birmingham’s NEC, the full educational programme has been announced.
11 hours ago
Streamlining banding machines for sustainable packaging
When sustainable bundling and banding solutions company Bandall faced the challenge of using different sensors for detecting various product formats, it turned to Omron for a solution.
13 hours ago
Acorn partners with Bosch Rexroth
Acorn has announced its appointment as an LT Solution Partner for Bosch Rexroth Linear Motion Technology. Rexroth offers a very wide range of linear motion solutions, from a single component to multi-axis complete systems.
6 days ago
See the latest and greatest in Machine Vision Technology at MVC 2023
Now in its seventh year, the Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition is recognised as the leading machine vision trade show worldwide. This year’s show will feature an exciting range of new machine vision technology including the latest products from leading companies.
6 days ago
Unlocking success for UK manufacturers amid industry challenges
Omron’s highly anticipated Discover Omron Roadshow will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and manufacturers to exchange invaluable insights and empower participants with strategies to overcome hurdles, reduce costs, optimise efficiency, and drive overall cost-effectiveness in their operations.
6 days ago
ABB closes automation skills gap with new robotics education package
ABB Robotics is continuing to close the global education gap in automation and prepare students for the future of work with the launch of a ready-to-use education package.
6 days ago
Exciting array of speakers announced for Automation UK seminar programme
Automation UK, the new exhibition highlighting the importance of robotics and systems integration to the future growth of the UK economy, has revealed the details of the first of the industry experts set to speak at the sell-out event.
6 days ago
Essentra exceeds sustainability targets and launches new customer-led strategy
Essentra Components reports that it has exceeded its 2025 Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets and is reshaping its sustainability strategy to focus on helping customers achieve their sustainability goals.
1 week ago
MiniTec UK highlights aluminium profile system at MachineBuilding.Live
MiniTec UK will be highlighting its full range of aluminium profile, accessories and solutions at MachineBuilding.Live, including its recent appointment as systems integrator for LG Motion’s collaborative robot application.

Login / Sign up