Festo recently launched the EGC electric drive range that it says defines a new performance paradigm for the motion control industry and features a radically new profile design. Not only do the new axes perform better than previous generation counterparts, they also cost less. During its extensive R&D programme aimed at improving the performance and service life of its electro-mechanical drives, Festo looked to Italian maestro Leonardo da Vinci’s Cupola arch for inspiration.
“The main body of every EGC axis is constructed from extruded aluminium, with a unique computer optimised cross sectional shape incorporating an internal arch-like structure. This feature provides the drives’ unprecedented rigidity and load bearing capabilities with very low mass,” explains Festo product manager, Ernst Smith.
Feed forces as high as 3000 N and speeds of up to 5 m/s, as well as new levels of acceleration and torque resistance, make them ideal for use in gantry-type materials handling, supplying and transporting systems.
The moving carriage is fitted with the latest high performance caged ball bearings and the fully sealed bearing cassette has grease pockets for optimal lubrication. Festo also offers a number of optional guide scrapers and grease feed adapters for use with centralised lubrication systems. The top face of the aluminium carriage is fitted with helicoils and centring holes to facilitate fast and accurate load mounting.
A choice of toothed belt or ballscrew drive mechanisms – with numerous variants in both categories – makes it easy to choose an actuator optimally matched to application needs. “Unlike most competitive products, the axes’ stainless steel guide rail is mounted externally, allowing the moving carriage to accommodate large cantilever and offset loads that apply very high moments of torque to the carriage,” says Smith.
The toothed belt version of the EGC axis is available with a choice of 50, 70, 80, 120 and 185 mm wide profiles, and the three largest models can be supplied with standard stroke lengths of up to 8,5 m. Different models within this range are capable of generating feed forces as high as 2500 N and of handling speeds up to 5 m/s and acceleration rates up to 50 m/s².
Another advantage of the EGC-toothed belt versions’ external guide arrangement is that it needs smaller belt pulleys, often removing the need for a gearbox. The unique cover opening and securing mechanism enable belt replacing without dismantling the axis, speeding up maintenance and lowering service costs.
“The ballscrew version of the EGC axes is particularly useful in short cycle time applications that demand high feed forces and very accurate and repeatable positioning. The spindle is designed for low noise, and the body of the axis is fitted with a non-metallic, clip-in cover band to guard against the ingress of contaminants,” concludes Smith.
The new EGC axes are easy to install. A hollow drive pinion, plus a new design of elastomer motor coupling featuring an expanding shaft, ensures simple, backlash-free connection.
Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.
Read more...Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...Filtration as a reliability driver in motion control systems Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
This article highlights the importance of filtration in motion control systems, how contamination affects performance, and what fleet managers, operators and maintenance teams in southern Africa can do to reduce downtime, avoidable wear and costly repairs, aided by Baldwin Filters.
Read more...Supporting construction of next-gen floating offshore wind turbines
Motion Control & Drives
While windy locations naturally make ideal spots for offshore wind farms, they bring challenges when it comes to assembling wind turbines, particularly in ports. Mammoet was approached by Euroports to support with the marshalling and assembly of the components that make up the three turbines at Port-la-Nouvelle in France.
Read more...Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge igus
Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.
Read more...Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.
Read more...Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings WEG Africa
Motion Control & Drives
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...Addressing cost, supply and disease pressures in Africa’s feed industry
Motion Control & Drives
Feed producers across Africa are operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The pressures are forcing producers to rethink how they operate, balancing cost control, production efficiency and the need for greater flexibility in an unpredictable market.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version