Rollon Linear Guides

When engineers design motion control systems, they sometimes commit a costly error known as actuator overkill. As its name suggests, this error involves the selection of actuators whose precision, speed, lifecycle or other technical capabilities exceed the true application requirements.

Actuator overkill can occur in many types of applications, but you often see it in pick-and-place systems. To be sure, some pick-and-place devices need every incremental bit of accuracy, precision, speed or lifecycle that a high-end actuator can deliver. Many pick-and-place devices, however, do not need the very best actuators. In these cases, selecting a middle-of-the-road actuator will help you get the most out of your motion control dollars.

Our ActuatorLINE™ E-Light Series is a case in point. In the right applications, this belt-driven actuator can cost as much as 30-40% less than our top-of-the-line ELM Series.

So what are the right applications for these cost-saving actuators?

When Light Is Right. ActuatorLINE E-Light excels in applications that can be satisfied with a lower level of precision and accuracy compared with a high-end actuator model—such as those in our ELM Series. For example, an ActuatorLINE E-Light model will have a repeatability of 100 µm versus 50 µm for a comparable ELM actuator. In applications such as a packaging pick-and-place device, this precision tradeoff will typically make no practical difference whatsoever.

The “light” in ActuatorLINE E-Light refers to the weight of the aluminum structural elements, not the load bearing capacity. So our Light Series handles the same loads as comparable ELM models. There is, however, a potential reduction in lifecycle under some speed and environmental conditions. Again, in many applications, the lifecycle tradeoff will not rule out the use of the more economical E-Light actuator.

ActuatorLINE E-Light also features some integration advantages that make it especially attractive
in custom machines. It supports:

• Gearbox installation on either side of the unit and either end of the actuator.
• Custom machining of carriage top plates.
• Connection kits to create X-Y-Z Cartesian robots.
• Adjustable end-of-travel sensors.

When Light Isn’t Right. ActuatorLINE E-Light isn’t for every application. You would expect to step up to ELM models or even our T-Series ballscrew actuators in applications needing the maximum precision or lifecycle rating. They include most electronics assembly applications as well as some precision machining operations.

Finally, our ELM models are the clear favorite in applications that require stringent cleanliness or contamination resistance. ELM actuators have contaminant protection, food grade lubrication and stainless steel shafts, bearings and component parts options that the E-Light Series lacks.

Still not sure whether your application can be successful with our ActuatorLINE E-Light Series or whether you need to take it up a notch in performance? Contact one of our technical service engineers for help.

Setting up a dynamic, high-speed linear motion system is challenging enough. Flip it 90° to go vertical, and things get even trickier. In theory, linear actuators should work in any orientation. However, in real-world installations, cables can become tangled and moving parts can shift unexpectedly. To meet the specific needs of challenging vertical applications, we’ve introduced SC Series linear actuators as part of our new ActuatorLINE family.

SC units are built with anodized aluminum extrusions for high mechanical strength and low weight. The robust actuators also include a steel-reinforced polyurethane timing belt with either an AT pitch or parabolic profile suited to high-speed operation.

Streamlined Design. With the SC Series, tangled lifelines are a thing of the past. That’s because the drive is fitted directly onto the fixed carriage, eliminating cable movement, so the aluminum profile is the only moving part. In fact, the carriage itself houses the entire linear motion system, consisting of a drive pulley and two driven pulleys. Side slots enable quick and easy mounting of accessories, such as proximity switches, while power cables and air hoses may be passed inside the body. The carriage is assembled on four preloaded ball bearing blocks, enabling it to withstand loading in the four main directions.

Fast and Sturdy. Vertical applications such as those found in the robotics and material handling industries often demand punishing speeds. The SC Series is designed for just such environments. SC actuators offer speeds to 5 m/s, acceleration to 50 m/s2, high load capacity and bending moments, low friction and a maintenance-free lubrication system. For additional protection against contaminants, the carriage is fitted with specialized seals.

Range of Sizes. A one-size-fits-all approach is not very useful when it comes to challenging vertical applications. That’s why the SC models come in three sizes.

• Body dimensions measure 65 x 65 mm, 70 x 130 mm and 90 x 160 mm
• Maximum dynamic axial load capacities from 820 to 3,700 N
• Stroke lengths from 100 to 2,500 mm
• Actuators support loads in any direction and may be installed in any position

Drive System Flexibility. The drive system of choice will be determined by the specific application. The SC series is designed for ultimate versatility.

• Standard models are available with clearances from 3 to 15 ft. and reduction ratios of 1:3 to 1:1,000
• Versions with planetary gears are ideal for highly dynamic robotic, automation and material handling applications involving stress cycles and high-precision requirements
• Versions with worm gears are perfect for applications involving low speeds and accelerations
• SC linear units may also be equipped with simple or hollow shafts

Multi-Axis Motion. Certain applications call for multiple-axis setups. In these cases, a specialized set of fittings with brackets and cross plates connects SC units to each other and to ROBOT units within the ActuatorLINE family.