Linear actuator for restricted space handling tasks

Paul Boughton
Schaeffler Group’s INA Linear Technology Division has launched a new range of modular linear actuator units that are ideal for both single and multi-axis compact linear actuator systems.

Many industrial automation projects – particularly handling tasks within production, machining, handling, assembly, inspection and packaging processes – require machine and linear guidance elements that often need to fit into restricted design spaces.

Schaeffler’s new MKUVS32-KGT linear actuator is a very compact linear actuator with ball screw drive that solves these types of issues. Machine builders and design engineers will find the unit particularly useful as it is suitable for a wide range of applications, where secure, rapid, precise and repeatable positioning and movement of light-to-moderate loads is required.

The MKUVS32-KGT consists of a support rail, one or two carriages (depending on requirements) and a high precision ball screw drive. Guidance of the carriage or carriages in the support rail is achieved using two or four KUVS32 linear recirculating ball bearing units (depending on the carriage length).

Due to their support width, the linear actuators can withstand forces from all directions and moments about all axes. The combination of support rail, linear recirculating ball bearing units and carriages provides a stable, rigid linear guidance system that is characterised by high precision and high load carrying capacity.

The low section height design offers compact dimensions of just 80mm (W) x 48mm (H), depending on the design and construction. The maximum stroke of the MKUVS32-KGT is 1,022mm, assuming a maximum length of the single-piece support rail of 1,100mm.

The MKUVS32-KGT enables travel speeds up to 1m/s and accelerations of up to 30m/s2. The drive system is a high precision ball screw drive (maximum spindle speed is 3,000rpm) and the user can specify pitch values of 2, 4, 10 or 20mm.

With the aid of various accessories, including motor adapter plates and couplings, customers can adapt the actuator to fit their preferred choice of motor, based on the internal specifications covering motors and controllers. In addition, customers can opt to have the linear actuators configured for ‘Plug & Play’ installation for immediate use.

In order to protect the linear guidance systems and drive unit, additional components such as alloy sheet steel strip covers are available. Schaeffler also supplies suitable fasteners such as clamping lugs for mounting of the unit. A profiled support rail with integral slots is also provided for easy mounting of sensors. The carriages have threaded holes for mounting on adjacent constructions.

For more information, visit www.schaeffler.co.uk

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