Product category:
Actuators, motion systems, etc
News Release from: Hoerbiger-Origa | Subject: BHD II modular belt-driven linear actuator
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 September 2004
Belt-driven linear actuator challenges
racks
Modular belt-driven linear actuator for heavy duty applications that will compete with rack and pinion drives as much as other actuators has a load bearing capacity for 2 tonnes.
Hoerbiger-Origa has launched a new modular belt-driven linear actuator for heavy duty applications that will compete with rack and pinion drives as much as other actuators Designated the BHD II, it is developed from Hoerbiger-Origa's original BHD range, and incorporates a precision recirculating ball bearing rail that gives it a load bearing capacity for 2 tonnes - ten times that of earlier models
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 19 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Mouse-sized pressure control valve is intelligent
Smaller than a computer's mouse, an intelligent proportional pressure control valve uses a piezo chip which functions as a continuously operating 3/2 way pilot control valve.
Clever system keeps conveyor belting on the rolls
A closed-loop tracking device just developed by Hoerbiger-Origa solves the perennial problem of high speed conveyor belting gradually running off its rolls.
Modular linear actuators have become a firm favorite with design engineers and machine builders over the last decade or so, being fit-and-forget mechatronic sub-systems that save considerable design and installation efforts.
Originally seen as suitable for light and medium duties only, the users are now looking to extend their usage into ever more demanding applications.
Traditionally rack and pinion drives were the technology of choice for high load and/or long stroke requirements.
Further reading
Three-axis system welds automotive alternators
Consistent precision positioning was the key design requirement when designing an automated machine for the resistance welding of contacts on automotive alternators.
Precision linear indexing ensured success
When developing a new high performance hygienic seal film printing machine, precision linear indexing was recognised as the keyto success.
Wyko to distribute pneumatic control equipment
Wyko Industrial Services is to distribute the Hoerbiger-Origa range of pneumatic control equipment and electric linear drives through its 120+ national branch network.
These have to be built up from basic components, so it is time consuming to develop an optimum configuration for each application.
Also their unenclosed format leaves them somewhat exposed to damage and clogging in typical industrial environments; while dirt can build up on them making them unsuitable for some hygienic applications in food, pharmaceutical, clean room and precision applications.
Another problem associated with rack and pinions is that the drive motor has to be mounted on the moving carriage.
This can add inordinately to the mass being moved and lead to issues with flying leads to power the motor.
Finally there are potential safety issues, in that the meshing of rack and pinion form a potential hazard.
The decision to develop a heavy-duty BHD was based on the observation that some users have overloaded the original medium duty units in preference to using a rack and pinion.
For BHD II Hoerbiger-Origa's development team retained the concepts of a compact low profile actuator, housed in a high strength one-piece aluminum extrusion.
The low profile is achieved by mounting the belt pulleys with vertical axes rather than horizontal, so that the two runs of the belt loop are side-by-side instead of one above the other.
The extruded housing is strong enough to be used as a structural machine element in many applications absorbing any static loads present, including side and bending forces.
The dynamic load being moved by the actuator is carried entirely by the recirculating ball bearing rail for low friction, high dynamic performance.
A stainless steel sliding seal is mounted in the housing to ensure that the belt mechanism is fully protected from ingress of dirt and oil.
Modular mounting options and dovetail slots for adding sensors and other ancillary equipment are also encompassed within the profile of the housing.
The belt is made from a high performance polyurethane reinforced with stainless steel reinforces, being supplied in 20mm, 25mm or 40mm widths depending on the size of the BHD II unit.
The belt requires no maintenance or adjustment throughout its service life which is measured in years for most applications.
BHD II can run at speeds of up to 5m/s, fast enough for +95% of all application requirements and probably more that adequate considering the loads it is likely to be used with.
Acceleration capabilities are up to 30m/s/s, which is high so that cycle times on short stroke applications can be reduced.
Stroke length is infinitely variable up to 10m.
It is possible to join two BHD IIs together for even greater strokes, but Hoerbiger-Origa warns that in practice a reduction in speed and thrust performance may be experienced for particularly long strokes.
The decision to develop this long stroke capability was based Hoerbiger-Origa's experience in linear motion engineering which suggests that large loads sometimes need to be transported considerable distances.
In keeping with the modular concept of the BHD range, the drive motor is a plug-and-go unit and can be induction, stepper or servo.
Options available include an integral gearbox and bi-parting carriages. Request a free brochure from Hoerbiger-Origa ...
• Hoerbiger-Origa: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
