Product category:
Drives, motors and power transmission, couplings, clutches
News Release from: THK UK | Subject: RDM-M linear motor system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 04 December 2002
LM guide and linear motor combined in
single unit
An ingenious linear motor system merges the versatility of caged ball linear guide technology with the convenience of high-performance servo motors.
THK UK has launched an ingenious linear motor system that merges the versatility of its Caged Ball linear guide technology with the convenience of high-performance servo motors The RDM-M system is a pre-assembled, modular linear motor solution that simplifies the specification process by providing a LM guide and linear motor in a single unit that gives excellent accuracy and high acceleration
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new RDM-M system features THK's proven low profile, extra-wide linear guide technology, along with a unique linear servo motor to provide acceleration rates of up to 7G at operating velocities of up to 14m/s.
The new THK RDM-M linear motor solution is suitable for a wide range of high speed automation applications, with clean room and food grade models available for electronics, bio-medical and food environments.
One of the key benefits, in addition to outstanding performance, offered by the fusion of these linear guide and linear motion technologies, is the creation of a high-performance platform that is supplied ready to use.
Further reading
Production track cuts assembly time, saves costs
Innovative, modular, carriage and rail production system can be used by assembly, process and manufacturing companies to reduce costs and increase productivity.
Linear caged roller guide system takes high loads
For applications that require low-profile guidance, such as in machine tools, a linear caged roller guide system features ultra-high rigidity and load capacity.
The result being reductions in specification and installation time and, therefore, costs.
The RDM-M's accurate and versatile operating characteristics are partly derived from THK's acclaimed Caged Ball technology.
The ingenious design ensures that the linear guide's balls are equally spaced and that the system's lubricating grease is retained between them.
With each row of balls angled at a 450 angle to the guide rail, the linear guide provides a number of advantages over conventional motion guides, including equal capacity in all four directions, greater precision and reduced variations in rolling resistance.
These characteristics are perfectly complimented by the exceptional power distribution provided by the RDM-M's linear servo motor, which delivers a high motor force-to-weight ratio and significantly greater accuracy at higher velocities than more conventional devices, making it perfectly suited for applications such as PCB testers.
Providing a standard maximum travel distance of 1368mm at a peak velocity of 14.5m/s, the RDM-M satisfies even the greatest demands for repeatability and throughput.
A linear encoder and cabling are built into the system as standard for accurate measurement and signal feedback.
Bob Love, Technical Sales Manager at THK, said: "The RDM-M represents an exciting initiative for THK, with the creation of an entirely new, off-the-shelf product that provides accurate and reliable linear movement from a single, easy-to-install unit.".
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