Motion Control & Drives


DC microdrives bring dynamics into handling

September 2024 Motion Control & Drives

Miniature drives and microdrives can be found in virtually all areas of automation technology, and have a wide variety of applications. These range from medical technology and laboratory automation, to general machine construction and intralogistics, through to aerospace. In all areas, the small drive systems play a role in ensuring that the associated automation solutions function with optimum process safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This also applies to handling applications. In slimline, yet high-torque swivelling-rotary modules, these drives ensure that even large workpieces are moved precisely, both in the case of fast screwdrivers, and in automatic rotary handling, assembly and testing systems.

Anyone looking for an efficient and space-saving solution for typical movement sequences that occur in handling and assembly technology, such as turning, swivelling, screwing, rolling, or coiling can turn to the swivelling-rotary modules of the ForTorque series from the kinematics specialist, Jung Antriebstechnikbased (JA2) in Wettenberg, Germany. These slimline infinite rotary units are ideal for the highly dynamic rotation of large, high-inertia workpieces and eccentric grippers, and also for use in screwing and coiling technology.

A typical application case for the miniature swivelling-rotary modules is screwing the caps on small cosmetics or pharmaceutical containers in constrained spaces on fully automated packaging lines. The modules are also suitable in cases where grippers or workpieces need to be swivelled when assembling or separating products. Designed as a modular system, six sizes are available. This covers peak and continuous torques of 0,3 and 0,14 Nm to 4,0 and 2,6 Nm respectively. The inertias of the load can be between 2,0 and 200 kgcm2. This provides the most suitable solution for accurately angled movement and positioning for a wide range of different handling and assembly tasks.

To reduce the load on the output shaft of gearheads in the case of high external moments of inertia, the output plate of the four larger module models has an extremely rigid bearing consisting of two thin-section bearings. The swivelling-rotary module with 40 mm diameter can additionally be equipped with a fluidic rotary joint for pneumatics or vacuum to supply a pneumatic gripper with compressed air, for example.

“The drives are the heart of our modular automation system and the requirements placed on them are very high,” says Wilhelm Jung, managing director at JA2. “The motors must operate highly dynamically, be precisely controllable, and have suitable dimensions.” In the case of the ForTorque modules, for example, the brushless DC-motors of the B and BX4 series from Faulhaber proved convincing. The motors with their two-pole and four-pole technology are extremely compact. The used variants of the B series with diameters of 16, 20 and 35 mm are just 28, 36 and 68 mm long respectively, but deliver continuous torques of up to 168 mN in the case of the largest variant. This also applies to the BX4 series. “Here we use Faulhaber motors with 22 or 32 mm diameter and continuous torques of 18 and 53 mNm respectively,” reports Jung.

The motors are used in the ForTorques up to speeds of 8000 rpm. Different gearheads, including zero backlash planetary gearheads from Faulhaber, provide gear reduction. Ultimately, the gearhead technology with the respective maximum input speed determines the limit for the maximum motor speed. “We then select the reduction ratio according to the application,” continues Jung. “In this way, we can influence the extent to which the external moment of inertia is reduced by the square of the reduction. The motor can then be precisely regulated, unaffected by the lever. When selecting the gearheads, we paid particular attention to the efficiency of the gearheads, because the better the efficiency, the more precisely the torque applied at the gearhead output can be determined from the motor current. This is a key feature of screwing applications where delicate plastic parts need to be screwed on with a defined torque.”

Single-cable technology for fault-free control

All swivelling-rotary modules are connected and controlled using a standardised bayonet connector, single-cable technology and a motion controller. In automation systems, however, the switch cabinet is usually some distance from the actual drive. “Between the motor and the controller in the separate switch cabinet, there can then be 10, 20 or more metres,” says Jung. There is therefore a special multi-shielded cable that transfers the motor power and the position sensor signal between motor and controller up to 30 metres without interference.

“We also offer motion controllers from Faulhaber,” adds Jung. The linear drives produce an exceptionally good relationship between linear force and current, with high dynamics and no cogging torques.

For more information contact Horne Technologies, +27 76 563 2084, [email protected], www.hornet.cc


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The opportunity and impact of MEPS electric motor regulations
WEG Africa Motion Control & Drives
South African companies are gearing up for the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards, part of a global trend towards energy-efficient electric motors.

Read more...
Custom mining solutions from Bühler at MTE Richards Bay
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler recently showcased its advanced material handling solutions at the Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE) in Richards Bay.

Read more...
SKF’s integrated triple-action solution drives operational value for customer in Cameroon
Motion Control & Drives
SKF has successfully delivered a powerful, integrated solution to a leading metals industry customer in Cameroon, combining advanced condition monitoring and high-performance bearings, underpinned by professional, expert services.

Read more...
Innomotics electrifies major mining operation in Chile
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics has been awarded a major electrification project to support an important mining operation in northern Chile.

Read more...
Power meets precision
Motion Control & Drives
Swiss drive technology specialist, maxon is presenting the second generation of its compact mid-motor for e-bikes, the BIKEDRIVE AIR S. This new system delivers a high torque of 90 Nm with a motor weight of two kilograms.

Read more...
Referro Systems expands local market
Motion Control & Drives
Referro Systems has achieved notable growth since introducing Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI) products into the African market.

Read more...
Control solution for highly dynamic.
Motion Control & Drives
The motion control specialist, Aerotech is expanding its Auto-mation1-iSMC control solution with a powerful feature for highly dynamic laser drilling with galvo scanners.

Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE energy audits help farmers drive down irrigation costs
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE is expanding its support to South Africa’s agricultural sector by leveraging its world class expertise in energy audits for drive systems, helping farmers unlock cost savings and improve operational efficiencies in irrigation applications.

Read more...
Smart automated lubrication
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
A leading customer of SKF in Tunisia’s paper and pulp industry was facing significant challenges with the manual lubrication of its paper machine. SKF had the solution.

Read more...
Driving heavy equipment industry
Motion Control & Drives
Cimolai Technology, a leader in the design, production and installation of lifting and handling equipment, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. This move aims to deliver innovative, reliable and custom-made solutions to meet the most demanding technical specifications across sectors such as shipyards, infrastructure and heavy industry.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved