Powerful linear motion
March 2011
Motion Control & Drives
The EMA linear actuator range from PowerJacks has been developed to provide smooth and precise linear motion for low to medium duty applications with loads up to 10kN.
These loads can be moved at speeds up to 90 mm/s as standard, with higher speeds available on request.
The two main segments of the actuator are the actuation and the drive unit. The drive unit is based on a precision Spiroid gear set, a right angled offset drive consisting of a gear and pinion. The pinion is positioned in a different plane to the gear, which allows each shaft to be supported by bearings at both ends. The pinion has a parallel screw form with fewer teeth than the gear and a face type similar to a hypoid-offset spiral bevel. This arrangement offers a greater number of continuously meshing teeth than a worm gear of similar size.
This high contact ratio provides higher strength, smoothness and quiet action in a more compact design. It ensures high quality rotary motion from the drive unit, which is transferred into linear motion by the actuation unit. As standard, the motors available for mounting on the gearbox are 3 or single phase AC, DC options are available on request. In order to maintain the compact envelope of the unit, motors have special drive shaft and face mounts common for all motor sizes irrespective of frame size.
The actuation unit is based on a lead screw assembly that converts the rotary motion into linear movement. As the screw rotates, the nut extends or retracts the ram that is attached to the load. Two types of lead screw are used; a precision cut trapezoidal screw and nut for low duty applications and a high quality ball screw and nut for medium duty applications.
The actuator housing is designed to be compact, light and corrosion resistant. The ram has an aluminium outer tube and plated steel inner tube, while the gearbox has a cast aluminium casing which closely follows the gear set profile to give minimum envelope. Extra corrosion protection can be provided by special paint finishes or materials.
Further reading:
Mammoet completes major bridge replacement at Amsterdam Centraal Station
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet completes the second of five major bridge replacements at Amsterdam Centraal Station, transporting steel deck sections by water to keep the station open throughout the works.
Read more...
ndustry expertise drives SEW-EURODRIVE’s Electra Mining Africa presence
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase industry-specific drive technology, modernisation services and expanded aftermarket support at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with a focus on lifecycle support and operational optimisation.
Read more...
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
Premium slewing rings from SKF
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.
Read more...
World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.
Read more...
Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.
Read more...
Automation without the mega factory
Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Choosing the right level of protection in modern automation
Motion Control & Drives
Choosing the right ingress protection rating for a motor or drive is less about maximising the number, and more about understanding what the machine will actually face in operation.
Read more...
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
printer friendly version