Motion Control & Drives


Linear innovation

February 2009 Motion Control & Drives

Synchronous linear motor with magnet-free secondary section track.

The 1FN6, a synchronous motor with magnet-free secondary section track, is a new addition to the Siemens series of linear motors. The innovative motor concept has all the advantages of direct drives such as high force density, high dynamic response, good control features and outstanding precision. As the secondary section track no longer has a permanent magnet, the 1FN6 is very inexpensive, especially in the case of long traversing distances. The motor is therefore primarily used for applications in handling and linked axes or in highly dynamic and highly precise feeding axes of water-jet and laser-beam cutting machines. It is therefore an alternative to classic drive solutions with mechanical transmission elements such as gear racks or ball screws, as well as being an alternative to other types of motor such as asynchronous linear or reluctance motors. It is also ideal for applications in which a magnet-free secondary section track is essential.

Cost reduction

In many applications in the machine tool area, long traversing distances have to be travelled quickly and precisely. Due to the costs of permanent magnets or in applications where it is difficult to protect the secondary section track against dirt, previous linear motor concepts could not be used or could only be used to a limited extent. The new 1FN6 linear motor is a synchronous linear motor developed by Siemens with a magnet-free secondary section track. The motor has all the qualities of a synchronous direct drive such as high precision, outstanding dynamic response and the absence of a need for maintenance, a high force density and low energy losses. At the same time, the fact that no permanent magnets are used means is it easy to install, inexpensive and very robust. Applications can now be equipped with linear motors, whose traversing distances are very long or are open. Applications with very large air gaps due to the design can also be implemented.

An alternative to classic drives

In the case of machine tools, the 1FN6 is especially suitable for applications where water-jet or laser-beam cutting is used. Particularly in the case of handling and linking applications with very long traversing distances and requirements for robust components, the linear motor is an alternative to classic linear drive systems with gear racks or belts. Thanks to its modular design, the motor can be adapted to meet the special requirements of an application. For the traversing distance, any number of secondary sections can be mounted next to each other. In addition, several primary sections can be operated on a secondary section track.

The first delivery stage of the 1FN6 linear motor is designed as a self-cooling version for the power range with a maximum force of 880 N to 7920 N. Linear motors of the 1FN6 series are designed for operation with the Sinamics S120 drive system. Configuration is carried out with the Tool Sizer, as is usual for the Sinamics drive family. Due to the connectors fitted to the front, a drive is created that is ready for use within a very short time thanks to its prefabricated power and signal cables.

For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
New world of process control: A completely web-based process control system
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Control technology is crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the process industry. That’s why there’s SIMATIC PCS neo - the innovative ground-breaking process control system by Siemens.

Read more...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.

Read more...
Manufacturers should go PFAS-Free
igus Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to develop engineered plastics that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS-free) in response to mounting evidence of severe environmental and health hazards caused by the chemicals.

Read more...
South African paper producer partners with ABB
Motion Control & Drives
Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company, ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria.

Read more...
Electromagnetic flow measurement
Siemens South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SITRANS FM electromagnetic flowmeters from Siemens deliver high-precision volume measurement of electrically conductive liquid applications – from water, wastewater and irrigation to hygienic processes and even mining slurries with magnetic particles.

Read more...
ABB supplies electromagnetic stirrer to world’s largest electric arc furnace
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has secured an order from Çolakoglu Metalurji. for an ArcSave electromagnetic stirrer to be installed on one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces (EAF)

Read more...
Bombardier expands adoption of Siemens Xcelerator for aircraft developmen
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Bombardier has expanded its adoption of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software for aircraft development.

Read more...