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, keshin.govender@siemens.com, www.siemens.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Mammoet supports critical heavy lift and marine activities for topsides
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet provided specialised heavy lift and marine logistics support for the Munin topsides on Aker BP’s Yggdrasil North Sea development, including a complex transshipment operation and a tidal-window load-out classified as a Class 1 operation.

Read more...
High voltage need not mean high complexity
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen has extended its Essentials motion platform into 400 to 480 V high-voltage applications, allowing machine builders to right-size their motion systems without stepping up to unnecessarily complex or over-specified solutions.

Read more...
Sinamics G200 frequency converter for general applications
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has expanded its Sinamics portfolio with the G200, a compact general-purpose frequency converter that supports Profinet, TIA Portal integration and built-in safety and cybersecurity functions for a wide range of industrial drive applications.

Read more...
Drive solutions helping refurbish the Elleringhausen Tunnel
Motion Control & Drives
RUD Ketten’s Tecdos Omega Drive chain drives are powering the specialised cutting assembly used to refurbish the 1,4 km Elleringhausen Tunnel in Germany, combining linear and radial motion in a configuration that performs reliably under constant wet-cutting conditions.

Read more...
Enhanced manufacturing expertise in large-dimension hydraulic cylinders
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to produce hydraulic cylinders with internal diameters of up to 300?mm, extending its portfolio into large-dimension ballast and support cylinders for demanding heavy machinery applications.

Read more...
High-performance linear guides
igus Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to expand its drylin range of lubrication-free polymer linear guides, including PFAS-free and EHEDG-certified variants for food safety applications. The tribo-optimised iglidur polymer technology eliminates maintenance while offering corrosion resistance and load capacity up to 600 kg.

Read more...
Siemens powers next-generation reusable spacecraft development
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
A European aerospace startup focused on reusable space systems, has adopted Siemens Xcelerator software to connect engineering disciplines, reduce rework and accelerate spacecraft development, cutting the path from concept to flight hardware to nine months for its orbital demonstration capsule.

Read more...
New motion platform for tube laser processing
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech has announced the LaserTurn280, a motion platform for laser machining of cylindrical medical device components, offering calibrated accuracy of plus or minus 1 micrometre and designed for integration into high-volume production lines.

Read more...
Functional safety in modern factory automation
Motion Control & Drives
Functional safety in modern factory automation allows machines to operate at controlled speeds or hold axes at standstill rather than shutting down entirely. Kollmorgen’s Safe Motion monitor software now supports additional safety-rated encoder protocols, extending these capabilities to precision and linear motion applications.

Read more...
Improving material handling with autonomous mobile robots
Rockwell Automation Motion Control & Drives
Autonomous mobile robots offer flexible, AI-driven material handling that adapts to shifting demand, fills labour gaps, and generates the operational data needed to optimise end-to-end facility performance.

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