Upgraded linear actuator solutions targeting higher load capacities, operating speeds and improved motion performance emerged at the recent National Design Engineering Show in Chicago. Both Bosch Rexroth and THK featured re-designed actuators that focus on increasing speed, stroke length and bigger payloads.
High Payloads and Extended Lengths
The Rexroth CKK and CKR compact modules (www.boschrexroth.com) are now available in a 200 mm wide extrusion that utilizes two Size 25 ball rail systems to increase lengths, speed and load capacities.
Rich Vaughn of Bosch Rexroth says that “both modules can handle high offset moment loads because of the jewel rail design inside the module. Using two ball rails in the slides, versus products which use a single rail system, targets mid-range applications that require load capacities in the 250-300 kg range.”
The CKK model is a precision ball screw drive module that has high tolerance grades and positioning accuracies of up to 52 microns for every 300 mm of travel. The dual rail, linear guide design provides high system rigidity to move heavy payloads or complex end-of-axis tooling the extreme precision.
The CKR module is a belt-drive module that uses two belts to provide higher speeds and lengths up to 5 ft for expanding stroke capabilities that Vaughn says is nearly twice the length of competitive modules. This module uses a low-wear, steel-reinforced polyurethane belt with aluminum pulleys to deliver speeds up to 5 meters/sec over distances up to 10,000 mm.
Vaughn says that the ball screw model is a better choice for applications where positioning accuracy and repeatability are particularly important. The CKR belt-drive model is targeted for applications where speed and longer stroke lengths are priorities.
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 New Bosch Rexroth actuators are also available as part of a pre-configured Cartesian gantry solution for payloads up to 45 kg and speeds up to 1 meter/sec.
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Both modules are also available in a pre-configured Cartesian solution called CMS system for payloads up to 45 kg and speeds up to 1 meter/sec as a standard package. The system uses the IndraMotion for Handling software solution as a new Cartesian controller, and is an out-of-the-box solution where users can be trained in 30 minutes to do a simple Cartesian application. The system is ready to jog when you take it out of the box.
Higher Capacity and Increased Speeds
New engineering enhancements to THK’s new Type GL-N actuator (www.thk.com) offers higher operating speeds, load capacities and the benefits of the company’s Caged Technology in one actuator.
By using two caged ball type LM guides, the new design delivers load capacities 200% greater than original Type GL models. Without metal-to-metal contact, the actuators can reach speeds of 5 meters/sec and acceleration rates over 5Gs.
According to Bill Terry, senior vice president for THK, doubling both the speed and load capacities is a combination that will open up new target markets and linear motor applications, in particular. He says that the GL-N actuators are also the first actuators to be manufactured at THK’s production facility in Hebron, OH, for both the U.S. and worldwide markets.
Other new features include noise levels that have been reduced by up to 15 dBA, life cycle increases of 8 times, and smoother and more precise movement. Caged Technology employs a synthetic resin cage with a patented curvature that cradles each ball and separates it from the next. The spaces between the rolling elements retain grease and act as a lubrication system for long-term, maintenance-free operation.
An additional benefit of the actuator is increased load capacities by using four raceways rather than two. Type GL-N standard lengths reach 3 meters and custom lengths are available.
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