Self-supporting belt drive simplifies multi-axis motion

March 2, 1998 Design News

DESIGN APPLICATIONS From the regional editors

AT THE NATIONAL DESIGN ENGINEERING SHOW

Self-supporting belt drive simplifies multi-axis motion

Precision gearhead boosts acceleration, Profile Rail delivers accuracy, T-slots speed assembly

John Lewis, Northeast Technical Editor

Chicago--Imagine embedding an axis of motion in an I-beam. That's essentially what the Linear Motion Systems Div. of Thomson Industries Inc. came up with to help design engineers get to market quickly with faster, more precise and reliable actuators.

"It's an axis of motion, embedded in a standard-size aluminum extrusion," says General Manager Glen Michalske. Available in lengths up to 4m, Turbo Modules provide the basis for multi-axis motion control. T-slots in the base and carriage provide flexibility in design, and make x-y, x-z, and x-y-z assembly quick and easy.

Turbo Module belt drive systems offer design engineers:

A structurally rigid design with mounting flexibility that can span or bridge a gap, or be mounted continuously for maximum rigidity

These modules are great for transferring heavy parts, says Thomson's Program Manager Actuated Systems Greg Danilek. Based on a travel life of 250 km, the nominal load capacity of the 25- and 35-mm modules is approximately 10,000 and 25,000N, respectively.

Another growing area is water-jet cutting, explains Michalske. "It gives the machine builder a nice high envelope to keep things away from the splash. And the anodized and powder-coated extrusion provides additional corrosion resistance.

"In the market place, we come in a few hundred dollars less than competitive square-rail type belt drives," Michalske touts. "Extruding complex shapes to tight tolerances eliminates most of the post machining and cuts costs. The only machining required is drilling and tapping mounting holes for the end blocks and rails."

"We take total responsibility for the whole system when our motor, drive, and controls package is used," assures Product Supervisor Dan Callahan. "And for those that choose another controls package, we can machine the input flange and gearhead to match any popular motor," he adds. Not only does Thomson provide a one-stop shop for motion control, but its repair program refurbishes tired units for half the cost of a new one.

Additional details?Contact Dan Callahan, Thomson Industries Inc., 2 Channel Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050; (800) 554-8466.
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