The BLMA120 linear motor module from Micromech is now offered with two new important options, first a steel wheel guidance feature and second water-cooling
In addition to these there have also been internal improvements for example the magnet bars are now clamped rather than glued.
The benefits of steel wheel guidance include higher load capacity and rigidity, and higher thrust force achieving less thermal restrictions.
The water-cooling obviously provides much better heat dissipation, which again gives vastly improved thrust force and so these two developments means the motor can produce a very useful 1720N peak force.
The internal improvements have produced a motor, which is not only very rugged, the clever design makes it friendlier for maintenance and repair procedures.
The BLMA120 is a linear motor suitable for automation applications where there are medium precision requirements (repeatability +/-0.01mm) but high throughput demands.
The integrated linear encoder (sine-cosine) guarantees high repeatability.
Cycle rates can be very high as a result of the extremely short settling time.
The motor has a novel double-sided drive system where the windings are located on either side of the magnet bar, thus compensating the forces perpendicular to the travel direction.
This in turn has the advantage that the guide system is only loaded with the carriage weight, the payload and the reaction forces.
Unlike a conventional design, the magnetic fields are utilised on both sides of the magnet resulting in a more effective use of the magnetic material.
The BLMA is completely contained within the profile and is protected against dust and dirt by a steel strip cover (IP30 rating).
It has a very long maximum stroke compared to other linear motor systems and the proven trouble-free plastic roller guide mechanism, permits it to be used in general mechanical engineering and handling technology applications in which linear motor modules have previously been far too expensive.
The plastic roller guide mechanism is notable for low particle emission, no maintenance and low-noise operation.
Therefore the BLMA can also be used in critical environmental conditions, such as in the food processing or pharmaceutical industries.
The linear guide mechanism is the only remaining mechanical and thus wear-prone component but the guide mechanism of the double-sided linear motor consists of well-proven plastic-en-cased rollers, which have been provided with lifetime lubrication.
An eccentric mounting permits backlash to be eliminated in all directions and on account of the attractive forces cancelling each other between magnet rail and forcer the entire carrying capacity of the guide mechanism is available for the application.
The system is notable for its high efficiency and very smooth running, and the freedom from maintenance and robust design.
It is supplied ready for installation and operation thus it can be used in both individual as well as series-production applications.
