Citation
(1998), "Guided cylinders for accurate pick and place", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318aad.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Guided cylinders for accurate pick and place
Guided cylinders for accurate pick and place
A rugged, yet highly accurate guided cylinder unit incorporating high precision guide rods with a double-acting air cylinder to provide linear motion along an axis, is the latest addition to the range of products offered by Alpha Controls. These units, which complement Alpha Controls existing range of control equipment, are available in two versions. The GC, designed as an economical unit for performing simple "push" applications and the GS, an advanced version with superior rigidity and accuracy for more complex "pick and place" applications.
The design of these cylinder units ensures both accurate movement, even when positioning heavy loads, along with minimal rod reflection, therefore providing protection against side loading.
Alpha Controls'guided cylinders
for "pick and place"
A combination of anodised aluminium bodies and black oxide coating provides excellent corrosion resistance with good appearance. Dual ported rear heads mean application flexibility, for mounting in a variety of positions or in tight spaces. The units are offered with a choice of composite bearings or linear ball bearings, so ultra smooth operation with longer strokes (and therefore longer life) means most application needs are covered. The standard GC unit is virtually maintenance-free with bushings that are self-lubricating.
A universal mounting hole pattern on all housings and plates ensures simple installation, along with easy and precise mounting to secondary actuators and other control equipment. This also provides the opportunity to build pick-and-place units quickly from standard components. Crosscut keyways and threaded mounting holes also enable the units to easily be connected to each other.
Other features include adjustable stop collars for selecting choice of stroke length, dual ported rear heads, infinite stroke adjustment and positioning along with proximity switches. Shock absorbers and magnetic pistons are standard on all models.
Further details are available from Alpha Controls PLC, Alpha House, Ridgeway Estate, Iver, Buckinghamshire, SLO 9HW. UK. Tel: 01753 655000; Fax: 01753 655634; e-mail: AlphaControls@Alphacon.u-net.com