Servo amplifier compatibility and double the performance

Citation

(1998), "Servo amplifier compatibility and double the performance", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318aad.008

Servo amplifier compatibility and double the performance

Servo amplifier compatibility and double the performance

The ultimate "Direct Thrust", electric linear drive solution has arrived with the announcement by Linear Drives Ltd (LDL), of a new range of linear motors ­ designated the LD series. "With this important new product, the 3-phase output of virtually any industry standard servo amplifier can be converted into Direct Thrust linear motion, with twice the performance in comparison to previous motors", says Hugh-Peter Kelly, chief executive of LDL and inventor of the tubular linear motor.

The new LD series linear motors are electrically identical to conventional rotary brushless servo motors, enabling them to be driven by almost any suitably-rated new, or existing, 3-phase servo amplifier. For the first time, significant reductions in initial installation costs are available, as customers will not only be free to source their favourite servo controller, but their favoured servo amplifier as well, if preferred, although LDL will continue to offer their own competitively priced servo amplifier option with their new LDA310 model.

The announcement of the new LD series is the culmination of a long-term research and development programme, within the UK government-sponsored LINK Initiative, to maximize the potential of LDL's unique linear motor technology. Significantly, in moving to 3-phase operation, motor performance is effectively doubled in comparison to the original SC series, launched only last year, enabling LDL to address fully the requirements of almost every industrial market employing servo technology, and in many cases re-address applications previously thought beyond the scope of earlier linear-motor powered systems.

Outwardly similar in appearance and size to the company's existing SC series, the LD series motors are considerably more responsive and offer substantially higher peak performances, together with much faster top speeds owing to the inherently higher drive voltages used. Short duty cycle speeds of up to eight metres per second are available, while the overall 100 per cent duty cycle performance is itself improved substantially. Higher standard thrusts and faster acceleration/deceleration rates combine to provide commensurate increases in both payload and inertia handling capabilities. This astonishing improvement in performance means that the LD series can offer users a combination of features not available with any other linear motion system.

These powerful new linear motors accommodate travel lengths of up to two metres and are available with or without LDA310 amplifier; as motor modules; or with the motor integrated within a load-bearing axis; or in basic component form only, comprising just "thrust rod" and "motor thrust block" parts. The latter is ideally suited to experienced OEMs wishing to integrate LDL "direct thrust" technology within their own mechanisms.

Both machine-builders and end-users alike will appreciate the significantly improved price/performance ratios offered by the new LD series, along with the benefits of complete industry compatibility and easy system integration. The launch of these new linear motors will be accompanied by a new catalogue and will coincide with the appointment of additional distributors in Europe and North America.

For further information contact: Linear Drives, Luckyn Lane, Pipps Hill, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BW. Tel: 01268 287070; Fax: 01268 293344.