Keywords
Citation
(2001), "World's smallest ThrustTube unveiled", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321cad.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
World's smallest ThrustTube unveiled
World's smallest ThrustTube unveiledKeywords: Linear drives, Positioning, Product development
Linear Drives Ltd, manufacturer of the acclaimed ThrustTube range of tubular linear motors, has previewed its latest and smallest product to customers from selected market sectors. The new device, called ThrustTube Micro, opens up new horizons for linear motor actuation.
Innovative design and materials are at the heart of the new miniaturised ThrustTube Micro motor. The motor block weighs just 70g and is constructed from advanced polymer and epoxy to minimise weight, and therefore inertia. As a result, accelerations of 30G are achievable while retaining sub-micron positional accuracy. Using polymers also eliminates eddy currents in the device, making the new motor exceptionally energy efficient and able to achieve speeds of 30m/sec.
Applications already identified for the ThrustTube Micro include: precision Z-axis control on placement machinery in electronics manufacturing; component handling; intricate packaging processes; semiconductor wafer handling; photonic stages; smooth scanning operations; and general high speed point-to-point movement for light payloads.
"Miniaturisation is the way forward in modern precision motion systems", says joint managing director, Scott Pleva. "Our customers want high performance, reliable motors that take up less space and are easy to install. Thanks to our unique tubular linear motor expertise, we are also able to deliver it to them for less cost than other motion systems capable of operating on this scale."
A range of ThrustTube Micro solutions will offer motor block sizes smaller than a matchbox running on a thrust rod of 11mm diameter with lengths of up to 800mm.
For further information please contact Bill Luckin, Linear Drives Ltd, Luckyn Lane, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BW, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1268 287070; Fax: +44 (0)1268 293344; E-mail: bill@linear.co.uk (UK); E-mail: robh@thrusttube.com (USA).