New linear motors lower installation costs

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Oct 22, 2004

The Beckhoff linear motor range, available exclusively in the UK from Hayes Control Systems, has an unusual approach to the way the motors are controlled: they can use common amplifiers and encoders

The new Beckhoff linear motor range, available exclusively in the UK from Hayes Control Systems, has an unusual approach to the way the motors are controlled.

Conventionally, as motors differ in size, so too do the magnet track spacings.

This leads to the need for discrete commutation and specific amplifiers for each motor.

By retaining common pole spacing, the same encoder and amplifier type can be used for all the motors.

The ramifications for this approach are that it is possible to operate several primary sections within a single magnet track.

This reduces the installation and component costs and opens up application possibilities that would otherwise not be considered for linear motors.

A further breakthrough has been made by obviating the need for water cooling that most competitive motors in the power range require.

Essentially the motors were designed with minimum heat transfer resistance to achieve this.

The result is a particularly compact design that is ideal for high dynamic performance in confined areas.

The motor ranges are the AL2400 series that comprises two motors with peak force of 120N or 240N and speeds up to 8m/sec; and the AL2800 series that has four motors with forces of 2250N, 4500N, 6750N and 9000N at speeds from 2.5m/sec to 6m/sec.

All the motors have 24mm pole spacing and the AL2400 motors are 50mm wide, while the larger AL2800 series are 130mm wide.

The iron-cored forcers of the motors are designed to withstand aggressive environments and this philosophy extends also to the magnet track, which is shrouded by a stainless steel cover.

The use of iron core technology also provides high power density and maximum dynamics.

The AL2400 and AL2800 products complement the existing Beckhoff AL2000 range to provide a complete portfolio of linear motors offering compact performance.