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ANCA Motion’s LinX^® range of tubular linear motors has its origins in world-leading tool grinding machines, but their features make them a match for a vast range of automation applications including packaging, food and beverage manufacturing, printing, pharmaceutical, rollforming, textile production, and test and measurement.

ANCA Motion’s sister company, ANCA CNC Machines, introduced tubular linear motors in 2014 for its award-winning FX Linear and MX Linear machines.

These direct drive motors have since demonstrated some clear advantages over ball screw and flatbed linear motors and the range of applications where they are proving superior is continuing to grow. To satisfy the increasing market needs, ANCA Motion developed the LinX® M-series motors.

Indirect drive systems like belt and ball screw drives are the common ways to convert rotary movement to linear movement. They are however slow and liable to wear due to their moving parts. Direct drive linear motors can be more expensive initially, but offer a quick return on investment, as well as precise positional control, speed and other benefits.

The speed and acceleration advantages over ball screw motors - which convert rotary to linear motion via thread and nut - are especially impressive. The LinX^® M-Series can reach a top speed of 10 metres per second, which is a magnitude faster than ball screws, without the loss of preload.

Traditional flatbed linear motors have their advantages, but come under mechanical stress due to the strong attractive forces between the forcer and magnets, which usually require a higher grade linear bearing and result in faster wear.  In comparison to this, ANCA Motion’s tubular linear LinX^® range has zero attractive force between the forcer and shaft thanks to its symmetrical tubular design, greatly improving machine lifecycle and reducing maintenance. Another advantage of the tubular design is that it makes full use of magnetic flux in comparison to a flatbed motor, leading to higher efficiency.

“In packaging and machinery applications, whenever high speed or acceleration is required for linear motion, the adoption of a tubular linear motor such as LinX^® not only increases reliability dramatically b­­ut can achieve much higher energy efficiency gains,” explains Heng Luo, Product Manager, ANCA Motion, of the series.

The LinX^® M-Series is rated to a peak force of 1,200 N, and with a continuous force range of 80 - 160 N, high speed and acceleration, and integrated position at a resolution of 10um.

Safety is another critical factor a tubular linear motor is far more simple and safer to install than ball screws and flatbed linear motors which have inherent risks associated such as crushed fingers during installation or maintenance. The non-critical 1mm air gap offers a significant safety advantage for machine builders and end user operational staff.

The LinX^® range have their magnets fully encased in the stainless steel tube, and the forcers are also fully potted. All these enable LinX^® motors achieve a tight seal. Harsh environment applications are therefore another area where tubular linear motors shine, due to their integrity. LinX^® motors are IP66 rated, with IP69K upgrades possible for environments such as the food and beverage industry, where regular washdowns are carried out.

“The forcer part of the motor is completely potted so there’s no chance for any water to go into the device,” adds Heng.

“With all of these considerations, the product achieves IP66. The motors are also available with hard-anodizing option, which is often required in harsh environments.”

 

17 April 2020