Linear Actuator Systems From Alpha: a Credible and Convincing Alternative
The alpha actuator system - an innovative alternative
The alpha actuator system is based on a combination of several innovative elements, which only have the desired effect when united in this way:
o Production and test engineering for rack-and-pinion units facilitate an unprecedented degree of precision
o Innovative servo motor and transmission technology
o Calculation, simulation, etc. of the complete system in tandem with other innovations (e.g. the type of connection between various system elements)
The actuator system consists of a high-precision rack-and-pinion unit (positioning accuracy: < 12 microns) and a rotary actuator which moves the load on this unit. The system was developed for high-end machine building applications such as machine tools. Thanks to the outstanding system characteristics, the results are as good as - if not better than - linear motors at a fraction of the price.
The new actuator system is not intended as a straight substitute for linear motors. It is rather the key to incredible boosts in performance - dynamics, precision, productivity, quality - in all applications which until now have been solved with a ball screw drive or a planetary ball screw. Although linear motors theoretically represent an attractive alternative for this kind of application, they are generally disregarded on account of their high costs.
Compared to conventional technology based on ball screw drives, the alpha system impresses with up to five times faster travel speeds and up to three times better positioning accuracy - with only marginally higher costs and no increase in machinery room volume. Compared to linear motors, the same performance can usually be achieved at 60% lower cost (with a travel distance of 4 m).
Numerous other compelling arguments become evident in practical duty: special training for assembly personnel is no longer necessary, efficiency is far superior to linear motors (energy saving) and a constant, high rigidity is assured over the complete travel distance. Furthermore, the reduction in electricity costs for a CNC milling centre can amount to as much as 20 euros per hour of operation compared to a linear motor.
The majority of machine builders have long dreamed of controlling linear movements faster and more precisely than is possible with ball screw drives - but until now have never had the opportunity owing to the high cost of linear motors. The new actuator system from alpha gear drives unleashes previously inaccessible potentials for innovations throughout the high-end machinery sector.
alpha gear drives is an industry innovator for motion control products, manufacturing and marketing precision planetary gear reducers and actuators used in automated machines for the printing, packaging, food processing, machining and medical industries.
Contact:
Miriam Bilstein
alpha gear drives, Inc.
1249 Humbracht Circle
Bartlett, IL 60103
Ph: 1 630 540 5341
Fax: 1 630 739 6141
mbilstein@alphagear.com
www.alphagear.com
