Aston, PA, October 2001 - Amacoil/Uhing has introduced a new RS "rolling ring" linear actuator featuring an integrated linear scale providing both travel direction sensing capability and linear position control with up to 0.0004 inches (0.01 mm) resolution. The RS/linear scale assembly is designed for PLC-controlled indexing, measuring and positioning processes. The sensor and pre-configured electronics are enclosed in a compact, lightweight housing mounted to the actuator. With applications in a variety of automation manufacturing industries including textile, automotive, metrology and CNC machining, the Amacoil/Uhing RS/linear scale assembly also offers the efficiency and low maintenance benefits associated with rolling ring technology, which converts rotary motion input into linear output using a smooth, unthreaded drive shaft.

The RS/linear scale uses an offset quadrature output signal to the controller enabling the system to derive not only linear position but also rotational direction (travel direction), which makes a secondary translation module unnecessary. A 2 meter cable with flying leads is supplied permitting users to select cable length and the type of terminations used at the controller end. The Amacoil/Uhing linear scale assembly is built to customer specifications and arrives as a "ready to go" unit which is readily installed in production machinery. Amacoil application engineers can help with RS linear actuator sizing and selection.

The RS rolling ring linear actuator in the assembly bears the load and is available in five pitch settings. Standard RS pitch is 0.5 times the shaft diameter and the device is also available with four other pitch settings - 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 times the shaft diameter. Five sizes accommodate different diameter shafts and varying load and thrust requirements. Rolling ring engineering ensures there is virtually zero backlash and provides automatic overload protection ensuring that the nut will slip, not jam, in the event of overload.

Configurable for vertical or horizontal travel, the RS/linear scale assembly operates on a smooth drive shaft at speeds of up to 8,000 rpm. Travel speed is up to 4 ft./sec. and the assembly is custom made to accommodate stroke length requirements. Axial thrust is up to 202 lbs. The only maintenance required is periodic, light lubrication of the shaft. Since the drive shaft is threadless, its smooth surface remains clean and clog-free without the design and fabrication of a protective bellows assembly. An optional free-movement lever permits manual positioning of the nut while the system is stopped making it unnecessary to "jog" the actuator into position by starting and stopping the system.

Amacoil specializes in the design and production of rolling ring linear motion systems for reciprocating, positioning and indexing applications. Amacoil/Uhing linear actuators are the original rolling ring drives and, in many applications, reduce or eliminate the system's dependency on complex controls. Rolling ring drives are inherently low maintenance and require no special training to operate. Amacoil applications engineers provide technical and engineering support.

For more information please contact Amacoil.
Tel: 800-252-2645
email: amacoil@amacoil.com