The AL series utilizes a fixed planet design, which allows the output housing of the gearbox to drive the pulley versus a standard shaft driven system. This new technology and design allows the pulley to be centered in between two high capacity bearings which increases stiffness and radial load capacities to over 2 times competitive models.

The True Helical gear design increases tooth-to-tooth contact ratio by over 33% vs. the standard spur gearing geometry. The Helix angle is optimized and produces smooth and quiet operation at extreme speeds. (Less than 2 arc-min, less than 56dB, up to 10,000rpms input).

The product is offered in 7 sizes (70mm thru 280mm) and is equipped with standard single & double stage ratios (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90). Covered by the industry leading 5-year tip to toe warranty and delivery is guaranteed with in two weeks or it’s FREE.

With traditional rack and pinion systems, the pinion gear teeth slide along the rack teeth as the pinion rotates. To reduce wear and friction, a small clearance is required between the rack teeth and pinion teeth. Depending on the application, this may introduce too much inaccuracy. For higher accuracy, a ballscrew might be used, but ballscrews have a limited length and speed. Linear motors address the speed and length issue, but the cost of long magnet tracks can be prohibitive.

The RPS system addresses the accuracy and wear issues by using bearing supported rollers and a special rack tooth profile. The rollers meet each tooth along a tangent path and smoothly roll down the tooth face, as opposed to a pinion which slaps into the tooth and then slides down its face. This increases life and lowers noise. The tooth profile is designed so that two rollers are loaded in opposition at all times, providing zero backlash.

The RPS system can achieve speeds up to 11 m/s and provide dynamic thrust up to 14000 N (3150 lbf). Racks can be assembled together in 0.5 and 1 meter increments, allowing unlimited travel lengths. As shown with the sample data below, the system’s accuracy is better than +/- 30 microns and does not vary with travel distance.

The video below shows the RPS system in action.

Radial air-bearing modules do not constrain rotary motion using a 360° housing as is the case with rolling-element bearings. Instead they are positioned in combinations of three or four segments to support a rotor over just a small percentage of its circumference….

Radial air bearings can handle extremely high speeds thanks to their lack of friction. A general rule of thumb is that an air bearing will have only 10% of the load capacity of similar-sized rolling-element bearing but will have 10 times the speed capability and 100 times less friction….

Typically, radial rolling-element bearings have an inner and outer race that goes 360° around the rotating body. These races and the rolling elements they contain must be fit with a high degree of precision. The ability to manufacture parts with this type of precision has been the exclusive domain of bearing manufacturers.

Radial air bearings built as modules change this paradigm dramatically. Modular-radial air bearings support the rotor from a small percentage of the circumference. So the relative size between the rotor and the radius on the bearing is not critical. This means you can buy the radial air bearings and machine races on the rotor yourself, if need be….

Read the full article here: http://machinedesign.com/article/modular-air-bearings-for-motion-control-0721

The PE series uses fully supported planet gearing and thicker planet gears to increase the tooth-to-tooth contact ratio, resulting in torque capacities over 30% higher than other standard spur gearing geometry. The gearing is optimized and produces smooth and quiet operation at extreme speeds. At up to 8000 RPM input speed, noise is held under 68 dB while backlash is less than 6 arc-min.

The product is offered in 5 sizes from 50 mm to 155 mm and is equipped with single stage ratios of 3,4,5,7, and 10:1 along with 9 more double stage ratios of from 15:1 to 100:1. Other options in the PE series are Square Metric (PB) and English Nema (PN), all of which are available from stock.

The PE series gearboxes are covered by Apex’s industry leading 2-year tip to toe warranty. Delivery is guaranteed within two weeks or the gearboxes are free.

Linear Motioneering users enter application parameters including mounting configuration, environmental conditions, positioning, loading and move requirements. With that information, the system recommends a choice of specific systems optimized to meet the demands of the particular application. The recommended product solution, including any accessories and motor mounts, is assigned a Smart Part Number that the machine builder can use to order the linear motion system with all accessories pre-mounted and ready for integration into the machine.

A motor interface selector allows users to enter motor dimensions, or any major manufacturer’s motor model number, and the system automatically configures the mating flange and coupling. Linear Motioneering also provides safety factors for critical system components that allows users to make a decision based not just on price, but on the safety margin of his or her selection. Users can change the move profile and calculate the resulting loads and safety factors on the fly. An environmental screen guides the user not only to the base system selection, but also displays appropriate options such as material and coatings that are suitable for that environment.

Linear Motioneering also includes a Configure Your Solution mode which provides all of the same deliverables as the Sizing and Selection mode, but is intended for those who are familiar with Danaher Motion products and want to quickly configure a part number. The Lookup by Part Number module is a way for repeat customers to confirm current pricing and part number configuration.