The Linear Motion Blogger

Motion Control – Compact High Force Iron Core Brushless Linear Motor!

November 27th, 2018

Editor

Santa Clarita, CA —- Motion Control – H2W engineers have developed a compact high force brushless linear motor (BLSM-1F) that can generate 300 lbs [1330 N] at a 10% duty cycle and 100 lbs [444 N] at a 100% duty cycle, and, when used with a matching magnet track (BLST-FSX). The mass of the coil assembly is 19 lbs [9 Kg] which gives a force to moving mass ratio of 15:8

The motor can be driven using either a trapezoidal or digital standard three phase brushless amplifier. The Brushless Linear Motor Coil measures 6.53 in X 7.50 in x 1.50 in [170 mm x 190 mm x 38 mm]. This Brushless Linear Motor is designed for applications that require a wide speed range and a relatively high force. This motor is encapsulated using high temperature 350°F [176°C] thermally conductive potting compound which protects the components and seals it from dust and moisture.

The 3-phase brushless linear motors, also known as an AC linear servo motors, are direct drive motors that are ideal for long stroke, closed loop servo, linear motion applications. They can be used at speeds up to 240 in/sec [6 m/sec]. They are capable of very precise position, velocity and acceleration control when coupled with a linear encoder for position feedback.

The laminated 3 phase wound coil assembly is used in conjunction with a linear magnet track to produce a controlled linear force. A customer supplied bearing system is required to maintain the .060 in [1.5 mm] air gap between the coil assembly and the magnet track. There is a relatively large attractive force between the motor coil and the magnet assembly. The magnet track consists of rare earth neodymium magnets and the require overall length is equal to the coil assembly length plus the stroke length.

Advantages:

Uses a standard three-phase brushless amplifier

Multiple coils can operate on the same magnet track assembly

Unlimited stroke length

High force to moving mass ratio

The magnetic attractive force between the coil and magnet track assemblies creates preload for a bearing system

Typical Brushless Linear Motor Applications:

Conveying Systems

Baggage Handling

Coordinate Measurement Machines

Laser and Water Jet Cutting

Pick-and-Place Machinery

About H2W Technologies, Inc.

H2W Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements.

See Newsletter: https://www.h2wtech.com/article/compact-high-force-ironcore-brushless-linear-motor

See Product: https://www.h2wtech.com/product/brushless-linear/BLSM-1F”

For additional information contact Mark Wilson at H2W Technologies, 26380 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; Tel: 888-702-0540, Fax: 661-251-2067, E-Mail: info@h2wtech.com or visit the website at http://www.h2wtech.com

Motion Control – Voice Coil Positioning Stage – VCS13-108-LB-01-MCF from H2W Technologies

October 25th, 2018

Editor

Motion Control - H2W Technologies Voice Coil Positioning Stage

Santa Clarita, CA —– Motion Control – The VCS13-108-LB-01-MCF voice coil positioning stage uses H2W voice coil motor NCC13-30-108-1SH to generate a continuous/peak force of 10.8 lbs [48.0 N]/32.4 lbs [144 N] with a total stroke length of 1.3 in [31.8 mm]. The 1.0-micron resolution encoder allows for precise positioning. The load cell with signal conditioner (100 N capacity, 1 N resolution) allows for 1-100 N of push/pull force feedback. It comes supplied with a rigid recirculating ball linear bearing. The motor coil is the moving part of the assembly to reduce the moving mass of the system. Power is supplied to the motor via a high flex, high reliability flat ribbon cable.

Motor P/N	NCC13-30-108-1SH
Stroke	1.25 in	31.8 mm
Encoder Resolution	1 micron
Bearing Type	Linear Bearing
Moving Mass	1.5 oz	0.42 grams
Total Mass	6 oz	2 grams
Resistance @ 20C	4.8 ohms
Inductance @ 20C	4.1 mH
Electrical Time Constant	0.9 msec
Motor Constant	2.3 lbs/vwatt	7.6 N/vwatt
Force Constant	5 lbs/amp	22.3 N/amp
Back EMF	0.5 V/ips	22.3 V/m/sec
Force @ 100% Duty	10.8 lbs	48 N
Power @ 100% Duty	23 watts
Current @ 100% Duty	2.2 amps
Force @ 10% Duty	32.4 lbs	144 N
Power @ 10% Duty	200 watts
Current @ 10% Duty	6.5 amps
Moving Part	Coil Assembly

For Product Drawing CLICK HERE!

Voice Coil Positioning Stages – Overview –

The Voice Coil Positioning Stage is a compact, small footprint positioning stage. It is ideal for closed loop positioning applications with a short stroke where intricate position, velocity, and acceleration control is necessary.

Their compact size allows them to fit into small spaces. They have very low electrical and mechanical time constants. The low moving mass allows for high accelerations of light payloads.

The ironless core coil assembly has no magnetic attractive force to the stationary magnet assembly, which reduces the load on the bearing system, which increases the life of the bearing. There are no magnetic drag forces (hysteresis), which allows for higher accelerations.

These actuators are wound in such a way that no commutation is required for motion to occur. Electrical devices such as Hall Effects are not necessary. The result is a much simpler and more reliable system.

The VCS positioning stage incorporates the latest in linear motion technology:

Motors: non-commutated moving coil (NCC) or moving magnet (NCM) voice coil motors.

Bearings: Linear guidance and stiffness is achieved by using high precision ball slides or cross roller slides. Other types of bearings and bushings are available depending on the application.

Feedback: Non-contact optical or magnetic linear encoders with a center reference mark for homing. Typical encoder output is A and B square wave signals but sinusoidal output is available as an option. Analog feedback is available via LVDT or Force Transducer.

Limit Switches: Soft limits are typically used and monitored by the controller. But, if needed, end of travel limit switches may be included at both ends of the stroke. The switches can be either active high/low (5V to 24V). The limit switches can be used to shut down the amplifier or to signal the controller that an error has occurred. The limit switches can be an integral part of the encoder or can be mounted separately if required.

Hard Stops: Hard stops are incorporated into the ends of the stage to prevent over travel damage in the event of servo system failure.

Advantages:

Small Size, High Force to Weight Ratio
High Accelerations
No Cogging or Commutation
Custom Designs with Quick Turnaround Times
High Flux Density Neodymium Magnets are Used
Low Cost Economical Solution

Applications:

Mirror Tilt and Focusing
Z Axis for Pick and Place Equipment
Medical Diagnostic Probes and Laser Beam Steering
Vision Inspection
Miniature Position Control
Clean room

Stages can be ordered for any stroke up to 2 inches and any continuous force up to 100 lbs. The stages are built as the orders are placed, they are not stocked, as each customer requirement is different.

It should be noted that for both types of actuators (NCC & NCM) used for these stages, longer strokes are available but the efficiency or motor constant (Km) decreases as the stroke increases. This is due to the fact that the motor constant is inversely proportional to the stroke. If higher efficiency is desired for longer stroke actuators, the coil assembly can be wound as a multiphase coil and then it will have to be commutated. Please consult the factory for long stroke applications.

CLICK HERE to request a QUOTE

YouTube Videos

https://www.h2wtech.com/category/voice-coil-stages#videos1

About H2W Technologies, Inc.

H2W Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements.

See Article: https://www.h2wtech.com/product/voice-coil-stages/VCS13-108-LB-01-MCF

See Product: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/voice-coil-stages#specifications1

For additional information contact Mark Wilson at H2W Technologies, 26380 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; Tel: 888-702-0540, Fax: 661-251-2067, E-Mail: info@h2wtech.comor visit the website at http://www.h2wtech.com

Motion Control – Compact Linear Induction Motor Is Available from H2W Technologies!

October 18th, 2018

Editor

Santa Clarita, CA —– Motion Control – H2W engineers have developed a compact Linear Induction Motor (LMAA-04-01) that can generate 10.6 lbs [47 N] at a 15% duty cycle. Operating at 208 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz, the synchronous velocity of this LIM is 160 in/sec [4 m/s]. This LIM was designed for high speed operation; however, it can also be operated at stall (zero speed) to produce static thrust. This motor is encapsulated using high temperature 350°F [176°] potting compound which protects the components and seals it from moisture.

A non-contacting, high speed, linear motor measuring just 8.7 in. [223 mm] long x 3.0 in. [75 mm] wide x 1.7 in. [43 mm] high this LIM operates on the same principal as a rotary, squirrel cage, induction motor. They are typically used in applications that do not require positioning.

The 3-phase coil assembly can be directly connected to the AC line for single speed applications or to an adjustable frequency drive for variable speed control of the motor. The motors are reversible and can also be dynamically braked.

The laminated coil assembly is used in conjunction with a customer supplied aluminum and steel reaction plate to produce a force. A customer supplied bearing system is required to maintain the .125 in. [3.0 mm] air gap between the coil assembly and the reaction plate. The length of the reaction plate is typically equal to the coil assembly length plus the stroke.

Advantages:

Only 2 Parts
Wide Speed Range
No Maintenance
Non-contact
Ease of Control and Installation

Typical LIM Applications:

Conveying Systems
Baggage Handling
Personal Rapid Transport Systems
Theme Park Rides
Active linear braking systems

See Product: https://www.h2wtech.com/product/linear-induction/LMAA-04-01″

See Additional Products: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/linear-induction#specifications1

See Operating Info: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/linear-induction#operatingInfo1

See Control Options: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/linear-induction#position1

See Tutorial: http://motionshop.com/pr/H2W-Linear-Induction-Motor-Tutorial.shtml

See Youtube Video: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/linear-induction#videos1

About H2W Technologies, Inc.

H2W Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements.

For additional information contact Mark Wilson at H2W Technologies, 26380 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; Tel: 888-702-0540, Fax: 661-251-2067, E-Mail: info@h2wtech.com or visit the website at http://www.h2wtech.com

Linear Motion Control – High Torque Rotary Voice Coil Actuators!

July 3rd, 2018

Editor

Linear Motion Control - H2W High Torque Voice Coil Actuators

Santa Clarita, CA —– Linear Motion Control – H2W Technologies has developed several high torque rotary voice coil actuators, otherwise known as a limited angle torque motors or LATs. The model TWR-015-346-2RC was designed to allow for a low moving mass (68 grams per coil) and inertia, as well as dual independent coils to allow for two independent motion profiles or couple the coils together to double the torque output. This rotary voice coil actuator can generate a continuous torque of 185 in-oz [1.29 N-m] and a peak torque of 555 in-oz [3.88 N-m] at a duty cycle of 10% (i.e. 1 second on, and 9 seconds off) in each coil on a 4 inch [102 mm] rotation arm. By coupling the coils together, the continuous torque doubles to 370 in-oz [2.58 N-m] with a peak torque of 1110 in-oz [7.75 N-m] at a 10% duty cycle.

The TWR-015-346-2RC has a total angular displacement of 15 degrees [0.26 radians] and a motor constant of 34.4 in-oz/sqrt(watt) [0.24 N-m/sqrt(watt)] per coil or when coupled together the motor constant is 48.5 in-oz/sqrt(watt) [0.34 N-m/sqrt(watt)]. The voice coil motor requires 1.33 amps of continuous current per coil and 4.0 amps of peak current per coil to generate the specified forces. The actuator fits in and envelope of 4.37 in [111.1 mm] x 2.99 in [75.9 mm] x 1.64 in [41.5 mm].

The moving coil design ensures a hysteresis free movement as the coil is wet wound and self-supported, and the non-commutated coil allows for ripple-free motion and no cogging. The voice coil actuator has been designed with mounting provisions in the magnet and coil assemblies. This allows for the integration of a bearing system to maintain the clearances between the coil and permanent magnetic field assemblies. The rotary voice coil actuator is ideal for applications requiring high torque and high-speed applications. Examples of such applications are driving a gimbal axis in scanning applications as well as providing stabilizing torques for image stabilization. More examples of H2W’s Rotary Voice Coils are available on our website: https://www.h2wtech.com/category/rotary-voicecoil-actuators

Technology

Simply stated, a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field will have a force (or torque) exerted upon it. This force is proportional to the direction and magnitude of the current and the flux density field. Since the permanent magnet flux density field is fixed, the direction of the rotation depends on the polarity of input current and the amount of torque that is produced is directly proportional to the magnitude of the input current.

Linear Motion Control - H2W High Torque Voice Coil Actuators - Drawing

A DC linear servo amplifier is required to provide power to the torquer.

Rotary voice coil actuators are supplied unhoused without bearings.

Coupling the rotary voice coil actuator to your bearing system and a rotary encoder or other feedback device yields a system that is capable of intricate angular position, velocity, and acceleration control.

Low moving inertia of the moving coil assembly allows for high angular acceleration of the payload.

Advantages:

No Torque Ripple
High Angular Acceleration
No Commutation
Zero Cogging
Brushless
Low Profile

Applications:

Aerospace

Semiconductor

Medical

Military

Rotary Voice Coil Motor – is an arc segmented multipole permanent magnet stator with a low inertia copper magnet wire rotor. Angular excursions are typically less than 90º. This torquer is supplied with out a shaft or bearing.

TWR Series Limited Angle Torque Motor

The TWR Series is comprised of a stationary, arc segmented, multipole permanent magnet stator assembly with a low inertia wound wire rotor.

Rotor: The rotor is made up of a single coil of bondable copper magnet wire. The coil is wound and preformed into the desired shape. It is held together with the bonding agents in the wire. It can be encapsulated with aluminum or plastic brackets in order to provide a means for mounting the rotor to the bearing system and payload. The maximum angular excursion is less than 90º.

Stator: The stationary stator assembly consists of multipole permanent magnets that are bonded to steel plates. The 2 opposing steel plates are spaced apart to provide a gap using end plates. The coil rotor assembly moves angularly within this gap. There is no magnetic attractive force between the stator and the rotor.

The TWR Series Torquers are available in 2 configurations.

The low profile (Type L) configuration has a smaller overall height which allows it to fit in a more compact space, but has less angular rotation for a given stator arc segment.

The second configuration (Type S) has a larger overall height but has typically twice the angular rotation per given stator arc segment when compared to the Type L torquer.

No Torque Ripple
High Angular Acceleration
No Commutation
Brushless
Low Profile

For Product Descriptions of High Torque Voice Coil Actuators CLICK HERE

About H2W Technologies, Inc.

H2W Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements.

For additional information contact Mark Wilson at H2W Technologies, 26380 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; Tel: 888-702-0540, Fax: 661-251-2067, E-Mail: info@h2wtech.com or visit the website at http://www.h2wtech.com

Linear Motion Tutorial – What is a Voice Coil Actuator?

April 19th, 2018

Editor

Understanding the Basics of a Voice Coil Actuator

A voice coil actuator, also known as a non-commutated DC linear actuator, is a type of direct drive linear motor. The name “voice coil” comes from one of its historically first applications: vibrating the paper cone of a loudspeaker. They are currently used for a wide range of applications, including moving much larger masses. It consists of a permanent magnetic field assembly (permanent magnets and ferrous steel) and a coil assembly. The current flowing through the coil assembly interacts with the permanent magnetic field and generates a force vector perpendicular to the direction of the current. The force vector can be reversed by changing the polarity of current flowing through the coil.

A non-commutated DC linear actuator, typically referred to as a voice coil, is capable of a displacement of up to 5 inches, whereas most actuators have displacements up to 2 inches. Voice coils come in a range of sizes, from devices that generate a few ounces of force, to others that generate several hundred pounds of force. In addition, voice coil actuators can move bi-directionally, have a constant force over the stroke, and can be used for either open loop applications or closed loop position or force applications.

A voice coil actuator generates a force based on an interaction of current carrying conductors in a permanent magnetic field. The force generated by the voice coil is proportional to the cross product of the current flowing through the coil and the magnetic flux in the permanent magnetic field, as dictated by Lorentz’ force equation:

F = B x I

F= Force (lbs or N)
B = Flux density (Tesla)
I = Current (Amps)

The force generated is relatively constant throughout the stroke of the actuator, with minor decreases in force at the beginning and end of the stroke.

Either the coil assembly or permanent magnetic field assembly can be used as the moving member in a voice coil actuator.

Moving Coil

Voice coil actuators come in a variety of packages. The standard type, which most people are familiar with are moving coil type actuators. These typically involve a coil wound around a bobbin, which can be made from many non-magnetic materials, which moves in and out of a permanent magnetic field assembly consisting of a steel housing with a concentric permanent magnet assembly in the middle. A typical example can be found below:

Moving Magnet

Another common type of actuator would be the moving magnet design, where the coil is fixed and magnet assembly moves. This construction change would prevent moving leads during operation. The package operates similarly, but instead of an exposed coil that moves in and out of the magnet assembly, the moving magnet style utilizes a permanent magnetic field assembly “piston” moving inside a cylindrical coil tube. This style often comes with the permanent field assembly attached to a shaft, and end caps containing bearings so that this style is most commonly supplied with an integrated bearing system. A typical example can be found below:

There are variations on both common designs of either actuator design that allow for unique geometry, and the integration of voice coil actuators into several applications.

A few examples of customizations available are:

Large radial clearances so that the voice coil can be used in limited rotation applications
Designs that intentionally operate the voice coil motor in an arc (commonly referred to as a rotary voice coil actuator)
Using low outgassing materials to enable use in vacuum environments
Integration of feedback devices for closed loop control

Voice coil actuators are typically used in focusing applications, oscillatory systems, mirror tilting, and miniature position control.

Advantages of Voice Coil Actuators

Simplicity of construction
Very low hysteresis
Small size
High accelerations
No cogging or commutation

Typical Specifications for Voice Coil Actuators

Type

Stroke

Peak Force

Diameter

Power Consumption

Frequency Range

Moving Coil

0.1 to 5.2 inches

0.1 to 134 mm

0.1 to 1755 lbs

0.1 to 7020 N

0.4 to 10 inches

10 to 254 mm

1 to 2700 watts

1 to 500 Hz

Moving Magnet

0.1 to 4 inches

0.1 to 101 mm

0.1 to 419 lbs

0.1 to 1865 N

0.4 to 6.5 inches

10 to 164 mm

1 to 3400 watts

1 to 500 Hz

H2W Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements.

For additional information contact Mark Wilson at H2W Technologies, 26380 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; Tel: 888-702-0540 FREE, Fax: 661-251-2067, E-Mail: info@h2wtech.comor visit the website at http://www.h2wtech.com