Americanmachinist Com Sites Americanmachinist com Files Uploads 2012 07 88886 Am0705 Rexr 00000061315
Americanmachinist Com Sites Americanmachinist com Files Uploads 2012 07 88886 Am0705 Rexr 00000061315
Americanmachinist Com Sites Americanmachinist com Files Uploads 2012 07 88886 Am0705 Rexr 00000061315
Americanmachinist Com Sites Americanmachinist com Files Uploads 2012 07 88886 Am0705 Rexr 00000061315
Americanmachinist Com Sites Americanmachinist com Files Uploads 2012 07 88886 Am0705 Rexr 00000061315

Fast and Light for Long Axial Movement

July 5, 2012
The Omega Module moves low traveling masses quickly. Bar-feeding systems for machine tools are often required to achieve fast, deep plunges into large workspaces.
The Omega Module moves low traveling masses quickly. Bar-feeding systems for machine tools are often required to achieve fast, deep plunges into large workspaces. The same expectation is common in some assembly line and handling applications. Combined with the increasingly fast cycle times of production machines, this expectation places especially high demands on the axis mechanics in automated processes.Rexroth's new linear motion system, the "Omega Module", addresses the problem by featuring a very low traveling mass so that top speeds can be reached. The belt drive is fixed to both ends of the main body and loops around the drive shaft of the table part in an omega shape (Ω), reducing the module's mass considerably compared to ball screw assemblies, and thereby making it highly dynamic. By guiding the module's table part over ball rail systems, the module achieves a high degree of rigidity for precise movements.

The Omega Module linear motion system allows for higher dynamics over longer distances in feed units, thanks to the combination of its low traveling mass and fast belt drive. Because the drive is stationary, the linear system can be set up in any position in addition to being used as a vertical axis. A pneumatic clamping element maintains the position at standstill and also clamps hanging loads.

As a single-axis system, the Omega Module comes with the necessary mechanical and electrical interfaces to fit with the modular Rexroth EasyHandling system. The system’s standard Easy-2-Combine form-fit connection method can speed assembly and reduce up-front engineering time, even in multi-axis systems. In addition, it simplifies the direct attachment of pneumatic grippers and rotary modules, or other end-of-arm tooling.

One notable feature of EasyHandling is that it allows for fast start-up. With the EasyWizard commissioning tool, only a handful of axis-specific data needs to be entered, which helps to reduce start-up time to just a few minutes. As a single-axis system, the Omega Module is well suited for assembly and handling applications, too, or in other automation tasks.

The Omega Module is offered in three sizes to handle a variety of performance requirements. With a stationary main body, users can specify custom lengths up to 5,500 mm and choose from main bodies (frames) with widths of 55, 85, or 120 mm. This set-up allows for several carriages with their own drive to be operated independently from each other. Rexroth offers the linear motion system with matching drives, motors and controllers. In the largest size, the mechanics are designed for input torques up to 154Nm. With high acceleration speeds of up to 50m/s2 and speeds of up to 5m/s, it opens up the door for reduced cycle times even for longer movements.