Tailored to requirements
With its extensive range of linear technology, IEF-Werner offers modular and flexible solutions that can perform manual or motorised tasks as required. To meet the growing demands of modern automation, IEF-Werner is continuously developing these solutions in a targeted manner. Practical examples illustrate the benefits of linear units and positioning systems in a wide variety of applications.
“Our manual and motorised linear systems are precise, dynamic and flexible,” Thomas Hettich, Product Line Manager for linear axes and motorised rotary tables at IEF-Werner, says. “Our customers use them in a wide range of applications: in mechanical engineering, measurement and testing technology, optics, and laser and medical technology.” With its product range, the automation specialist covers solutions for both simple adjustments and complex multi-axis systems.
Manual linear drives
“Our domiLINE series is the centrepiece of our manual adjustment units,” Fabian Wald explains. At IEF-Werner, he is the Product Manager for manual adjustment units. “With four sizes ranging from domiLINE 30 to domiLINE 120, we can cover strokes of 5 to 100 millimetres and pitches of 0.5 to 6 millimetres as standard. Significantly larger strokes are also possible on request.” If a particularly robust design is required, the positioners are available in anodised aluminium. A version with a stainless steel guide is also available.
The high positioning accuracy of ±0.05 millimetres allows for precise positioning and adjustment of workpieces, sensors, camera lenses, nozzles or tools. The range of accessories includes mounting kits, mounting plates, connecting elements for XY and XZ combinations, clamps, handwheels and various position indicators. Fabian Wald: “This enables us to create modular systems for our customers that support simple linear adjustments as well as complex axis combinations and multi-axis applications.”
Motorised linear drives
IEF-Werner offers a comprehensive range of motorised linear drives, ranging from toothed belt drives to high-precision linear motor axes. “Our toothed belt axes cover strokes of up to 6,500 millimetres and a load of up to 150 kilograms on the carriage,” Thomas Hettich explains.
The profiLINE series comprises spindle axes with feed forces of up to 5,000 newtons. They are optimised for applications that require precision and high load-bearing capacity. The euroLINE series comprises dynamic linear motor drives with a repeatability of up to ±5 micrometres at speeds of up to 5 metres per second. With this range, the ideal axis can be selected based on the required dynamics, accuracy, travel distance and load to be moved.
Further developments and innovations
In recent years, IEF-Werner has continuously refined its linear technology. For instance, the automation specialist has introduced spindle supports for the profiLINE 140 and 200 spindle drives. This enables, for example, higher rotational speeds and thus travel speeds of up to one metre per second with a stroke of 1,600 millimetres. This corresponds to a reduction in cycle time of up to 40 per cent.
Metal strip covers ensure reduced particle emission in selected linear units. They are certified up to cleanroom class ISO 1. Equipped with these, linear guides are suitable for use in sectors such as medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry. The axes can be combined to form modular positioning systems and are also installed in the varioSTACK CF (Clean Factory) cleanroom palletiser, amongst other applications. Furthermore, variants for potentially explosive atmospheres (zone 2) have been designed with antistatic timing belts, ESD-rated energy chains and special elastomer couplings.
Another key area of innovation is the so-called 7th axis: this additional linear axis enables robots to achieve an extended reach, thereby enhancing efficiency in assembly and handling tasks. “As the control electronics for our axes can be partially installed in the robot’s control cabinet, our solution is very compact. Multi-axis applications with additional auxiliary axes are also possible,” Thomas Hettich says. A single cable between the control electronics and the linear unit is sufficient.
Practical applications
Linear units and positioning systems are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, in conjunction with multi-gripper systems, in 3-axis positioning systems for pick-and-place handling with cycle times of 260 parts per minute, or with multiple spindle axes from the profiLINE series featuring a stroke of up to 2,310 millimetres within an inspection system.
Systems with linear motor drives, developed specifically to meet customer requirements, enable demanding inspection processes with high efficiency and precision. Stroke lengths of over eleven metres and speeds of up to 2.1 metres per second can be achieved.
