Strong and to the point

Electric drive of the LEKFS series from SMC ensures for particularly high precision.

This impresses with a positioning accuracy of ±0.01 mm and high rigidity thanks to an innovative design consisting of a 2-row recirculating ball bearing guide on each side. Easy-to-mount signal transmitters, easy interchangeability with LEFS series drives, compatibility with a wide range of JXC series stepper motor controllers and optional equipment with battery-free absolute encoder complete the complete package of the new LEKFS series e-drive.

Whether in the automotive, electrical or semiconductor industries, the food or beverage sector, the packaging industry or general automation: electric drives have long been part of the standard repertoire. But when it comes to moving even heavy objects particularly safely and precisely, conventional electric drives reach their limits. SMC has developed the LEKFS series as a solution to this problem. Thanks to its smart design, it offers users a positioning accuracy of ±0.01 mm with high rigidity.

In addition, signal encoders can be easily attached via mounting slots, dust sealing tape magnets are available to protect against particles for all sizes, it is compatible with various stepper motor controllers from SMC's JXC series - and a battery-free absolute encoder is also available as an option. The pneumatic and electrical automation specialist has also designed the assembly to be compatible with the LEFS series, allowing for interchangeability and thus smooth machine updates.

Safe and precise positioning

Inside the LEKFS series, a 4-row recirculating ball bearing guide (2 on each side) ensures that the electric actuator has particularly high precision and rigidity - in the LEFS series, the rail guide had only one row of balls on each side. This results firstly in a precise positioning accuracy of ±0.01 mm and secondly in particularly high rigidity: the deviation from the slide position is up to 50% less with size 40 and a load of 500 N compared with the LEFS series and is only 0.027 mm. The deviation due to slide play is even completely prevented and is therefore 0 mm for all sizes.

The payload of up to 37 kg (size 40) is also around 61 % higher than for the LEFS series. The positioning pin holes for precise alignment, which are fitted as standard on the underside of the housing for the first time here, also ensure precise and repeatable movements. The LEKFS series therefore provides users with an electric actuator that enables them to carry out both very safe and very precise applications, even with high payloads. At the same time, due to the same dimensions, they have the option of replacing their existing LEFS series actuators with the new LEKFS series without any additional effort.

High compatibility and quickly (re)ready for use

When it comes to the selection of stepper motor controllers, the JXC series from SMC is available, which in its various versions offers extensive compatibility with all common communication protocols: from EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP to Profinet and IO-Link. In the version with 24 DC stepper motor, the LEKFS series can also be ordered with a battery-free absolute encoder. By storing the last position, for example in the event of an emergency stop or a power failure, operation can simply be continued without homing and consequently without delay. This not only increases efficiency, but also saves energy - in addition, the environment benefits due to the elimination of a battery.

As standard, the electric actuator is also equipped with mounting slots for signal transmitters (D-M9 series), which enable intermediate and limit positions to be interrogated. All in all, with the LEKFS series, companies get an electric actuator that is an optimal solution for a wide range of applications - especially if they place high demands on precision and rigidity.