Fresh ideas from young minds

IEF-Werner has further developed the precise linear unit profiLINE 140 with spindle drive and equipped it with a support that reliably prevents the spindle from swinging during long strokes and enables significantly higher travel speeds. This innovation was created as part of a bachelor's thesis.

IEF-Werner has developed the positioning units with spindle drive from the profiLINE series to combine the positive properties of a linear axis and a precision slide. In these linear units, the spindle nut converts the rotary movement into a linear movement. Linear axes with spindle drive enable high feed forces and can therefore also move heavy loads over travel distances of up to 1.5 meters at low to medium speed.

In addition, there are high positioning and repeat accuracies. Compared to axes with toothed belt or direct drive, spindle axes up to a certain length have an advantage. Combined with a large number of standardized assembly elements and in conjunction with other linear units from IEF-Werner, complex, multi-axis positioning systems can also be built. Thomas Hettich, head of the linear axis product division at IEF-Werner: “The spindle drives are used in handling technology, factory automation, plant construction, palletizers and generally in mechanical engineering.”

Avoid swinging

With all spindle-driven linear units, the spindle begins to swing undesirably above a certain stroke - at high speeds at the same time. This shortens the service life of the unit. “This means that our customers can only operate the axes at a limited speed or stroke,” explains Hettich. By using a spindle support, the advantages of a spindle axis can also be used for longer strokes.

“By eliminating disruptive vibrations, the spindle speed can be increased and the customer ultimately benefits from shorter cycle times,” adds Roland Wertz, who heads research and development at IEF-Werner. The constructive implementation was to be carried out as part of a bachelor's thesis.
Examine and evaluate

An exciting task for Anton Dold, who was in the final stages of his mechatronics studies at the DHBW Karlsruhe. The aim was to examine and evaluate possible bearing technologies and the kinematics of the support. Anton Dold: "In the concept phase, we looked at and evaluated various options for how the spindle support could be technically implemented. The criteria included, among others: costs, ease of maintenance and ability to integrate into the existing linear axes."

After completing the concept phase, the student set about selecting and dimensioning the components used together with the experts from IEF. Finally, the solution had to be structurally integrated into the existing profiLINE 140 positioning unit. Both versions - with and without support - are absolutely compatible: the slide length, drilling pattern and height and width are identical. Only the overall length increases slightly with a profiLINE 140 with spindle support.

Convincing advantages

"The user benefits across the board with our new development," promises product manager Hettich. "This starts with the ease of maintenance of the spindle support." Operators do not have to dismantle any components to lubricate it. The plain bearing that supports the spindle can be changed if necessary - without having to remove the structure, spindle bearing or linear unit. This means that there is no loss of position when replacing it, and no special tools are required.

The most important thing about this development, however, is that the possible stroke of the profiLINE 140 linear unit has increased to up to 2,500 millimeters. In addition, the stroke range in which positioning can be carried out at maximum travel speed has increased. "With the spindle support, the linear unit achieves about twice the stroke at the same speed compared to a unit without spindle support - or three times the speed at the same stroke," summarizes Wertz.

Attractive for students

Anton Dold was able to successfully complete his studies with this bachelor's thesis and now works as a designer at IEF-Werner. The work was divided into several phases - from the basics to the development and construction of the spindle support. "In order to develop a good basis, IEF-Werner provided me with the information already available about the existing linear axes and a great deal of experience," recalls Dold. As an employee of the R&D department, he was in constant contact with the various experts. Open questions and current findings could be discussed immediately and development could be driven forward in a targeted manner.

This bachelor thesis was a win-win situation for both parties. Hettich explains: "Anton Dold was able to solve an exciting and challenging task that prepared him for his professional life as a designer, and we benefit from an innovative solution that we will now transfer to other sizes in our profiLINE series."

IEF-Werner always offers interesting topics for final theses. The special thing about it: the students' results do not disappear into a drawer after completing the work. The automation specialist actively uses them to increase customer benefits. The experts attach great importance to providing the young talent with extensive support during their time at IEF-Werner.