MOTION: Modular technologies for intelligent motion unit with linear motor and axis control

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 96.0361-1

Key words (English)

High dynamic modular linear stage with linear motor actuator

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BRPR-CT97-0362

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 2.1 Industrial and materials technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Philips, KUL, KTH, Schneeberger, SMT, FIDIA

Abstract (English)

The ETEL initial goals of 'Motion' can be summarised as
· The development of linear motors capable of very high forces and applicable for high dynamic applications.
· The assessment of linear motors for use in machine tools.
· To provide a wide range of modular product.
The project allowed us to complete our product range of linear motor for the machine tool industry. These motors will be introduced to the European market in a relatively short time.
Linear motors conduct to double the productivity of unround turning (SMT demonstrator) compared to solutions based on traditional drive systems. High speed milling tests at FIDIA revealed productivity increases of more than 50% while keeping a same surface roughness than with state-of-the-art machines. The acceleration during process increased by a factor of 2.5 (from 2m/s2 to 5m/s2).
The linear direct drive technology allow a very high stiffness but need an very appropriate design. Eigen frequencies must be high enough in order to have high dynamics.
Thermal isolation and motor cooling are very important aspects to keep a good precision.
Generally it appeared clearly that, with linear drives, and with carefully designed mechanics, the latter no longer constitutes the bottle-neck from the point of view of achievable performance.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 96.0361-1