Space is often at a premium in production plants. Machines and equipment are therefore being built smaller and more compact. This also has an effect on the drive technology installed in them. Jenny Science offers a modular system for this case.

Development focused on lightweight construction with compact dimensions

Due to these requirements, Jenny Science focuses on a compact design when developing new drive components. This is also the case with the XENAX servo controller. According to the company, it is the smallest on the market with integrated functional safety in accordance with TÜV SIL 2, PL d, Cat. 3. The compact motors allow designers to build smaller and more space-saving machines and automated systems. Especially for longer travel distances, the space required by linear motor axes from Jenny Science is extremely small in relation to the travel distance. With lightweight construction, there is less 'empty mass' in motion. This means shorter cycle times, less vibration, less noise and lower energy consumption.

Quality monitoring integrated with Forceteq

With the patented Forceteq process, which won the Central Switzerland Innovation Award, the linear motor carriages not only carry out their programmed movements, but also 'sense' if something is wrong. For example, the switching characteristics of push-button or switch production can be recorded and checked during assembly. An error is thus already detected during the assembly process.

At the heart of the system is a calibration process that makes it possible to record forces sensitively without an additional force sensor. This Forceteq technology has been fully implemented in software on the XENAX servo controller. This eliminates the need for external testing equipment such as cameras, sensors or manual visual inspection.

For even more precise force measurement of < 0.5 N, any strain gauge force sensor can be connected directly to the servo controller via the calibratable Signateq measuring amplifier. No further evaluation electronics are required. The servo controller provides its own force-displacement diagram for each machining process.

New miniature hollow shaft direct drive expands the modular system

The ROTAX Rxhq direct drive developed in-house is based on the magnetic flux technology of wind turbine generators. This results in a high torque at low speed. In figures, this means that the torque is 2 to 3 times greater for the same installation volume compared to a conventional servo motor. Compact servo drives often require a gearbox to achieve the desired torque, but the ROTAX Rxhq does not. This means no wear and tear and therefore maximum precision over the entire service life. The drive is maintenance-free and contains no lubricants.

Furthermore, the response time is considerably shorter than with geared motors. This aspect is reinforced by a low mass moment of inertia, which allows high acceleration values. This means shorter cycle times and higher productivity, especially in high-speed applications. The continuous hollow shaft of ø 12 mm provides space for cables, vacuum or compressed air lines, laser beams, glass fibers and other media. The connection cable consists of only one line and offers advantages in terms of the space required for cable routing. Thanks to the precise, preloaded double bearing on the front flange, the actuator achieves high rigidity with high axial torque absorption.