Are your bearings causing you problems?

• Insecure mounting
• Need a minimum footprint
• Assembly difficulties
• Excessive Wear
• Misalignment
• You want minimal maintenance

We have the answer!

For children who are unable to pedal a conventional bicycle a company decided to develop a new cycle but to do this had to overcome some engineering problems. Unlike a traditional bicycle this innovative three-wheeled bike had to eliminate the difficult circular pedalling motion, replacing it with a more natural up and down stepping action.

The answer was to change this to be more like walking than cycling to give the forward motion. But of course a bike needs more than just special pedals, it also requires suitable handlebars, steering, and control. To tackle these issues the engineers realised they had to change their thinking and let the riders design the cycles. In addition the designers also involved physical therapists who suggested tilting the steering column back towards the rider so that children with spinabifida would be able to fit the cycle.

The first problem to deal with was the design of the steering column, which used a flange nylon bearing, located on a pin welded to the front axle. This caused major problems as it had no self-aligning feature and would just fracture when the steering column was tilted.

The engineers searched for suitable bearings and Spyraflo provided the answer. They requested samples of the oil-impregnated bronze self-clinching, self-aligning bearing that offers a ±5° self-alignment capability. The oil-impregnated bronze bearing was chosen for its rugged construction, as well as the self-lubricating feature as this would also keep the carbon steel alignment pin from corroding.

With the new bearing in place, the steering column could then be positioned where the rider needs the handlebars without inhibiting rotation of the column. Probably most children will not use the full 5° self-aligning feature but in tests it was used to its maximum and the steering column still worked flawlessly.

The engineers also had the added benefit in terms of cost saving and simplicity of assembly due to the patented self-clinching feature of the Spyraflo bearing. As the bearing is pressed into the bore, the tapered sides force material up into an undercut below the flange. The serration’s of the bearing act as multiple cutting edges that increase the flow of material into the undercut. When finished, the flange of the bearing is flush with the surface, and becomes an integral part of the assembly.

Micromech is the UK and Eire distributor of these clever bearings, if you would like more information about them, then contact Alan Spinks on 01376 333333 or alan@micromech.co.uk

‘A revolution in Bearings’

The Parker ETH high force electro-cylinder has been enhanced

The well-known series of ET electro-thrust cylinders, which are widely used in thousands of different applications, has been completely redesigned and enhanced. This ballscrew actuator delivers up to 5 times the force and 10 times the life of the previous ET in the same frame size. With the new ETH electro-thrust cylinder Parker has succeeded in setting new standards for power density and lifetime of electro-mechanic linear actuators.

The new features are many; such as unrivalled power density – very high forces in small frame sizes, an integrated anti-rotation device, reduced noise emission, the home/limit switches and cables can be concealed in the profile and a very high service life greatly increasing lifetime up to factor 5. Furthermore they are optimised for safe handling and simple cleaning, there is reduced maintenance costs thanks to an integrated lubricating hole in the cylinder flange and they are an easy replacement due to pneumatic ISO flange norm (DIN ISO 15552:2005-12) conformity.

In some force measurement applications, a force sensor on the cylinder rod is not possible or will affect the application’s scope. For this case Parker have developed a special variant of the ETH cylinder, where the force sensor is integrated into the rear end of the cylinder. The advantage is that the sensor cable does not move with the rod. All force sensors are configured as traction/thrust sensors and they can be used to measure contact forces or overloads. Thanks to the thin film technology, the swivel head force transducers are very robust and have long-time stability. An integrated analogue amplifier emits an output signal of 4 to 20mA and the sensors correspond to the EN 61326 standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and are sized to pick up traction/thrust forces.

The ETH is recognised as market leading due to its high shock and vibration resistance, high long term stability, its small temperature drift, the measuring range: traction/thrust forces up to 25kN and for its good repeatability. For precise motion, positioning, setting and actuating, the electro cylinder offers:

• High mechanical efficiency up to 90 %
• Strokes up to 1600 mm
• High traction/thrust force up to 25,100N
• Repeatability up to ±0.03mm
• Speeds up to 1.7m/s
• Toothed belt drive (for parallel motor mounting)
• A range of screw pitches for thrusts from 5 to 32mm/rev.
• 3  (ETH032, ETH050,ETH080)
• Predefined standardised motor and gearbox flanges for simplified selection
• 3 different protection classes available:                 IP54 with galvanised screws (standard)                 IP54 with VA stainless screws                 IP65

This excellent electro-cylinder model closes the gap between pneumatic and hydraulic drives; it is suitable to replace them in many applications and simultaneously increase the reliability of the production process. Taking the costs for air and oil into consideration, it is found in most cases an electromechanical system such as the ETH electro cylinder offers the more economical solution. Combined with a wide choice of accessories, it offers many possibilities in the following areas of application:

• Packaging Machines
• Material handling and feed systems,
• Servo cylinder in the wood and plastic working industry
• The textile industry for tensioning / gripping textile fabrics
• Vertical actuators for loading machine tools
• Automotive industry for transporting and feeding components
• Testing equipment and laboratory applications
• Valve and flap actuation
• Pressing
• Wood and plastic working industry
• Process automation in the food and beverage industry

Micromech is Parker Hannifin’s UK distributor for electromech, motion and control products. If you want to know more about their clever and innovative products then contact Alan Spinks on 01376 333333 or email alan@micromech.co.uk

‘Affordable Automation’

Meet the Team – Trevor De Wilde

Hello again!

My previous contribution to the ‘Meet The Team’ feature was back in 2002. My role in the company then was as Sales Director having already covered a number of other Company Director roles in Micromech Systems Ltd our manufacturing division.

Firstly, It is most pleasing for me to announce with this update that Micromech Ltd has now been operating for 30 years. I have worked here for 25 of those.

Quite a lot has changed since 2002 as you might expect. Without change we do not progress so it is all good news really.

From the commercial viewpoint the advancement of technology has been most impressive and radically affected the type of products we are selling. Most electronic control systems are completely software based now thanks to the development in the semiconductor processing market of Video Game Stations and i-Phones etc. I am so pleased with the photographic capability of my i-phone 4 that it has become a little obsessive for me. The editing and enhancement ‘apps’ allow magnification and clarity possibilities which would credit a professional photographer…so I have included some recent examples below.

Back in the 1970’s when I worked for RCA Solid State and Motorola Semiconductors the development of solid state products was mainly driven by the Space Race and Military developments so maybe a more acceptable change in that field of technology.             For those of you who have the mental agility to recall some of my last ‘meet the team’ entry I am still living in Waltham Abbey normally renowned for traffic jams at junction 26 of the M25 (Magic Roundabout).             It is soon to become famous for the 2012 Olympic White Water Centre where all of the canoeing events will be staged. Fool as I am at the age of 64, I have booked a trial run on the white water rapids with five other mad people (younger than myself I expect), so may well have experienced that by the time you are  reading this.

We also have the Olympic torch coming through the town on July 7th en route to the new stadium.             The grave of King Harold is shown to be in the grounds of Waltham Abbey, and that is about it for our small town. Alas our tabby cat ‘Tibbles’ who I mentioned in the last effort is no longer with us, in physical form that is, so she is keeping King Harold company……somewhere nearby……say no more!!!

As you may have noticed I am not setting myself up for a new career move at this stage of my life, but rather looking forward to spending more time with my wife Mandy and pursuing my latest hobbies etc. which include (but are not limited to):-

Painting:                 (water-colour and acrylic)	Some exhibits shown below.
i-Phone Photography:	Some exhibits shown above.
Golf:                 (fair weather only!)	best effort   86 for18 holes never repeated!!
Cooking:	(making bread by hand, not machine)
Eating out:	Did a Cookery Workshop at Delia Smith’s Norwich  last November.
Learning to play the guitar:                 (electric and acoustic)	long job…my poor wife!!!
Gardening:	We have quite small gardens fortunately.
Bike riding:	around the Lee Valley park (mainly flat) ( See Photos)
Walking:	( Local Area Lee Valley Park  and Epping Forest )
Weekend-Breaks:	many of them to Norwich…..what a great City?
Foreign Holidays:	short-haul .. Sicily last year, Malta this year. (life’s too short for long- haul flights now! … too many of those in the past).

We are still Arsenal supporters despite their recent disappointing form, but we are confident it’s just a passing phase whilst they re-group! They had won the double in my last report…. In case you have forgotten! So I have included a photo of myself at the Emirates Stadium sitting in Arsene Wenger’s seat No 13 ! He is evidently not suspicious ..but maybe he needs to re-consider that?

So I have now reduced my working week down to three days and I imagine it will stay at that until I eventually decide to take the plunge and become a full-time retiree! Must still keep the grey cells moving about and some money coming in for all of the above hobbies!

I am sure this is likely to be my final offering for the ‘Meet the Team’ feature so I hope it will show that there is plenty of potential for ‘life after work’. That said, I would like to wish all of the customers and suppliers who deal with Micromech Group a very healthy retirement and a similar collection of interests. For all those passing Web site browsers who haven’t placed any business with us yet…

There is no better time to start than 2012!! So what are you all waiting for?

Best wishes

Trevor.

The following is a selection of some of my paintings  produced during the last few year’s, hope you like them!

Medical Device Manufacturers need quick effective solutions

Bringing medical devices to market promptly is no easy task, as it demands more than precision technology, dependable delivery, and easy-to-use products. Ensuring the painless development and approval of the latest innovation requires shorter design, manufacturing and validation cycles. Here Micromech and Parker Electromechanical Automation products can help. From HMI and software to all the electromechanical motion components needed, integrated automation solutions are specifically designed to reduce both time-to market and engineering costs while still  enabling compliance with the current stringent government regulations.

Speed to Solution

Medical device manufacturers count on dependable delivery to accord with the pressure of impending deadlines. Unparalleled application and service support mean downtime is virtually eradicated.

Ease Compliance Challenges for FDA Part 11              
Implementing Parker’s InteractX™ Windows- HMI software which includes “Easy E-sig” tools, so that no special programming is required to comply with the latest regulations and industry standards. It’s never been simpler to collect a complete record of events or change the requests, identities and approvals that are needed to establish an effective audit trail on a machine or group of machines.

Customisation Made Simple

Customised user interface with our InteractX ™ software utilising Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The InteractX™ open architecture supports ActiveX® 3rd party tools.

Powerful Machine Control

The ACR family of controllers ensures effective machine control by integrating hundreds of I/O points with advanced control capabilities. This gives flexibility when developing applications and is particularly beneficial when incorporating significant error handling routines.

Automatic Recognition

Plug in and spin! Use the Aries Series servo drive with ‘smart encoder’ motors and auto-configure the drive. Add the ACR9000 controller to take advantage of the ‘Drive Talk’ feature and access all the drive parameters automatically, to improve overall machine diagnostic capabilities.

Precision Mechanics Technology

High-precision positioning tables integrate linear motors or ground ballscrews and may be prepared for cleanroom operation. The designs combine low-cost extruded aluminium with machined bases allowing submicron precision straight out of the box.

Application Examples:

• Stent Cutting & Milling
• Wire Stripping / Wire Joining
• Laser Welding
• Precision Wire Shaping
• Test Stands
• Tube Stretching
• Balloon Forming
• Device Coating
• Artificial Joint Manufacturing
• Prosthesis Manufacturing
• Catheter Assembly
• Pacemaker Assembly

Micromech is Parker’s motion partner and can offer from components to a bespoke solution to meet all of your motion control needs, for more information contact Alan Spinks on 01376 333333 or stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Micromech and Parker are forces in motion’

The TMCM-1110 stepRocker™ is a 1-axis, 2.8A/24V controller/driver with coolStep™ and encoder interface, as well as S/D in and out.

The TMCM-1110 is a universal, ultra low cost, stepper motor controller/driver module. The driver unit offers highest smoothness and precision due to a high microstep resolution. The new patented spreadCycle™ chopper scheme produces an optimised current zero crossing and sine wave form. Furthermore the integrated sensorless load detection stallGuard2™ plus the load dependent current control coolStep™ make this board unique. These great features make it for the first time possible to ‘energy efficiently’ drive a stepper motor!

Features

• 3-axis motion controller
• Driver only function
• Up to 256 times microstepping / 51200 steps./rev. with a 1,8° motor
• Memory for 2048 TMCL™ commands
• Automatic ramp generation
• ‘On the fly’ alteration of motion parameters (e.g. position, velocity, acceleration)
• StallGuard2™ sensorless high resolution motor load detection
• CoolStep™ load dependent current control
• SpreadCycle™ chopper for improved smoothness and high speed operation
• MicroPlyer™ internal microstep multiplier (16 to 256 µSteps) for lower frequency on step input
• 6x control LED

The integrated ramp- and pulse generating positioning motion controller can be attached via USB or RS485 and up to 3 drivers can be controlled simultaneously. Any 3-axis application can easily be built by connecting two external drivers (e.g. additional stepRocker™) via step & direction signals.

The smart software makes different approaches possible:

The stepRocker™ can be used with the Trinamic Motion Control Language TMCL™ and as the board comes with installed firmware and the integrated development environment, the TMCL-IDE for PC can be downloaded (free of charge). It is also possible to remotely control the stepRocker™ or to write, then download complete command sequences for stand-alone use.

As an alternative it is possible to write the firmware for the SAMSUNG microcontroller using the downloadable software tools and motion control libraries. For the initial steps only a power supply, a stepper motor and a PC are necessary.

Electrical data

• 1A or 2.8A max. coil current RMS (selectable by jumper)
• 12 to 24V DC (nominal) supply voltage

Supported motors

• Two-phase bipolar stepper motors with up to 2.8A coil current

Interface

• USB and or RS-485 host interface
• 1x step/direction driver input (TTL)
• 2x step/direction motion controller output (TTL)
• 2x reference / end switch for all 3 axes (TTL)
• 1x ABN-encoder or 3x GP input
• 6x GP-I/O (TTL)
• 1x analogue input (12-bit, 0-10V)
• 2x open drain output (100mA)

Software

• Stand-alone or remote controlled operation using TMCL™ (Trinamic Motion Control Language)
• PC-based application development software TMCL-IDE
• Open source C library for SAMSUNG S3FN41F µC on www.motioncontrol-community.org

Saving the best until last, the price, 100 pieces are just £40.00 each and for a 1000 pieces they are only £35.50 each*

Micromech is the UK and Eire distributor for these amazing products and if you would like a quote or to find out more contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 or email or stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Affordable Automation’

* best prices, one shipment

The SGDV-OSA01A is a Safety Module for the Yaskawa AC Servo Drives Sigma-5 Series that estimates and assesses potential risks and minimises hazards proactively

Machine movements represent a major source of hazard for operators and staff members carrying out maintenance tasks. Typical situations requiring safe machine states occur during commissioning, in set-up mode, troubleshooting and when operating or maintenance personnel are required to approach the machine.

For functional safety the safety module SGDV-OSA01A for the Sigma-5 series servo drives enables engineers to realise safe and cost-effective automated motion applications.

• The Sigma-5 servo drive functionality allows for a smooth integration of the mandatory legal safety standards.
• The STO function is implemented by default in all Sigma-5 series servo amplifiers. The safety functions SS1, SS2 and SLS are integrated by using the SGDV-OSA01A safety module.

With the coming-into-effect of the standard EN ISO 13489 1:2008 ‘Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems’ the construction of safe machines will now be assessed either according to the performance level (PL a – e) or according to the safety integrity level (SIL 1 – 4). The security relevant functions for variable speed drives are defined in the standard IEC 61800-5-2.

The Sigma-5 servo drives are certified by TÜV Süd and comply with the following safety standards:

 

When opening the door, the motion controller outputs, for example a “creep speed”. The Sigma-5 safety module monitors that the set limited speed of the motor is not exceeded (SLS = Safely Limited Speed). If the speed is not inside the limit values after an adjustable response time, the power supply for the motor is safely interrupted immediately by the STO function.

Micromech is the UK distributor and systems integrator for Yaskawa motion products, for more information contact Stirling on 01376 333333 or  stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Affordable Automation’

MX45S miniature linear positioner is ideal for medical, research and laboratory ‘space-restricted’ applications

New from Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division and available from Micromech, is the release of the MX45S linear positioner a 45mm wide miniature screw-driven positioner based on the award winning MX80 family.

Like its predecessor the MX45S has been developed for OEMs requiring reliable linear positioning in space-restricted applications. Designed with anti-cage creep cross roller-bearings this positioner allows users to position up to 7 kg of normal load on the currently available standard travel lengths (5mm, 15mm and 25mm). The MX45S can be supplied with a high-efficiency leadscrew or a high-precision ballscrew, both of which are capable of producing 40N of thrust at linear velocities of 20mm/s and 30mm/s respectively.

Ideally suited applications for the MX45S include biomedical imaging, fibre optic alignment, semiconductor inspection and laser diode research. It has been designed for applications requiring small incremental movements, micron repeatability, smooth motion and high stiffness yet all in an ultra-compact package. In addition to superior performance the MX45S is offered with several standard options to allow users to match the positioner’s performance with the application’s requirements. For example additional design features include:

• Ultra-compact profile (25mm high X 45mm wide and lengths of 65, 75 or 90mm)
• 30mm/s max velocity
• Stepper motor driven
• Standard multi-axis configurations

In addition to these features designed into the MX45S there are several more options available including rotary and linear encoders, digital limit/home sensor packs and the ability to order and receive one of  eleven ‘pre-engineered’ multi-axis systems.

Micromech is Parker’s motion partner and can offer a solution to meet all of your motion control needs, for more information about these exciting new products contact Stirling on 01376 333333 or stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Micromech and Parker are forces in motion’

The Sigma-5 Indexer from Yaskawa is simple, smart and speedy

The Sigma-5 INDEXER command option SGDV-OCA03A from Micromech is an add-on board which is compatible with Sigma-5 series command option attachable type amplifiers. The indexer is an easy to use 1-axis positioning controller ideal for systems that have a PC or a PLC and as the host controller gives an unbelievably high level of performance. The module offers a wide range of functions for high-accuracy and high-speed point-to-point positioning without using a motion controller.

The indexer is simple to use as the configuration tool SigmaWin+ gives total support from adjustment to programming. The wizard provides that’s east to interact with in a dialogue format to set-up and change the settings for the application in windows. This includes table editing of the Program table, Zone table, and JOG speed table as well as parameter editing for ease of use. The displays and edits tables are stored in the Indexer Module’s internal memory. There is an In Station-positioning Window which by specifying a position range and a number of stations, the position of each station can be automatically set in the program table. The Parameter Editing displays, edits, and saves the parameters used for the Indexer Module. Monitoring displays the SERVOPACK status, operation, and I/O signals in windows. The trace display shows data stored in the SERVOPACK’s internal memory in a graph like those used for oscilloscopes. The graph displayed and its data can be printed and saved.

The indexer is smart with its refined programming using programme tables that require no special programming language. All that is required for positioning is to set the position data, speed and other types of information. In these tables it is easy to select output signals and functions such as those for external positioning and 32 zone signal output. A wide range of functions such as external positioning, 16 JOG speed levels, three homing modes and programmable signal outputs are available. There are 19 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs as standard, easy ASCII commands via RS 422/485 and up to 256 positioning points that can be programmed.

The indexer is also speedy with its high-performance and high-functionality which combined with the Sigma-V series servo drives achieves high-speed, high-accuracy positioning intelligent auto-tuning and innovative anti-vibration suppression for quick set-up. The result is an outstanding performance where as standard is the highest-level servo response (speed frequency response of 1.6 kHz) in the industry and a high-resolution 20-bit encoder (1,000,000 pulses per rev.)

Start-up is easy providing a tuning-less function that works as soon as it is hooked up. The advanced auto tuning function automatically optimises machine motions and a new one-parameter tuning function. This makes refined adjustments to attain maximum performance by adjusting only one parameter in one tenth of settling time in comparison with earlier models.

The arrangement also has excellent expandability where a wide range of small and medium capacity servo motors with low and medium inertia options all connectable with a conventional model of direct drive motor and linear motor. For easy compliance with machine safety standards the Sigma series of products are compliant with applicable safety standards IEC61508-1 to 4 SIL2 and EN954-1 category 3 and Stop category 0.

Micromech-Yaskawa supplies world-leading servo drive technology and linear products. Micromech is the UK distributor and integrator for Yaskawa Electric, if you require more information about these exciting products then contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 or stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Affordable Automation’

Jon Harding Appointed Sales Director of Micromech

We are pleased to announce that as of 1st of Jan 2012, Jon Harding joined the Micromech Ltd board as Sales Director.

Jon has a long history in the motion control industry and joined Micromech in 2008 as Sales Manager. His success in growing our business, increasing our customer base and contributions to the company’s direction lead to this well earned promotion.

We hope you will join us in wishing Jon every success in this new and important role.

Mark Hall

Managing Director

Micromech is pleased to bring you the latest Parker Hannifin ‘Automation Watch’ eNewsletter

Parker Hannifin is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of manufacturing, pharmaceutical, research, industrial and aerospace markets.

Introducing the ETH Series Cylinder
Parker’s next-generation electric cylinder offers unrivaled power density.
Parker is pleased to announce the release of its ETH Series electric cylinder. The Parker ETH series is a next-generation rod-style actuator based upon the well-known, widely used ET Series. This groundup redesign offers unrivaled power density due to the use of oversized ballscrews and thrust bearings in traditional package sizes. The result is a product that is capable of increased force output form a given frame size, or increased product life at the same force output. [Click here for the full article]

Lead Times Get Faster
Quick turnaround on motors and gearheads.
Need a gearhead or a motor in a hurry? Parker’s lead times for all standard generation 2 and PV gearheads average just two weeks or less. We can ship in 24 to 48 hours if necessary.
Meanwhile, lead times for all standard MPP, BE and SM motors average two to four weeks. We can provide urgent shipments of these products in 24 to 72 hours. [Click here for the full article]

LCR Positioner Released
Parker’s new miniature linear positioner series is ideal for lab automation and light payload industrial applications.
For OEMs looking to automate light payloads, Parker’s new LCR (Light Capacity Rodless) linear positioned family provides the smallest form factor with unmatched, easy-to-use flexibility.
With any “build-it-yourself” positioner, all the parts required to build a linear motion axis from scratch must be ordered, tracked, received, inventoried, assembled and tested. [Click here for the full article]

At Your Service
No one gets your products and applications back up and running like Parker.
Did you know that Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division offers complete repair services? With more than 25 years of experience with Parker solutions, our highly trained technicians specialize in testing, troubleshooting, and repairing Parker Electromechanical products — everything from drives and motors to controllers and HMI. [Click here for the full article]

Gen 2 Products
Design enhancements highlight generation 2 PS and RS142 gearhead.
Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of the Generation 2 PS and RS142 gearhead. As with earlier releases of the Gen 2 gearhead, this frame size incorporates the following design enhancements..[Click here for the full article]

Introducing the MX45S Linear Positioner
Miniature positioner is engineered for space-restricted applications.
As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. With the release of the MX45S linear positioner, Parker now offers a 45 mm wide miniature screw-driven positioner engineered for OEMs requiring reliable linear positioning in space-restricted applications.[Click here for the full article]

Introducing the EPX2
New sizes and options highlight the latest generation of level-one PowerStations.
Designed to run on InteractX software, Parker’s entry level PowerStation family now has a new generation of performance: the EPX2. The EPX2 PowerStation includes two new display sizes: the EPX200 nodisplay system and the EPX206, which is the first 6” platform we have ever offered for our InteractX software.[Click here for the full article]

Micromech is the leading UK systems integrator and distributor for Parker Motion Products, for more information contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 or email stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Affordable Automation’