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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 33
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Looking for Integrated Actuator Solution

08/16/2006 1:57 PM

I am looking for some sort of high precision, moderate load linear actuator with an integrated control system, and was wondering if anyone here could offer a solution? It is to be used in assembling a press for light precision coining operations.

The application would require a roughly 1000lb force to be transferred to the part being coined. We also need some fairly accurate and repeatable positioning tolerance from the actuator - 20 micrometers or less. We only require about 1cm of travel. Cycle times are not important.

Finding a capable actuator isn't a problem, but I am looking for a vendor/product that has all of the control hardware/software included as sort of a package deal.

I have been looking in the way of ballscrew actuators, but any suitable alternative is welcomed.

Any help by the experts around here would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri USA
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#1

Consider hydraulics

08/16/2006 4:39 PM

Consider hydraulics, especially if cycle times are not that important. Coining requires, as you have noted, extreme precision. Hydraulic actuation will give you fairly fast positioning, without the slamming effect of mechanical presses. Pneumatics is a possibility also, but, since air is compressible, there might be a slight amount of "bounce" involved. You do not want a "double strike" if you are doing precision coining. With hydraulics you can have a rapid approach, then change to a slow pressure build up until maximum depth is acheived. Hydraulics are also capable of higher pressures than pneumatics with smaller cylinders. For example, 100 PSI shop air pressure will require a cylindar with a 10 square-inch effective cross-section (cylinder ID - rod OD), while a 2000 PSI hydraulic pump only needs a 0.5 sq.in. cylinder to achieve the same force! BTW, 1000 lbs. sounds low for coining operations.

Hydraulic equipment is fairly standard, and most local "fluid power" distributors (hydraulics and pneumatics) can put together a package for you that includes pumps, hoses, valves, regulators, fittings, cylinders, and possibly even a press frame. Or design your own custom support frame using "pillow block" bearings and slides, with adjustable positive stops. This will accurately control your z-axis coining depth (even precision ball screws have some backlash)

The off-the-shelf press or your own custom frame should accurately control the x-y axes. However, positive locating pins in the die or whatever tooling you are using could possibly improve on this, as the slides might require some tiny amount of "float" for smooth motion without sticking.

There are several, and possibly redundant, methods to control the cycling. You will probably want to use a small ladder logic controller (PLC), so that you can easily add hardware (buttons, switches, status lights, sensors), and program the cycle elements, such as forward actuation, dwell time, retraction, etc.

Many fluid power dealers also sell the small PLC's but you may want to us an Industrial Electronics distributor to have a wider choice of options.

Good luck!

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Join Date: Dec 2005
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#2

Positioning

08/17/2006 8:40 AM

Check out Anorad. I'm not sure about their ability to produce 1000# force, but you never know . . .

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