Drives & Controls September 2022

Automated production cells are now a fundamental part of manufacturing, relied on worldwide to increase productivity and efficiency. There are many factors to consider when designing a production cell or system; one of these key decisions is which track system to use. At the core of any automated production cell, a track system guides and transfers a component around the system between processes, so that it can precisely interact with integral robotic or actuator systems. The required speed, accuracy, carriage pitch, payload and available space all have a bearing on choosing the right track system. With this in mind, linear motion expert HepcoMotion has a range of driven track systems to cater for different application needs: the DTS, DTS+ and DTS2. DTS; for accurate and repeatable movement Introduced nearly 25 years ago, the original Driven Track System (DTS) is a belt driven track system, supplied as a ready- assembled unit providing a facility to drive carriages around a track circuit under either continuous or intermittent motion. As a ready to fit system, DTS minimises design time and cost and is simple to install and operate. DTS enables complex production routing and disconnected processes to be contained within one single continuous loop, saving both valuable floor space and reducing the process cost. Proven over many years and in numerous applications, DTS is ideally suited to transport uniform batch sizes of light to medium loads in continuous or indexing operations across all industries. A standard DTS typically has a load capacity of up to 40kg, offering speeds of up to 1 m/s. For many applications, this is more than sufficient but what happens when the application requires both higher loads and higher speeds simultaneously? For example, with an automotive sub-assembly line, additional components are being added at each workstation, resulting in a heavier payload mass on each moving carriage at the end of the production line. The system therefore needs to provide speed and accuracy, but with higher loads. DTS+; speed and accuracy for higher loads As a direct response to market demand, HepcoMotion has developed the DTS+; a ready to fit track and positioning system for dynamic movements and higher acceleration, suitable for higher loads up to 1kN. Offering the high positional accuracy of +/-0.05mm with the optional carriage locking system, DTS+ is capable of increased speeds in excess of 1.5m/s, even with those heavier payloads. Equipment can be located inside and outside the track system, saving valuable production space.