Drives and Controls January 2023

47 www.drivesncontrols.com January 2023 NEW PRODUCTS n n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA Thomson has introduced a line of precision ball splines that can deliver rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. They give designers more flexibility to compress assemblies, extend strokes or distribute loads. Ball splines exploit the low- friction torque transmission capabilities of rolling balls, and add one or more axial grooves – also known as splines – along the assembly shaft. This opens a path through which the balls move to allow low-friction axial displacement, while also transmitting torque. Although ball splines permit rotary and linear motion on a single shaft assembly, they have lost market share to pre-packaged, multi- shaft systems. Thomson says that its new ball splines are ideal for high-speed operation in compact spaces. They can automate functions that humans might otherwise perform, and are especially cost-effective in robot applications needing precise, high-speed integration of rotary and linear motion. The precision ball splines are available in lengths of up to 300mm, with standard diameters from 6–30mm. Larger diameters (40 and 50mm) are available on request. The splines can handle basic loads up to 55kN, torsional loads up to 3kNm, speeds up to 10,000 rpm, and offer precision of ±17μm with or without flanges. Thomson Industries www.thomsonlinear.com/spl igus has developed two series of control cables for energy chains which, it claims, are the only ones to guarantee lifetimes of more than 100 million double strokes. The chainflex CF98.Plus (shielded) and CF99.Plus (unshielded) cables are durable, sustainable and allow bending radii as small as three times the cable diameter for precision movements. The new cables offer a 250% increase in service life compared to igus’ original CF98 series. The ability to operate with small bending radii means that machine-builders with tight operating spaces now have access to a reliable TPE cable and can offer more sustainable machines to their customers. The cables use a special alloy for the conductor, while a new process has been developed to manufacture the insulation material. igus is guaranteeing a service life of at least 36 months. The cables’ durability can also be determined using an online tool. igus 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk Control cables guarantee lifetimes of 100 million double strokes Report suggests ten ways to improve energy efficiency The Energy Efficiency Movement – a global forum of around 200 organisations, founded by ABB , that share ideas, best practices and commitments to create a more energy-efficient world – has published a report that shows how improving industrial energy efficiency is the fastest and most effective way for businesses to cut energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The Industrial Energy Efficiency Playbook includes 10 actions that they can take to improve energy efficiency and lower emissions. It focuses on widely available technologies, such as VSDs and high-efficiency motors, that will deliver rapid results and ROIs – and can be deployed at scale. https://global.abb/topic/ee-playbook/en 3D virtual experience showcases open networking The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has launched an immersive 3D virtual experience that showcases how its open networking technologies can help companies to transformdigitally. Visitors can explore a digital library, industry zones, product areas, an exhibition space and conference centre. The experience offers visitors a digital space where they can stay up-to- date, link up with vendors, and explore newmarkets and applications. As they enter, visitors see a digital“lobby”with portals to four main areas, offering real-world replicas of automation components, production facilities and an interactive transformation guide. https://cc-link-vp.org Motion sizing tool covers both linear and rotary technologies Festo has launched a free online tool that offers error-free sizing of both rotary and linear applications for electromechanical systems. It allows users to find results quickly without complex calculations to identify the mass moment of inertia. They simply input a few parameters and the tool identifies the most economical product. It can be used where motors and mechanics must be sized together, or purely for rotary applications. It offers up to five optimum solutions and motor curves, which can be transferred to an online shopping basket. Suggested products can be fine-tuned with options such as encoders, brakes and mechanics. www.festo.co.uk/servowebinar Publications illustrate motion control expertise Mclennan has released a capability brochure and a product line card covering its electronic and mechanical motion components, and demonstrating its expertise in precision motion and automation system design and build. It can supply components or integrate them into motion control applications using its in-house design and production facilities. Mclennan’s portfolio includes stepper and servo motors and drives, integrated motors, AC synchronous motors, feedback devices, motion controls, software, gearboxes, actuators and other mechanical components. www.mclennan.co.uk Ball splines deliver rotary and linear motion on a single shaft