Electric axes are motor-driven linear drives used in positioning, assembly and handling technology. Toothed belt and spindle axes are particularly common. Festo also offers a cantilever axis as well as complete solutions consisting of an integrated drive, motor and servo drive.
The Festo Core Range includes our spindle axis EGC-BS and our spindle axis ELGC-BS. The spindle axis EGC-BS impresses with high repeat accuracy and its recirculating ball bearing guide for high loads and torques, while the ELGC-BS stands out because of its compact design and the possibility of flexible motor connection. The spindle axis EGC-BS has a unique, optimised cross-section that achieves maximum rigidity and load capacity. The spindle axis ELGC-BS is our cost-effective variant that has extremely compact dimensions and is therefore especially suitable for use in small parts handling or desktop applications.
As an extremely compact and cost-effective complete solution, consisting of an integrated drive, motor and servo drive, our core range includes the spindle axis unit ELGS-BS, which is ideal for precise XY movements, for instance in assembly systems or in small parts handling. Other key features of the electric axis ELGS-BS include a high-performance ball screw, the easy-to-clean design and the two standard integrated control options – IO-Link® and digital I/O (DIO). Other Festo spindle axes, for example the ELGT-BS, stand out not just for their compact design, but also for their high load capacity and rigidity, which is provided by the double-acting guide.
Our cantilever axis ELCC is very light and at the same time very rigid. It is used especially in the packaging industry for palletising and other positioning tasks with long strokes. It is designed for loads of up to 100 kilograms and achieves up to 30% lower cycle times. Other characteristics are the fixed drive head and the high rigidity thanks to its innovative design principle.
As a dynamic linear drive, our heavy-duty toothed belt axis EGC-TB achieves high speeds even with large loads and long strokes. It is optionally available with a single- or double-sided clamping unit. Our toothed belt axis ELGC-TB is a cost-effective variant, offering extremely compact dimensions and optimum use of installation space, making it ideally suited for use in small parts handling or desktop applications. It has an extremely precise and resilient internal guide and toothed belts, which are protected by a stainless steel cover strip. Motors can also be flexibly connected. Both toothed belt axes are part of the Festo Core Range. Also on offer from Festo is a complete solution with integrated drive, motor and servo drive: our toothed belt axis unit ELGS-TB, which is ideal for precise XY movements and has a long service life.
These electric axes fulfil a wide range of requirements. At Festo you will find electric axes with the right price/performance ratio, whether for low and medium loads, or for high speeds, accelerations, loads and torques.
Linear actuators are a type of actuator that convert rotational motion in motors into linear or straight push/pull movements. Linear actuators are ideal for all types of applications where tilting, lifting, pulling or pushing with pounds of force are required. Electric linear actuators are often the preferred solution when you need simple, safe and clean movement with accurate precision and smooth motion control.
Electric linear actuators use a DC motor or AC motor with a series of gears and a lead screw to push the main rod shaft. The difference between actuators is determined by the size of the motor, which can range from 12v DC to 48v DC.
Static and dynamic are the load capacity variables for a linear actuators. Dynamic load capacity is the amount of force being applied when the actuator is in motion. Static load capacity is when the actuator is motionless and holding a load in place.
Actuators open automatic doors, move car seats forwards and back, and open and close computer disk drives. The basic principle behind a linear actuator is the concept of an inclined plane, where the lead screw of the actuator continues along a ramp of small rotational force.
An electric linear actuator typically consists of a motor, a lead screw or belt drive, and a mechanical linkage. The motor rotates the lead screw or belt, which in turn moves the mechanical linkage, typically a rod or a plate, in a linear motion. The amount and speed of the linear motion is controlled by the rotation of the motor.
When the linear electric motor rotates in one direction, the mechanical linkage moves in one direction along the lead screw or belt. When the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the mechanical linkage moves in the opposite direction. The speed and distance of the linear motion can be controlled by controlling the speed and duration of the motor rotation.
Some electric linear actuators use a feedback mechanism, such as a linear encoder or a potentiometer, to provide precise control over the position and speed of the mechanical linkage.
In summary, an electric linear actuator converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion of a mechanical linkage via a lead screw or belt drive, and the motion can be controlled by controlling the rotation of the motor.
There are several types of electric linear actuators, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. Some of the most common types include:
The selection of a specific type of linear electric actuator depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as force, speed, precision, cost and environment.
Electric actuators are used in a wide range of applications, including:
Electric linear actuators and servo motors are both types of electric motors that are used in motion control applications.
They can be used together in a control system to achieve precise control over linear movement. For example, a servo motor can be used to drive the lead screw or belt of an electric linear actuator, and a feedback mechanism, such as an encoder, can be used to monitor the position of the mechanical linkage of the actuator. This allows the control system to precisely position the mechanical linkage to a specific location.
When it comes to extremely limited space in test and inspection systems, small parts handling, the electronics industry and desktop applications, the axis series ELGC and mini slide EGSC are a great option for various industrial automation solutions.
The spindle and toothed belt axes ELGC offer an outstanding internal guide and are designed to have virtually no gaps so they are protected from external influences and yet are still extremely durable and robust.
The mini slide EGSC with built-in linear guide for high guide precision and force absorption makes it the first choice for vertical motions in extremely limited spaces or for guided single linear motions.
A handling system based on the combination of ELGC and EGSC offers smart features for your machines and systems in factory automation. The optimum ratio of installation to working space, the unique "one-size-down" assembly system and the simple mounting and fastening technology ensure an optimum and efficient use of space and a streamlined system layout.