MISUMI Europa GmbH (Schwalbach, Germany) has expanded the horizons of linear technology: The latest addition to its range of ready-to-install linear units is the new motor-driven RS series, available in different versions to suit a wide variety of applications.

The linear units consist of a ball-type linear drive in combination with a motor and fea-ture guides on both sides, each of those with two load-carrying rows of ball bearings, connected to the unit by a rigid linear guide. The RS units enable automatic positioning with an extremely high degree of repeat accuracy. The design permits wider tolerance ranges when processing connecting surfaces. The units are also extremely rigid, which means the rigidity of the surrounding environment does not need to be taken into consideration. Whether they are used in parts assembly or feeding, conveying operations or camera/test piece positioning for visual inspection, the RS series linear units are suitable for use in a wide range of applications and can also be supplied for use in clean-room conditions (clean-room classification 100).

The unit is currently available in two versions and two sizes, each with three spindle pitches. There are also models available, which are suitable for use in clean-room conditions. Delivery is within ten working days. The selsyn integrated into the motor angle sensor also provides increased reliability in comparison with conventional optical encoders. The linear units feature simple control programming. The maximum number of positioning points 255, the speed and acceleration can be configured by following simple steps.

The smaller RS model with stepper motor has a horizontal load of up to 12 kg and a vertical load of up to 4 kg, achieving strokes of 50–800 mm in 50-mm steps. The maximum speed is approx. 1000 mm per second, with a repeat accuracy of ± 0.02 mm. The larger version (RSH model) with AC servo motor for strokes of 150–1050 mm in 50-mm steps is designed for higher loads: up to 80 kg horizontal load and up to 16 kg vertical load. The maximum speed is approx. 1800 mm per second and the repeat accuracy is ± 0.02 mm / ± 0.01 mm.

MISUMI's online calculation program allows you to calculate the nominal lifetime of the unit by entering the load and the maximum acceleration, factoring in the motor output.