Page 20 - RHP IT

MACHINE BUILDING

PROCESS PRECISION

ELECTRIC MOTORS

AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT CAN PERFORM TO EXACT
REQUIREMENTS, MAKING IT INHERENTLY
ADVANTAGEOUS IN TESTING AND CONTROL. HERE DAVE
WALSHA, SALES MANAGER AT DRIVE SYSTEM SUPPLIER
EMS, LOOKS AT HOW RELIABLE, HIGH PERFORMANCE
MICROMOTORS ARE ACHIEVING PROCESS PRECISION.

evelopments in robotics have allowed target product area. As well as
automated equipment to become increasingly preventing waste and avoiding
sophisticated, performing tasks with superior contamination of other product
Dspeed and accuracy. For instance, a hospital in parts, being able to supply
Oxford found a surgical robot could perform an eye surgery precise amounts helps meet the
with ten times more precision than a human surgeon miniaturisation trend, aiding the
alone. However, it’s not just the medical sector that can assembly of products with ever
capitalise on the high accuracy of automated machines; decreasing sizes.
manufacturers can reap the benefits too. testing batches in industries such as chemicals,
Manufacturers who adopt automated production lines Meticulous testing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food and beverage.
gain a high level of control over the assembly process, However, the benefits of precise automated equipment Another experiment that benefits from automation is
which minimises waste from defected goods and ensures aren’t restricted to product manufacturing, they’re also accelerated life testing, which subjects a product to
customers consistently receive a high quality product. advantageous in testing. For example, an automated conditions such as heat, vibration and pressure in excess
These benefits have contributed to the record high of 2.7 testing rig with a motorised locking mechanism can hold in order to uncover potential faults in a short amount of
million industrial robots operating in factories around the a product in place while it’s subjected to time. This could be, for example, turning a light
world in 2020. Automated equipment can be digitally different tests. One of these tests could switch on and off multiple times a second, or
programmed to perform tasks to exact measurements, repeatedly putting pressure on a chair.
demonstrating repeatability that is unmatched by human Not only would these testing tasks be
workers. For instance, when properly calibrated, it’s highly monotonous for human workers,
possible for a six-axis industrial robot to but they would also take much longer to
achieve a position repeatability of perform than an automated system. High
0.1 mm or better. performance motors can power an
There are a number of automated system to perform these
production stages that can mechanical tests repeatedly at a fast rate
benefit from the precision of with no human intervention.
automated equipment. For example,
a torque controlled power screwdriver Superb motor systems
ensures each screw in the workpiece is It’s important that automated industrial equipment are
turned to the exact same level of tightness, avoiding loose be scanning the product for defects, such as missing matched with advanced motor systems that deliver
or over-tightened screws. In addition, an automated screws, damage or incorrect dimensions, by moving the reliable power. All Faulhaber motors are made in a highly
dosing pump can supply the exact amount of materials, rig along a motorised conveyor belt to a vision system. controlled manufacturing process, which ensures they are
such as adhesives, lubricants or sealants, required to the Another assessment where automation is beneficial is of consistent quality and perform with fine accuracy. The
tensile testing, where the product motors are renowned for their high power density,
is pulled and then monitored providing enough torque for demanding automated
when it deforms or snaps to processes such as performing mechanical tests. Their
measure its resistance to compact construction adds minimal weight and bulk to
breaking under tension. This is systems, aiding automated equipment that require fine
often used on metal alloys to control and swift movements, such as dosing pumps.
discover how they perform under The Faulhaber brushless motors are ideal for
different loads. Tensile testing automated systems, as they provide a long life with a wide
devices may be used as part of a speed range. They also have a range of compatible motion
quality control system or during controllers that create an advanced, programmable drive
material research when system with easy and accurate control that is simple to
developing new alloys. Products integrate into an automated system.
in powder or liquid form may Many manufacturers are focusing on automation in
undergo viscosity testing, where a their future development plans. Motorised equipment
motorised stirrer moves through bring high levels of accuracy and precision to production
the product and sensors detect its lines and testing facilities, ensuring only consistently
resistance. This could be used in high quality products reach customers.
product development or for MORE INFORMATION: www.ems-limited.co.uk

20 INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • June 2021