Robotic collaboration.

Regal Rexnord Corporation has joined forces with ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa™ cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson, one of Regal Rexnord’s leading linear motion brands. This collaboration makes the Thomson Movotrak™ CTU the first cobot 7th axis technology that ABB Robotics has certified for use in its partner ecosystem.

“Until now, anyone wanting to use a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot on multiple workstations faced what could be days of programming and communications challenges. As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we have preconfigured our Movotrak CTU, ensuring rapid deployment with ABB cobots right out of the box. Integrators, distributors, and end-users can now invest more time using the 7th axis to solve productivity problems than dealing with complex integration details,” said Kevin Zaba, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7th axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First 7th axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7th axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.

“This collaboration with ABB Robotics is a great example of how our differentiated Regal Rexnord technologies can be integrated into high-impact, customer-ready solutions,” said Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord. “By combining the technical expertise of our Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands into a seamless, 7th axis system available for the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we’re making it easier for customers to unlock greater productivity and flexibility in their automation strategies. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering value through system-level thinking.”

ABB partners develop and provide packages consisting of pre-engineered accessories and software that are compatible and easily integrated with ABB’s complete portfolio of robotic solutions. As fully integrated, ready-to-use solutions, the packages enable both end users and systems integrators to reduce time and effort in setting up robots for new applications.

Regal Rexnord’s participation in the ABB partner ecosystem involves changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialised plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with the ABB software platform and engineering environment, including an ABB Web App, Wizard and RAPID™ Module Code programming tools. Through the integration, certified ABB robotic application developers will be able to access the Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface.

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@Thomson_Ind @RegalRexnord @ABBRobotics @bcm_pr #Pauto #Robotics #Cobot

Configurator pecision lead screws.

A significant upgrade to Thomson Industries' online lead screw selector tool with enhanced configuration capabilities for its miniature models has been announced. Available in diameters of 2, 3 and 4 mm, Thomson miniature lead screws are engineered for applications that demand compact, precise motion – catering specifically to the medical, robotics and automation markets.

The upgraded selector tool introduces a dynamic modal that helps users tailor machining and end support options effortlessly. Users can now configure support ends with standard journal options and select from an array of drive-end configurations, including integrated motor couplers for rapid prototyping and oversized journals compatible with standard market bearings. These features enable users to design custom solutions directly through the Thomson website, streamlining the process from selection to checkout.

“Our goal was to make the configuration process for our miniature lead screws as accessible and efficient as possible, reducing the need for direct engineering support and putting powerful customisation tools at our customers’ fingertips,” Ojesh Singh, product manager, Thomson Industries–EMEA region. “This update reflects our commitment to supporting the prototype cycle, particularly for industries where rapid innovation is key.”

Typical use cases for Thomson miniature lead screws include handheld medical devices such as syringe pumps and grippers, as well as robotics and small-scale automation systems. With an extensive array of configuration options, Thomson addresses diverse application needs while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability. Additionally, Thomson plans to expand similar configurability features to other product lines in the future, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions.

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@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #Pauto #Robotics #Medical

Electric actuators.

In addition to resistance against environmental hazards such as sunlight UV, they now offer more electronic control options.

Advanced controllability options have been added to Thomson Industries' Electrak® LL line of long-life electric linear actuators. In addition to the 600 km of maintenance-free life and 100% duty cycle performance inherent to all the Electrak LL models, machine designers can now get absolute position feedback, CAN bus integration, reduced current flow and higher speeds.

“OEM designers using our long-life actuators in applications that might otherwise require hydraulic or pneumatic systems can now also get more control over the position, load and speed. Our new configuration options enable them to move actuators into position more smoothly, know instantly where they are and use that data in motion profiles,” said Travis Gilmer, Product Manager – Linear Actuators at Thomson.

Key to the Electrak LL’s long-life architecture is a brushless motor, a high-load ball screw assembly, a brake solution that does not wear, and IP69K (static) and IP66 (dynamic) compliant sealing. This combination enables duty cycles of up to 100 percent, up to 600 km of travel life, and up to one million cycles – more than ten times that of electromechanical actuators without these features. The new configuration options for the Electrak LL augment its industry leading durability with advanced control, integration, higher voltage and higher speed options.

Instead of calculating position from sensors and encoders, users of Electrak LL actuators can get direct absolute position information by programming its embedded microprocessor to count mechanical turns within the gearbox. This enables an instantaneous, exact reading of position for the use of advanced control logic. A design engineer might, for example, use it to synchronize movements of multiple cylinders to defined positions at designated speeds

Another advantage of absolute position feedback is that it will be calibrated during assembly and does not need to be recalibrated. This improves efficiency in applications such as railway and agricultural controls where actuators are usually shut down for extended periods of time when the vehicles are not in use. If the position is not absolute, the actuator will need recalibration on restart. Also, the Electrak LL absolute position measurement does not require mechanical contact, which minimizes wear to the system.

Advanced control sequences need a way to share exchange instructions and data, and Thomson long-life actuators provide this as well. Electrak LL users can build applications around either CANopen® or SAE J1939 communications. This provides maximum flexibility to integrate actuators with other components or productivity and business applications.

High-duty-cycle applications, such as mobile robots, are usually battery powered as low current draw can be an advantage. Electrak LL users can now meet application power requirements by configuring their systems with a 48 V power supply. In comparison to the 24 V version, the 48 V will reduce resistive power losses, which enables thinner, less expensive wiring.

A 2 kN (450 lbs) load option to the Electrak LL has also been added. This optimizes the actuator to handle higher speeds with longer service life. 

Applications.
The new configuration options of the Electrak LL are for those who want both higher duty cycles and maximum control over their applications, such as the following:

• Smart railway pantographs and couplers
• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
• Material handling logistics trains
• Automated farming robots
• Movable steps and access lifts for trains and busses
• Gravel bins and hatches

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@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #Pauto

Stepper motor linear actuators with encoding for positional feedback.

The availability of a rotating-nut stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) with a rotary encoder as a standard option has been announced by Thomson Industries. Machine designers with applications requiring positional feedback can now specify the full line of SMLAs integrated with this enhancement.

“We are pleased to announce that Thomson customers who want to get precise positional measurement from a rotating-nut SMLA can now specify it as a standard addon. This addition rounds out the full line as we also offer encoder integration as a standard option for our rotating screw and linear actuator configurations,” said Ojesh Singh, Product Manager Lead Screws, Thomson Industries.

Thomson SMLAs use a stepper motor and lead screw shaft to translate rotary motion to linear motion for all three configurations: linear actuator, rotating screw and rotating nut. Previously, designers requiring positional monitoring on either the actuator or rotating screw configurations had to request a custom encoder assembly. A custom option for adding an encoder to the rotating-nut configuration did not even exist.

Growing interest in position data.
As machine designers are developing more complex applications requiring monitoring for speed, distance and position, the integration of encoders has been the most requested SMLA customisation for Thomson. This strong demand led the company to offer encoders as a standard option for all three SMLA configurations.

“Standardising encoder availability is a great leap forward in what machine designers can do with an SMLA platform. They have more flexibility in designing applications that require advanced data gathering and analysis and, given the SMLAs’ immediate availability, can get the units into production faster,” said Singh.

SMLAs with pre-installed rotary encoders are available now in all NEMA motor frame sizes and leadscrew threadforms listed in the company's product catalogue.

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@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #Pauto

Motion control leader moves!

Thomson Industries is moving its Kristianstad (S), operations into a larger space to meet growing demand for its motion control technology. The Kristianstad plant has been a steadily growing supplier of Thomson electric linear actuators and linear motion systems to European customers and is on track for further growth. The new facility is larger, more advanced and will effectively support future business growth.

“Strict adherence to safety, quality, delivery, inventory management and productivity excellence has fuelled our success, so much so that we have outgrown our facilities. It would have been impossible to add new product lines or production capacity in our original location without jeopardizing the fundamentals that got us here,” said Peter Swahn, Site Manager, Thomson Industries.

Thomson's business in Kristianstad has experienced steady growth since its inception in 1985 with 25 employees. The company’s growth has been driven by increasing adoption of its cleaner and smarter electric actuators by industrial users transitioning away from hydraulic cylinders as well as the overarching trends toward automation to improve human lives.

Located about one kilometer northeast of the original site, the brand new, cutting-edge production plant spans over 10,200 m2. This footprint will enable Thomson to consolidate operations that it had previously housed in three separate buildings.

“We can now configure goods receiving, production, packing and shipping in an optimized, streamlined workflow, including warehouse, maintenance, technical lab, and offices all in the same building. We can also integrate better vertically, having room to bring in machinery for operations we have previously outsourced,” said Swahn.

In addition to being able to handle more business, the new facility will offer improved amenities for employees, including electric charger-equipped parking, and expanded areas for dining and personal lockers. The move has begun in April with full production expected to be in the new space by summer of 2023.

@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #Pauto #Sweden

Shaft selector tool.

A real-time special machining configuration capability has been added by Thomson Industries to its online shaft selector tool. The new functionality enables customers to reduce the time spent in customising round rail shafting for their application needs to mere minutes instead of hours or even days.

The new add-on to the Thomson shaft selector tool allows users to more quickly create and procure a special-machined shafting solution that meets their exact application needs.

“This tool is especially useful to the job shop or machine builders often looking for smaller quantities quickly,” said Markus Brändle, Product Line Manager – Linear Bearings & Guides at Thomson. “They might be redesigning a piece of equipment or entering an early prototype phase. They save time by eliminating the back-and-forth questions that are typically necessary for custom work and could save money by seeing in real time the pricing impact of over-specifying.”

Typically, a customer uses the Thomson shaft selector to specify materials, size or other standard characteristics for their round rails, but if they needed any special machining such as threads, reductions, ring grooves or radial holes, they would have to submit a drawing or configure the shaft in a one-on-one session with a sales engineer.

With the online tool’s new add-on feature, customers can configure their shaft’s special machining themselves, interacting with a 2D drawing that updates in real time to reflect how configuration changes impact the design, pricing and lead time. It also avoids compatibility errors, such as spacing conflicts or a radial hole that is too large for the specified diameter, displaying only those options that fit your specified configurations.

Users access the special machining add-on through the Thomson online shaft selector tool. Once they select the shaft type and material, the special machining link appears alongside the list of recommended part numbers. The configuration tool focuses on the most common customisation options available from Thomson, which can be selected for both ends as well as the middle of the shaft.

“With the tool add-on, customers produce a 2D drawing that features all of the pertinent dimensions and tolerances, which they can print out, share or download,” Markus added. “They also have the option to purchase the configured shaft right from the tool interface.”

For any special machining options not shown in the shaft selector tool, customers can work directly with a Thomson application engineer via phone, email or online chat to quickly configure an ideal solution.

@Thomson_Ind  #PAuto #Manufacturing

Actuator wins.

The Thomson Industries' Electrak LL electric actuator has won the Bronze Award in the 2021 Industrial Design, Engineering & Automation (IDEA*)! Awards Contest. The readers of the US magazines Machine Design and Hydraulics & Pneumatics voted the actuator as one of the most exceptional product innovations they believe will help them improve safety, productivity and operational efficiency.

They designed the Electrak LL actuator to last up to 600 kilometers, more than ten times the life of a standard actuator. It has an extraordinarily high duty cycle of 35 percent at peak load, with IP69K (static) and IP66 (dynamic) ratings. Key to its durability is the use of brushless motors as well as increased UV resistance, a long-life ball screw and nut assembly, and a manual override design. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -40° to +85°C (-40° to +185°F), and is CE and RoHS compliant, which makes it easier for operators to interact with and control operations in all environments.

“Our aim is to continuously improve our products around the needs of our customers and the market by combining well-proven knowledge and experience with cutting-edge innovation,” said Håkan Persson, Product Line Director - Linear Actuators at Thomson. “The Electrak LL is the result of that effort, and we are encouraged that the readers of Machine Designand Hydraulics and Pneumatics have recognised us for that.”

Due to their strong environmental resistance, Electrak LL electric actuators are well suited for outdoor applications such as pantographs, couplers, steps, access lifts and gravel bins. They also comply with railway regulations EN 50155, EN 60077 and EN 45545 and can be used on the factory floor for high duty cycle applications such as material handling and logistics.

* The IDEA! Awards were created to showcase excellent product developments, and highlight emerging trends and breakthroughs in the industrial manufacturing sector. The awards were presented in six categories: Automation & Software, Fluid Power, Machines & Components, Motors & Drives, Sensors and Motion Control, in which the Electrak LL actuator was nominated.

@Thomson_Ind @mfgtechshow @MachineDesign #PAuto #Design #USA

Electric actuators for high duty in Britain.

The recently announced Thomson Industries' Electrak® LL actuator series is available in Britain from the authorised distributor, Heason Technology. 

It builds upon the well-proven Electrak range with a high-performance and high-efficiency brushless motor and integral electronics that eliminates the need for standalone control. The IP66 harsh environment rated actuator perfectly suits mobile battery powered end-to-end positioning tasks especially where high duty-cycle use prevails. As a compelling and cost-effective alternative to fluid-power cylinders, the Electrak LL series impresses for positioning and lifting applications used on mobile machinery, door, gate and hatch controls, pick & place and materials handling equipment. 

The Electrak LL complies to the railway standards EN 50155, EN 60077 and EN 4554.

@heasonmotion @Thomson_Ind#Pauto #Transportation #Britain

48volt Actuator.

Thomson Industries has announced the availability of a 48-volt option for its Electrak HD electric actuator. The added voltage capacity designed into this actuator provides motion control designers with new flexibility in integrating heavy duty actuators with onboard electronic systems that draw less current.

“Greater controllability is one of the main reasons that motion control system designers have been replacing hydraulic systems with heavy duty electric actuators, and adding 48-volt capacity to our Electrak HD family adds even more control,” said Anders Karlsson, Product Line Specialist – Linear Actuators at Thomson. “Designers can now more efficiently integrate equipment that draws less current.”

The Electrak HD linear actuator platform provides robust lifting performance up to 16 kN and has onboard electronics, which eliminates the need for standalone controls. The 48-volt Electrak HD has all of the robustness and performance capability of the standard line but can reduce current draw through the wires by half when compared to 24 Vdc and four times less current when compared to 12 Vdc. This enables designers to configure applications that can provide maximum power while drawing minimal current. It also reduces space demands for everything in the system, including wiring and transistors.

In a typical configuration, instead of deploying one 48-volt battery, the designer might string two 24-volt batteries, or a 24-volt and two 12-volt batteries in series. With the new Electrak HD option, they have up to 48-volt capacity if needed and can also integrate accessories that might need only low-level power switching.  

The 48-volt Electrak HD is designed to perform heavy duty applications and will benefit automation capabilities in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), forklifts, agricultural equipment, factory automation and any application with lifting requirements of up to 16 kN (3597 lbf) and a need to integrate other electronic equipment that requires low current.

@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #PAuto

Electric linear actuator.

Thomson Industries has launched the Electrak LL electric linear actuator, a long-life, high-duty-cycle component designed to work in the harshest conditions and offer superior environmental protection. In addition to having improved functionality dedicated to high duty cycle applications, the Electrak LL comes standard with all the performance, reliability and durability features that have made Thomson an industry leader in linear actuators.

With increased UV resistance capabilities, a long-life ball screw and nut assembly, and a long-life manual override design, the Electrak LL actuator is built to last. “The Electrak LL actuator is designed to deliver long life in harsh conditions and utilizes an improved sensor design that offers an integrated, robust solution to our customers. This new actuator is designed to last up to 600 kilometers, which is more than 10 times longer than the standard actuator,” said Anders Karlsson, Product Line Specialist – Linear Actuators at Thomson.

The load-bearing design of the Electrak LL electric actuator features two bearings to handle bidirectional load, as well as a built-in, brushless motor and motor drive system. This system provides constant speed regardless of the load and delivers the safety functionalities of the Thomson Electronic Monitoring Package. Eliminating the need for standalone controls, these integrated features provide constant monitoring of critical parameters such as end-of-stroke, voltage, current and temperature.

The actuator can withstand temperatures from -40° to +85°C (-40° to +185°F), and is CE and RoHS compliant, making it easier for operators to interact with and control operations, and providing a better user experience in all environments. Its coated, painted and sealed housing is rated to IP69K (static) and IP66 (dynamic) standards, meaning it resists corrosion from UV radiation, water jets, high-temperature/high-pressure washdowns and other forces. 

Such high environmental resistance makes Electrak LL electric actuators ideal in outdoor applications such as pantographs, couplers, steps, access lifts and gravel bins. Standards and safety regulations for railway equipment can be very demanding and require rigorous testing to ensure compliance, and the Electrak LL was built to comply with railway standards EN 50155, EN 60077 and EN 45545.

Long-life actuators such as the Electrak LL are also valuable on the plant floor for high-duty cycle applications such as material handling and logistics operations. For example, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and logistics trains often run 24/7, exposing their components to excessive wear and tear, however, the durability of these actuators extends replacement intervals significantly.  

@Thomson_Ind#Pauto #Transport

Linear guide selection tool.

An online tool has been launched by Thomson Industries that simplifies the selection and purchase of their wide range of profile rail linear guide components. Using the tool’s intuitive interface, design and system engineers can reach their optimal profile rail solution in a matter of minutes, eliminating potentially hours of research and analysis.

Thomson on-line tool

“Thomson offers the broadest line of profile rail linear guides in the motion control industry, and we now make it super easy for designers to quickly view their options and match a solution to their applications,” said Markus Brändle, Product Line Specialist – Linear Bearings and Guides at Thomson. “The new selector tool is part of our commitment to bringing online industrial buyers the same levels of convenience and decision support they get when working closely with Thomson application engineers.” 

The Thomson profile rail offering includes the next generation 500 Series ball and roller linear guides, 400 Series, AccuMini, compact MicroGuide®, and lightweightT-Series. It is a complete family of rails and carriages in a broad range of styles, sizes and unique features produced to industry standard dimensions for easy retrofitting into existing applications or designing into new ones.                   

From an intuitive menu displaying the main types of profile rail linear guides, users reach a list of recommended solutions for their application in only a few clicks. They can then filter on parameters such as load, length, carriage style, accuracy and required corrosion resistance. Up-front pricing and lead times, and user-prompted live assistance are also accessible – all without leaving the original page.

The whole selection process typically takes less than five minutes to get the user to the optimised profile rail that meets their requirements. Once the configuration is complete, they can either add it to a shopping cart for immediate purchase, download a 3D model into their CAD program or access a PDF containing product features, benefits and technical specifications. 

@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #PAuto

Greater connectivity, maintainability and flexibility for actuators.

Thomson Industries has announced the availability of the CANopen industrial networking protocol as an option for its line of heavy duty Electrak HD electric actuators. Designers of linear motion systems requiring up to 16 kN load handling can now enjoy the cost savings and flexibility of this CAN bus standard.

“Many of our customers are seeking to reduce costs and gain flexibility by integrating their motion systems into higher-level, open automation strategies and have asked us to support CANopen. We are pleased to announce that we are now offering both CANopen and SAE J1939 capabilities for our popular Electrak HD actuators,” said Anders Karlsson, Product Line Specialist – Linear Actuators at Thomson.

CANopen is an open industrial integration protocol built on the Controller Automation Network (CAN). Originally developed for industrial systems,it is increasingly becoming the protocol of choice for factory automation systems, most notably AGVs and PLC-controlled material handling systems.

CANopen offers all of the functionality of SAE J1939, another protocol built on the CAN network bus, but uses an independent standard platform that enables plug and play integration with other standard devices. This makes it possible to integrate motion into other, higher-level automation schemes.

In addition to simplifying connectivity, CANopen enables users to finely control the motion of a linear component using programmable parameterssuch as distance travelled, temperature and speed. Programs can provide data, which can help diagnose problems, signal maintenance alarms, improve quality control and optimize operations.

Taking full advantage of the CANopen data handling capabilities are the onboard electronics embedded in the Thomson Electrak HD actuator, which eliminate the need for standalone controls. This smart electric actuator offers an intelligent, powerful and compact alternative to hydraulic systems. In addition to load handling up to 16 kN, the Electrak HD provides up to 1 meter of stroke, up to 75 mm/s of speed and high environmental resistance, including IP69K.

ThomsonElectrak HD linear actuators with CANopen are available immediately and are compliant with specification 301 published by the CAN in Automation (CiA) standards body. Additional Thomson electric actuator models are being considered for future implementation.

@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr @CANopen #PAuto

Electro-hydraulic actuators.

Thomson Industries has introduced an electro-hydraulic actuator that has the strength of hydraulic cylinders but without their complex external assemblies or extensive fluid handling requirements. Thomson Warner Linear H-Track actuators move loads of up to 21350 N (4800 pounds) from a compact mounting envelope. The actuators are ideal for space-constrained applications requiring high load handling and shock resistance, such as snowplough blade control, agricultural ploughs and sprayer booms, mower deck lifts, and UTV dump boxes. “Specifying solutions for applications requiring high force in a compact space is now possible, while still realising the benefits of an electrically driven actuator,” said Anders Karlsson – Product Specialist Linear Actuators for Thomson. “With our unique reservoir design and pump configuration, we have miniaturized a hydraulic system and embedded it into a package that is even smaller than a ball screw-style electromechanical system. The result is a compact, electro-hydraulic actuator rated for heavy loads and capable of withstanding large amounts of shock loading with fluid-powered actuation that cushions the actuator components.”   High force density and shock resistance Hydraulic cylinder-based systems require a complex assembly of hoses, pumps, valves and reservoirs. This infrastructure can be costly to install, operate and maintain, and the fluid itself requires careful handling. Thomson Warner Linear H-Track actuators resolve this issue with a miniaturised hydraulic pump that is powered by a DC motor. The pump, cylinder and reservoir are a single unit that fits into a small housing about the size of a screw-type actuator. This hybrid actuator has a force rating of 21 kN (4800 lbf) and can achieve travel speeds of nearly 100 mm (4 in) per second. Users can select between motors and pumps to optimize for higher load capacity or higher speed than can typically be attained with ball screw-based designs.  Using hydraulic power to create linear motion also has a cushioning effect that enables the system to absorb shock load that might otherwise bend the ball screw or the extension tube, especially if the shock load occurred while the actuator was extended.    High configuration flexibility The ability to configure multiple pump and cylinder sizes enables Thomson to create H-Track iterations with various levels of speed and load capacity. Its exclusive pumping and reservoir architecture minimizes components and optimises the volume/pressure differential. A patented split-tank shuttle valve with back pressure relief adds further efficiencies. Other H-Track features include: Bore and rod combinations that allow for multiple configurations. Stroke lengths up to 406 mm (16 in) with solid rods allow for increased resistance to buckling. A pin-to-pin length shorter than traditional electromechanical actuators. Immunity to vibrational drifting; hydraulic self-locking. Protection from load runaway by installing meter-out circuits on one or both sides of the actuator. A cover-tube reservoir that cools the fluid. A flexible lid on a vented, isolated reservoir, which allows for actuator and pump operation in any orientation without entraining air or cavitation. Numerous applications The Thomson Warner Linear H-Track actuator is ideal for space-constrained applications that would usually use a screw-type actuator but would benefit from higher force handling, speeds or tolerance to shock loading. It is also ideal for applications that typically use hydraulic cylinders but in which the external pump and hose assemblies are consuming too much space or requiring too much maintenance. Following are some typical H-Track applications: Snowploughing — preventing bending of ball screw, extension tube or gearing if the plough collides with a hidden concrete obstacle while the actuator is fully extended. Agricultural plough depth control — controlling depth of blade penetration to optimize the placement of seeds from automatic seeders. Larger agricultural sprayer transport — protecting from overload on actuators used to fold larger sprayer booms for transport. Mower deck lifts — improving control of increasingly larger mower decks. Electro-hydraulic actuators are also being used in a wide variety of other applications as well, including turf care, lawn and gardening, marine hatch lifts, industrial pallet lifts, UTV tailgate locks and dump boxes, and construction quick-attach bucket releases. In addition to providing strength and resilience, H-Track electro-hydraulic actuators are designed for use in challenging environments. They are sealed to eliminate leakage of hydraulic fluids. They are also rated IP67 and IP69K for static loads, IP65 for dynamic loads and for 500-hour salt spray resistance. Units have a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +82 °C (-40 °F to +180 °F). #PAuto @Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr

Simplified motor integration for linear motion systems.

Mounting kit featured in improved Thomson Linear MOTIONEERING® online sizing and selection tool.

Thomson Industries has launched an upgraded RediMount option, a pre-engineered, modular adapter kit for seamlessly installing motors or gears in less than five minutes. The improved option is now the default for Thomson linear motion systems and precision linear actuators, and its capabilities are factored into optimal sizing recommendations generated through the company’s Linear MOTIONEERING product sizing and selection tool.

According to Alexander Schollin, Product Line Specialist EMEA & Asia at Thomson, “Lead time is minimised significantly as the motor or gear and systems can now be shipped with RediMount pre-installed. Whereas design engineers previously spent valuable time searching for the optimal motor flange kit and installing the individual components upon receipt, now they can order our upgraded solution, significantly reducing lead time and having only the simple task of bolting on their motor upon receipt.”

RediMount accommodates a wide range of motor types and sizes or gears, which can be mounted to linear motion systems and actuators faster and with less effort than ever before. “RediMount also includes updated smart part numbers with a specific motor ID, which reflect the motor or gear manufacturer and type,” added Schollin. “For engineers with old product numbers, we developed a translator, which converts the old product number to a new one including motor ID.”

Furthermore, by using the Linear MOTIONEERING tool, customers can now check if their motor is powerful enough and meets the specifications of their application. This is a critical enhancement for project-based machine builders and automation partners. Products now available with the enhanced RediMount kit include:

• M (Movopart®) linear units: These are ideal for economical, transport-grade applications such as packaging, material handling and factory automation.
• WH (SpeedLine) linear units: The units are designed for high-speed material handling and packaging.
• WM (PowerLine), WV units (DynaLine) and MLS units (ForceLine) linear units: These units are developed for applications such as machine tool automation and test/measurement.
• T-Series actuators (T60/T90/T130): These rod-style precision linear actuators are designed for use in material handling, machining and factory automation applications. They are ideal for replacing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.

RediMount facilitates various Thomson linear motion systems and precision linear actuators.

Finally, apart from reduced lead and engineering time on the overall system, RediMount is also designed with a flexible coupling that matches or exceeds the high input torque of the linear unit.

#PAuto @Thomson_Ind  @bcm_pr

Linear actuators.

With the recently announced increase in maximum dynamic load from 10 kN to 16 kN for stroke lengths to 500 mm, and with static loads to 18 kN, Thomson’s Electrak® HD series linear actuators are now an even more compelling alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders for positioning tasks on heavy-duty machinery and equipment.

Available in Britain, with full support from Heason Technology, the Electrak HD range covers six load-rated models with stroke lengths from 100 mm to 1 metre (in 50 mm increments). With 12 or 24 VDC operation, a wide choice of built-in control options include J1939 CANbus, open or closed loop positioning, analogue and digital position output, axis synchronisation and PLC compatibility. These combine with a comprehensive choice of mechanical interfacing options to make application integration and operation straightforward.

The Electrak HD series has a smaller footprint, requires much less maintenance and is a much cleaner solution than hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder alternatives. In addition, its superior controllability offers easier integration with modern computer controlled systems and more precise positioning control.

The actuators also offer a durability that will suit the harshest environments, with IP67 rating for static use and IP66 for dynamic positioning as standard. An IP69K version is available for the food industry and other automation tasks where frequent washdown is required. The Electrak HD series will operate at high loads in temperatures ranging from -40 to +85 °C. For maximum loads, a generous 25% duty cycle ensures operation for demanding high-throughput positioning tasks.

Safety is available via thermal and voltage or current load protection with end-of-stroke limit switches, manual (mechanical) override and integrated motor-brake for complete safeguarding.

The robust Electrak HD design is well proven in a wide range of applications in automotive, agricultural and construction equipment where the industry standard J1939 CANbus control network is well established. A high-efficiency ball screw system with parallel mounted motor and gear components are housed in a robust hard-coat anodised aluminium housing. Internally the motor and gear unit are housed in a zinc frame providing extra protection. The stainless steel anti-rotation extension tube is fully sealed inside the housing and a wide choice of mechanical interfacing options include rod-end and threaded adapters for straightforward mounting.

#PAuto @heasonmotion @Thomson_Ind

Hybrid stepper motor/lead screw actuator.

Thomson Industries has expanded its line of stepper motor linear actuators with models featuring built-in anti-rotational guidance. The new motorised lead screw actuator (MLA) product saves designers of high-precision, shorter-stroke applications the cost, time and maintenance worries related to designing and building externally guided systems themselves.

The actuator configuration provides effortless integration into your assembly with the same range of end mounting and connection options as the rest of the motorised lead screw family

“Combining lead screws and stepper motors is a simple and cost-effective method of achieving precise linear motion,” said Thomson Product Design Engineer Julian Anton. “However, accomplishing that with basic stepper motor and lead screw assemblies can require designing costly external anti-rotational guidance systems. With our new MLA product line, customers who want precise motion can just specify load, stroke length and end mounting, and they are good to go.”

The load of a typical stepper motor linear actuator attaches to a nut that rides back and forth as the screw turns. Translating the rotational motion of the motorised lead screw into the axial motion needed to move the load back and forth requires restraining the nut. Traditionally, application designers accomplish this with external guidance assemblies, but these can take up valuable space and add cost and complexity.

The MLA design eliminates the need for external guidance by surrounding the shaft with an aluminium cover tube with moulded internal splines that lock onto the nut to keep it from turning. This design also features an integrated bushing that enables it to withstand small radial and moment loads.

It is best suited for space-constrained, force-sensitive applications requiring shorter strokes that must be repeated with high precision. Examples include adjusting a microscope slide stage, tilting a computer monitor or vertically positioning a pipette onto a test tube array. Ideal applications have stroke lengths shorter than 64 mm; have loads lighter than 890 N on various motor sizes; and require speeds below 500 mm/s.

Thomson MLA stepper motor linear actuators are available immediately for NEMA 8, 11, 14, 17 and 23 motor frame sizes; in single or double stacks; with many motor winding options. Linear resolution options range from 0.002 – 0.191 µm of linear travel per step.

The actuators ship with NEMA-standard bolt-hole patterns, but custom pattern profiles are also available, as are custom end mounting, wiring, cabling and connectors. Because the lead screw extends from one face of the motor only, devices such as rotary encoders can also be attached easily.

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Shafting!

Thomson Industries has announced the latest addition to their shafting product line, T-Case™ LinearRace® Shafting. Thomson T-Case™ shafting is a readily available and affordable automation solution designed to endure tough usage with optimal performance for demanding European maintenance schedules.

The high-quality shafting provides various benefits to automation manufacturers. For example, the steel used in hardened and ground T-Case™ is 1.1213 / CF53 for solid and 1.1221 / C60E for tubular shafts. Combining the strong material with superior grinding processes enables the shaft to successfully operate in the most demanding environments.

To ensure long life in transport-grade applications, T-Case™ is hardened to an exact specification of 60 - 63 HRC. A chrome-plating option is available with a standard thickness of 8 - 15 μm, which is used in applications where corrosion resistance is needed such as palletizing, railroad equipment, logistic systems, etc.

Thomson T-Case™ is particularly valuable due to its flexibility in application and great tolerance of non-machined installation surfaces when bundled with self-aligning, Thomson Linear Ball Bushing® bearings.

To meet specific application requirements, T-Case™ shafting can be cut and machined at the Thomson factory before distribution to customers. The availability of this service eliminates the need for a secondary step after shipping. Thomson also provides a fast lead time within a week.

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Smart actuators.

Thomson Industries has released an educational video that summarises the benefits of smart actuators, which feature integrated electronics. The five-minute video explores how smart electromechanical actuators are meeting demands for greater connectivity, application flexibility and cost efficiency, and illustrates their use in factories, on- and off-highway vehicles, and structural automation.
In discussing the benefits of smart actuators, Håkan Persson, Global Product Line Director – Thomson Actuators, states: “Smart actuators help OEM design engineers build smarter machines with smarter components. Their onboard electronics perform traditionally external control functions such as switching, position feedback, system diagnostics and communications. Embedding these into the actuator housing reduces component cost, installation cost and design labor that might otherwise be needed. This, coupled with concurrent advances in power density and environmental protection, allows design engineers to electrify more axes of motion than previously thought possible, putting actuators on the frontlines of Industry 4.0.”

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Research for new tesla coil sesigns.

Thomson Industries has donated a high-precision ball screw assembly to The Geek Group National Science Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to help develop revolutionary designs of Tesla Coils (TC). An ambitious R&D program has been initiated there to discover new uses for the TC with help from a new automated process for winding coils.

Thomson was selected because of their top-notch application engineering support and breadth of product offerings, which enabled delivery of an optimal complete ball screw assembly. That Thomson ball screw assembly will help The Geek Group’s high-energy engineering team convert from typical manual winding to a much faster, more accurate automated process for winding thousands of coils required to conduct their experiments.

A Thomson customer support engineer guided The Geek Group engineering team in selecting the exact configuration to best match their needs. The product selected was a quick-install ball screw assembly that avoids any precision problems that may result from assembling components on site. The final configuration consisted of a Thomson FSI Style ball nut along with an eight-foot-long ball screw just under an inch in diameter.

"We set our IRC team on the task of finding the best linear motion technology in the industry,” said Chris Boden, CEO of The Geek Group. “The team, composed of a couple hundred experts from many science and technology disciplines, analysed about a dozen different products and concluded that only the Thomson drive could do exactly what we needed and exactly how we wanted to do it”.

The TC production program has already begun, and The Geek Group has plans for experimenting with larger coils in the future.

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Linear Actuators with integrated servo motors.

Thomson Industries now offers users of its PC Series precision linear actuators an optional, pre-mounted and pre-tested servo motor.  Bundling linear actuators with servo motors simplifies ordering, reduces the need for additional validation after installation, increases reliability, and reduces the total cost of owning and operating an actuator system.

“Inconsistencies in the way in which servo motors are mated with actuators can impact performance, reliability, and eventually the performance life of both the actuator and the motor,” said Niklas Sjöström, Product Line Manager – Systems Group for Thomson. “By pre-assembling and pre-testing standard integration with our PC Series family at the factory level, we save users the trouble of sizing, selecting and mounting the right motor for their application.”

Pre-installing and configuring Kollmorgen AKM servo motors complements the industry leading capabilities of the PC Series actuators, which have been demonstrated to provide four times the travel life of any other actuator of comparable size available today, double the power and load density, 25 percent better thrust force and side load handling, as well as higher speed and longer stroke length.  Integrating a servo motor so tightly with PC Series provides users with the following additional benefits:

Optimum motor matching.
All Thomson PC Series linear actuators can be ordered with a broad selection of Kollmorgen AKM servo motors, fully-integrated and tested.

Easier sizing and selection. 
Because Thomson has already identified and tested a wide range of configurability options and has provided a tool that helps map applications to motor sizing, it takes less than 15 minutes to find the right combination. Downloadable and configurable 3D CAD models contribute to the solution. All parameters, including length, motor orientation, mounting adapters and screw leads, are fully customisable.

Fast and reliable installation. 
Once the actuator/motor combination is selected, the unique Thomson RediMount™ motor mounting system speeds implementation by reducing the time spent aligning the actuator and motor. Should a customer prefer using their own motor make and type, they may still reap the benefits of the RediMount system, giving  the ability to seamlessly fit more than 600 different motor alternatives to the PC Series actuators. ISO standard mounting interfaces are also available to facilitate upgrades from pneumatic technologies.

Reduced maintenance.
Pre-aligning the system extends life by compensating for system alignment, complementing the maintenance benefits already gained from the PC Series’ IP65 rating and corrosion resistance.

Top quality servo motors
Thomson chose to pre-install Kollmorgen AKM servo motors because of their proven, high-quality motor range, complemented by a broad array of servo drives and programmable positioning controllers for both single- and multi-axis applications. Some of the benefits include:
•       Best-in-class performance with industry leading power density
•       Exceptionally low cogging and harmonic distortion to ensure smooth performance
•       Easy to commission and use with plug-and-play motor recognition and full-frequency auto-tuning on AKD™ Series servo drives

Availability
Thomson PC Series linear actuators with an integrated Kollmorgen AKM servo motor option are available in Europe immediately. They can be selected online using tools and diagrams that simplify finding the actuator/motor combination that meets the customers’ application needs. Customers with their own brand of motor can still be benefited by the RediMount system.

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