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Improved transport system for heavy duty applications

HepcoMotion has brought its own expertise in guidance systems to complement the Beckhoff linear motor transport system. The upgraded transport system uses HepcoMotion’s PRT2 and 1-Track guidance systems to work with Beckhoff’s XTS circuit linear system to meet the needs of higher duty XTS applications where motion profiles and long term durability requirements are particularly demanding.

Beckhoff’s XTS motion system consists of modular linear motors with integrated power electronics and displacement measurement for up to 40 wireless movers on one system. The length of the track and shape can be made to suit the application, making it highly versatile.

The motion of each mover is independently controlled via Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software, allowing users to make product changes on the fly and to implement small lot sizes quickly with maximum efficiency. Mech-anical reconfiguration is not necessary as XTS replaces expensive mechanical devices with flexible software functionality.

HepcoMotion has developed special versions of its PRT2 and 1-Trak guidance systems to work with XTS. With a proven track record, Hepco’s well-renowned guidance systems offer long life, precision and flexibility in a wide array of applications and industries. Featuring the well-renowned V guide technology that Hepco originated over 35 years ago, the PRT2 is the ultimate product for combined circular and linear motion, while the highly innovative 1-Trak system re-writes what is possible with linear and rotary motion.

The use of Hepco’s advanced linear guidance system provides exceptional support and guidance for the movers, meeting the needs of higher duty XTS applications where motion profiles and long term durability requirements are particularly demanding. All of this is possible without compromising positional accuracy over the life of the machine.

Whether the machine design is new or has to replace an existing installation, XTS can be configured to suit the space available. Uniquely, HepcoMotion's patented 1-Trak guidance system can be configured to follow any two dimensional path and this is consequently the perfect match for many of the XTS system configurations.

The XTS requires very little maintenance to achieve consistent high performance – users will be able to plan routine maintenance into the machine schedule. XTS benefits from monitoring software that detects any changes to the performance of the movers, such as play or excessive friction. This feature is very useful as an early warning for potential bearing wear.

HepcoMotion and Beckhoff believe the combination of their technologies will provide users with a robust, high production and flexible solution that will revolutionise production processes in many manufacturing applications.

Beckhoff Automation Ltd