IEN: How are manufacturers using existing technologies in new ways?

Greer: As end products get smaller, the impact of miniaturization continues to influence traditional components, which must be redesigned to operate within smaller envelopes without adversely affecting performance.

As an example, newly introduced SKF® Miniature Slides have been developed as complete and compact assemblies for linear motion applications where short strokes are required and space for system components is minimal. The miniature slides are quick and easy to install, since they are provided as complete units.

Another example is SKF® Miniature Profile Rail Guides, which are similarly designed for applications where mounting space is limited. These compact rail guides provide precise linear positioning, smooth operation, high load-carrying capacity, high stiffness, and unlimited stroke for a wide variety of linear motion applications. Different carriage designs can meet particular load and stiffness demands.

Augello: Traditional actuation systems are being redesigned to meet requirements for a wider and more specialized range of applications, and a notable example is their use to promote good ergonomics in the workplace.

ErgoMove™ actuation systems are engineered to deliver reliable, safe, and controlled power-driven adjustment of tables and desks for optimum ergonomics at workstations. Their modular-concept design allows for tailored control solutions to be offered in installation-ready packages.

These systems consist of linear actuators, telescopic pillars, control units, and control panels. Components are available in a wide range of types and models providing specific capabilities to accommodate virtually any application requirement at workstations ranging from computer and office desks to packing tables and workbenches.

'Intelligent' controls for ErgoMove systems can further perform a variety of advanced functions, including level control, and soft start and stop.

IEN: What innovations are in store?

Greer: Our latest innovation in linear motion is a patented SKF® Anti-Creep System (ACS) for cross-roller precision rail guides designed by SKF Motion Technologies to eliminate 'cage creep,' which typically affects X/Y positioning applications demanding accuracy, high precision, and high speed.

A cage serves within a cross-roller precision rail guide system as a roller-spacing component to prevent rubbing, friction, and drag. The ACS from SKF keeps the cage in the required centered position to prevent the problems and costs associated with 'cage creep.'

With non-ACS systems, the cage has a tendency to migrate gradually toward one end of the travel and hit the end stops, which causes the rollers to skid and increases system friction at the stroke limits. To recenter the cage, a machine either has to be shut down for cage repositioning or otherwise equipped with larger (and more costly) motors to deliver the necessary power to reset the cage to the centered position.

The ACS prevents 'cage creep' by utilizing a rack-and-pinion design to keep the cage permanently centered and to prevent migration of a cage during normal operation. In systems with ACS, cages need never be reset and 'creep-related' operational disruptions need never occur.

Since space restrictions exist in most applications, the ACS has been created as a drop-in component that fits within the design envelope of a standard cross-roller system to maintain dimensional integrity of an assembly.

Augello: With a goal to meet application needs cost-effectively, design innovations continue to be driven by users seeking the capability to customize components and systems.

In response, CATR Modular Range electromechanical linear actuators from SKF Motion Technologies can now be custom-built utilizing standard internal and external components (such as motors, gears, screws, controls, and attachments). Their modular capability enables users to satisfy application-specific requirements without the costs typically associated with engineered parts or assemblies.

These CATR actuators can accommodate a variety of different options (and each option presents more choices) to tailor actuator to application. Users have the opportunity to specify standard or special stroke lengths, AC or DC motors, friction clutch gears, cables, and front and rear attachments, among many other selections. Available accessories range from limit switches to encoders.

These linear actuators can be designed to perform a variety of functions, such as opening/closing, clamping/gripping, raising/lowering, or pushing/pulling. Their flexibility promotes use in virtually unlimited applications, including foodservice equipment and other repetitive motion devices in countless industries.