Linear stepping motors are an excellent solution for positioning applications that require rapid acceleration and high-speed moves with low mass payloads. Mechanical simplicity and precise open-loop operation are additional features of the Compumotor microstepping linear motor systems.
The linear stepping motor is not subject to the same linear velocity and acceleration limitations inherent in systems converting rotary to linear motion. For example, in a leadscrew system, the inertia of the leadscrew frequently exceeds the inertia of the load. Attempting a high-speed move with a low mass payload results in the majority of the motor torque applied to overcoming the leadscrew inertia. As the length of the screw increases, the inertia of the screw increases and the maximum critical speed is reduced. With linear motors, all the force generated by the motor is efficiently applied directly to the load, and length has no effect on system inertia.
Additional benefits of linear
stepping motors
- High Throughput – The motors are capable of speeds to 100 ips and the low mass forcer allows high acceleration.
- Mechanical Simplicity – The need for leadscrews or belts and pulleys is eliminated. The mechanical design is pre-engineered.
- High Reliability – Fewer moving parts and a friction-less air bearing design results in a longer, maintenance-free life.
- Long Travel – Length of travel is limited only by the length of the platen; increasing length causes no degradation in performance.
- Precise Open-Loop Operation – Unidirectional repeatability to 2.5 microns without the added expense of feedback devices.
- Small Work Envelope – A linear motor is usually smaller in all three dimensions than comparable systems where rotary motion is converted to linear.
- Easily-Achieved X-Y Motion – The assembly of X-Y gantry systems is readily accomplished.
- Multiple Motion – More than one forcer can operate on the same platen with overlapping trajectories.
Additional References