On the move with linear motion

On the move with linear motion
On the move with linear motion

Linear motion system specialist, HepcoMotion explains how the aerospace sector utilises its linear rail and slide systems to efficiently move large and complex structures from A to B.


The need to automate has never been more apparent with manufacturers under pressure to increase output, lower costs and improve quality. There are now very few areas where automation cannot contribute greatly to improving efficiency - including the aerospace industry.

HepcoMotion, a world-leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, is well versed working in the aerospace industry. The company's V based linear rail and slide systems are used extensively in the sector, typically to move and position large structures, or as guidance for handling fixtures. The precision ground running surfaces provide a low friction, surprisingly rigid solution delivering accurate movement with longevity other solutions will find difficult to match.

Aerospace designers can have confidence that Hepco systems are durable, capable of heavy loads and able to work with minimal maintenance.

The use of robots in the aerospace industry for high volume, repetitive tasks has been gathering pace in recent years as the installed costs reduce. Within Hepco's product range there are a number of options to actuate robots depending on weight, duty cycle and speed requirements.

“There are lots of repetitive tasks in the aerospace industry,” states HepcoMotion's sales director, Graham Bramley (pictured). “Having an automated process for tasks such as welding and deburring achieves new levels of repeatability and improves the quality and consistency by eliminating human subjectivity.”

Aircraft wing assembly is one such application that benefits greatly from automation and linear motion technology. Here, a robot is on a track performing the function of drilling and riveting aircraft wings up to 6m in length. A 1.5 tonne robot with all the associated equipment requires a robust guidance system that can work extended periods with no maintenance.

Hepco's Max Heavy Duty system (MHD) uses flat tracks with rollers located in cast iron blocks. Integral racks cut into the track provide precision alignment for the drive system with a generous gear mod size to accommodate the high driving forces. This technology is popular in the field of robots as the rolling motion has an exceptionally high load capacity and is unfazed by hostile conditions. Systems can be constructed to achieve any length with an automated lubrication facility for the rack and pinion.

Between the wheels

Aerospace applications typically involve the assembly of heavy parts, and it's here that health and safety requirements necessitate a reassessment of past methods. Assembling aircraft wheels can be extremely difficult without dedicated equipment. The image shows the assembly of tyres onto wheel rims where two Z axes are involved on a single X axis.

One of the Z axes supports the tyre and positions it over the rim whilst the other accurately tightens the fixing nuts to the required torque. As featured in the image, Hepco's HDS2 gantry systems offer a reliable, low maintenance XZ or XYZ solution with beams available in various sizes to suit the load and rigidity requirements.

The use of high strength aluminium beams for gantry axes is proving popular for many gantry builders as they seek alternatives to machined steel structures. Hepco's V guide technology provides further benefits as the maintenance periods are a fraction of traditional re-circulating guide systems often used in this type of application.

“Aerospace manufacturing is unique and specialised,” concludes Bramley. “The parts can be complex and often extremely large. Not only are they heavy to manoeuvre, sometimes space for assembly can be very limited. Automated processes make difficult and painstaking tasks like closing up wing spaces much more ergonomic and efficient.”

www.hepcomotion.com

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