Mclennan, the leading motion control component supplier and systems integrator has signed a distribution agreement with the USA-based electric linear actuator, roller screw, and grooved roller bearing designer and manufacturer Creative Motion Control (CMC).
Formed in 2002, and with a growing reputation for its innovative approach to motion engineering, CMC’s characterises its products by their durability, high-force capacity, power density and maintenance-free life. Mclennan says it is exciting to take on the new range and is particularly enthused with the CPD-series high force linear actuators that combine CMC’s precision roller screw and patented grooved roller bearing components to offer higher loads and longer life than similarly sized actuators on the market.
With the possibility to select much more compact package sizes for the same power ratings, these attributes perfectly suit cost-effective applications in presses, broaching or stamping machines, injection moulding machines, hydraulic cylinder replacement and anywhere where controlled high linear force and/or precision positioning is required.
CMC’s CPD series linear actuators feature an inline or parallel (wrap around) motor mounting geometry that is compatible with virtually any manufacturer’s servo or stepper motors. The maximum standard product size, the CPD-1000, has a square section size of around 254 mm x 254 mm and a standard stroke length from 100 mm to almost 93 metres and can produce a maximum continuous force of 1112 kN (motor dependant). The smallest standard size, the CPD-250, with a 63.5 mm square section produces 30 kN. These specifications hold true with repeatability of around 0.02 mm and a maximum actuator backlash of 0.075 mm.
These specifications are directly due to the drive chain design that utilises CMC’s roller screw and patented grooved roller bearing components, enabling a size-for-size comparison the company says outperforms the competition that relies on traditional ball-bearing support mechanics. The IP67 rated actuators also feature CMC designed and manufactured planetary gearboxes to suit application load and speed requirements – ensuring positioning precision is maximised rather than use spur gears or belt drive reduction mechanics. A wide choice of mechanical interfacing includes clevis pin, foot, flange or trunnion mounts and threaded rod ends. The CPD series is also available with an oil lubrication system yielding the actuator maintenance-free for the life of the unit for most applications.
CMC’s CPD-series linear actuators – cutaway view.
CMC’s precision roller screws employ threaded rollers instead of the ball bearings that are used in ball screws, providing a much larger contact surface for load transfer. This correlates to a much higher stiffness and shock resistance plus increased load capacity and longer life. CMC’s patented grooved roller bearings utilise a grooved inner and outer race with grooved rollers sandwiched in-between and held captive with retainer rings. This compact bearing arrangement offers a much longer life and much higher load capacity than angular contact bearings, ultimately exceeding the life of traditional bearings by a factor of 5 to 10.
Available as thrust, radial and ‘combo’ bearings their increased size-for-size load capability allows smaller bearings sizes to be used and CMC’s flexibility in manufacturing can allow for customisation in size and materials opening possibilities for non-magnetic or other environment-sensitive installation. This technology also lends itself to pre-lubricated bearing designs that provide maintenance-free use and extended life for some applications.
CMC also manufactures an alternative actuator range, the LPD series, that employs its roller screw technology and standard support bearings for application areas that may not require such high-performance. CPD and LPD series actuators may be fitted with limit switches, absolute linear encoders, load sensors and flexibility in design is assured with a complete customisation service where required.
The high efficiency of the individual roller screw and grooved bearing components, as well as the overall performance of CMC’s linear actuators, also offer energy cost savings and overall TCO can be reduced due to increased life and low maintenance factors.
With its own design and production capability and distribution partnerships with leading motion component manufacturers, Mclennan’s engineers can assist with motor sizing, drive technology and motion controls across CMC’s complete range of actuators as well as selection assistance and dimensioning for the roller screw and grooved roller bearings.
Mclennan works closely with a small number of global motion control manufacturers and with its own in-house design and manufacturing capability the Hampshire-based motion specialist offers complete integrated mechatronics assemblies with customised mechanics, gearheads and other power train components.
For more information about Mclennan and Creative Motion Control, you can visit their respective websites.
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