At the recent Motek materials-handling exhibition in Germany, Yaskawa unveiled an all-in-one linear slider axis which can deliver peak forces of up to 5.4kN and is available in path lengths of up to 6m. The SGT axes are available in IP67-protected versions.

Yaskawa says that when the new axis is paired with its Sigma V servo amplifier, it achieves positioning times that are about 30% faster that those possible using pneumatic actuators or electric axes driven by previous-generation controllers. It can thus boost productivity by a similar amount.  

The axes consist of profile rails, linear guides, sliders, a linear motor, an encoder and plug-in power electronics. A surface coating allows the axes to be cleaned using aggressive detergents and pressure washers.

The sliders are said to offer high positioning accuracy and dynamic movements, even at the fastest travel speeds. Short stabilisation times help to increase machine throughput. High efficiency ensures low energy consumption, and simple system integration yields considerable engineering expense reductions. The axes, which are available in four sizes, need almost no maintenance.