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Driven track system boosts efficiency and throughput
Published:  18 February, 2015

HepcoMotion has launched a scroll-driven track system to cater for high-speed production line applications needing large driving forces. Typical uses for the DTS2 system include high speed-indexing for the rapid transfer of components in the packaging, automotive, food and special-purpose machinery industries.

The load-bearing carriages are linked together by lengths of timing belt and are driven by a large scroll drive, enabling them to maintain a constant speed around the track – typically oval or rectangular in shape – at all times. This allows smooth continuous movements to be achieved without speeding up around the radial sections.

The modular DTS2 has a different operating principle to Hepco’s original DTS system, and can carry higher loads with higher accelerations and decelerations. This leads to faster cycle times, with increased throughputs and efficiency. The new system can drive up to 50 carriages with one scroll and offers a choice of drive methods for flexibility.

Hepcomotion's DTS2 system drives load-bearing carriages around a track at high speed

The scroll drive is said to provide rapid indexing and good positional accuracy, without needing the carriage-locking device used in the original DTS.

The patent-pending system is based on Hepco’s PRT2 ring-and-track system and is available in three sizes: small (25mm), medium (44mm) and large (76mm). It can be supplied with a machine frame to help with installation.