AL2xxx | Linear Servomotors
In contrast to servo motors, linear motors are synchronous motors that generate linear motion, rather than rotary motion. A linear motor consists of a primary part, the motor, and a secondary part, the magnetic plate or track.
The magnetic plate is generally attached to the machine base. The linear motor glides on linear guides above the base. The motor operates wear-free since no bearings or gaskets are used.
A further advantage is potentially unlimited travel, which is achieved by lining up magnetic plates.
Traditionally linear motors have predominantly been used in machine tools and pick-and-place machines, although due to the price erosion for permanent magnets they are also increasingly being used for simpler applications such as handling systems or packing machines.
Beckhoff offers linear motors in the form of kits or components consisting of the motor, magnetic plates and encoder systems. Machine manufacturers assemble the components to form a complete linear axis. This offers the design engineer a high degree of flexibility for the machine construction without being tied to fixed dimensions for complete linear axes.
The following components are required for a linear axis:
| Component | Supplier |
|---|---|
| Linear motor | Beckhoff |
| Magnetic plates | Beckhoff |
| Encoder/feedback | Beckhoff, e.g. Heidenhain, Renishaw, Lika |
| Linear guides | e.g. THK, SKF |
| Drag chain | e.g. Igus, Kabelschlepp, ekd |
| Cables and connection system | Beckhoff |
Connector box
The AL2250 connector box facilitates wiring between linear motor and the Servo Drive. It is mounted on the linear slide and moves with the motor. The motor cable, the thermal protection contact cable and the encoder cable are inserted into the box through cable glands and connected to the terminal strip. The temperature contact is linked to the motor and encoder cable, so that no thermal protection contact cable is required. The standard motor and encoder cables are connected on the other side of the box.
AL2xxx with Beckhoff encoder (MES) without connector box
| Cable | AX2000 | AX2500 | AX5000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor cable | ZK4000-2111 | ZK4000-2711 | ZK4500-0003 ZK4500-0023 |
| Thermal protection contact cable | ZK4000-2510 | ZK4000-2510 | ZK4540-0000 ZK4540-0020 |
| Encoder cable | ZK4000-2610 | ZK4000-2610 | ZK4510-0000 ZK4510-0020 |
| Cable | AX2000 | AX2500 | AX5000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor cable | ZK4000-2111 | ZK4000-2711 | ZK4500-0003 ZK4500-0023 |
| Encoder cable | ZK4000-2610 | ZK4000-2610 | ZK4510-0000 ZK4510-0020 |