Perfect Protection for Servo Axes
Torque limiting clutches provide consistent quality and high productivity
In case of collisions, mechanical torque limiting clutches are indispensable protective elements in dynamic servo axes, for example in machine tools. This is so even if the control unit is equipped with a monitoring function. The extremely compact and high performance density torque limiting clutches in the EAS-smartic Type series are optimally adapted to the requirements of such axes.
No machine is safe from collisions. They occur even on machines with the most intelligent control and monitoring systems. The results for the user are high costs for repairs and replacement parts, downtimes and a damaged image due to late delivery. However, quite often the consequences for the machine manufacturer are ignored. Collisions can cause hidden damage which can result in the loss of accuracy. Such quality problems with a machine and downtimes negatively influence the productivity statistics. Both cast a damning light on the machine manufacturer nd influence future buying decisions.
- The EAS-smartic is available in flange design for belt drives and with different compensation couplings. A combination with the torsionally rigid ROBA-DS disk pack coupling is perfect for direct drives.
Some servo controls manufacturers are still of the opinion that mechanical torque limiting clutches are no longer necessary. The collision monitoring in the machine controls is intended to take over the protective function. Collision monitoring systems recognize an increase in torque and activate countermeasures. However, this only works under certain conditions and can only provide effective protection in rare cases, e.g. in applications with low dynamics and soft collision.
The technical development in the field of machine tools has always taken the opposite direction. The trend for increasing complexity, higher productivity and increased accuracy has continued. In case of collisions, reliable mechanical torque limiting clutches as protection against expensive overload damage are irreplaceable. They maintain the quality and increase the productivity of machine tools.
Machines are no longer designed to produce one and the same part during their entire service lifetime. The increased complexity with several, simultaneously moving axes multiplies the risk of collision. The increased productivity requires faster axis movements and stronger motors which possess a higher inertia. Higher speeds and larger mass moments of inertia make sure that the kinetic energy constantly increases. The demands for higher accuracy require stiffer frame and drive axis designs. In case of a collision, the torque increases so rapidly in modern machine tools that the electronic monitoring systems can no longer react effectively and in due time. Mechanical torque limiting clutches, however, separate the drive line in most cases within several milliseconds after the preset torque is reached and therefore uncouple the majority of the destructive kinetic energy.