Nexen Group, Inc. has introduced the UniTrax motor-ready linear axis, a configurable linear motion system that bundles the core components of a linear axis into a single purpose-built unit. The announcement matters because it shifts significant engineering and assembly work from the customer to the supplier, a change that could shorten machine development cycles for original equipment manufacturers, machine builders, and system integrators.
The product was developed after a voice-of-customer survey identified demand for a more complete system that would reduce component sizing, mounting design, and assembly work normally handled by customers. Nexen estimates that UniTrax can save approximately 19 hours of labor compared with sizing individual components, designing mounting features, and separately assembling and installing those parts. That labor reduction is the central implication of the launch: fewer engineering hours and less assembly time can translate into faster paths to a production-ready machine.
UniTrax is built on Nexen's Roller Pinion System (RPS) and includes the RPS drive system, guide rail, and carriage plate. The customer supplies the servo motor, gearhead if needed, and cable management system. For applications requiring additional load support, a second guide rail and a larger carriage plate can be added. The axis is available in nominal 1-meter and 1.5-meter lengths, with custom lengths shorter than 1.5 meters available upon request. Customers specify the axis length and planned gearhead so Nexen can configure the system for specific applications.
Performance specifications underscore why the system may appeal to demanding applications. UniTrax delivers zero backlash, repeatability of ±20 micrometers, and positional accuracy up to ±80 micrometers in a fully supported top-mount configuration. It reaches speeds of up to 4 m/s and provides an average thrust capacity of 1,000 N and a static thrust capacity of 2,000 N. The clamp-collar design accepts shaft diameters up to 22 mm, accommodating gearheads through the Stober P4 size as well as gearheads with smaller shafts.
The axis can operate without lubrication at speeds of up to 1 m/s, an advantage in both dirty and clean environments. Without exposed lubricant, debris is less likely to adhere to the drive system in dirty applications, and the system avoids introducing lubricant into clean environments. Unlike belt- and ball-screw-driven actuators that may face speed limitations as travel length increases, the RPS maintains high-speed capability over longer travel lengths, according to the company.
Potential applications include Cartesian robots, food-processing equipment, custom drilling and cutting systems, gantry routers, nondestructive testing and measurement systems, laser and plasma cutting, welding, woodworking, and multiheaded systems operating on a common axis. The axis can be used as a standalone unit or configured with a larger carriage plate. More information is available at www.nexengroup.com/linear-motion-control/unitrax-motor-ready-linear-axis/.
Craig Pellin, vice president of sales and marketing at Nexen Group, said customers wanted the performance of the Roller Pinion System without having to engineer and assemble every part of the axis themselves. UniTrax gives them a configurable axis that reduces integration work and helps them move more quickly toward a production-ready machine, he said. Nexen Group engineers and manufactures precision motion-control products for OEM machine designers, system integrators, and maintenance professionals, and is headquartered in Vadnais Heights, Minn. The company's broader product information is available at www.nexengroup.com.
