Continuously Precise Linear Movements in the Mold : New developments from Servomold are the servo linear actuators of the SLA series and (on the left side) the servo worm actuators of the SSA series. Top right, the associated servo control system SMC-Mini with control panel. © Servomold
For long-term reliable, 100% precise and powerful execution of linear movements in injection mold tools, Servomold has developed the new servo linear actuators of the SLA series as well as the equally new compact servo worm actuators of the SSA series. They offer high-performance as well as clean, oil-free and thus optimally cleanroom-suitable alternatives to hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders traditionally used to perform translational slider, core or platen movements in injection mold tools. The actuators, which are suitable for both new molds and retrofit applications, are available at short notice in performance classes from 4 kN to 50 kN. Special solutions with thrust forces up to 150 kN and rust-proof versions are available on request. The market launch of the new actuators will take place at Fakuma 2023 at booth A2-2111 in hall A2.
The SLA types are available in five sizes. The three smaller actuators are equipped with ball screw spindles as standard, but can also be optionally supplied with roller screw spindles that can withstand higher loads over longer periods. The two larger versions are available solely with roller screw spindles. To achieve even higher forces or to equalize the force distribution, the SLA variants can be equipped with several spindles according to customer specifications. The SSA servo worm actuator, which is available in only one size, has a particularly flat design with a 90-degree arrangement of the drive unit. The specific ball screw and roller screw spindles can be configured with pitches of 2, 5 or 10 mm in any length for up to more than 1000 mm stroke. All versions offer high nominal thrust forces thanks to an integrated gear stage, which can be supplemented by an additional planetary gearbox.
In addition to precise positioning and repeat accuracy, their common advantages include permanently high forces and speeds, which are realized regardless of the process status. The movement profiles can be freely and individually defined and called up via the Servomold control units in order to optimize the sequences in the injection molding process. For the mold, controlled and gentle movements mean less wear, higher availability and significantly longer longevity. The easy interchangeability of the ball and roller screw spindles simplifies maintenance work.
Managing Director Thomas Meister comments: “Even before the official market launch, we have already won customers for pilot applications of our new linear actuators, which offer maximum flexibility with different spindle systems and individually configurable servo motors. Such systems are currently in continuous operation at Wild & Küpfer in Switzerland and at Avenue Mold Solutions in Ireland, which belongs to the Nolato Group. Thanks to the consistently positive experience gained there, and not least because of our reputation as a reliable, innovative specialist for the automation of injection mold tools, we have since been able to start projects with a number of further well-known companies from the medical technology sector.“
In addition to the new linear actuators, Servomold will be showcasing the SMC (Servo MoldControl) as a novelty at Fakuma 2023, a newly developed control unit generation for servo amplifiers that will be available on the market from 2024. Characteristics are the intuitive operability via the uniformly used touch panel as well as the automatic switching between different encoder systems. The trade show presentation will also focus on the portfolio of cost-efficient, standardized servo system components. In addition to servo-electric single to fourfold unscrewing units and worm unscrewing units for unscrewing threads, this also includes complete unscrewing halves ready for operation, high-performance servo drive units, space-saving indexing plates that can be integrated, thread core sets and rotating thread core cooling systems for unscrewing devices.
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