24 September, 2024The AMB 2024 trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany, once again brought together experts from the metalworking industry for five days to share the latest developments in the machine tool sector. Under the motto ‘Innovation across every axis’, German company Schaeffler stood out for its presentation of innovative solutions focused on new trends in the field of metal cutting, with a particular focus on automation and precision.
New bearings for rotary axes in automationSchaeffler presented a new series of bearings specifically designed for rotary axes used in automation solutions within machine tools. According to Christian Straub, Manager Sector Development Industrial Automation at the company, the aim is to offer a solution that balances functionality and cost. The bearings in this series, called YRTA and YRTAG, maintain the same external dimensions as previous models in the YRTC series, but with adjustments that optimise their use in automated applications.
These new bearings enable more efficient functional integration. The YRTAG series, in particular, combines the bearing with the straight gearing of the customer's gearbox, which significantly reduces space requirements and mounting costs, as well as simplifying gear alignment. Although these bearings have a lower radial runout accuracy and speed limit compared to YRTC models, they effectively meet the requirements of automated applications, where demands are often less stringent than in machining operations.
Expansion of the linear motor portfolioThe L7 linear motor series was also a highlight of Schaeffler's presentation. Designed for high-precision applications in machine tools, these motors are characterised by their ability to generate maximum forces of up to 24,313 N, offering a unique combination of power and energy efficiency. The L7 series achieves reduced cycle times in manufacturing processes while minimising power loss, which contributes to improved contouring accuracy of machined parts.
This breakthrough is particularly relevant in a market where the demand for faster and more accurate production cycles is increasing, without sacrificing equipment durability or energy efficiency.
Collaboration with Strama-MPS on rotary indexing machinesSchaeffler also announced its collaboration with Strama-MPS, one of Germany's leading manufacturers of special machinery. Together they have developed the RT e-cam series, a new generation of rotary indexing machines, with a Schaeffler RIB torque motor that enables the rotary table to move with high speed and precision.
The table, with a diameter of more than 1.5 metres and capacity for up to 18 clamping devices, achieves cycle times of less than 0.25 seconds. This is due to the precise design of the cooling system and the optimised winding of the motor coils, which was made possible by collaboration between the engineering teams of both companies. In addition, the use of a YRTC bearing in the table ensures a positioning accuracy of ±3 microns, a key factor for industrial applications that require high precision and repeatability in production processes.
Expansion in the automation marketSchaeffler's commitment to automation has been made clear with the development of this new product series, aimed specifically at optimising processes on machine tools. This new portfolio represents a strategic step towards expansion in the automation market, which continues to grow as factories seek to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
With the implementation of the YRTA and YRTAG bearings and the launch of the L7 linear motor series, Schaeffler continues to consolidate its position as a key supplier in the machine tool sector. The company plans to continue to develop innovative solutions for an even wider range of automated applications, fulfilling its commitment to drive innovation in all axes of production.
This initiative not only responds to current market demands, but also prepares Schaeffler to capitalise on new growth opportunities in the industrial automation sector.
