Smooth movement in the sensor test rig

Hoffmann + Krippner manufactures highly specialised input systems, printed electronic components and components for the Internet of Things. To ensure that customers in a wide range of industries always receive the best quality, the products undergo in-house quality testing. This is carried out automatically in a test cell in which our driven drylin linear axes and energy chains ensure reliable movement.

Profile

A robot and a driven drylin linear axis transport the sensor foils from electrical to optical testing

What was needed: toothed belt axis for conveying the samples between two test sections, a horizontal energy chain to protect the cables on the robot
Requirements: long service life, no lubrication or maintenance, simple control system and installation
Industry: microelectronics
Success for the customer: our toothed belt axes driven by stepper motor from the drylin ZLW series, including the control system, ensure the smooth transport of test parts between two test sections. As the pillow blocks slide over the linear rails without lubrication, no maintenance is required. The linear axis system and the zipper energy chains used on the robot, which protect the cables from wear, help ensure that the automated quality inspection at Hoffmann + Krippner can run without disruption.

Products used

Toothed belt axis ZLW

Space-saving toothed belt axis with stepper motor

More about drylin ZLW

Stepper motor NEMA 23

Powerful and precise electric motor

More about stepper motors

drylin D1 motor control system

Cost-effective and easy to operate

More about the D1 control system

drylin W pillow block

Quick bearing change without disassembly and clever maintenance on the rail

More about the pillow block

zipper e-chain

Quick opening and closing with zipper band

More about the zipper energy chain

Problem

Hoffmann + Krippner

Initially, this was done manually and with the naked eye. However, as the number of products grew, the time and labour required increased, as did the demands on quality inspection. The company therefore developed a test cell in which the test processes are automated. A SCARA robot is used to move the sensors from electrical to optical testing. Another robot removes the parts from the line every ten seconds and sorts them into the groups "faultless" and "faulty". Hoffmann + Krippner have set up two such inspection lines, each of which inspects one million sensors per year.

A suitable driven linear axis including control system was required for the feed to the visual inspection station. The axis had to be durable and maintenance-free, and the control system had to be intuitive.

A pneumatic solution, which was initially considered, was rejected for cost reasons.

Solution

Our toothed belt axes from the drylin ZLW series in conjunction with the drylin W pillow block WJ200UMA fulfil all customer requirements. Unlike conventional rolling bearings, which have to be lubricated, igus bearing technology does not require lubrication or maintenance. The sliding element of the pillow block is made of the robust material iglidur J200, which offers a very good coefficient of friction even at low loads. In the event of wear, the bearing can be replaced on the rail without disassembly.

With the linear unit, Hoffmann + Krippner has found a solution that is easy to install and standardised. The clearance height of the drylin ZLW-1040 is just 45mm, the stroke length is variable and the suitable carriages are supplied in three different sizes. Initial tests were carried out on a toothed belt axis with a stroke length of 150mm, and the company later also installed a unit with a longer stroke. The linear module was provided ready for connection with a powerful stepper motor in installation size NEMA 23. A drylin D1 motor control system for stepper, DC and EC/BLDC motors is also used. The customer is pleased that the control system is absolutely identical and completely independent of the length of the unit.

And finally, another igus product helps ensure that the two test lines can run smoothly: the moving cables on the robot are safely guided by a zipper e-chain, which is easy to install and can be opened and filled quickly if required.