Adjusted to the requirements

Direct drives, belt drives, or spindle axes – to meet customer requirements, IEF-Werner continuously adapts and further develops existing axis types. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Axle combinations are assembled individually and modularly according to customer requirements. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Manual controllers can be modified and combined (almost) arbitrarily for various production purposes. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Together with other components, complex systems for automation are created. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Thomas Hettich, Product Area Manager for Linear Axes: "Our belt-driven axes cover lifts up to 6,500 millimeters and a load of up to 150 kilograms on the carriage." (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Fabian Wald, Product Manager for manual actuators: "We can implement modular systems for our customers that support simple linear adjustments as well as complex axis combinations and multi-axis applications." (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

IEF-Werner offers modular and flexible solutions with its extensive linear technology range, which can handle manual or motorized tasks depending on the need. To meet the increasing demands of modern automation, IEF-Werner continuously develops these solutions with targeted enhancements. Practical examples illustrate the benefits of linear units and positioning systems in a wide variety of applications.

"Our manual and motor-driven linear systems are precise, dynamic, and flexible," says Thomas Hettich, Product Manager for Linear Axes and Motorized Turntables at IEF-Werner. "They find versatile applications among our customers: in machine construction, measurement and testing technology, optics, or laser and medical technology." The automation specialist's program covers solutions for simple adjustments as well as complex multi-axis systems.

Manual Linear Drives

"Our domiLINE series is the core of manual adjusters," describes Fabian Wald. At IEF-Werner, he is the Product Manager for manual adjustment units. "With four sizes from domiLINE 30 to domiLINE 120, we can standardly cover strokes from 5 to 100 millimeters and pitches from 0.5 to 6 millimeters. Larger strokes are also possible upon customer request. For particularly robust designs, the adjusters are available in anodized aluminum. A version with stainless steel guidance is also available."

The high positioning accuracy of ±0.05 millimeters allows for precise positioning and adjustment of workpieces, sensors, camera lenses, nozzles, or tools. The accessory program includes mounting brackets, mounting plates, connection elements for XY and XZ combinations, clamps, handwheels, and various position indicators. Fabian Wald: "This allows us to realize modular systems for our customers that support simple linear adjustments as well as complex axis combinations and multi-axis applications."

Motorized Linear Drives

IEF-Werner offers a comprehensive range of motorized linear drives, from belt drives to highly precise linear motor axes. "Our belt-driven axes cover strokes up to 6,500 millimeters and loads of up to 150 kilograms on the carriage," describes Thomas Hettich.

The profiLINE series includes spindle axes with feed forces up to 5,000 Newtons. They are optimized for applications that require precision and durability. The euroLINE series stands for dynamic linear motor drives with a repeatability of up to ±5 micrometers at speeds up to 5 meters per second. With this variety, the ideal axis can be selected based on the required dynamics, accuracy, travel length, and load to be moved.

Developments and Innovations

In recent years, IEF-Werner has continuously advanced its linear technology. For example, the automation specialist introduced spindle supports for the profiLINE 140 and 200 spindle drives. This enables, for instance, higher speeds and thus travel velocities of up to one meter per second with a stroke of 1,600 millimeters. This corresponds to a reduction in cycle time of up to 40 percent.

Metal strip covers reduce particle emission in selected linear units. They are certified up to ISO 1 cleanroom class. Equipped with this, linear guides are suitable for use in medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry. The axes can be combined into modular positioning systems and are used, among other things, in the cleanroom palletizer varioSTACK CF (Clean Factory). Additionally, variants for explosive environments (Zone 2) with antistatic timing belts, ESD versions with energy chains, and special elastomer couplings have been designed.

Another innovation focus is the so-called 7th axis: the linear auxiliary axis enables robots to have extended reach and thus higher efficiency in assembly and handling tasks. "Since the control electronics for our axes can partly be installed in the robot's control cabinet, our solution is very compact. Multi-axis applications with additional auxiliary axes are also possible," says Thomas Hettich. Only one cable between the control electronics and the linear unit is sufficient.

Practical Applications

Linear units and positioning systems are used in a wide range of applications. For example, in conjunction with multi-grip systems, in 3-axis positioning systems as pick-and-place handling with cycle times of 260 parts per minute, or with several spindle axes from the profiLINE series with a stroke of up to 2,310 millimeters within an inspection system.

Systems developed specifically for customer requirements with linear motor drives enable demanding testing processes with high efficiency and precision. Stroke lengths of over eleven meters and speeds up to 2.1 meters per second are achievable.