Electrical Gage Actuators

December 12, 2017
Electrical Gauge Actuators

Marposs has enhanced its gauging solutions for grinding machines with new electrical gage actuators. As compared to former hydraulic and pneumatic solutions, this electro-mechanical system provides better control of the process, as well as significantly reducing maintenance time and costs. The updated products encompass the E-Fenar measuring system, electro-mechanical slides and the grinding tool arms, which are managed by the Marposs BLU single cable integrated control system. 

As compared to traditional hydraulic or pneumatic devices, which can experience variations in pressure, the electromechanical solutions can run at higher rates given the ability to better control acceleration/deceleration and consistent speed rates. These electric solutions are also much faster and easier to install as there as they require only a single cable for connection. With hydraulic systems, which are constantly under high pressure and high flow rates, components tend to deteriorate; hoses chafe, fittings come loose, and fluids and filters have to be changed regularly. An electric system eliminates all the piping, hoses, filters and much of the lubricant for ease of maintenance.

The E-Fenar in-process gauging solutions can be integrated into an orbital grinder for controlling size on different crankshaft parts or smooth eccentric shafts. Since positioning can be optimized through this control, several checks can be conducted by the same gage on a part as compared to a traditional actuator requiring a full stroke to clear before going in to check another feature. The flexibility and accuracy of the actuators enables intermediate positioning points, speed control and acceleration to be preprogrammed for automated checking of the component while in the machine.

Linear E-Slides--available in 35, 50, 75, 100, 130, 170, and 200 mm strokes--enable reductions in cycle time, as well as flexibility, reliability and improved part quality through optimization of the grinding cycle.  

Related Glossary Terms

  • grinding

    grinding

    Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.