Integrated Systems

Multi-axis mechatronic solutions for automation including motor integration

By definition, integration refers to NSK’s capabilities to combine our precision machine components – with or without electrical control technology – to achieve a specific repeatable motion and control function. By extension, our pre-configured and pre-built Linear motion systems provide the opportunity to augment machine function and accuracy, improve reliability and increase performance in a vast array of industrial applications.

Wedge Lift

Low profile, z-lift actuator for laser positioning

Technical Challenge

A semiconductor OEM customer was seeking an original design solution and manufacturing partner for a low-profile laser positioning assembly capable of lifting a heavy load with “small motion” in a compact space. Integrated sensors and stepper motors were a requirement, as was suitability for operation in a clean-room environment.

 

NSK Solution

  • custom designed NSK linear guide and ball screw-based, motorized wedge lift linear actuator
  • specified to handle travel parameters, mounting interface, and load carrying conditions
  • integrated limit and home switches
  • integrated payload pitch/roll adjustment features
  • execution of design validation for rigidity and repeatability of assembled lift
  • quality testing of each assembled system prior to shipping

 

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3-axis Robot Module

Multi-axis actuator system with aluminum housing and easy installation mounts

Technical Challenge

An automated distribution center required a multi-axis linear translation stage to move supplies across the warehouse. In order to significantly increase the durability and life of the three-axis positioner, extruded aluminum is required to resist rust and corrosion. In addition to long travel life, high load capacity and easy installation were needed to minimize downtime when setting up the new system.

 

NSK Solution

  • a pre-configured NSK robot module forming XYZ stage, facilitating simplified assembly and installation
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation for loaded life, smooth travel/performance and repeatability of assembled system
  • domestic production and quality testing of each assembled XYZ system prior to shipping

Technical Challenge

A semiconductor OEM customer was seeking an original design solution and manufacturing partner for a low-profile laser positioning assembly capable of lifting a heavy load with “small motion” in a compact space. Integrated sensors and stepper motors were a requirement, as was suitability for operation in a clean-room environment.

 

Technical Challenge

An automated distribution center required a multi-axis linear translation stage to move supplies across the warehouse. In order to significantly increase the durability and life of the three-axis positioner, extruded aluminum is required to resist rust and corrosion. In addition to long travel life, high load capacity and easy installation were needed to minimize downtime when setting up the new system.

 

NSK Solution

  • custom designed NSK linear guide and ball screw-based, motorized wedge lift linear actuator
  • specified to handle travel parameters, mounting interface, and load carrying conditions
  • integrated limit and home switches
  • integrated payload pitch/roll adjustment features
  • execution of design validation for rigidity and repeatability of assembled lift
  • quality testing of each assembled system prior to shipping

NSK Solution

  • a pre-configured NSK robot module forming XYZ stage, facilitating simplified assembly and installation
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation for loaded life, smooth travel/performance and repeatability of assembled system
  • domestic production and quality testing of each assembled XYZ system prior to shipping

Motorized Ball Screw Actuator (MBSA)

Miniature ball screw with NEMA 17 motor

Technical Challenge

An OEM customer developing a next generation syringe pump was seeking a compact linear motion system with high accuracy, repeatability and reliability, to smoothly and quietly position the plunger for extremely precise fluid dispense. Previously, the customer had used lead screws – or sliding screws – which generate particles from the sliding motion.

 

NSK Solution

  • a motorized ball screw actuator (MBSA)
  • precision ground ball screw directly integrated into a NEMA 17 stepper motor
  • space-saving design with the elimination of motor coupling
  • longer life compared to lead screw due to the higher efficiency, smoother operation, zero backlash and improved rigidity of a precision ground ball screw
  • configurable encoder pre-assembled to motor
  • easy disconnect, simplifying field replacement

 

Multi-axis actuator with direct drive motor

Diagnostic system with 3-axis linear positioner and super high precision rotary indexer

Technical Challenge

A global manufacturer of diagnostic equipment required a custom, fully tested and assembled XYZ platform with rotational positioning to allow continuous reagent processing. Extended lifetime to ensure uninterrupted operations was essential, as was greater rigidity and smoothness over lead screw-based actuators. Specified travel requirements, load conditions and envelope dimensions for their diagnostic equipment had to be met.

 

NSK Solution

  • robust, NSK-designed, pre-assembled diagnostic system, featuring (3) miniature Monocarriers for X-Y-Z positioning, along with sensor, sensor rail, combining brackets, motor brackets and stepper motors
  • super high resolution and torque, NSK Megatorque motor to rotate the three axis stage in small increments and discrete locations along the platform for precise positioning of the dispensing nozzle
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation, ensuring proper rigidity and repeatability of assembled system for the application
  • quality assurance testing of each assembled system prior to shipping
  • use domestically-made precision products

 

Technical Challenge

An OEM customer developing a next generation syringe pump was seeking a compact linear motion system with high accuracy, repeatability and reliability, to smoothly and quietly position the plunger for extremely precise fluid dispense. Previously, the customer had used lead screws – or sliding screws – which generate particles from the sliding motion.

 

Technical Challenge

A global manufacturer of diagnostic equipment required a custom, fully tested and assembled XYZ platform with rotational positioning to allow continuous reagent processing. Extended lifetime to ensure uninterrupted operations was essential, as was greater rigidity and smoothness over lead screw-based actuators. Specified travel requirements, load conditions and envelope dimensions for their diagnostic equipment had to be met.

 

NSK Solution

  • a motorized ball screw actuator (MBSA)
  • precision ground ball screw directly integrated into a NEMA 17 stepper motor
  • space-saving design with the elimination of motor coupling
  • longer life compared to lead screw due to the higher efficiency, smoother operation, zero backlash and improved rigidity of a precision ground ball screw
  • configurable encoder pre-assembled to motor
  • easy disconnect, simplifying field replacement

 

NSK Solution

  • robust, NSK-designed, pre-assembled diagnostic system, featuring (3) miniature Monocarriers for X-Y-Z positioning, along with sensor, sensor rail, combining brackets, motor brackets and stepper motors
  • super high resolution and torque, NSK Megatorque motor to rotate the three axis stage in small increments and discrete locations along the platform for precise positioning of the dispensing nozzle
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation, ensuring proper rigidity and repeatability of assembled system for the application
  • quality assurance testing of each assembled system prior to shipping
  • use domestically-made precision products

Motorized Monocarrier

Motorized linear positioner with limit sensors and hard stops

Technical Challenge

An electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) performing assembly and testing of electronic circuit boards was looking for a complete solution for a motorized actuator that could perform highly precise positioning and lifting functions while enduring 24/7 operation. Aside from high accuracy, sustainable performance reliability and long service life were critical – the technology was being adopted in manufacturing facilities worldwide.

NSK Solution

  • custom designed NSK motorized linear actuator
  • integral limit sensors and capabilities for hard stops
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation for up to 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • fast turnaround for design and prototyping
  • quality testing of each assembled actuator prior to shipping

Multi-axis Robot Module

Multi-axis actuator system with aluminum housing and easy installation mounts

Technical Challenge

An automotive OEM presented a not-so-surprising challenge for a transmission case assembly process – zero failure and zero downtime. The requirement was to support an automated nut runner system moving in X, Y or Z axis, tightening nuts individually within a predefined travel parameter set.

NSK Solution

  • three-axis NSK robot module designed with high stiffness /rigidity required to accommodate the heavy load of the customer’s nut runner process
  • precision, controlled motion for individual tightening of the nut to minimize deformation and oil leak from the transmission case
  • efficient connection points for XYZ stages ensured simplified installation and minimal set-up time
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation for loaded life, rigidity and repeatability of assembled multi-axis system
  • quality testing of each assembled XYZ unit prior to shipping
  • zero failure rate performance of the assembled system

Technical Challenge

An electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) performing assembly and testing of electronic circuit boards was looking for a complete solution for a motorized actuator that could perform highly precise positioning and lifting functions while enduring 24/7 operation. Aside from high accuracy, sustainable performance reliability and long service life were critical – the technology was being adopted in manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Technical Challenge

An automotive OEM presented a not-so-surprising challenge for a transmission case assembly process – zero failure and zero downtime. The requirement was to support an automated nut runner system moving in X, Y or Z axis, tightening nuts individually within a predefined travel parameter set.

NSK Solution

  • custom designed NSK motorized linear actuator
  • integral limit sensors and capabilities for hard stops
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation for up to 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • fast turnaround for design and prototyping
  • quality testing of each assembled actuator prior to shipping

NSK Solution

  • three-axis NSK robot module designed with high stiffness /rigidity required to accommodate the heavy load of the customer’s nut runner process
  • precision, controlled motion for individual tightening of the nut to minimize deformation and oil leak from the transmission case
  • efficient connection points for XYZ stages ensured simplified installation and minimal set-up time
  • equipped with K1 lubrication units for maintenance-free operation as long as 5 years or 10,000 km travel
  • execution of design validation for loaded life, rigidity repeatability of assembled multi-axis system
  • quality testing of each assembled XYZ unit prior to shipping
  • zero failure rate performance of the assembled system

Typical applications / functions for NSK integrated systems include:

  • Lifting
  • Positioning / Alignment / Gimbaling
  • Rotational Platform / Indexing Table
  • Telescoping Slide Mechanisms
  • Throttling / Controlling “Small” Motion
  • Dispensing, Mounting, Pick and Place
  • Special Environments – Vacuum, Clean, Contamination

Integrated Mechatronic Systems Solutions

Enabling automation in motion and control

Our local integration and manufacturing teams will collaborate closely with you through all aspects of design, provide intensive project management and extend comprehensive technical support.

Design and Development

  • system design proposal with CAD model
  • component failure analysis and benchmarking
  • material technologies
  • applications simulation

Project Management

  • design review – as many as 5
  • quote – non-recurring engineering, prototype, full production
  • prototype demonstration
  • test report
  • lead time/production schedule
  • individual system test before shipping

After Sales Service

  • on-site support for system installation
  • training
  • bill of materials for replacement parts

The NSK Difference

Each customized integrated system from NSK ensure innovative design solutions, comprehensive engineering support, domestic manufacturing and access to our global technology network. We design the ideal integrated motion solution that provide our customers a critical advantage in their production processes and competitive market.

  • Expertise – all systems are tested and built by mechatronics experts and integration teams based in the USA
  • Manufacturing – domestically from our Franklin IN facility and worldwide
  • Experience – supporting market leading customers in industries including robotics, 3D printing, medical, semiconductor, material handling, automotive assembly and general factory automation
  • Fit – our solutions meet your performance needs, cost, maintenance intervals and/ or lifetime requirements