(November 29, 2010)

When it comes to the subject of “Laboratory Automation”, thinking in complete systems is of prime importance for Schaeffler Group Industrial. This begins with comprehensive engineering support in all stages of the life cycle, so as to create outstanding economical and technical solutions for the customer. And this is continued in product development and manufacture, using the latest technologies for the design, engineering, simulation, production and testing of complete systems. These aspects are supported by the company’s wide range of linear and radial components through to complex assembly systems including direct drive solutions.

Customized automation solutions

Example 1: Smooth running and low displacement resistance were the requisites for a blood testing device. Furthermore, quiet operation, low maintenance and corrosion resistance were also specified for the compact design. The Schaeffler solution consisted of a four-row linear ball bearing and guideway assembly (KUVE-B) with Corrotect coating for the X axis as well as corrosion-resistant miniature linear guidance systems for the Y and Z axes. In addition, it incorporates a spindle bearing with semi-locating bearing function. Thanks to comprehensive engineering support and the procurement of all rolling bearings from a single source, the customer received a maintenance-free blood testing device with improved performance and longer service life. The same requirements applied to a diagnostic device. Here, the Schaeffler engineers recommended the use of linear ball bearings for the X and Y axes. The customer benefits in this case included enhanced performance, longer life, low maintenance requirements and low costs.



KN-B: Linear ball bearings of the compact range

Example 2: Along with smooth running, low maintenance and low displacement resistance, the principal requirements for an analysis device included high degrees of positioning accuracy and repeatability. Here the engineering support of the medical technology specialists resulted in a ready-to-fit module consisting of four miniature linear guidance systems, two toothed racks and a mounting plate. The customer was delighted to receive a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution and was highly satisfied with the simple installation procedure.

Example 3: A direct-drive X-Y-Z unit with very high positioning accuracy and repeatability, smooth running, low displacement resistance and freedom from maintenance was required for a DNA sequencer. In this case, the solution consisted of a ready-to-fit direct drive for a mechatronic system with monorail guidance systems, miniature linear guidance systems, a PCB direct drive motor, step motors, encoder and housing. The customer benefitted from Schaeffler’s comprehensive engineering support. Moreover, the direct drive improved the performance of the DNA sequencer.



KUVE-B-KT: Low-noise four-row linear ball bearing and guideway assembly with quad spacers

Example 4: Development and hardware production of a sample changer. In addition to smooth running and low maintenance requirements, it was vital that the sample changer was compact and sturdy. The final solution comprised miniature linear modules, housings and motors. Due to the outsourcing of hardware development and production to Schaeffler as a competent and reliable partner, the client was able to achieve significant cost savings in his own R&D, Production and Purchasing.



KUVE-B-RRF: Corrosion-resistant four-row linear ball bearing and guideway assembly with INA’s special coating Corrotect

Close collaboration, customized solutions, state-of-the art tools

The Schaeffler Group’s global, tightly knit network of the engineering field service assures collaboration with the customer early on during the development process. When conceiving customized components and system solutions, Schaeffler engineers rely on a wide range of highly modern CAE tools such as ProE. For bearing calculation and selection, Schaeffler has developed the industry’s leading bearing calculation program, BEARINX®. This software enables a detailed analysis of the loads and bearing life and thus ensures the selection of the right bearings for any application. In the design and modeling stages, highly modern methods such as FEM analysis are used in order to optimize the solutions.

The engineering support and services also include recommendations for surface coatings that impact a whole range of bearing properties. Among other things, these include the bearing’s durability, corrosion and media resistance and running-in behavior. Corrotect, Triondur, Protect A and B are only a few examples of coating options offered by Schaeffler. According to requirements, special materials such as Cronidur 30, ceramics, PEEK heavy-duty plastics and hardened non-magnetic bearing steel are combined to achieve optimized customer solutions. Since the lubrication has a significant effect on the reliability and service life of a bearing, Schaeffler is continually striving to further develop and refine its lubricants.

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