One of the uses of reducers is associated with applications where position control is especially critical (dispensing machines, automotive...). The level of precision needed for motion control will determine the type of gears used and their arrangement in the reduction box, these being the responsible for achieving greater or lesser precision. Motion control applications have gone evolving with the appearance of the PAC multidisciplinary controllers. These systems allow the integration of different motion control applications into the same system or equipment, working under a single programming environment, which has helped to make motion control applications easier and faster to implement and correct for any problem.

A clear example of the use of gearmotors in motion control applications would be the Packaging or material handling, where a load must be collected or placed in a specific location; or applications with more precise requirements (high-precision micro-positioning) such as actuators in automotive, the smart locks, the automatic doors or product dispensing systems.

Mechanical gears and motion control

Why are gears important? Its main application is the optimal one Motion transmission From the shaft from the motor source, to the shaft that has to carry out towing work or has to exert a specific pressure on an application or machine. However, in relation to their role in precision of movement, the advantage of gear transmissions over other transmissions such as pulley transmissions is that they do not slip, thus obtaining greater accuracy in the transmission and positioning ratio. On the other hand, one of the main responsible for the inaccuracy in the positioning of the reducer shaft is the clearance of the gears or Backlash. El Backlash It is a small space between the teeth that mesh and that allows, in the event of an increase in temperature and expansion of the part, the transmission not to get stuck. On the other hand, they can have great significance in the accuracy of the movements, since the presence of a faulty wheel can cause a Backlash Variable between the teeth depending on the rotational speed of the faulty wheel. This problem is known as intergear interference and is caused by these reasons:

- Failure in the manufacturing process.

- Gear heated and installed on its shaft with little interference. The gear may not return to its original shape at the time of cooling.

- The gear can expand more than the rest of the wheel when the optimum operating temperature is reached.

Thus, both the manufacturing process, the materials used and the accuracy of placement are key variables for the accuracy of the movement in your machine. Therefore, selecting a gear motor with a minimum clearance in the gear and a correct design and manufacturing work will guarantee the suitability of the entire transmission.

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The importance of choosing the right gearmotor

In many cases, when modernizing equipment or machine, or when the automation of a new machine is being planned, complications arise with gearmotors. An impediment for many companies that integrate reducers is the correct calculation of the needs of the operation. Some of the typical errors here they are:

1. Poor selection of reducers by comparison with similar machines without taking into account the particularities of each project.
2. To think that the safety of movement involves oversizing the components, this being highly detrimental, for example, when operating with servo motors, as this causes an increase in inertia.
3. Use standard reducers without considering aspects that, in the long term, can affect the efficiency and accuracy of the movement. In supplier management, it is essential to know the quality of the materials, the treatments that the components of the gearbox have received, what methodology is followed in the manufacture of these parts, what stress or fatigue tests the reducers face, etc.

CLR reducers in critical motion control applications

CLR works to find the more precise movement in tight spaces. Below we review some of our projects and specialties in the field of industrial automation:

• CLR projects with motion control

1. Drive system for insulation and smoke control barriers: interesting project in the field of security. An international company dedicated to the manufacture of passive fire fighting solutions, contacted CLR with the following objective: to develop a solution to facilitate the evacuation of people in the event of fire in buildings and large areas. CLR developed a automatic drive capable of remove a roll-up protective curtain for smoke control.
2. Density control system for slushies. Project for the Horeca sector in which we seek to improve the performance of the standard reducer used by our customer. The CLR motion control system also improved electrical consumption, reduced sound levels and increased the life cycle of the reducer.
3. Airflow modulation mechanism. It is this project within the sector of Air conditioning, CLR developed a precise actuation for the grilles of ventilation systems. As a special feature of the project, the drive mechanism had to face a significant spatial constraint; it also reduced sound levels (always below 35 decibels).

• Other CLR specialties

1. Automotive actuators for rear view systems, seat adjustment systems, actuators for valve actuation, etc.
2. Wallets, dispensers or product extractors in vending projects.
3. Projects in the field of electromechanics such as orientation systems for solar panels, automation of truck tarps, automation for doors, systems for controlling the automatic supply of pellets in stoves, etc.
4. Gear motors for safes, smart locks or surveillance cameras in the security sector.

Do you need help with your project? In Levantine Reducers Company we can advise you on What is the most suitable gearmotor for your needs. What move do you need?