Quin Systems is offering a new software package free of charge for sizing linear motors. Linmot Designer release 1.1 allows machine builders to optimise their application, freeing them from extensive manual calculations and allowing different design options to be explored in depth. The latest software release includes estimates of motor power dissipation for the first time.

According to Quin Sales Manager Robin Maidment, such design tools allow machine builders to leverage the advantages of linear motors, while overcoming their drawbacks. He said: “Slim cylindrical design and simple construction can provide elegant engineering solutions for a number of applications, in particular offering enhanced dynamics and control over traditional pneumatic systems, such as pick-and-place mechanisms. To make the most of their power and force densities, it is essential to use modern design approaches for the machine, and correct design of the drive.”

Designers need to know the type of linear motor that will do the job and the size of the servo controller needed to control it. They also require additional information such as the amount of cooling required and the fastest cycle time the machine is capable of.

Linmot Designer answers these questions by accurately simulating the action of Linmot linear motors under static and dynamic loading. Designers can input as many moves as the total stroke of the motor allows, set up limits, and interactively view outputs as force-time, force-stroke, position-time, velocity-time or acceleration-time plots.

Armed with this data, machine builders can optimise their application by changing the masses of moving and static components, as well as selecting various motor and drive combinations. The package also includes a calculation of continuous force required (RMS force), enabling heat sinks and cooling fans to be added as appropriate.

Developers of the package have built comprehensive and precise tolerances into the calculations, so users can design right to the limits of its results. This eliminates the need to over-specify, saving time and cost.

The package runs on all Windows platforms and is available on CD by contacting Quin. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from Quin’s Website. More information about LinMot products can be found in the products area.