Smooth, un-interrupted precision linear
motion is essential to high end printing, and PBC Linear has been
maintaining these qualities since the company fist began in 1982. Using
PBC Linear’s versatile MT series belt-driven linear actuator and
additional support from Linear Guides, part of the Profile Rail
Technology (PRT) family, a well-known high-end printer manufacturer
could sustain high positional accuracy over a large work envelope for
their brand new poster printing system.
This new printing station spans over a 1500
mm long assembly-line resembling work area. During the typical printing
process, the inversely mounted MT actuator carefully moves carriages
containing the printing stock under the transverse motion of the ink jet
print head for accurate, efficient, and high quality printing. However,
the printing base—where the paper sits during the printing
process—periodically needed mandatory cleaning and standard maintenance.
This process required the 25 lb printing base to move just under three
(3) feet into the purging area: a station that allows for
environmentally safe disposal of printer ink. Once finished, the printer
base needed to transfer back into the printing area and resume normal
function.
PBC Linear recommended installing their
MTB-042 linear actuator. The extruded aluminum body is protected by
clear anodizing and provides a self supporting and contained linear
motion system with convenient T-Slots for mounting the unit as well as
accessories. The steel reinforced belt drive provides maintenance-free,
accurate, smooth and quiet linear motion. The magnetically sealed
stainless steel strip cover keeps ink out and actuator particulate
in. The MTB-042 provides long-lasting precision linear motion for
high-speed, high load applications—even when the actuator is inversely
mounted.
As the actuator propels and guides the
print carriage. The other side of the carriage is supported and
guided by PBC Linear’s newly offered re-circulating ball linear guides
(PRT) to guarantee smooth and quiet linear motion. The runner block
carriages come standard with innovative ball cages to provide higher
loads, less lubrication maintenance and smooth and quiet operation. An
internal lubrication system promotes long product life. PBC Linear’s new
linear guide eliminates moment loads applied to the actuator—creating a
stable, long-lasting linear motion system.
Overall, the printer manufacturer was
impressed by the performance of the combined linear system. The vital
smooth guidance provided by PBC linear was exactly what the company
needed for the high-end printing station.
