News


SMAC Product Lines

ActuatorSMAC offers a wide range of programmable electric actuators based on Moving Coil linear servo motors. All SMAC actuators are fully programmable permitting the user to exert complete control over force, acceleration, position and velocity. This makes it ideal for implementation in industries where SMAC’s patented ‘Soft-Land’ procedure allows the actuator to both measure and manipulate very delicate and high value components with ease.

SMAC Unique Features & Benefits

  • Fully programmable in Position, Acceleration, Velocity and Force
  • Sub – micron resolution (5 µm t o 100nm )
  • Low moving mass = high acceleration
  • Direct drive = no backlash, excellent repeatability
  • Force control = Soft – Land capability
  • >250 million cycles MTBF = Long operating life
  • < 55dB = Officially ‘Silent’ in operation

 

Electric cylinders

Electric Cylindersnn(Lea more at SMAC)

Linear Actuator

Linear Actuatornn(Lea more at SMAC)

Linear Rotary Acuators

Linear Rotary Actuatornn(Lea more at SMAC)

Linear Slide Actuators

Linear Slide Actuatorsnn(Lea more at SMAC)

Grippers

Grippersnn(Lea more at SMAC)

XY Stages

XY Stagesnn(Lea more at SMAC)

Multi-Axis Actuators

Multi-Axis Actuatorsnn(Lea more at SMAC)

Controllers

Controllersnn(Lea more at SMAC)

The SMAC 12 Month Product Guarantee SMAC designs and manufactures advanced electric actuators. All SMAC actuators are quality products specifically designed and built for long service. Therefore, all actuators appearing in this website are guaranteed for a period of 12 months from the original date of shipment from our factory. SMAC also offers Rebuild Program for actuators that are no longer covered by the SMAC 12 Month Product Guarantee.


High Speed & Consistent Bottle Capping

Bottle CappingTorquetester with 100% Repeatability

Torquetester with 100% Repeatability Cap rotates to engage slot. Detect and report no/obstructed nozzle. SMAC actuators can adjust force and torque, show the different quality check capabilities such as cap height, torque limit, force required to press in, and even check the clicks on child proof caps.

SMAC Advantages

  • Report seated cap height
  • Report torque or linear force required to seat cap
  • Check clicks on child proof
  • Detect cross threading

SMAC Moving Coil Actuators are excellent for:

  • Childproof test.
  • In-line Integration (with weight control as option and by capping head number).
  • R&D, Laboratory, QA, Production, Metrology.

Application Example

Capability SMAC Advantage Competitor
Sealing Lid: Soft-Land Adjusts to height Air Cylinder hard
Same as Valving: Press with defined forces Inconsistent force
Feedback: Verification of location Open loop: no
Cycle Rate: 2x faster than air cylinder S….l….o….w…
Cycle Life: >>100 million 15 million

AOI Add-On Instructions for IAI Controllers

Free Add-on Instructions (AOI) and User Defined Data Types (UDT) are available for IAI controllers ACON, PCON, SCON and MSEP-C, operating in Full-Direct communication mode only. * Login required to download.They are saved as exported .L5X files from RSLogix 5000 version 17 software, and can be imported into any RSLogix 5000 program that is version 17 or later.AOI Add-On Instructions for IAI Controllers* RSLogix and Rockwell Software are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc. Trademarks not belonging to IAI America are property of their respective companies.

Please click here to get Add-on Instructions for IAI controllers.

(Login required on IAI website)


The Recirculating Conveyors You Really Want

The Recirculating Conveyors You Really Wantnnrnnn nnrnnnIn today’s modern manufacturing environment the need often arises to store product. This can be done for a variety of reasons. Product can be stored in a various ways, including first-in-first-out (FIFO), last-in-first-out (LIFO); as well as randomized.nnrnnnrnnnmk North America offers a variety of storage conveyor options; these units are typically referred to as recirculating conveyors, bi-flow conveyors or accumulation tables.nnrn

rn

Versatile Recirculating Conveyor Options

rnnnThese conveyors are one of the many Engineered Solutions offered from mk and are based on standard mk conveyor designs. Depending on the product being conveyed, a number of different conveyor platforms can be used. The two most popular platforms include flat top chain (SBF-P 2000 or SBF-P 2254) and plastic modular belt (MBF-P 2040.02).nnrnnnrnnnmk application engineers will work with you to develop the best solution for your particular product and process.  The size, shape, weight and material of the product to be accumulated will be taken into account, as well as the quantity of pieces being accumulated, and how the product needs to be metered out in the end. The floor space available for the solution, as well as the future conveyor’s position in the line, will also be taken into consideration.nnrnnnThese conveyors are configured with at least two conveyor belts traveling in opposing directions; but can be built with upwards of eight belts. Belts can be of various widths and lengths or as dictated by system requirements. These conveyors are powered using two 3-Phase inverter duty motors, allowing for variable belt speeds.nnrnnnrnnnSolutions based on mk’s SBF-P line of flat top chain conveyors are rugged, durable, and designed to operate in the most demanding environments. When supplied with steel chain they are ideal for handling parts with aggressive surfaces.nnrnnnrnnnRecirculating tables based on mk’s MBF-P plastic modular belt line, are highly diverse and configurable for a variety of product sizes and materials. Belting is available in a number of different materials and well as surface features. This allows mk to select the belt type that is optimal for each specific product.nnrnnnnnnnrnnnAll recirculating conveyors from mk come complete with all of the necessary side rails, dividers and end-turns needed to properly recirculate the parts. Additional options and features available with these conveyors include escapement devices to singulate product out; as well as small transfer ends and product nests. Infeed and outfeed chutes can be accommodated as well as special options like side discharge (versus the standard end discharge).nnrnnnnnnnrnnnAnd because the conveyors are from mk; they are fully built, run, and tested prior to shipping. Customers are encouraged to send along product samples during the design and build phase. This allows for mk to test the conveyor, and de-bug (if necessary); prior to shipping. This ensures a smooth installation and minimal labor on the end-user’s behalf when integrating the system.nnrnnnnnnnrnnnWith over 25 years of diverse industry experience, mk has developed solutions for products ranging from small glass medicine bottles (with a 15mm base) to planetary gear sub-assemblies. No matter the size, material or loading, mk has the solution for you.


Preventative Maintenance Tips for Automation Conveyors

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Automation ConveyorsnnrnnnrnnnThere’s more to many modern conveyors than just some rollers and a belt. Conveyor equipment is machinery as like any other, requiring regular maintenance to work its best. Whether you’re trying to keep an old conveyor system as long as possible before replacing it or being proactive in keeping a newer system shiny and new, the following are universal best practices to keep your belts moving and gears turning.nnrnnnrnnnNote: Any maintenance or inspection of a conveyor or other industrial equipment should be done by trained, qualified professionals with power off and all proper lockout/tagout procedures in place.nnrn

rn

Ensure proper use of all conveyor systems.

rnnnThis should go without saying, but conveyor misuse is an extremely common cause of damage and premature wear. Make sure that conveyors aren’t being overloaded or run at too-high speeds; this can lead to overstress of the system’s gears, motors, and more.  In general, units should be used as designed and described by the manufacturer.nnrn

rn

Make sure all maintenance and repairs are performed by trained personnel.

rnnnConveyors are specialized machines, and require someone who knows what they’re looking at to diagnose and maintain. Hire qualified maintenance employees rather than relying on untrained opinions from line workers or other employees.nnrnnnrn

Maintenance should be regularly performed.

rnnnThis means sticking to a schedule, and working down an established checklist. Checks should be performed regularly, as often as possible.nnrnnnHere’s a good sample checklist for a general conveyor system:nnrnnnnn

    rnnnnn

  • Visual check – look for obvious wear, damage, or unusual equipment behavior.
  • nnnnrnnnnn

  • Ensure all safety guards and covers are in place.
  • nnnnrnnnnn

  • Cleanliness check – make sure dust, dirt, debris, and other accumulations are cleared from the surface of the conveyor.
  • nnnnrnnnnn

  • If any belt misalignment has been observed by workers or inspectors during operation, be sure to correct the tracking to its intended position. Depending on the system, belt alignment may have to be performed while the belt is in motion; be sure to observe all necessary safety precautions as laid out by the manufacturer and OSHA.
  • nnnnrnnnnn

  • Check any pneumatic components are operating at proper pressure levels.
  • nnnnrnnnnn

  • Check motor for proper function. Excessively hot motors should be replaced, as this is an indication of strain.
  • nnnnrn

nnnnrnnnrn

Keep good records.

rnnnAny time there’s an inspection or repair, anything observed or replaced should be meticulously detailed in company records. This will help identify patterns that can lead to better routine maintenance and better use of equipment for the best performance down the line.nnrn

rn

The manufacturer knows best.

rnnnAt the end of the day, no one knows how to take care of a conveyor system better than the people who designed and manufactured it. Maintenance should be performed per the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, with due consideration for individual use.nnrnnnrnnnIf you’re in the market for new, custom conveyor systems, mk North America is a worldwide leader in belt, roller, pallet, and other conveyors for a variety of material handling applications.nnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnnn


Contact

317-862-9580

Location

Blettner Engineering Co., Inc.
8919 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46239

Questions about assembly or automation solutions? Request Info