LG Motion’s positioning system enables automated thermal mapping
29 June 2018
Sensor Coating Systems specified a positioning system, from LG Motion, for the rapid scanning of gas turbine and automotive components.
The system enables accurate thermal mapping of hot components post-operation. The patented technology uses a combination of temperature memory materials, specialised instrumentation and automation.
LG Motion has customised a positioning system for SCS to enable rapid scanning of the components using SCS’ laser induced luminescence technology.
The company has worked with LG Motion over a number of years and this latest project was to design a positioning system to improve the reliability and consistency of their scanning and measurements.
The requirement
A customised XYZR positioning system was required to scan an area of 500mm x 500mm x 500mm and move a fibre optic measurement probe over the volume at speeds of up to 20mm per second. The equipment would be designed and manufactured as a “stand alone” piece of equipment which would then be mounted at SCS onto an optical work surface.
A key requirement was to achieve uniformity of scans and positional repeatability was very important.
The solution
The XYZR motorised scanning system consists of tried and tested linear dovetail slides and a worm and wheel driven rotary table, each axis being driven by a stepper motor.
The system is manufactured from a high-grade aluminium alloy and employs linear dovetail bearings with precision leadscrews for accuracy and reliability.
The system enables the automatic acquisition of 300 measurement points on a complex turbine blade in 2.5 hours.
Features of the XYZR system
• Usable travel: 500mm x 500mm x 500mm
• Positioning repeatability: XYZ <0.05mm, uni-directional. R <0.01 degree, uni-directional
• Working speed: XYZ, up to 20mm per second, R up to 90 degrees per second
• Working load: XYZ, up to 1kg, R, up to 50kg
• Limit switches: Microswitch fitted at extremes of travel
About Sensor Coating Systems
Sensor Coating Systems Ltd. spun out of Southside Thermal Sciences (www.sensorcoatings.com), itself an Imperial College spin out, in 2012. SCS pioneers sensor technology based on luminescence materials for engineering applications in demanding environments. Its award-winning technology enables accurate temperature mapping and, in doing so, assists in optimising the operation of machinery, lowering fuel costs and maintaining material integrity. The main industrial sectors for application are the power generation industry, aero engines, automotive and machinery operating in extreme environments such as oil & gas and petrochemical plants. SCS is internationally orientated and works with companies such as MAN Diesel & Turbo, Alstom (now GE) and Snecma under collaborative agreements and also with reputed institutions such as EPRI and the German Aerospace Centre. Visit their LinkedIn page here.
One-stop shop for motion control with global partners
LG Motion rotary and linear stages can be combined with servo and stepper drives and motion control components and systems supplied by a number of key global partners.
To complement LG Motion’s own product range the company has long standing partnerships with key global partners such as Arcus, Precision Motion Dynamics, Velmex, Heidenhain, Schneeberger, Steinmeyer, Baumeister & Schack and Empire Magnetics.
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