Transport technology from the modular system

Flexible selection and at the same time simple design and commissioning - with its modular system, Item offers a solution for almost every transport task. The Item linear system provides users with a comprehensive complete solution comprising a linear unit, motor, gearbox and controller. The Motion Designer and item Motion Soft software programs are integrated. To use the self-learning linear units, customers receive a selection and combination of suitable components and can commission the linear system, which has been created and preconfigured according to their requirements, independently. "With the Item linear system, we achieve simple dimensioning, handling and commissioning of linear technology," says Johannes Sodermanns, Product Manager Machine Automation at the company. "The user does not need to be a specialist in linear technology or control technology, as the software integrates expert knowledge from these areas."

Compilation of linear technology

In Motion Designer, the data required to describe the transportation task is selected from a range of coordinated components (motors, gearboxes, control units, accessories). Parameters that go beyond the technical data and have been determined in extensive calculations and measurements are also stored. The tool takes into account the desired repeat accuracy, the electrical supply at the place of use and the ambient conditions during the design process. The intelligent software uses the data to determine the optimum combination of individual components. Up to two million calculations are carried out in the process. The result is available in just a few seconds and the tool recommends a customized linear unit. It also indicates which useful accessories are available.

With the Motion Soft software, the system can be put into operation within a short time. The installation software and control unit use the existing data of the defined components. All components are coordinated with each other. The software carries out the installation of the entire linear technology system independently. This is because the tool checks all available data imported from Motion Designer and determines the correct controller settings for automatic commissioning of the item Linear Unit. This saves time, as the user does not have to determine the data themselves. The programmable travel profiles, which can be saved in the controller, mean that a PLC is not required for many transport tasks. However, connection to a PLC via the standard fieldbus interfaces is still possible.