MagSpring

MagSpring

Constant force over the entire stroke. Fail safe functionality and weight compensation

MagSpring products are best described by the term “magnetic spring”. The term “spring”, however must be understood in the sense that MagSpring components exert a constant force over their entire working range, whereas a typical characteristic curve for a mechanical spring has the force increasing as a function of displacement. Generating a force that is independent of displacement makes MagSprings an excellent choice for compensating for weight forces in vertical drive arrangements.
The product consists of two main components. The stator surrounds the centrally located slider. Depending on the force rating of the MagSpring, permanent magnets are located either in the stator, in the slider, or in both components. The slider is supported by an integrated sliding bearing, so that MagSprings can be used similarly to gas pressure springs.

Its functionality is based on the attractive force of permanent magnets. This means that no power supply is needed (electrical power, compressed air, etc.), making even safety-related applications possible. Due to the special design of the flux guiding components and the magnets, the severely non-linear relationship between force and displacement in arrangements of magnets and iron is transformed into a constant force curve.

• Purely passive, requiring neither electrical power nor compressed air
• Forces up to 60 N
• Strokes up to 290 mm
• Can be combined with H-guide
• Also suitable for dynamic motions
• Simple design

The constant force over the entire range of the stroke makes it an excellent fail safe and weight compensation when installed vertically. Thanks to the MagSpring providing weight compensation, the linear motor is used only for positioning and for applying dynamic forces, so it can be sized correspondingly smaller.

Thanks to the constant force to displacement curve, many other applications are possible in addition to weight compensation for a vertical installation. For example, generating a constant press force regardless of location, applying a constant supporting force over a wide stroke range, or applying a force on only one side for complex drive tasks.

Mounting
The stators can be mounted using either the fine thread or a clamp. A suitable mounting flange is available for each of the two sizes. When attaching the slider to the load mass, take care to compensate for parallel alignment errors with a flexible mounting method.

Weight compensation
For a vertical installation, linear motors and other direct drives must continuously apply a constant force in order to act against the force of gravity. With a MagSpring installed in parallel with the linear motor, the weight can be passively compensated. The linear motor is used only for the actual positioning or for applying the dynamic forces, and can be sized correspondingly smaller.

Safe maintenance position
If the electrical power supply is interrupted, the MagSpring also prevents vertical axes from dropping down to their bottom stop position. If the force of the MagSpring is greater than the force of gravity, then the axis is drawn up to the top end position.

Applying constant force
Thanks to the constant force to displacement curve, many other applications are possible, such as applying a constant press force regardless of position, applying a constant retaining force over a large stroke range, or one-sided force support in drive tasks. The effective force is in the range of +/-10% of the nominal force.

Holding function (power off)
Because MagSprings are purely passive elements, a defined function or location of a device can be ensured if the power is cut off. For example, lifting a gripper or a press head in a vertical arrangement, or retracting or extending a pusher with a constant force.

MagSpring magnetic springs, installation guide
Linmot product overview