Applications Highlight Position Sensing, Traffic Management, Throughput, Integration, and System Flexibility
MagneMotion's QuickStick Video Library contains numerous demonstration models highlighting many of the QuickStick LSM System's capabilities. Each video clip shows the unparalleled functionality of the QuickStick LSM System with different transport, positioning, or automated assembly scenarios. Each clip is 20-30 seconds in length. Right click on the image and select "Save Link As..." to download each video.
 Introducing the new MagneMover™ Shuttle System
MagneMotion’s new MagneMover Shuttle combines the company’s QuickStick® LSM with standard aluminum track and carriers to form a flexible transport solution for assembly automation. The new system features a high-speed line-to-line transfer shuttle that allows for a range of system layout alternatives such as lane switching and tight pallet/part return paths that save valuable floor space.
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 The QuickStick Linear Synchronous Motor Control System Interface
MagneMotion's QuickStick system utilizes a single point of control to the customer premise control system (referred to as the "Host" control system). This simplifies the interaction of system commands and status between the Host and QuickStick system. With each QuickStick system, MagneMotion supplies a reference Host controller to allow the user to rapidly bring up new systems and become familiar with vehicle control and system component status. All of the information necessary to show system and vehicle status in real time is available via the host interface. For more information on QuickStick's state-of-the-art fault tolerant motion control system, click here.
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 Introducing the New MagneMover System with Smaller 600 Millimeter Vehicles for Volume Manufacturing and Assembly Applications
The MagneMover DB 1.0 Series track system is designed for assembly and manufacturing process applications that require accurate, high volume handling of materials and work in process. This represents the third design in the MagneMover series and the second in the Double Bogey or DB series. This latest MagneMover design uses small, fast moving 600mm vehicles and electro-magnetic switching to provide a highly flexible material transport platform for smaller loads. The system is compatible with MagneMotion’s 100, 500 and 500HT QuickStick™ LSM products.
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 Integration With Modular Automated Assembly Systems
MagneMotion's QuickStick 100 LSM's provide independent propulsion, tracking and control of work-in-progress for AGR Automation's SmartPod, a modular product assembly platform. This flexible, robust automated assembly system offers output of 30 to 120 ppm. AGR Automation's use of QuickStick LSM's enables diverse functionality, rapid product changeover capability and a level of process control unrivaled in the industry. For more information on the QuickStick 100 LSM, see the "Higher Throughput and Fine Positioning" video below.
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 Vehicle Traffic Management, Control, and Bi-directional Movement
QuickStick motors communicate with each other using a series of vehicle transfer requests. A motor occupied by a vehicle denies all vehicle transfer requests until the vehicle under its control is passed along to another motor. This process repeats many times per second, allowing motors to respond by slowing and stopping vehicles long before a collision is possible. Automated conveyor track systems typically move payloads in one direction at the same speed, whereas the QuickStick System enables increased functionality, moving vehicles independently without added material handling equipment or conveyor controls. No conventional conveyor can control vehicles or packages independently and coordinate asynchronous movement the way the QuickStick LSM System does. For a more detailed explanation of vehicle traffic control, visit the Maglev page and click on the video of the industrial QuickStick LSM module at the bottom.
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 Integrated Conveyor Systems
The QuickStick LSM's modular design allows for seamless integration with existing systems. This conventional assembly automation system uses QuickStick 500 modules only where an operation takes place, taking advantage of the QuickStick's rapid acceleration, bi-directional travel, and indexing capabilities. The conventional conveyor controls the vehicle until the QuickStick LSM's electro-magnetic force pulls the vehicle into position for processing. Instead of using external position-sensing equipment to pinpoint vehicle location over the LSM module, the QuickStick System uses embedded linear encoders to determine when the vehicle is positioned over the motor block. QuickStick 500 modules offer repeatability of +/- 0.5 mm for multiple vehicles in a system, and +/- 0.05 mm available for single or closed-loop vehicle systems.
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 Higher Throughput and Fine Positioning
The QuickStick 100 LSM offers another alternative for the assembly or handling of smaller parts or consumer products. Its design facilitates the handling of up to five vehicles of 150 millimeters in length per module. The video shows two QuickStick 100 modules passing five small pallets back and forth to each other. MagneMotion's new QuickStick 100FP (Fine Positioning) provides repeatability of +/- 0.05 mm for multiple vehicles in a system, offering optimal positioning for cleanroom environments and small parts assembly without mechanical actuation or pneumatic hard stops. The QuickStick System's ease of integration allows for the use of added position sensing equipment if needed.
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 Diagonal Transport and Vertical Lift Solutions
High angle conveyor solutions can be used to transfer vehicles to another factory floor, an overhead transport system, or for transporting raw material from an open pit mine. Linear motors can also be configured as a vertical transport system, replacing cables, hydraulics, and counterweights that are often used in conventional elevator systems. The QuickStick's scalable design allows for the development of larger LSM solutions capable of lifting more than 24 tons. To view MagneMotion's heavy industrial LSM elevator solution, click here for a link to the elevators page.
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 Integration With Turntables
A turntable combined with a half meter QuickStick LSM can be used as a cornering solution, or as a switch to handle multiple pathways. MagneMotion's node controller moderates communication between position sensors in the QuickStick LSM and the turntable. The turntable solution opens up new pathway design options for industrial engineers, reducing the room needed for material handling equipment and other applications that would previously have taken more manufacturing floor space. For more details, click here to visit the Curve and Switch Solutions page.
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 Multiple Turntables, Pathways, and Vehicles
This video shows a custom proof of concept including three profiles of how the QuickStick LSM System handles multiple vehicles, pathways and process stations. Note the differing acceleration and move profiles, traffic management, and queuing of multiple vehicles. A single MagneMotion node controller handles up to two turntables.
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 Creating a Second Axis of Movement for Lift/Load, Pick/Place
This simple solution shows how two independently controlled pallets can be used with a diagonally grooved platform to create a second axis of movement. The lateral movement can eliminate an axis of motion on robots or allow easier access to payloads from the wayside. Depending upon the grooves on the platform, the same concept can also be applied to initiate a lift, or lift and tilt action.
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 Double-Bogie Vehicle Navigating Curves and Switches
Here we see the same pallet/platform technology used to create a double-bogie vehicle capable of navigating turns. This double-bogie design, along with an actuator arm, enables the vehicle to navigate multiple pathways as well as curves. For more details, click here to visit the Curve and Switch Solutions page. In a factory or warehouse, handling equipment can require added tooling and frequent maintenance. The double-bogie solution developed by MagneMotion eliminates the need for added tooling and requires minimal maintenance. Added conveyor controls are unnecessary, as the QuickStick LSM System handles all move profiles, further reducing system complexity.
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 MagneMover Reference Design DB 1.0 With 1.2 Meter Vehicles for Medium Loads
The MagneMover DB 1.0 is a simple and flexible track solution designed to compliment MagneMotion's QuickStick LSM System. The track system pairs the functionality of QuickStick LSM Systems with the electro-magnetic switching and tight radius turn capabilities of the MagneMover DB 1.0 track and double-bogie vehicle. This system utilizes 1.2 meter vehicles that can transport medium sized loads, as in airport baggage handling applications. Payloads can quickly navigate curve and switch points without depending on third party systems for mechanical actuation. For more on the MagneMover DB 1.0 and MagneMover Reference Designs, click here.
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