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TAILOR-MADE LINEAR TRACKS

TAILOR-MADE LINEAR TRACKS

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Allstar Magnetics News, Industry News, Products

Tailor-Made Linear Tracks

Applications of Custom Linear Tracks
in Precision Environments
Applications for custom linear track can range from use in precision manufacturing cells such as wafer manufacturing or clinical lab testing to end products such as operating beds, tables and stages for MRI and CT scanners. Linear systems are ideal for applications requiring precise alignment and positioning, such as diagnostic sample transport, food processing, vision systems, industrial automation, and collaborative robot (cobot) machine tools.

Linear Track

The definition of linear motion is to move an object in a straight line. Linear motion systems can include motors, drives, couplers, actuators, sensors, bearings, slides, tracks, and other hardware components. When precision in motion control and positioning is critical, commercial off-theshelf (COTS) solutions often fall short. Linear tracks are a prime example, where COTS tolerances may not meet the rigorous demands of high-performance systems.

From Concept to Manufacture:
A Customized Approach
Since 1989, we have specialized in the development and manufacturing of custom magnetic solutions utilizing neodymium magnets and stainless steel. Our expertise lies in building complex magnet assemblies and systems.

We utilize custom CNC tapping and specialtygrade steel backings to ensure structural integrity. Whether it’s flat or u-channel linear magnetic designs, , we refine concepts into manufacturable designs. We also take into account temperature and environmental effects on manufacturing processes, as well as adhesive specifications for varying environmental conditions such as humidity, heat, and outgassing, and their impact on machining tolerances. Our proprietary process is not only cost effective but also highly repeatable. Our unique approach allows us to provide customers with custom-built and staged linear motor tracks tailored for highly accurate motion control and positioning systems on demand.

Dynamic Performance in Custom
Linear Motion Systems
Linear motion systems have a wide range of dynamic performance. By customizing the motor and direct drive systems, high speed and acceleration can be achieved with exceptionally smooth velocity regulation and low ripple. They can also be customized to handle heavy or bulky load applications. Overall, linear systems have a lower cost of ownership due to less moving parts, reduced mechanical wear and reduced system operating costs.

The Cost vs. Performance Trade-off in
Custom Design
Designing a custom linear track involves a critical trade-off between cost and performance. COTS tracks are inexpensive but are limited to standard lengths, standard flat and U-channel sizes and set tolerances for position accuracy. Custom linear tracks requires design time, custom tooling, and custom manufacturing processes. If the volumes are small to medium, then the solution might not be cost effective unless you consider the total cost of ownership.

Many high-volume contract manufacturers do not have the experience or the safety training to handle strong rare earth magnets that are part of the sub-assemblies. There are safety, training, and manufacturing consideration when working with rare earth magnets.

Custom Linear Tracks For a Wide
Range of Applications

  • Diagnostic Sample Transport
  • Food Processing
  • Custom Assembly Processes
  • Robot/Cobot Systems
  • High Load Applications
Custom Linear Track Solution
Hall Effect Joystick

Hall Effect Joystick

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Allstar Magnetics News, Industry News, Products

HALL EFFECT JOYSTICK
Client: A leading manufacturer of control systems used in industrial automation.

Project Overview:
The client approached Allstar Magnetics to develop a precise, reliable, and durable joystick solution for use in their control systems. They needed a joystick that could withstand demanding environments while maintaining accuracy and durability. Allstar proposed the Hall Effect Joystick as a solution, utilizing magnetic fields to deliver superior performance in control systems across various industries such as aerospace, industrial machinery, and medical devices. The goal was to create a joystick that would enhance user experience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure resilience in challenging conditions.

Allstar’s Approach: Allstar Magnetics collaborated closely with the client’s engineering team to integrate the Hall Effect Joystick into their control systems. The process involved design development, rapid prototyping, and rigorous testing to meet the specific requirements of precision, durability, and reliability. By using Hall Effect sensors instead of traditional potentiometers, Allstar was able to offer a joystick solution that provided contactless operation, extending the product’s life expectancy and minimizing wear and tear.

Conclusion: Allstar Magnetics’ expertise in Hall Effect Joysticks and their innovative use of magnetic fields enabled the client to enhance their control systems with a solution that was durable, precise, and resilient in challenging environments. The partnership led to a scalable, cost-effective product that met the high demands of industries such as aerospace, industrial automation, and medical devices. Allstar’s commitment to quality and collaboration continues to make them a trusted partner in the development of next-generation control systems.

Key aspects of the project included:

  1. Consultative Design Support: Allstar worked with the client from the initial design phase, selecting materials and ensuring that the joystick would meet both functional and regulatory requirements. The team refined the design to maximize performance in terms of magnetic field detection, voltage conversion, and control signal precision.
  2. Durable, Non-Contact Design: The Hall Effect Joystick utilizes a magnet beneath the actuator to generate a magnetic field. As the joystick moves, the Hall Effect sensor detects changes in the field without physical contact. This contactless design ensures extended durability, offering a lifespan of over 10 million cycles with minimal maintenance required.

  3. Prototyping and Testing: Multiple prototypes were developed and tested under various environmental conditions, such as exposure to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Allstar adjusted the design based on testing feedback to ensure the joystick’s performance met the client’s requirements for indoor and outdoor use.
  4. Scalable Production: Once the design was finalized, Allstar scaled production to meet the client’s volume needs. This process was optimized to ensure consistent quality, reliability, and costeffectiveness for mass production across their product lines.

Results:

  • Precision and Durability: The Hall Effect Joystick provided the client with an accurate, linear output, ensuring precise control in critical applications across industrial, medical, and aerospace sectors. Its durable, noncontact design significantly reduced wear and maintenance needs.
    • Improved Safety: The joystick’s built-in safety features, including redundant output signals and excellent electromagnetic immunity, contributed to safer operation in high-stakes environments such as medical devices and aerospace controls.
    • Enhanced User Experience: The joystick’s ergonomic design, combined with its resistance to shock and vibration, allowed for smoother operation in heavy machinery and industrial vehicles, providing a more intuitive user interface.
Multipole Radial Ring Magnets

Multipole Radial Ring Magnets

by | Feb 1, 2022 | Products

LiDAR TECHNOLOGY

Posted February 1, 2022

Radially-oriented ring magnets are a unique subset of NdFeB sintered magnets. Using proprietary technologies, a multipole ring can be sintered into a truly radial geometry. This replaces the costly and labor-intensive method of gluing arcs, bread loaves or rectangular segments onto a rotor shaft.

Allstar Magnetics now offers high-efficiency multipole Neodymium (NdFeB) magnetic rings. These rings are revolutionizing the permanent magnet space for synchronous motors, stepper motors and DC brushless motors widely used in automotive, specialty electronics, and medical applications.

Magnets are pressed to produce sintered NdFeB magnets. This process consists of combining base powders, pressing the resulting material, and then baking or sintering the resulting ring to achieve a radially magnetized product.

This new technology improves the uniformity of magnetic flux for increased motor efficiency and torque.  Other benefits include ease of assembly, superior mechanical properties and eliminates the re-work associated with chipped discrete magnets.

Contact our Engineering Design team today for more information and product specifications for radial ring magnets.

Magnetics® Kool Mu Hf® and Edge® high efficiency, low loss cores

Magnetics® Kool Mu Hf® and Edge® high efficiency, low loss cores

by | Dec 21, 2021 | Manufacturer Updates, Products

Posted December 21, 2021

Magnetics® Cores

Allstar is a proud distributor of Magnetics® products. We offer high-quality powder cores, ferrite cores and tape wound cores for applications such as chokes, inductors, filters, transformers and power supply components.  Magnetics now offers two new families of products with enhanced performance features – Kool for high frequency, and Edge for lower losses and improved DC bias. View information and stocking info below for Kool Mµ® Hƒ and Edge® powder cores.

Kool Mu® Hf Powder Cores

Kool Mµ® Hƒ powder cores are made from distributed gap alloy powder optimized for frequencies 200-500 kHz. Exhibiting approximately 35% lower losses when compared to Kool Mµ, Kool Mµ Hƒ is a cost-effective solution for minimizing power losses in high frequency power supplies using GaN or SiC, high efficiency power supplies, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).

Edge® Powder Cores

Designed for cutting edge performance, Edge® cores offer the best DC bias of all alloy powder cores. When compared with High Flux, Edge displays approximately 40% lower losses and 30% improvement in DC bias. Applications include Rack Mount Power Supplies, Telecom Servers, Switching Regulator Inductors, In-Line Noise Filters, Flyback Transformers, Power Factor Correction (PFC), and Pulse Transformers. Choose Edge for highest efficiency.

Edge® and Kool Mu® Hf Property Curves

View Kool Mµ Hƒ® Material Property Curves in comparison with Edge® Cores, including DC Magnetization, Core Loss Density curves, and Permeability versus DC Bias curves.
Ceramic Round Base Magnet Assemblies

Ceramic Round Base Magnet Assemblies

by | Nov 16, 2021 | Products

Posted November 16, 2021

Round Base Cup Magnet Assemblies

Magnetic Assemblies are up to 32 times stronger than simple magnets by themselves.
Custom sizes, designs and coating are also available.

Product Description
1. Material: Steel cup + Ceramic ring magnet
2. Coating for steel cup: Chrome, Black Epoxy, Nickel, Zinc
3. Magnet surface lower than that of cup 0.005’’
4. Working temperature range: -40°C – 100°C
5. Packing box size: 15.0 x 10.6 x 6.3 Inches
6. We can customize the special size and coating per your requirement.
7. Pull force tested on flat steel plate ½” thick. If your steel is thinner, coated or the surface is rough or rusty, the pull force may vary. We recommend that you obtain a sample for testing.

Halbach Array Permanent Magnet Assemblies

Halbach Array Permanent Magnet Assemblies

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Products

Posted October 6, 2021

Halbach Array Permanent Magnet Assemblies

Allstar Magnetics can work with your team to design and manufacture Halbach arrays for your permanent magnet assembly needs.  Halbach arrays are an arrangement of permanent magnets that concentrates the field on one side of array and has a near zero field on the opposite side. This is achieved by alternating the polarity of the magnets and forcing the path of the flux lines on one side to combine and the opposite side to cancel each other out. These assemblies can be constructed in variety of different configurations such as linear, cylindrical, or circular.

   

Industry Applications

Linear applications include particle accelerators, free-electron lasers, linear motors, and any movement that requires planar motion. There are a variety of design that use cylindrical arrangements for higher power density and efficiency such as NMR, high torque motors and beam focusing applications. Halbach arrays can also be used to create gradient fields to channel electrons in medical and science applications.

Manufacturing Considerations

It is important to understand the required field, air gap, temperature at operation, life of the product, adhesive outgassing, magnet performance at both temperature, magnet performance in a magnetic field, mechanical constraints, tooling, allowable fringing, weight, size and budget.

Let us know how we can help with your custom magnetic needs.