Linear Rail Motorization

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,

I am looking to build a specialize piece of equipment for our ski shop. We have a linear rail out of a cnc machine. We need to attach a heating element to it for one of our processes. I have the rail, and heating element. I am looking for some help on choosing a motor and control option for this. The goal is to have the heating element travel about 5-6 feet down the rail, and then return to the starting point. The element, and mount will be about 5-7 lbs roughly. We are looking to use a cogged belt, and some gears (we can handle that part). We are a little hung up on what type of motor we would need, a way to start the motor, and a system to make it reverse, and come back once it hits a certain point. We prefer to not have to use a computer, and have a start/stop push button for ease of use.

Is this possible? Is it cost effective? Am I dreaming too big here?! I appreciate any insight you might be able to offer.

Thanks!

Jordan

2

If you want the simplest solution for a single pass without any programming, install an on/off switch located at one end, and a DPDT switch at the other; the on/off switch needs to be facing inwards, as does the DPDT switch. When the traveller hits the DPDT switch, it will reverse the direction. On the other side, it will hit the On/Off switch and turn itself off. You then need to reset the DPDT switch and the On/Off switch for the next run.

If you want it to do multiple passes (for example a set number or continuously until you turn it off) then the approach will be different.

As for motor torque, if you’re not going up an inclined surface, and you have wheels under the traveller (reduce friction as much as possible) then you don’t need anything too powerful since the main factor to overcome is inertia.