Linear actuators

Framo Morat has many years of experience in the development and production of linear drives. Lifting spindle drives from the “Mini” series or linear chain systems from the “LinearChain” series have been part of our product portfolio for many decades. While the standard range is now offered by Grob Antriebstechnik we at Framo Morat have implemented numerous projects with special versions of linear drives in recent years. Due to our many years of experience in drive technology, we are your reliable development partner with system expertise who offers you a technically sophisticated, economical solution.

Linear actuators Mini

Hubspindelantrieb Mini
  • Lifting forces of up to 26,000 N
  • Low operating costs as a result of high efficiency
  • Integrated thermal protection
  • Lifetime lubrication
  • High performance capacity in a small design size
  • Standard IP 54 protection class

The lifting spindle drives of the Mini series are based on the economical minimum principle: By using powerful hollow shaft motors, the required lifting force can be achieved in a very short design in relation to the stroke length. The mini drive is therefore particularly suitable for use in confined spaces. Despite the compact and lightweight design, the lifting spindle drives are extremely robust and durable.

The standard range of the Mini series has been offered by  Grob Antriebstechnik since 2018.

PushPul chain LinearChain

PushPull chain LinearChain
  • Shearing forces of up to 35,000 N
  • Ideal for realizing long strokes, particularly when space is limited
  • Compact retention of the chain, even more than one length
  • No back springing under load
  • Holds the absolute position
  • Uniform, no-jerk movements
  • Synchronized operation of horizontal or vertical movements

The LinearChain push chain is capable of moving large loads both horizontally and vertically with high positioning accuracy. The LinearChain consists of specially shaped links whose geometry prevents buckling under pressure. The LinearChain can therefore be used like a conventional linear drive.

The chain is driven via a special housing with an integrated chain wheel, to which a geared motor – for example a slip-on geared motor from the Compacta series – is flanged.

The standard range of the LinearChain series has been offered by Grob Antriebstechnik since 2014.

General informationen about the Linear Chain

In the industry, the market offers to the user several usual systems to create linear motion.
Generally, these systems include hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or electro-mechanical spindle drives. Also cam, disk or redirection systems are often used.
The thrust chain is a novelty among these systems. A special chain that, unlike the known traction chain, becomes rigid in the thrust direction. It nevertheless can be redirected with sprockets.

The classical power transmission element, the endless chain with at least two sprocket wheels (drive and return) and a tensioning element becomes a “finished” chain with two free ends. The drive can be positioned at any point.
The thrust ability is ensured by specially formed chain links that interlock and support each other with minimum play. The load is attached to one end of the chain, e.g. by means of a latch or of a hook. To that purpose, the chain ends are provided with transversal holes for screws or bolts.
During the move, this latch / hook interlocks with the pushed load or its support.

The other free chain end can be guided according to the needs. To save space, it is rolled in a magazine. This space-saving design is one of the main advantages of the system.

Chain redirection and storage examples

LinearChain’s main task is to move average and large loads in any direction (also vertically).
A sprocket wheel integrated in a drive housing actuates the chain.

According to the thrust power, the stroke length and the speed (all individually definable), LinearChain can perform its task running on a sliding surface or in a guide rail.

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LinearChain Info

  1. Introduction

    The LinearChain is made from precision-manufactured chain links of a special design which enable the chain to push and pull heavy loads. The chain links have a special profile allowing them to interlock. The links can be rolled up in one direction; in the other, they form a rigid unit that is able to perform push and pull linear motion of a load with low backlash and high positioning accuracy. The links can be stored in tightest space. Even long strokes require only very little storage space.

    The LinearChain is an alternative to standard systems such as rack and pinion, hoists, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, etc. It often represents the only possible solution where space is too tight for any other system.

    The LinearChain allows transmitting thrusting or pulling power from a few kilograms to several tons – even where longer strokes are required. The chain can also be protected against bending by means of guide rails. It is also possible to couple several chains in parallel if this is made necessary by the thrust load and the stroke.

  2. LinearChain Drive Systems

    The chain drive system comprises a special housing with internal chain guides, spocket drive wheel and a keywayed drive shaft. This can be connected to a standard gear motor. Alternatively a Framo Morat COMPACTA slip-on Rotary Actuator -a gear motor with integral multi-turn limit switches and optional reversing contactors or potentiometer can often be used (see separate catalogue). To prevent the Push-Chain from folding during the linear thrust motion a special front end link is provided. This ensures that the force-line is off-center to the chain pins creating a bending moment which forces the chain fingers to lock tightly. The Push-Chain can be used for reciprocating push and pull movement, horizontally or vertically. Where possible chain guide rails should be used to support and guide the chain.

    The Guide Rail is unnecessary when:
    – The Push-Chain runs across a flat surface (eg. steel plate)
    – The linear travel (stroke) is within prescribed limits
    – There is no danger of radial loads occurring along the thrust axis

  3. Chain Types and Performance Criteria

    The selection of the correct chain size and type will depend on the application, the required performance and operating criteria.
    The following information is required:

    – Thrust force
    – Working stroke
    – Linear speed
    – Operating frequency
    – Temperature

  4. Material Used

    Framo Morat Push-Pull Chains are manufactured from treated alloy steels. The chain can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C and for short periods even higher temperatures.

  5. Typical Applications

    The LinearChain has been sucessfully used in the following sectors: Industrial furnaces, cold sheet metal working, casting shops, rolling mills, machine tools, automotive manufacturing, warehousing, internal works transport systems, chemical industry, nuclear industry.

Custom Linear actuators

  • Modified standard by combining existing modules with newly designed components
  • Completely application-specific new development

Standard drives are not always suitable for an individual application. For example, there is not enough space available or performance data such as lifting speed or lifting force are not suitable. However, the wheel does not have to be reinvented for every individual drive solution. Existing modules can often be combined with components newly designed specifically for the task. This saves both time and development costs.

When designing and configuring your linear drive individually, you benefit from our decades of experience in drive technology. By selecting the right options, we ensure the integration of the drive into your overall system and thus a smooth market launch.

Framo Morat is your reliable development partner with system expertise who offers you a technically and economically sophisticated, customer-specific drive solution. Here you can find out more about our development expertise…

Additional Information

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Application examples linear actuators

Mini Customized designs