Maxon showcasing drive systems at DSEI
Image courtesy Maxon
Maxon’s portfolio includes DC and brushless DC motors, gear heads and controls, as well as complete drive systems supported by an extensive customisation capability. Maxon’s engineers will be at the exhibition to present drive system technology for specific defence applications including aviation, UAV drones, marine ROVs, robotics and space.
The drive system specialist will present new products at DSEI including the strain wave gear that provides high precision, zero-backlash transmission for applications ranging from radar control to robotics. This is achieved through an innovative design that operates on the principle of elastic deformation and ensures that the gear teeth remain in constant engagement. The strain wave gear provides a high reduction ratio and torque density up to 80Nm in a lightweight and compact footprint from just 55mm diameter and 30mm length.
Maxon will also display its new range of robotic joints including the HEJ high efficiency joint for mobile robots that comprise a full sub-system including motor, gear head, electronics and sensing. Capable of generating up to 180Nm maximum torque, the HEJ joints achieve up to 86% efficiency for long battery life. The HEJ modules will also be joined by maxon’s HPJ high precision joints that can produce up to 484Nm maximum torque.
Looking at specific defence applications, the company has supported numerous drone projects and at DSEI, maxon will present its UAV propulsion systems that include brushless DC motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), and propellers. Designed to optimise torque density, efficiency, and durability, maxon’s UAV technology flagship project is NASA’s Ingenuity drone that flew 72 missions on Mars.
Maxon’s UAV drive system capabilities developed out of the company’s expertise in the aerospace sector. Designing and manufacturing lightweight, precision drive systems to actuate a variety of compact applications, maxon follows the DO-160G aerospace environmental standard that mirrors MIL-STD-810. This test procedure demonstrates durability against ingress, impact, vibration and temperature extremes.
Maxon UK & Ireland’s attendance at DSEI will be led by Andrew Gibson, head of the company’s business unit for the aerospace and space sectors. The maxon team will advise visiting engineers on drive system specification including extensive customisation capabilities. Approximately 80% of maxon’s products are customised, a capability which is crucial across defence applications to meet extreme demands.
Alongside maxon’s range of DC and brushless DC motors, optimised for high torque density and precision thanks to the ironless design, the company will also display right-angle gear motors from its Parvalux brand. Changing the direction of the drive by 90 degrees, the design is for specific footprints including vehicle door opening systems. Capable of producing up to 150Nm torque, the gear motors are designed with protection for long operational life in rugged environments.
In addition to motors and transmission, maxon’s increasing range of controllers will be on display, including a multi-axis capability. Offering embedded as well as housed options, the controllers provide modulation of speed and position as well as coordination for up to six axes, with communications integration supported across the primary protocols.
“Motion actuation requirements across defence projects require precise control, supported by lightweight and high durability for demanding environments and maxon’s drive systems are developed to meet these needs,” said Andrew Gibson, maxon UK & Ireland’s head of aerospace and space applications. “We’ll be at DSEI to discuss drive system specification and customisation with visiting engineers and provide advice on motion actuation for the defence applications of the future.”
