We create solutions for our customers which enable smarter, safer, more productive and sustainable factories, production lines and warehouse operations. Our pneumatic and electric motion systems help machine builders and end users around the world automate and optimise manufacturing and warehousing processes.
We have partnered with customers in industrial automation for over a century, applying our experience and innovation to create lasting value for their businesses. Our solutions support critical industries such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and even the space industry. We support the automation of precision manufacturing, product assembly, testing and packaging.
We use the latest digital technologies in our automation products and constantly innovate in close partnership with our customers. By applying our deep expertise, we can solve their toughest automation challenges, today and tomorrow. Through increased productivity, efficiency and safety, our customers can serve their own customers better, creating sustainable competitive advantage and delivering growth.
Our world-class product portfolio includes IMI Norgren, IMI Bimba, IMI Bahr and IMI Buschjost.
Linear Axis -
high-speed and fast response
A range of high-performance linear axis with a number of drive, guide and profile options. From light duty to heavy duty, from specialist applications in cleanrooms to ATEX zones, our extensive range means we can provide a linear axis unit to meet all needs.
Linear Axis with tooth belt drive
High speed and repeatable
Fast acceleration (up to 30 m/s2) with speeds up to 10m/s. Repeatability of +/-0.1mm.
Suitable for all environments
For use in ATEX zones, clean rooms and vacuum applications.
Long service life
Drive technologies and bearing mechanisms enable high cycle life.
Linear Axis with spindle drive
High positioning accuracy
Ball screw drives are particularly suitable for applications with increased precision requirements. Ball screw drives achieve +/- 0.025mm.
High feed forces
Trapezoidal thread drives are suitable for transferring large axial forces.
Operating safety
Self-locking option with trapezoidal screw drives.
Linear Axis with rack and pinion drive
Long service life
Racks and the rack wheels guarantee a very long service life
Extended strokes
Any number of rack segments can be connected together, allowing long travel distances.
Multiple carriages
Multiple carriages each driven by a motor can move independently of each other if required.
Automation
Assembly and Production Lines
High functional integration is one of the main characteristics of fully automated manufacturing lines. The key is to combine as many work steps as possible in a small space –and to then make the work cycle as fast as possible. With regard to the custom manufacture of products in a batch size of 1, adaptability and fl exibility are also important for
the manufacturing and assembly technology of tomorrow.
On the one hand, linear drive systems make a valuable contribution in positioning, taking hold of, and transporting components quickly and reliably. On the other hand, servomotor-driven linear systems can be used to
repeatedly readjust the work space upon product changes on a program management level.
Linear axis by IMI are used in a range of diff erent machines in manufacturing and assembly technology primarily because of their long service life, adaptability, and repeat accuracy.
All features at a glance
• Low noise, low vibration and low maintenance
• Long travelling distances
• Speeds up to 12 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• Space saving thanks to compact design
• Long service life and high load capacity
• Low weight
• Aluminum profile with hardened and anodized surface
• Maximum precision
The Bespoke Suit for fast Cycle Times
Portal systems are very common for material handling in assembly technology. Because of the short cycle times, there are challenging demands in terms of speed, precision, and dynamism. IMI specializes in linear axis that sit as perfectly as a bespoke suit, just as if the OEM had built them themselves – and even special versions for clean rooms. The servo-driven units are, in practice, integrated into highperformance automation systems and multi-axis-coordinated motion control.
As a system provider, IMI optimizes the linear axis for each particular application – for example, specially optimized as a Z axis or customized as X and Y axis. The high vertical integration and the on-site service make it possible to build linear axis for manufacturing and assembly lines that make optimal use of the available space, while also saving energy and material. Ultimately, it’s all about realizing functions and carrying out projects perfectly together with the machine builder.
Well-Stocked in Manufacturing
In the context of advancing digitalization, the importance of electronics production in the value-added chain of products is on the rise. The global interconnection of markets through international production and logistics chains is increasing price pressure and boosting competition. Given
this environment, the equipment used in electronics manufacturing must function reliably and at a highly productive level 24/7.
IMI’s linear drives are designed for these tough continuous operation conditions and tuned for maximum availability and reliability. In view of the high
Automation and Electrical Engineering
quantities per unit of time, each unplanned stoppage costs the company, with its assembly lines and SMD devices, a lot of hard cash.
What counts in the design of these linear systems is precision, repeat accuracy, and reliability in continuous operation.
Maximum Availability Counts in SMD and Components Handling
The constant movement backwards and forwards at high speed and the not insignificant demands in terms of positioning accuracy make the work of linear systems in electronics production highly complex. Peak performance is required of linear technology – and often under clean room conditions.
At IMI, designing the right drive solutions for that means building customized linear axis out of an intelligent construction
kit. These are precisely adapted for the application in electronics manufacturing, can be easily incorporated into the machine design, and offer great endurance in terms of inner values. There is another advantage to this customized modular approach: The spindle and toothed belt drives have a delivery time that is usually only possible for series products.
All features at a glance
• Low noise, low vibration, and low maintenance
• Low weight
• Long travelling distances
• Speeds up to 12 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• Space saving thanks to compact design
• Long service life and high load capacity
• Aluminum profile with hardened and anodized surface
• Maximum precision
Automation and Electrical Engineering
Palettizing and Handling
Stacking, picking, unstacking, clearing, positioning, centering – when examined individually, the tasks carried out by automated palettizing and handling systems prove to be highly diverse. In most cases, the driving force behind this work comes from linear axis with belt or spindle drive.
With the objective of integrating the linear axis into the existing machine design in a spacesaving and simple manner, IMI adapts the drive units to the exact needs of an application.
The modular construction kit provides the required fl exibility for this, without compromising on standardization. This versatility makes it possible to seamlessly combine linear axis that are designed diff erently and dimensioned perfectly – up to the exact length needed. The drive axis follows the machine design and not vice versa.
All features at a glance
• Low noise and low maintenance
• High precision
• Long travelling distances
• Speeds up to 8 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• Space saving thanks to compact design
• Long service life and high load capacity
• Low weight
• Aluminum profile with hardened and anodized surface
• High drive stiffness
• High load capacity and bearing load
Position Heavy Loads, even at High Speeds
Handling portals and palletizers are at the beginning and end of numerous production processes. The demands in terms of availability and service life are correspondingly high. IMI’s linear axis are designed to be correspondingly robust and are customized to the specific task on site. It makes a difference just in terms of the weight and the dimensions whether a pallet is to carry six-packs of 1.5-liter bottles or the far smaller six-packs of 0.5-liter PET bottles.
Here’s another design detail: The linear axis produced by IMI are also statically optimized to meet the application requirements. It is particularly important in portal systems to keep an eye on bending forces. Accordingly, the extruded aluminum profiles , Y and X axis are also selfsupporting over longer distances without additional support points.
Packaging Technology
More Freedom for Robotics
There is surely no other industry that is so centered around cycle times as packaging technology. Furthermore, plants are required to be extremely fl exible so that as many types of cardboard boxes and formats as possible can be processed on one machine.
The question of conversion times is best answered with a fully automated format adjustment. The degree of automation in packaging technology is correspondingly high – and is continuing to increase – in view of the trend for customized packaging.
With spindle or toothed belt:
IMI linear axis that are individually customized for the application play a key part in ensuring that the workfl ows in packaging machines are completed precisely, quickly, and with a high level of dynamism.
Spindle or Toothed Belt? It Depends on the Task!
Linear axis with toothed belts are right at home with highly dynamic motion sequences. And spindle axis are used when power and precision are the name of the game. IMI equips both performance areas with linear axis specially adjusted to the customer’s application.
The goal here is to provide machine builders with customized drive technology that fits seamlessly into the existing machine design. Furthermore, all axis can be modularly combined. That makes it very easy to modify or convert machines later.
All features at a glance
• Low noise, low vibration and low maintenance
• Long travelling distances
• Speeds up to 8 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• Space saving thanks to compact design
• Long service life and high load capacity
• Low weight
• Aluminum profile with hardened and anodized surface
• High drive stiffness
Cold-Resistant Linear Axis in the Deep-Freeze Area
High reliability and minimum machine downtimes are always essential, in particular for applications with extreme conditions. For example, production and logistics processes with temperatures of up to -45 °C require dynamic and precise linear units that meet all your specific challenges.
In the areas of food production and logistics, a large part of frozen products are stored at temperatures between -40 °C and -20 °C. Regardless of the products being processed, the prescribed minimum temperature in this industrial sector is -18 °C.
This value is specified by the HACCP guidelines, which represent an important criterion that must be met. When developing and designing a
Keep Cool - Thanks to Reliable Handling
Production losses and long machine downtimes can quickly lead to undesirably high costs, especially for deep-freeze applications. Therefore, maintaining cold chains requires special efficiency and economy with regard to the automation of processing steps. The handling of tools, components and products always has to be performed
in a reliable and precise manner. The service life of your application should be maximized, while the maintenance effort should be kept to a minimum. Our new toothed belt drive ELZ-NK ensures your success.
suitable special-purpose machine, engineers and technicians are thus faced with special challenges.
In order to meet even the most challenging requirements of our customers, we have introduced the NORDKAP product series. With customizable linear axis for deep temperature applications, we ensure the required longevity and quality of your specific application.
• Highly dynamic linear units with belt drive and individually configurable travel paths
• Unrestricted usability in deep-freeze applications with temperatures between -10 °C and -30 °C (-45 °C possible with limitations)
• Space-saving due to compact design
• Positioning systems in corrosionprotected design available as an option (recommended for alternating climates)
• Customized system design for your particular use case
• Reliable and low-maintenance guide system with robust track roller guide
• Long maintenance intervals with long service life
All features at a glance
• Unlimited individualization
• Speeds up to 8 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• High process reliability
• Trouble-free operation for high throughput times
• Advice and support with outstanding customer service
• Short delivery times
• Emergency service and delivery within 24 hours
ATEX Standards
Explosion-Protection Area
Where are the hold points located, what sizes and lifting heights are available, what kind of mounting options are there for additional components, and how can it all be integrated as conveniently as possible into the machine design?
The typical questions asked when designing linear axis in factory automation are common in all production areas – including those that place
special demands in terms of explosion protection. IMI has therefore designed a program of freely confi gurable linear axis specially developed for the various explosion-protection zones.
With the available variety in lengths and drive properties, portal systems in the explosionprotection fi eld can be designed and built to the exact requirements of the application.
Solutions by IMI are commonly used in bottling technology for explosive substances such as alcohol, benzene, gasoline, and other fl ammable chemical liquids.
With regard to IMI’s systems approach, when it comes to the topic of ATEX especially, comprehensive advice relating to machine construction is a part of the overall service provided.
Certified Linear Systems
Toothed belt axis from the ELZex and ELFZex series are certified for use in explosion-protection areas. The linear systems conform with the new EN ISO 80079-36 and -37 norm for mechanical explosion protection. Furthermore, the axis are ATEX-approved and can therefore be used in Zone 2 for gas and dust. The same applies to the GGKex and GDGK90ex spindle axis, which IMI also developed for the explosionprotection field. In practice, the combination of toothed belt drive and spindle axis opens the way for
being able to optimally combine the technical advantages of different drive principles without restrictions in the explosion-protection field with the specific application in mind. With this approach, it is possible to open up new areas of application comparatively easily.
The modular linear system is conceived as a full package and thus also includes accessories such as limit switches and couplings with ATEX approval.
Technical features
• Any installation position
• Maximum part length 6000 mm (ELZex)
• Maximum length 3000 mm (ELFZex)
• Maximum length 1500 mm (G-Series)
• Permissible surface temperature 125°C
• Repeat accuracy ± 0.1 mm
• Traverse speed <1 m/s
• Toothed belt design
• Conti HTD 5M/8M HP-PAZ antistatic
Certified according to the following standards
ATEX 2014/34/EU
Conformity
SO 80079-36:2016*
ISO 80079-37:2016**
Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 727
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry
Hygiene Designs
When pharmacies invest in automated warehouse logistics, the process usually involves modifi cations to existing premises.
As a result, the supply and provision of drugs via an automated picking system is subject to structural restrictions.
System manufacturers of logistics solutions must therefore be able to adapt – and that’s
why they use linear axis by IMI in the positioning technology. The drives can be freely confi gured in terms of length and function.
This individual solution space based on a standardized modular construction kit provides a valuable degree of freedom for using a pharmacy’s available storage capacity to its full extent.
Efficiency counts from the Pharmacy to Process Technology
In many cases, the work and logistics zones of pharma and chemical companies are comparable to hygienic dry areas. It is important that the built-in technology can be easily and effectively cleaned. Stainlesssteel surfaces are particularly good in this regard. In addition, they protect the technology thanks to their high resistance to aggressive cleaning agents and corrosive chemicals.
Under these operational conditions, the linear drive systems of Bahr Modultechnik impress with plain and closed profile surfaces. The specialists in linear drive axis avoid any geometric forms that make cleaning more difficult. However, the axis can be individually adjusted and integrated in terms of length and function, through to the appropriate stainless-steel casing.
Pharma and chemical manufacturers also benefi t from these advantages in the fi elds of bottling, packaging, and intralogistics – particularly as IMI also makes this adaptability available with the appropriate certifi cation for use in clean rooms and ATEX zones.
All features at a glance
• Low noise and low maintenance
• High precision
• Long travelling distances
• Speeds up to 8 m/s and acceleration up to 10 m/s²
• Space saving thanks to compact design
• Long service life and high load capacity
• Low weight
• Aluminum profile with hardened and anodized surface
• Temperature range from -25°C to +85°C
Semiconductor Industry
Clean Room
Electronic semiconductor components and medical devices are well-known representatives of the manufacturing processes in clean rooms. These require the highest possible hygiene standards.
A trend can currently be observed wherein more and more production processes are being moved to clean rooms due to increased quality demands – or at least to controlled areas with slightly lower requirements.
IMI’s linear systems are internationally certifi ed in accordance with ISO 14644-1 and thereby meet the requirements of Classes 1 to 8. In its freely confi gurable linear axis, IMI uses high-quality materials that eff ectively limit wear in moving parts.
Certified Linear Systemsa Clean Solution
One of the consequences of technical advances is that manufacturing, especially of electronic products, is increasingly becoming a matter of clean room class. This development is accompanied byshorter product lifecycles – which, as a further consequence, makes adaptable technology a necessity.
Against this background, the linear axis of IMI can be custom integrated into the production lines of clean rooms and controlled areas. Machine builders
generally find it easier to gain clean room qualification for their facilities because the linear systems already comply with the respective norms, thereby simplifying certification.
IMI also offers the option of linear axis for clean rooms with a smooth and robust stainless steel sheathing that is easy to clean as part of product hygiene measures. This detail is gaining in importance in the sterile production of medications and certain foods.
Our linear axis are certified in accordance with the following norms
• US Federal Standard 209E Class 1 – 100.000
• VDI 2083 Class 1 – 6
• ISO 14644-1 Class 1 – 8
Our Industrial Automation sector operates four global centres of technical excellence and a sales and service network in 50 countries, as well as manufacturing capability in Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific.
Supported by distributors worldwide.
For further information, scan this QR code or visit www.imiplc.com/industrial-automation
Industrial Automation
IMI Norgren IMI Bimba
IMI Bahr IMI Buschjost
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