By Craig Nelson, Siemens E&A Production Machines
THE POPULARITY of multi-axis drive systems continues to grow and has recently been boosted by the mechatronic push from mechanical solutions to electronic drive solutions. An example of this would be the migration from a single motor line shaft to a multi motor saftless solution which adds performance and machine flexibility while decreasing mechanical maintenance and machine limitations. When the additional advantages of size, cost, and power sharing capabilities are considered over stand alone drive systems, it is evident current drive trends will develop around multi-axis drive solutions.