Contributing to streamlining and improving quality at complex and diversified production sites for realizing next-generation factory
Yamaha Motor Europe announced recently that it will release the LCMR200, a new linear conveyor module on July 1. The structure of the current model LCM-X has undergone a major review in order to further improve ease of use.
The LCMR200 inherits features from the current LCM-X model such as high accuracy and narrow pitch, but now with greatly improved rigidity through a complete reassessment of the module structure. The result is a more robust model that is better suited for work environments where the intrusion of foreign matter and static noise are present. In addition, accuracy adjustments during setting up are easier thanks to the combination of a newly developed circulation unit.
The system in which up to 64 sliders are controlled by one controller YHX is inherited from the current model LCM-X, but the newly developed Standard Profile program eliminates programming work inside the controller and makes easier builds of automated equipment.
Since commercializing the linear conveyor module for the first time in Japan in 2013, Yamaha Motor has continued to make improvements by listening to feedback from customers who work with production lines. With the new LCMR200 even easier to use, this unit will further contribute to higher process efficiency in factories and a wide range of industries around the world.
Market Background and Product Outline
Due to shortened product life cycles, the need for multi-product & variable-volume production is increasing at the Monozukuri (manufacturing) site, and therefore further flexibility and quick response capabilities are also required in the transfer process. Against this background, the linear conveyor module allows easier and more flexible line recomposition than conventional belt conveyors and roller conveyors, as well as high-speed and high-accuracy transfers. The LCMR200 is expected to be applied to a wide range of industries and its uptake seen at factories around the world.
In 2013, we released the linear conveyor module LCM100 as the next-generation carrier. Since then, it has been a market leader with its implementation into the assembly processes of electrical/electronic parts and in-vehicle parts, which have relatively small-sized carriers. The newly developed LCMR200, while maintaining the conventional concept, now brings improved usability.
From a single axis to articulated robots, and linear conveyor applications, Yamaha Motor’s comprehensive lineup of products strongly supports the automation of diversified production sites. The company continues to build on these strengths in the pursuit of greater efficiency and quality in increasingly complex and diverse production sites.
LCMR200 Conveyor Main Features
1) High-speed transfer, High-precision stop & Positioning
The direct drive via its linear motor enables high-speed transfers, highly accurate stopping, and positioning.
2) Improved rigidity
Almost the entire length of the module is installed directly on the frame to support the linear guide. The linear guide and the guide block of the slider have also been increased in size and strength, while keeping the same footprint.
3) Greater flexibility in layout
The cable extraction direction can be selected from two directions, front and back, increasing the degree of freedom in electrical wiring and improving the area efficiency when constructing reciprocating lines.
4) Newly developed circulation unit with improved transit accuracy
We have a newly developed circulation unit that greatly simplifies slider transfer accuracy adjustments. This has significantly improved the stability and durability of transit connections.
5) YHX controller equipped with new function Standard Profile
By using the YHX controller standard profile, customers do not need to create ladder programs in the YHX controller. This also enables control of the LCMR200 and single-axis robot as a positioner from the upper PLC.
Key Specifications
| Drive system | Moving-magnet cored linear motor |
| Maximum Payload | 15 kg |
| Maximum speed | 2,500 mm/sec *1 |
| Repeatable positioning accuracy | ±5μm |
| Machine difference between robot sliders | ±30μm (dowel hole position basis) |
| Position detection | Magnetic absolute positioning sensor |
| Maximum cross-section external dimensions | W176 x H109 mm (including robot slider) |
| Linear module length | Select from 4 types of 200/300/500/1000 mm |
| Robot slider length | 198 mm |
| Maximum stroke | Approx. 25.5 m *2 |
| Maximum number of robot sliders | 64 units *2 |
| Minimum pitch between robot sliders | 210mm *3 |
| Controller | YHX Series |
| Power Supply | DC 48 V *4 |
*1 If the payload is over 10kg, the maximum speed will stay until 2,000mm/sec.
*2 Depends on system configuration
*3 If the jig pallet mounted on the robot slider in longer, the pitch will be the jig pallet length + 10mm.
*4 Requires separate power supply unit for YHX controller
