Weight compensation

Spiral spring weight balancers for machine tools

SCHERDEL spiral spring weight balancer: two units with toothed belts and a spiral spring

Machine and plant engineering

Spiral spring weight compensation

Weight compensation for machine tools

Product:
For many years, the SCHERDEL Group has been supplying spiral spring weight balancers for machine tools and medical applications. The system provides a counterforce to the moving mass at a vertical axis. The force is transferred via a toothed belt which runs on the casing of a pre-tensioned spiral spring. This compensates the mass and reduces the strain on the vertical feed drive. The spiral spring weight balancers for machine tools are suitable for both linear direct drives and ball screw drives.

Applications:
The key aspects of quality, precision, cost effectiveness and environmental protection inspired SCHERDEL to develop spiral spring weight compensation. It compensates the mass being moved at the axis, i.e. the linear motor is only responsible for the differential forces. With machine and system manufacturers focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable environmental protection (“hydraulic-free machine”) and cost optimisation while still improving performance, this solution is increasingly moving into the spotlight. Spiral spring weight compensation can be used for all kinds of machine tools, such as milling, grinding and turning machines and special machines, as well as for machining centres and plant engineering in general. In principle, it can be used wherever heavy loads or components need to be moved.

Technology

  • Maximum stroke: 540 mm
  • Maximum weight to be compensated: ≈ 100 kg per spring (max. 4 springs per unit)
  • Several units can be combined (modular design principle)
  • Outer diameter: 220 mm
  • Maximum drum length: 334 mm
  • The length of the toothed belt (profile: AT10) can be adapted to the machine

Advantages

compared to hydraulic or pneumatic weight balancers

  • No switching times for valves
  • No stick-slip effect
  • High energy efficiency
  • Low inertia and internal friction
  • Long service life, maintenance-free
  • No connecting lines, valves or hydraulic oil required

Customer benefits

  • Low purchase costs
  • No maintenance costs
  • No energy costs during operation
  • Lower energy costs for the feed drive
  • High dynamics, almost no hysteresis
  • Simple integration