Your requirements - our solutions | ZIMM

ZIMM drive technology for automation | Lifting, positioning and adjusting

Motion tasks:Lifting · Lowering · Positioning · Adjusting · Clamping and releasing
Product groups:Screw jacks · Electromechanical actuators
Lifting force ranges:Screw jacks: 2.5 to 1,000 kN per gearbox · Electromechanical actuators: 25 to 200 kN
Spindle versions:Trapezoidal screw drive · Ball screw drive
Selection criteria:Lifting force · Stroke length · Stroke speed · Duty cycle · Repetition accuracy · Number of drive points
System variants:Single drive · mechanically coupled multi-spindle system · axes synchronised via the control system
Project types:OEM new design · Retrofit (replacement of hydraulic or pneumatic axes)

In automated machines and systems, components and loads have to be lifted, lowered, positioned, adjusted, clamped and released in a controlled manner. ZIMM screw jacks and electromechanical actuators generate the linear movements required for this – as a single drive axis or as a system with several lifting points moved together.

Which product group, series, size and spindle version is suitable results from the specific motion task and the conditions at the installation site. ZIMM assesses this information and supports you with selection and design. In the ZIMM modular system, screw jacks and electromechanical actuators can be combined with matching spindles, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and matching parts to form complete lifting systems. The supporting structure, guidance, locking and the overall safety concept are defined within the respective complete system.

ZIMM GmbH develops and manufactures screw jacks, bevel gearboxes, electromechanical actuators and matching add-on parts for industrial lifting, positioning and drive tasks at Millenniumpark 3, 6890 Lustenau, Austria.

The selection depends on economy, accuracy, speed and the requirements of the application.

Hardened and ground for outstanding durability and energy efficiency.

Standardised flanges and matching parts are available for commercially available motors.

ZIMM provides corrosion protection ex works. Further protection levels and desired colours are possible.

Matching bearing blocks, as standard.

The sealed gear is lubricated-for-life and designed for high speeds and long operating times.

Lubrication is possible during operation. *Electromechanical actuators must be put into the respective lubrication position for this.

Prepared holes support different types of installation. Upside-down installation with full nominal load is possible.

Product features | ZA series | Actuators
Product features | ZE series | Screw jacks
Product features | GSZ series | Screw Jacks

Product overview for electromechanical actuators and screw jacks

ZIMM offers ZA-Series electromechanical actuators as well as ZE-Series and GSZ-Series screw jacks for different load ranges. The overview shows available sizes and drive ratios of the individual series.

ZA-Series | ActuatorZE-Series | Screw jackGSZ-Series | Screw jack
Size
2,5 kNunavailableunavailableavailable
5 kNunavailableavailableavailable
10 kNunavailableavailableavailable
25 kNavailableavailableavailable
35 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
50 kNavailableavailableavailable
100 kNavailableavailableavailable
150 kNunavailableavailableavailable
200 kNavailableavailableunavailable
250 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
350 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
500 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
750 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
1000 kNunavailableavailableunavailable
Drive ratio
4:1 / 16:1unavailableavailableavailable
6:1 / 24:1availableavailableavailable
7:1 / 28:1availableavailableavailable
8:1 / 24:1availableavailableunavailable
9:1 / 36:1availableavailableavailable
10,66: 1 / 32:1unavailableavailableunavailable
13,33: 1 / 40:1unavailableavailableunavailable

The requirements of your application determine whether a trapezoidal screw drive or a ball screw drive is the right solution.

  • Duty cycle
  • Repitition accuracy and positioning accuracy
  • Stroke speed
  • Stat. / dyn. loading (Hold load in position or move)
  • Service life and maintenance

Screw jacks convert an applied rotary motion into a linear lifting or adjusting movement. They are particularly suitable for modular systems with high lifting forces, several drive points or mechanically coupled drive axes, because the motor, connecting shafts and matching parts can be combined freely. Electromechanical actuators are self-contained linear drive axes with an integrated gearbox and an internal spindle. They are suitable for compact single axes that are installed directly into a lifting, adjusting or positioning function and connected to the construction via the attachment points. In practice, the decisive factors are the number of drive points and the available installation space: one lifting point in a confined installation situation calls for an actuator, several lifting points to be moved synchronously call for a screw jack system.

Trapezoidal screw drives are economical, insensitive to shock loads and, depending on the thread pitch, friction, lubrication and version, can be statically self-locking. Their lower efficiency limits the stroke speed and the permissible duty cycle. Ball screw drives achieve a considerably higher efficiency and are therefore suitable for higher speeds, longer duty cycles and higher cycle rates. They are not self-locking and require a brake or an equivalent holding element for loads that have to be held. Where lifting tasks are safety-relevant, the possible self-locking of a trapezoidal screw drive does not replace the required holding, locking and safety concept of the complete system.

The duty cycle describes the ratio of movement time to total cycle time and largely determines the heat generated in the screw drive. Alongside lifting force and stroke length, it is the most important parameter for selecting the size. Movement time, pause time, the number of cycles per hour and the ambient temperature are required for the assessment. A high duty cycle combined with a long stroke length is the most frequent reason why a size that initially appears suitable has to be reassessed.

Several screw jacks can be connected via connecting shafts, couplings and bevel gearboxes to form a mechanically coupled multi-spindle system. All lifting points are then moved by one drive and run mechanically in synchronisation. Alternatively, several drive axes can be synchronised via the control system, for example using servo drives with position feedback. Which variant is suitable depends on the number and arrangement of the lifting points, the required synchronisation accuracy, the load distribution and the available installation space.

Electromechanical actuators require no hydraulic medium, power unit or piping within the drive axis and can be integrated directly into the electrical control system. For the replacement, the force actually required has to be determined – hydraulic axes are frequently designed for peak loads that do not occur in operation. Also to be checked are the attachment points and the available installation space, the behaviour under a load that has to be held including any required brake or safety nut, the end position and position monitoring, and the integration into the safety concept of the system.

The following information in particular is required for the technical design:

  • motion task
  • required lifting or adjusting force
  • stroke length and stroke speed
  • duty cycle and number of cycles
  • number of drive points
  • installation situation and ambient conditions

In addition, details of the required repetition accuracy, load distribution, control system, sensors and safety requirements are necessary. A drawing or sketch of the installation situation supports the technical assessment.

Submit your enquiry for your automation task now

Are you planning a lifting, positioning, adjusting or clamping function in a machine, assembly line or test system – or would you like to replace an existing hydraulic axis with an electromechanical solution? Send us the motion task together with the technical information listed in the frequently asked questions. A drawing or sketch of the installation situation can be attached directly. ZIMM supports you with the selection and design of screw jacks and electromechanical actuators.

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