Macron Dynamics MSA, MDS, MGS, MCS, MSA-14S User Manual, Maintenance Manual

BELT DRIVEN ACTUATOR BASICS

USER GUIDE
MAINTENANCE MANUAL

Macron Dynamics, Inc.

Introduction

Guarantee Statement Of Assurance

Thank you for purchasing another quality product from Macron Dynamics, Inc. Every effort has been taken to assure this product was manufactured to the
highest industry standards of quality, precision and performance. Macron Dynamics products are subject to a 1 year (from date of shipment) limited warranty for defects in
material and workmanship.

Guarantee

Unless otherwise stated herein, Seller will repair or replace, without charge, f.o.b. shipping point, any parts proven to Seller’s satisfaction and upon Seller’s
examination to have been defective in material or workmanship when furnished to the original purchaser. Product must be used in an automation system engineered or
approved by Seller. In addition, deterioration or wear caused by abuse, maintenance neglect, severe eccentric loading, overloading, chemical or abrasive action, or excessive
heat shall not constitute defects.

Equipment and accessories not of the Seller’s manufacture are warranted only to the extent that they are warranted by the manufacturers, and this warranty is
applicable only if the defect was the result of normal use, application and service, and is void if the product or any part hereof was tampered with, repaired or altered by any
person other than the factory or authorized repair station.

THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THAT OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE.
Under no circumstances shall seller be liable for any loss of profit or for special, consequential or exemplary damages over and apart from the repair or replacement of Seller’s

part.

The laws of the State of Pennsylvania shall govern this warranty and any controversy or claim arising from it or its interpretation.
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this warranty, its interpretation, or any breach thereof, which cannot be amicably resolved between Seller and the original

purchaser with sixty (60) days of written notice by the aggrieved party to the other, shall be finally settled by binding arbitration submitted to the three (3) arbitrators selected
from the panels of the arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the rules and regulations of the American Arbitration Association sitting in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with each party to pay its own cost. Authorization for return must be received from Macron Dynamics Inc., before returning any equipment for
inspection or warranty repair.

Warning

Macron Dynamics actuators are intended for industrial use only and should not be used to lift, support, or otherwise transport human cargo, unless you have a
written statement from Macron Dynamics, Inc. that the actuator unit as used in your application is suitable for lifting human cargo.

Why Belt driven Actuators

• Length

• Speed

• Acceleration

• Reliability

• Repeatability

• Quiet

• Capacity

• Timing

Elements of a Belt driven Actuator

•The Drive system

•A belt / a pulley / a tensioning system

•Provides repeatability

•Structural beam member

•Aluminum extrusion provides length flexibility

and strength

•Guidance system

•Provides accuracy of position and location

•The Cart

•Coupled with the guidance system provides load

carrying support

•Styles

•Rail & track rollers (angular contact bearings)

•Plastic rollers w/ needle bearings

•Profile rail w/ re-circulating ball slide

•Solid plastic block / extrusion profile matched

economy glide

•Motor & Gearbox – end user provided

Product Identification label

Each product has an identification label for recording the
part number, serial number and date of manufacture.

• P/N [part numbers] are a string of letters and

numbers that identify your product. The first 3
letters indicate the family of product. The next 3
letters or numbers indicate the type of actuator or
system. The balance of letters and numbers are
unique identifiers for your product construction.
This part number is important for requesting any
information or technical support for your product.

• S/N [serial number] is a unique number for

traceability of materials and manufacturing history
information.

• Date – year and week of shipment.

• Major family reference ID

• MSA – MacSTANDARD single axis systems

• MDS – Dual systems aka. X/X’

• MGS – Linear Robot 2 & 3 axis Gantry systems

• MCS – Linear Robot 3 axis Cartesian systems

Product Cautionary notes!

• Macron products may ship as factory assembled modules that

require further field assembly. Please follow all assembly
instructions provided using hardware and fasteners specified by
Macron.

• Motor assembly to Actuator and Gantry systems require care to

ensure proper alignment. Follow Macron gearbox or motor mount
instructions along with Motor manufacturer guidelines. Torque all
hardware according to specifications.

• If T-slot sensors are used for limits of travel and or homing

functions, test the operation and switching function prior to full
scale power up. Adjust sensor flag gap settings if required.

• During initial start up and operation of the motor drive system,

adjust motor torque limits and system speeds to low levels until
entire system has been adjusted and de-bugged. Many motors and
drive systems can deliver performance that may exceed the
capacity of the Macron actuators and damage can result.

• Belt tension is the most important consideration for proper
actuator performance and long life. Macron actuator belt tension
is preset at the factory prior to shipment [nominal room
temperature]. This belt tension may change during shipment or
long duration shelf storage due to temperature changes. In
addition, belt tension may change after a system inadvertent
crash. Please see MQD-TD-01-01 Belt tensioning tool & tensioning
process for guidance.

• Long travel actuators and gantry systems require support structure
under the lowest axis [typically called the X axis] to prevent
deflection and ensure system repeatability.

• Only use Macron replacement part kits for actuator and gantry
system maintenance and repair. Our components are unique and
have been designed to meet our demanding product performance
requirements.

• Machines and motor drive systems must be properly grounded to
prevent ED [Electrical Discharge] induced damage to Actuator
bearings.

Preventive Maintenance

Macron actuator and gantry systems require a few
simple maintenance procedures to prolong the
system life and operation.

• Belt tension monitoring and tension setting

Reference process- MQD-TD-01-01

• Lubrication of linear rails & bearings

Reference process- MQD-TD-07-00 &
MQD-TD-06-01

• Cart adjustment & pre-loading

Reference process- MQD-TD-11-00

• Replacement parts kits

See specific Actuator & Gantry system
detail guide sections for suggested parts, proper part
numbers and replacement instructions.

Belt tension

Belt tension is the most critical element of the performance of Macron belt driven
Actuators and Linear Robot gantry systems. Proper belt tension ensures that the tooth
of the belt and tooth of the pulley mesh smoothly for precise repeatability and near
zero backlash performance.

Macron has developed an novel approach to measuring and setting the belt tension
using a special tool with precision spaced rods with bubble level indicator and a
standard commercial torque wrench [20 – 250 in-lb. range]. Please reference technical
document MQD-TD-01-01 for detailed instruction. Macron has determined a specific
torque setting for each belt width and travel distance. When the tool is positioned on
the belt and the torque wrench is set and turned at the recommended in-lb. setting,
proper tension is achieve when the bubble level is centered and the torque wrench
releases. Standard tolerance on the torque wrench setting is +/- 5 lbs.

Belt tension should be checked at the following frequency-

• At initial assembly and integration of the Actuator or Linear Robot

• After 24-48 hours of duty cycle running.

• At any time the Macron logo on the belt shows signs of smearing or erasure.

• After any system crash such as exceeding travel limits and striking hard stops or

equivalent improper use of the system.

• PM frequency

• Normal temperatures – every 3 months

• Wide temperature variation applications - monthly

Lubrication

The pulley assemblies, both drive and idler do not require lubrication. The radial
bearings used in these assemblies are permanently lubricated and sealed. Dis­assembly of these pulley assemblies will result in permanent damage to the
component parts and is not recommended.

The guidance systems do require lubrication to prevent wear and prolong the life of
the components. There are multiple styles of guidance used in Macron Actuators and
Linear Robots. Each requires a different lubricant and application frequency.

Styles:

• Round rail guides with track rollers mounted to Carts-

• track roller bearings are permanently lubricated and sealed.

• Round rails are hard chrome plated. Due to the possibility of Tribocorrosion, a film of

lightweight oil is recommended. The carts are designed with an integrated felt wiper to
absorb and apply this oil while constantly cleaning the rail. Add 10 drops of oil to each
wiper felt on a monthly basis for PM. We suggest the wipers are changed every 6 months
in normal environments [3 months in dirty environments]. Reference Macron MQD-TD­06-01

• Profile rail with linear bearing blocks-

• Bearing blocks require lubrication by injecting grease into the fitting on the end of each

block. The grease is a commercially available item. Please see Macron MQD-TD-07-00
for formula to determine lubrication frequency based on application duty cycle and the
proper lubricant required.

• Plastic roller carts-

• Polymer tires ride inside the aluminum extrusion profile. The radial needle bearings are

permanently greased and re-lubrication is not recommended.

Cart adjustment & preloading

The Cart systems on Macron Actuators and Linear Robot gantry systems are factory
set for smooth motion and to ensure uniform repeatability. There are multiple cart
styles across the Macron product line. Each style will require a different method of
adjustment. Carts rarely require adjustment by a user. In applications of high shock
loading, excessive vibration, or environments with abrasive dusting, play may develop
between tracking rollers and the guide rails. This play may be corrected by adjusting
the pre-load of the cart. Cart adjustment and preloading is required for any cart
replacement. Reference Macron document MQD-TD-11-00 for guidance. This
document may be found in the appendix of this guide.

Styles:

• Round rail guides with track rollers mounted to Carts-

• There are 4 or more track rollers on a cart assembly. One side of the cart has fixed roller

positions. The opposite roller has an eccentric axle which when rotated will change the
position of the roller relative to the rail.

• Profile rail with linear bearing blocks-

• No cart adjustment is required for the life of the linear bearing blocks.

• Plastic roller carts-

• Polymer tires ride inside the aluminum extrusion profile. Cart pitch and yaw are pre-set

and rarely require adjustment except after a cart replacement.

Replacement Parts kits

Replacement part kits are available for field servicing all Macron Actuators and Linear
Robot gantry systems. The Macron website Resources tab www.macrondynamics.com

Kits:

• Drive & Idler pulley assemblies

• Pre-assembled to ensure perfect fit. Provide the Actuator or Gantry system part number

to assure the right match.

• Belt kits

• Include belt at nominal length for precise field fitting and cutting to length and new

tension assemblies and hardware. Measure the overall length of the Actuator to
determine the right size kit.

• Cart replacement modules

• Pre-assembled for fast repair. We suggest replacing the belt with any cart replacement

for the most effective preventive maintenance approach.

• Wiper kits

• Dry and dirty lubricating felt pads degrade the life of the guidance system. Plastic caps

and hardware prevent damaging screw threads during replacement. This kit should be
replaced every quarter in a good PM program.

Product Documentation

• Datasheet packets are available for each product on the Macron website:

– www.macrondynamics.com/resources
– Datasheets detail the replacement parts associated to specific products and include image of the

parts kit with material listing.

– Installation instructions

• Product Technical documents- are included in this document

– MQD-TD-01-01 Belt tensioning tool & tensioning process
– MQD-TD-06-01 Product Lubrication guide – Round rail / Track roller guidance systems
– MQD-TD-07-00 Product Lubrication guide – Linear bearings / Profile rail guidance systems
– MQD-TD-11-00 Cart adjustment & pre-loading
– MQD-TD-10-00 Macron MPG Gearbox installation instructions

TENSION TOOL

PART NO. DESCRIPTION

#399 - 25 (For 12 & 25mm) Used in conjunction with Pound Inch Torque Wrench
#399 - 50 (For 50mm)

TORQUE WRENCH

PART NO.
#397 [25 - 250 lbs-in]

P/N 399

TORQUE WRENCH

sold separately

Tension adjustment Procedure

1. SET TORQUE WRENCH TO SPECIFIED LBS.-IN. [see product label for proper setting- BT XXX#]

2. SLIDE CART &/OR TENSION ASSEMBLY TO ACTUATOR END FARTHEST FROM MOTOR.

3. PLACE TENSION TOOL IN CENTER OF BELT SPAN.

4. TURN WRENCH IN THE DIRECTION SHOWN WHILE OBSERVING TENSION TOOL BUBBLE LEVEL.

5. LEVEL BUBBLE SHOULD BE BETWEEN THE LINES WHEN TORQUE WRENCH RELEASES AT SPECIFIED LBS.-IN.

6. IF BUBBLE IS NOT BETWEEN THE LINES, ADJUST BELT TENSIONER SCREWS UNTIL TOOL READS LEVEL.

7. REPEAT STEPS 1-5 TO CHECK ACCURACY.

*NOTE: If Actuator is not mounted in a horizontal or vertical plane. Disregard the bubble and ensure the tension tool
body is parallel to the actuator extruded beam.

Tension setting = 100 lb-in

in this example

Macron Belt Tension tool & tensioning process

MQD-TD-01-01

Product lubrication guide: Round rail / Track roller guidance systems

Macron MSA-14S, MSA-14H, MSA-628 & MSA-M6S actuators have lubricating end caps. These
lubricating end caps are located on the ends of the movable carts. Located inside these end caps are felt
wipers. These felt wipers help to remove small pieces of debris from the rail, as well as administering a
lubricating oil onto the rail surface to protect against corrosion.
The felt wipes will require re-lubrication. The lubrication interval is dependent on the duty cycle of the
specific application. The wipes can be re-lubricated by applying oil to the absorbent felt. It is recommended
that a 5 or 10 weight machine or mineral oil be used for lubrication. Macron suggests applying 5-10 drops
of oil to the wipers on a monthly basis.
If the end caps become damaged or cracked, replacement Wiper Kits should be used. Macron
suggests replacing all lubricating end caps on a 6-month cycle to ensure trouble-free use and extend the
actuator life. In applications with dirty or dusty environments, this frequency should be increased.
Photos below show each actuator type with the lubricating felt location. This process should also be
followed for all Linear Robot products designated MGS-UCx & MCS-xxx with round rails and track roller
guidance.

MSA-14S

Lubricating end caps

MQD-TD-06-01

Oil application port

MSA-628 & MSA-M6S

Lubricating end caps

MSA-14H

© Macron Dynamics, Inc. 2016

Lubricating felt wipe

Oil application point

Oil application point

MQD-TD-06-01

Product lubrication guide: Linear bearing / Profile rail guidance systems

Macron MSA-R15, MSA-R6S, & MSA-R20 actuators have linear bearing blocks and profile rail guidance
systems. The linear bearing blocks used on Macron Dynamics products have “lip seals” and are pre­lubricated prior to shipment. Depending on the application environment the linear bearings will require
lubrication on a preventive maintenance cycle. The lubrication cycle is dependent on the application duty
cycle and operating environment and a formula is used to determine when lubrication should be performed.
The user is responsible for this calculation based on the guidelines at the end of this product bulletin.
The runner block bearings have a low profile grease fitting installed on one end of the block. The
opposite side is plug sealed. On both single and dual bearing block actuators, the grease fitting will be
accessible from the end of the cart.
We recommend a combination of standard grease gun parts that will produce a set-up that will
allow all grease fittings to be lubricated (photo below). All of these components are available through
McMaster-Carr or Macron. The recommended grease is Mobil SHC220 NLGI2 a super-premium quality
synthetic lubricant. This lubricant is commercially available from many industrial supply outlets [Macron
does not sell or supply grease].

This process should also be followed for all Linear Robot products designated MGS-Rxx & MCS­Rxx with linear bearing / profile rail guidance systems.

Linear bearing block

Low profile grease

fitting

MQD-TD-07-00

Cart assembly, fitting

access

Suggested grease application gun set-up

Direct purchase of parts: McMaster Carr

 Compact grease gun- p/n 10225K95
 Coupler extension- p/n 2906K92
 Polypro hose with coupler- 1195K52

Caution:
Macron Dynamics, Inc. cannot know all of the application environments or uses of

our Linear Motion products by our Customers and end users. It is the responsibility of the
end user to determine the proper PM [preventive maintenance] required.

Lubrication frequency is based on distance traveled and the duty cycle of the actuator.

 Lubrication is required at the 4,000 km travel increment for 20 and 15 series linear bearings in

standard loading condition.

 example: duty cycle 60 cycles per minute, 24 hours a day at 7 days per week, travel 1.6 meters

o 24 hours x 60 min = 1440 min/day x 60 cycles = 86,400 cycles per day x 1.6 meters =

138,240 meters traveled per day or 138 km

o 4,000 km / 138 km/day = 29 days or approximately once per month a lubrication interval

should be scheduled.

© Macron Dynamics, Inc. 2016

MQD-TD-07-00

MACRON DYNAMICS, INC. P: 215-443-8888
100 Phyllis Drive F: 215-443-0981
Croydon, PA 19021 [e-mail]

M Q D - TD- 11- 00 w w w . m a c r o n d y n a m i c s . c o m

lubricating end cap

eccentric shaft

retaining set screw

inside T-slot

eccentric roller, shaft &

spanner nut

spanner wrench &

hex wrench

concentric roller

no adjustment required

Cart Installation & pre-load adjustment process-

 Remove lubricating end caps from replacement cart to simplify installation
 Slide cart onto actuator ensuring track rollers align with round rail- [note: carts may have 4 or more roller sets]
 Loosen the eccentric shaft retaining set screws visible inside the T-slot
 Using spanner wrench & hex wrench - slightly loosen spanner nuts on all eccentric side rollers
 Pre-load adjustment- using hex wrench rotate eccentric shaft until roller contacts the rail and does not slip - do

not overload - holding hex wrench steady, tighten the spanner nut with spanner wrench until snug.

 Repeat for all eccentric rollers
 Slide cart back and forth along rail - there should be no play in any plane. Observe rollers for rotation. Cart

should not bind. Re-adjust as required.

 Tighten eccentric retaining set screws
 Replace lubricating end cap
 Connect belt tension assembly to the cart

Caution: do not over pre-load the cart. This process in intended to ensure roller contact with the guide

rails to allow for component and assembly tolerance variation. Overloading causes excess wear on

bearings and drive system.

MACRON DYNAMICS, INC. P: 215-443-8888
100 Phyllis Drive F: 215-443-0981
Croydon, PA 19021 [e-mail]

M Q D - TD- 11- 00 w w w . m a c r o n d y n a m i c s . c o m

T-handle Wrench and
Macron 14 Cart not
included.

Spanner Wrench:
P/N- 055

DESCRIPTION

The Macron Spanner Wrench is used to tighten the
Spanner Nut on a Macron 14 Cart. The Spanner
Nut locks the Eccentric Shaft in place after
appropriate Macron 14 Roller adjustment has been
reached.

Spanner Wrench

P/N-055

Macron MPG Gear box - Installation and Assembly Instructions

Step 1:

Rotate input clamping elements
until the bolts are visible through
the access holes on both the input
and output.

Step 2:

Ensure all mounting surfaces are
clean. With the motor and gearbox
VERTICAL, insert the motor into
the gearbox.

Step 3:

Using the 4 bolts provided, tighten
the motor to the gearbox adapter.
Fully tighten the bolts as noted in
Table 1.

Step 4:

Tighten the clamping element
onto the motor shaft as noted in
Table 2. Finally, insert the
provided plug into the access hole.

Step 5:

Ensure all mounting surfaces are
clean. Using the 4 bolts provided,
tighten the slide adapter to the
slide. Fully tighten the bolts as
noted in Table 1.

Step 6:

Ensure all mounting surfaces are
clean. With the slide and gearbox
VERTICAL, insert the gearbox onto
the slide. Using the 4 bolts
provided, tighten the gearbox to
the slide. Fully tighten the bolts as
noted in Table 1.

Final Step:

Tighten the four screws on the
output clamping element onto the
slide shaft in a star pattern as
noted in Table 3. Finally, insert the
provided plugs into the access
holes.

Table 1

Bolt
Size

Hex

Size

Torque
(in-lbs)

M4

3mm

40

M5

4mm

80

M6

5mm

130

M8

6mm

320

M10

8mm

640

M12

10mm

1100

Table 2

Macron

Part

Number

Input

Clamping

Torque

(in-lbs)

Output

Clamping

Torque

(in-lbs)

MPG-062

53

124

MPG-084

80

266

MPG-118

177

354

Table 3

First Round

Torque

MPG-062 = 62 in-lbs
MPG-084 = 133 in-lbs
MPG-118 = 221 in-lbs

*Second Round

Torque

MPG-062 = 124 in-lbs
MPG-084 = 266 in-lbs
MPG-118 = 354 in-lbs

MQD-TD-10-00 Macron Dynamics, Inc. - 1-800-622-7661 / www.macrondynamics.com

*Repeat Second Round Torque

stage until torque value listed

is confirmed at each bolt.