Screw Jacks: The all-rounders in linear drive technology
Screw Jacks are simpler and more cost-effective drive solutions compared to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They allow a defined load to be moved to an exact position with a specified speed. In a Screw Jack, rotational motion is converted into axial lifting motion.
Important to know: All Screw Jacks can be cost-effectively integrated into a lifting system using connecting shafts and bevel gears.
In this article, you'll learn:
- How Screw Jacks are used to transport a load linearly from point A to point B.
- Why our Screw Jacks are repeatedly used in aerospace applications.
- What loads our Screw Jacks can handle.
With ton-heavy aircraft, every ounce counts
In aircraft construction, lightweight design has been a trend for decades, as every gram of weight leads to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, many parts of the structure and wings are made from carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP). Their strength lies in their enormous stability and durability while being lightweight. For the latest aircraft models, such as the Dreamliner and the A350, CFRP content is at 50 percent or more. The aircraft wings are produced on large forming systems.
Hot Drape Former
Challenging task elegantly solved - with a Screw Jack
When AIC Group received an order to manufacture a large forming system for a major Russian aerospace company, they turned to our representative Drive Lines in the UK for advice on the optimal drive system.
The two companies had previously collaborated on similar projects and therefore have substantial expertise in this laminating technology. Forming systems are popular in the aerospace industry because they're used to produce strong yet lightweight parts for aircraft. In this case, the system will be used to manufacture wing spars.
Since its founding in 1990, AIC has been a leading company in this field. It has integrated many advanced features into its systems, including zoned heating beds, precise bed positioning, tool preheating, sophisticated vacuum control, and double membrane technology.
Drive Lines, established five years before AIC, is one of the leading providers of mechanical power transmission components and systems in the UK. Due to its extensive experience, it brings significant expertise to each new project.
The described system is relatively large at 11 x 2 meters and, like every AIC machine, is a custom design. It can precisely form laminates with a thickness of over 20 mm.
Essentially, it consists of a vacuum bed containing the forming tool. Above it is a "Hot Box" that heats the tool. There's also a lamp bank that heats the composite materials so they conform to the tool. The "Hot Box" and lamp bank are mounted on a lifting frame, which can be raised by a drive mechanism specified by Drive Lines to allow clear access to the vacuum bed.
A massive load of over 20 tons needs to be moved - using a Screw Jack
The lamp bank weighs 12 tons, and the "Hot Box" is only slightly lighter at 8.5 tons. Thus, a total weight of around 20 tons needs to be lifted by 1250mm. This must be done in just 75 seconds, equating to a speed of more than 1 meter per minute.
Matt Jones, who worked on the project for Drive Lines, says: