High accuracy for defence event: Harmonic Drive at DSEI

Well established as the world's largest fully integrated international defence exhibition, DSEI features land, naval, air, security, unmanned and medical technologies. With 1500 exhibitors and over 32,000 attendees, the event offers excellent networking opportunities, including six dedicated seminar and briefing programmes as well as waterborne, air, rotary wing and RPAS demonstrations.

Harmonic Drive has over 40 years' experience developing servo actuator and high-precision gearing technology for security, defence, aerospace and robotic applications. At the exhibition, Harmonic Drive will showcase its ruggedised and customisable AlopexDrive range of precision actuators designed for extreme environments, from -46degC to 63degC, featuring the ability to withstand high shock and vibration loads, rain, dust and corrosive atmospheres.

Graham Mackrell, managing director of Harmonic Drive UK explains: "Typical AlopexDrive applications include pan and tilt camera systems, surveillance systems and vehicle mounted systems as well as two-axis ship-borne stabilisation for naval applications.

"In these extreme applications the high single stage gear ratio, light weight, zero backlash and extreme accuracy of the drives enables precise control and accurate stabilisation, to help maintain a constant horizon level.

"Additionally, the drive incorporates a hollowshaft allowing services to pass straight through the drive, including, wiring, optical systems and even laser beams. The actuators also incorporate a highly stiff output bearing with a high tilting capacity, which allows the direct attachment of heavy payloads that don't need further support."

Building on the popularity of the CHA series actuators, the AlopexDrive is completely customisable for the needs of each application. From corrosion resistant surfaces, custom voltages, specific lubrication, vibration and shock resistance, all the way to custom motor windings, feedback systems, motor brakes, sensors and connector options, the AlopexDrive is suited for any environment.

Follow the link to learn more about Harmonic Drives' servo actuators, or visit the company at DSEI on stand number S6-315.