Linear technology for joining

Ewellix is a global innovator and manufacturer of linear motion and actuation solutions used in assembly automation, medical applications and mobile machinery. Formerly part of SKF Group, the Ewellix Group consists of 16 sales units and eight factories. External net sales are approximately 2.3 SEK billion and we employ around 1200 people. Ewellix is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden and is owned by Triton. Technology leadership Global presence and local support Our journey began over 50 years ago as part of the SKF Group, a leading global technology provider, with the world’s first precision...

Electrification in the automotive industry All industries are adopting solutions that reduce environmental impact and leverage new technology. Ewellix provides technical expertise to overcome customers’ challenges, providing components for the development of more efficient automotive manufacturing equipment. Electrification is a macro-trend across the automotive industry, from car production to the vehicle itself. The technology shift from internal combustion engine to electric powertrain has accelerated over the last decade, supported by stringent regulations on CO2 emissions and by government’s...

The evolution of joining technologies Incorporating different materials into a vehicle is one of the greatest challenges that the automotive industry faces. Dissimilar materials require various joining technologies such as resistance spot welding, self-piercing riveting, and a variety of fast-cure adhesive bonding processes incorporated into flexible assembly lines that meet vehicle production rates. OEM’s must consider several factors when selecting joining technologies in the body shop. For example: • Accessibility • Technology maturity Electrical systems in automation lines help improve assembly...

Quest for reliability and sustainability in automotive assembly A relevant example of the need for reliability is EV battery assembly, where quality control is essential. Once the enclosure is sealed, failures are difficult and costly to correct. Consequently, assembly processes require precision and repeatability. Following the rapid growth in battery production, new assembly solutions are emerging with key challenges. Bonding with accurately dispensing and applying adhesives, self-piercing riveting with high quality and repeatability. Automotive manufacturers strive to cut production costs...

Enhanced productivity, increased flexibility

Resistance spot welding Electric systems are ideal for making many welded joints quickly, precisely, cleanly, economically and with consistent quality. Whatever the weld gun design (direct-acting known as “C” gun, “L” or “X” also known as scissor, or pinch gun), the requirements are very similar. Electrical actuators are fast to install and maintain their settings throughout the entire production process. Welding equipment runs continuously under the same optimum conditions. Ewellix planetary roller screws and dedicated actuators respond to the welding market needs and challenges and offer the...

Mechanical fastening In the coming years, mechanical joining technologies such as riveting are expected to experience significant developments driven by the electrification of the automotive industry. For instance, self-piercing riveting is very adaptable to join mixed lightweight materials such as high-grade steel or aluminum alloys. The industry is demanding robust, reliable and cost-effective joints accomplished with repeatable, fast and easy to apply processes. Ewellix linear actuators with roller screw drive provide customers with high power density actuation for heavy duty applications,...

Dispensing Application requirements The automotive industry is increasingly relying on adhesive bonds and sealing to make vehicles lighter, safer and more economical. The application of these highly engineered adhesives and seals requires the most precise, robust and dynamic metering systems. • Controllability with precise speed and acceleration control • Repeatability Shear sensitive and abrasive material make the use of linear servo shot meters mandatory. Stitch bead application for structural bonding requires a highly dynamic drive at the end of the robotic arm. Two-components metering needs...

Press forming Press forming solutions including clinching and hemming are established technologies accomplished by forming metal sheets together. Clinching technology is a highly reliable process for joining thin metal sheets without additional components, using special tools to form an interlock between multiple sheets through plastic deformation. The key advantage is that a wide range of materials can be joined together without damaging the metal surface. Hemming is a process of joining metal sheets through rolling or press forming and is mainly used for car closures with decades of successful...

Ewellix’s core technology for assembly automation: Planetary roller screw The planetary roller screw technology presents numerous advantages for joining applications that require high load rating, very long service life and extreme reliability. Fig. 1 Comparison of ball screws and roller screws contact area With planetary roller screws, the application load is transmitted from the nut to the shaft through the barrel-shaped surfaces of the rollers. The number of contacts and the total surface area of the connections between the shaft, the rollers and the nut is substantially increased compared...

Roller screw high performances vs. ball screw technology Ewellix is a pioneer in the technology of roller screws and offers high quality, high performance and the widest assortment of roller screws available on the market. The planetary technology helps to improve screw performances to follow market needs in power density. Fig. 3 Comparison of ball screws and roller screws performances 10 x10 8 6 Ball screw Roller screw Service life *On an equivalent screw diameter Design features • Large number of contact points • Planetary roller screw concept without recirculation with increased thread strength...