The Problem with Oversized Gantry Solutions
Small and midsize automotive manufacturing applications have long faced a mismatch in the gantry automation market. Traditional heavy-duty systems from major equipment suppliers come with premium pricing, extended lead times, and capabilities that far exceed what many production lines actually need. Bell-Everman's ServoBelt technology is positioned to fill that gap, combining the precision of rack-and-pinion drives with cost savings and faster delivery. The company claims lead times often less than half those of larger suppliers, making it an attractive option for manufacturers under pressure to automate quickly.
How ServoBelt Works
The ServoBelt system uses a belt-rack hybrid drive that eliminates belt stretch over any travel distance, a persistent limitation in traditional continuous-loop or OMEGA-type drives. This engineering approach allows longer gantry spans without sacrificing positioning accuracy. The system operates at 3 meters per second, well within its 4 m/s maximum capability, while delivering quarter-millimeter positioning precision. For applications that require reliable, repeatable motion across extended distances, the stretch-free design is a significant technical advantage.
Real-World Application: Diesel Camshaft Production
Progressive Machine and Design of Victor, New York deployed a ServoBelt-based gantry system for a Tier 1 automotive supplier manufacturing diesel engine camshafts. The overhead system transports two camshafts weighing approximately 80 kilograms through multiple machining operations including grinding and lathing, delivering them precisely into top-loading machining centers. The overhead configuration saves valuable floor space in a tight plant layout.
The system features composite aluminum beam construction using T-slot extrusions, Allen Bradley drives and motors, Neugart gearboxes, and Schunk grippers with safety locks that prevent opening on air pressure loss. Additional safety features include redundant Z-axis brakes, Safe Torque Off capability, Y-axis shift accommodation for minor machine misalignments, and drip trays that contain coolant while preventing hand access to moving parts. The entire system integrates with the plant's manufacturing execution system database for production tracking.
A Scalable Model for Mid-Tier Automation
Brent Stratton, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Progressive Machine and Design, noted that while his team does not often build systems this long, the ServoBelt's belt-rack architecture "takes all the stretch out of the equation." The project demonstrated that mid-tier manufacturers can achieve robust, production-grade automation without the cost and complexity of traditional heavy-duty gantry platforms. Bell-Everman's approach offers a template for automotive suppliers seeking to automate camshaft, crankshaft, and similar component workflows without over-engineering or over-spending.
This article is based on reporting by The Robot Report. Read the original article.
