Precise positioning technology and compact conveyor technology from MM Engineering - Made in Germany

Positioner systems • Suction lifters • Belt conveyors

"really strong" our new rotary tables from the "Strong Line" series

Our motorised turntables of the "SG" series are particularly suitable for absorbing high tilting moments, which can arise due to the attachment of long levers in connection with large masses.

Likewise, high weight loads can be absorbed due to the rigid bearing.

"really hot" our new IP54 belt conveyor

Our conveyor belt series FB09 saves space due to the internal drive and is protected against splashing water and dust.

The brushless 24V EC drive is intelligently controllable and durable.

Our Ball joint clamps put the "crookedest things" in position!

Swivel mounts for individual fastening of freeform workpieces

Our swivel mounts consist of a clamp base and a mounting surface with a ball. They can be rotated 360 ° and swiveled ± 30 ° in all directions.

Our Suction lifters are "magical like a frog's tongue"

With the new differential lifting vacuum cylinder DHS3060-S we present a lifting vacuum cleaner model with an extra large stroke of 60 mm, a piston rod secured against twisting and a lifting force of 7N. This means that even large differences in level and distance can be compensated when picking components.

Linear motion products: manual and motorized actuators

precise - compact - universal

MM Engineering positioning systems are manually or stepper motor driven technical setting devices and consist of one or more axes (x axis - xy axis - xyz axis, and possibly rotary axes). Positioning systems are used for the exact positioning of components such as lasers and sensors, cameras or limit switches, entire assemblies, tools or workpieces and for setting or adjusting formats in and on machines.

In addition to linear positioning modules such as linear, cross and lift tables (for vertical positioning), rotary elements such as turntables and rotary tables (for rotary or rotational positioning), or rod end bearings (for positioning components in an undefined position) are also among the elementary components of the positioning system. Matching connecting elements such as mounting brackets, vertical brackets and mounting plates open up countless combination possibilities and serve as basic fixing or as a perfect connection between the adjustment modules and the machine or measuring device.

Precision positioning systems from the positioning systems manufacturer

More than 25 years ago, MM Engineering, as a manufacturer of positioning systems, set itself the goal of simplifying and standardising tasks and processes in positioning technology in mechanical engineering, special machine construction, measurement technology and many other branches of industry such as the automotive, aviation, packaging, medical technology and toolmaking industries.

MM Engineering precision positioning systems started with a linear drive consisting of a bearing block, a spindle and a positioning slide on two guide columns. A simple rotary knob with scale was used for adjustment. The first own development as a positioning system manufacturer, the first positioning table of the MME positioning system was finished and is available today in three sizes (stroke: 11 mm, 14 mm, 25 mm) and several equipment variants (with rotary knob with adjustable scale ring or with mechanical or electronic position indicator).

Numerous new product developments as 2 axis positioning table systems or a 3 axis positioning table and additions to the product range make the MME positioning system what it is today.

The unique positioning system of the highest quality in its class

Backlash-free and self-locking linear slides in the positioning system manufacturer modular system

Here at MM Engineering, we offer customers the benefit of more than twentyfive years of experience as a leading producer of ultra-precise positioning systems. For compact and universal positioning tables of the highest quality, MME linear guide components and assemblies are second to none.

By standardising and simplifying tool production, our corporate goal is to excel as a manufacturer of automation components. We specialise in linear technology for the following industries:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Specialist machinery production
  • Packaging
  • Metrology
  • Aviation
  • and many other industries

Over two decades ago, the first MME positioning systems comprised a bearing block and a spindle mounted on a slide mechanism with two guide columns, a control knob and an adjustment scale. Nowadays, modern equivalent linear actuators are available as a short version with one bearing block in three sizes with a stroke length of 11 millimetres, 14 millimetres or 25 millimetres. As a long version, the positioning tables are available with two standard bearing blocks with strokes from 23 mm to 86 mm.

The latest variants include rotary control knobs with adjustable scale rings, as well as electronic or mechanical position indicators. Notably, production, development and quality control functions all remain in-house to ensure the highest standards.

Available in manual and motorised variants, MME positioning tables come in a choice of different models and axes: X-axis, XY axes, XYZ axes and rotary axes. The feature-rich product range includes self-locking mechanisms and units that are virtually free of backlash. From components like suction lifter and accessories through to belt conveyors. At the same time, our corporate quest for new technology and constant product enhancements helps to maintain MM Engineering as a respected market participant in the linear technology arena.

Rotary positioning systems typically form part of turntable assemblies, whereas rod end mechanisms enable variable and flexible deployment options. Mounting brackets and vertical plates allow the customisation and secure coupling of connecting elements, to ensure reliable links between adjustable modules. Such flexibility is particularly useful in bespoke mechanical engineering systems that employ linear technology in production or manufacturing machinery, characteristically with sensors or measuring devices.

Linear motion technologies, precision linear drives and rotary stages

Designed for the precise positioning of system assemblies and components, frequent applications for manual actuator XY stages and Z stages include sensors, lasers, limit switches, cameras, tools and the handling or control of pieces of work in progress. Usually, manual linear stages feature a slide guide design as well as XY or XYZ axis functionality. This type of actuator and positioning system suits tasks where precision is more critical than transition speed.

While linear actuators cater for longitudinal and cross movement, vertical modules like lifting tables enable the accurate positioning of the Z-axis analog to the position indicator or scale. Sometimes also known colloquially as displacement tables, linear tables or linear units, manually operated positioning tables have become standard system components in a diverse range of precision engineering and manufacturing processes, as well as scientific tasks.

Although differing actuator models might appear to be quite similar in superficial appearance, there are usually significant internal differences. Notably, the accuracy of each motion unit's performance is directly related to the materials used in its construction. The selection and production of the individual components made of stainless steel, aluminum and plastic, combined with many years of know-how make the difference to some cheaper products.

In use, the amount of movement and positioning backlash usually depend on quality, too. MME devices are around the midpoint of the price range for their market category; they boast relatively high specifications with very low or virtually no backlash. These actuators are, therefore, suitable for applications that demand precise positioning.

Specifically, MM Engineering linear positioning systems deliver positional accuracy of up to 0.01 millimetres with no backlash, with a radial clearance lower than 0.02 millimetres. Similarly, our rotation table is accurate to 0.1 degrees when used with indicators, while backlash is between 0.02° and 0.07°. Radial clearance is between 0.02 and 0.03 millimetres.

In contrast, linear guides with lower price tags may have backlash specifications of a few tenths of a millimetre. Consequently, they are not as precise

When MME positioning systems first emerged in the developing marketplace for linear technology, the designated positioning table specifications formed the basis for product codes. Later, we continued to classify our XY stages and rotary stage using the same notation. Every MME component or connecting element has a product reference that consists of an abbreviation, a size number and extra feature codes.

High Specification Motorized Actuators

Also known as electrical positioning systems, our motorized actuators and motorized rotary tables feature stepper motors and electronic controls. MM Engineering motorized linear drive systems come in lateral or coaxial drive variants that permit considerable flexibility in installation and configuration. Their space-saving flat designs comprise bearing blocks and positioning slides made of anodised aluminium, with high-precision round-thread spindles and hardened stainless steel guide shafts. In addition, durable spindle and slide bearings offer superior sliding properties and long lasting service.

MME stepper motor operated actuators come in two different sizes. Depending on the stroke length, either a single bearing block or twin bearing blocks will be necessary. Short displacement paths of 24 or 30 millimetres require only one block, whereas longer strokes of 50 or 75 millimetres will require a dual fitting. It is also possible to create systems with longer strokes if needed.

Our motorized linear drive systems that have a thread pitch of 2 millimetres benefit from minimal backlash (less than 0.04 millimetres), while the radial guide is accurate to within 0.02 millimetres. Regarding device response, a maximum travel speed of 20 millimetres per second is attainable when the units are operated at the maximum input speed of 600 revolutions per minute. The possible duty cycle is 100 percent.

Currently, stepper motor operated rotary tables are available in a choice of two sizes:

  • MDT36008, featuring a diameter of 54 millimetres and a gear ratio 40:1.
  • MDT36012, with a diameter of 80 millimetres and a gear ratio 55:1 (standard version).
  • Additionally, the following two high-performance models are available. Designed for fast responses, both of these rotary devices have a diameter of 80 millimetres:
  • MDT36012-HP-I10, with a gear ratio of 10:1.
  • MDT36012-HP-I45, with a gear ratio 45:1

For convenience when designing systems, our motorized linear and rotary elements are available with stepper motors and compact control units, or without a motor. This latter configuration is suitable for NEMA 17 configurations, for instance, with connections to a discrete high-torque stepper motor with a 43.2 millimeter or 1.7-inch square faceplate.

In linear modules of motorized positioning systems, it is also possible to configure using sensors and inductive proximity switches. Conversely, in modular systems including turntables, motorized positioning units may be combined with manual ones.

Without a doubt, further developments and the advent of Industry 4.0 will lead to new precision positioning hardware and techniques during the coming years. In particular, the demand for motorized linear technology looks set to increase considerably – not least in manufacturing automation and robotic.

For unique positioning systems of the highest quality within their market category, please contact our MM Engineering team today. We specialise in systems for industrial machine and special machine builders, measurement technicians, researchers, equipment manufacturers and more. We look forward to meeting your linear technology requirements and will be delighted to help and advise.

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