Direct Drive Bearings

The UK’s First Standard Size
Direct Drive Bearing

Introducing the UK’s first standard size Direct Drive Bearings from Franke. All the benefits of Franke industry leading technology in a standard size. Meaning you can benefit from shorter lead times, lower costs and a plug and play direct drive, ready to be programmed to your application.

Franke Bearings with integrated direct drives are complete powertrain components, ideal for when small mounting space meets dynamic agility. Integrating a complete drive system into a Franke bearing housing, means that components such as: gears, drives, motors, gearboxes, pulleys, shafts, chains, belts and pinions. Without further mechanical parts, the driving force in the bearing and power transmission guarantees position accuracy even at high speeds.

What diameters are Franke Direct Drives available?
Direct Drive Bearings are available in a range of sizes from 100mm BPD up to 2000mm BPD dependant on your bespoke requirements. However, we also offer 4 standard size Direct Drive Bearings which are in the following diameters: 100mm BPD, 215mm BPD, 320mm BPD, and 385mm BPD.

Why is the Franke Direct Drive lightweight?
A Franke Direct Drive bearing is much lighter than a conventional steel bearing without a drive. Through the use of housing parts made of aluminium the weight of the motor is easily compensated.

Do you offer standard size Franke Direct Drive Bearings?
Yes, we also offer 4 standard size Direct Drive Bearings which are in the following diameters: 100mm BPD, 215mm BPD, 320mm BPD, and 385mm BPD.

What are the lead-times of Franke Direct Drives?
For our standard size Direct Drives bearings lead-times are approx. 6 weeks from placement of order. For bespoke bearings lead-times are dependent on each client’s unique requirements.

What are the power ratings of Franke Direct Drive Bearings?
Power ratings can be made bespoke to what your application needs. However, if you purchase one of our 4 standard size bearings the power ratings are:
100mm BPD (LTD100) 1.8 – 7 A
215mm BPD (LTD215) 3.1 – 12.8 A
320mm BPD (LTD320) 4.3 – 21.6 A
385mm BPD (LTD385) 4.3 – 21.7 A

What are the torque limits of Franke Direct Drive bearings?
A Franke direct drive allows for high torque at a defined number of revolutions per minute. Torque limits are dependent on the type of Direct Drive you require and can be made bespoke to what your application needs. However, if you purchase one of our 4 standard size bearings the torque limits are:
100mm BPD (LTD100) 4.5 – 16 Nm
215mm BPD (LTD215) 26.4 – 105 Nm
320mm BPD (LTD320) 77– 329 Nm
385mm BPD (LTD385) 118 – 522 Nm

Upon request motors can also be installed with water cooling, leading to the torque loading being doubled.

What materials are Franke Direct Drive bearings available in?
The Franke wire race principle also offers the advantage of the free choice of material for the housing. Available in Steel, Aluminium, Carbon, Brass or Plastic. If you require an alternate material please discuss with your Franke representative on 01772 780200.

Are Franke Direct Drive bearings vacuum compatible?
No, currently Franke Direct Drive bearings are not vacuum compatible.
• No lubrication
• More environmentally friendly

What IP protection class is achieved?
This depends on the design of the bearing assembly and must be checked in each individual case. Franke standard bearings are not designed for permanent use under water and thus achieve a protection class of max. IP41.

What accuracy of repeatability do Franke Direct Drive Bearings achieve?Franke Direct Drive bearings can achieve repeatability of up to 10 microns.

I have a bespoke application that requires a unique specification, is this possible? Yes, we work with many engineers and inventors who have a very unique list of criteria. Our team of designers and representatives are able to work with you to determine your requirements and the specification required for the application. Please discuss with your Franke representative on 01772 780200.

How are Torque motors built in?
Torque motors are integrated directly into Franke bearing assemblies. You receive a completely installed system, with a gearbox is no longer required. With this system, it is possible to generate a rotational movement but also to position it or to execute definable steps.

How does a Torque motor work?
A torque motor consists of two components, the stator with coils and the rotor with a permanent magnet. The current-flowing coils produce a time-variable electric field, which interacts with the constant magnetic field of the rotor. The resulting force is used to generate the torque. The torque motor allows high torque at a defined number of revolutions per minute. The distance between the stator and the rotor (air gap) is decisive for the magnitude of the torque. The pre-loaded Franke bearing ensures a constant air gap. If required a measuring system can be used to determine the motor position also.

How are the measuring systems attached?
The (closed) measuring tape is attached directly to the rotor and the measuring head is screwed to the stator. It is also possible to attach a measuring system to the mating structure if required.

What are the limitations of the measuring systems?
Since the measuring tape is a closed ring, only certain diameters are available, which must be taken into account during the design process. For larger numbers, any diameter is available.

What are the tests before the motors delivered?
All motors are tested before delivery in accordance with the EC directive 73 / 23EWG and the standards EN 50178 and EN 60204.

What documentation is provided with the motors?
A manual is provided with each Direct Drive bearing which includes general notes, safety instructions, connection diagrams and installation instructions.

What controllers can be used with torque motors?
All controllers available on the market can be used. Franke recommends servo drives. These are characterised by a high-power density, with intelligent functionality and a compact design. The controllers offer very good control characteristics as well as programming capability and support standard communication protocols. The servo drives have a complete digital motion controller and support a large number of commutation modes and position feedback. We would be pleased to propose the appropriate controller for the customer application and commission.