Cantilever Linear Axis Singles Out Hepcomotion

Winchester-based Garbuio Dickinson is the UK arm of Garbuio SpA, the world leader in the design of tobacco processing machinery. Its heritage dates back to 1886 and the company is now the technology leader in its field. The Garbuio Dickinson product programme naturally includes a tobacco cutting machine range. The superior design of these products ensure a near-vertical cutting action, with reduced push-in and pull-out forces acting on the tobacco cheese. As a result, a high quality of cut can be obtained with reduced compression of the tobacco.

The machine is fed by a vibrating tray feed which is routinely removed for cleaning. Weighing 1800 kg it is a little too heavy for manual handling on castors and therefore, on the company’s standard offering, the feeder is moved on air skates.

“One customer however, wanted to take things a stage further and asked if we could devise something which would actually pull the feeder accurately into the machine,” explained Senior Design Engineer, Peter Todd.

With only 5mm clearance between the feed tray and cutting machine sidewalls, the search was on to find a solution that could guarantee no contact between the two. The HepcoMotion® DLS3C provided the ideal solution and was available as an off-the-shelf product. It is supplied as standard with a lightweight aluminium beam which provides rigid support for cantilevered loads with the minimum of inertia. For the Garbuio Dickinson application it was also specified with a corrosion resistant coating, another standard option.

Other factors governing Garbuio Dickinson’s choice of the DLS3C was its tolerance of contamination, an obvious requirement in the presence of tobacco dust. Also the overload clutch feature on the motorised gearbox was an attraction. This would limit the push/pull forces from a safety standpoint.



The resultant tray actuator that Peter Todd designed comprises two linear systems, linked by a common shaft to ensure it moves in and out in parallel. The moving tray is supported by a pivoting mounting to allow the connecting end of the tray to rise and fall as the feeder is lifted by its air skates. The locking pins can be retracted when required for occasions when the feeder needs to be released for maintenance. Two adjustment rollers support the tray as it slides in and out, allowing it effectively to see-saw within defined limits.

Peter Todd concluded, “In the event, with the air skates activated, the system wasn’t that dependant on being powered but the design of the guidance system has proved a major factor in the success of our product.”