I worked for an Austrian (not Australian) company that built an absolutley unreal cutting machine using linear motors in about 1994. The machine tested the limits of engineering and hardware.
The potential accelerations were absolutley uncomprehensible. We initially experienced problems with popping the heads off of M8 SHCS that were holding components on the gantry (not shearing - pulling the heads off!). The gantry on this machine weighed about 1,000 pounds and we could accelerate it in excess of 1.5G but the mechanical design could not handle it - nor could most of the components. It was violent. Awesome stuff, for sure.
Accuracy was an issue only because of interference from the linear motors. I am not sure of everything that was done, but I know they had 6 different isolated grounding circuits. It was the most intense interference elimination project I have ever witnessed. The issues were finally resolved and the speeds and accelerations were cut back to more accomodating levels and the machine was still absolutely amazing to watch.
These were linear motors and not magnetic levitation - I know. Sorry to detract from the thread, guys....this experience seemed relevant.
I think both linear motors and/or magnetic levitation could be used for maybe CMMs, EDMs, pick and place, packaging equipment, shuttles and light cutting of foams - not for machining metals. I would treat maglev in similar fashion to an air bearing - it has it's applications.
Neat stuff.
Scott
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