The Alliance invests in innovation and technological evolution aiming for surplus value for our clients. Due to our role in automation various modules and precision actuators are developed. Additionally we develop, test and improve unconventional machining techniques which are suitable for the mass production of precision parts.

Precision actuators

In automation, actuators play an important part, since movement (positioning) is virtually always required. Speed, accuracy, flexibility (programmability) and undeniably the price/quality ratio are increasingly important.

Complex modules, such as a direct-drive linear motor require a broad knowledge of the overall system. Guiding principles, thermal aspects, motion control and encoder choice all need to be taken into account. We do not only apply, but also develop these kind of modules. Combinations of high demands on accuracy, dynamic forces or range are possible focal points.

The reluctance motor is an example in which high forces can be generated. Another example of an in -house developed system is a phi-z actuator (or ETRM), a multi axis system in which both rotation and translation are controlled by a single direct-drive stator. In all cases a solution is customized to perform a specific function. Possible applications are 'pick and place', xy-tables and process modules for ECM, PECM, EDM or EPP.

Contrary to motors that generally produce motion in a single direction (usually rotation) our actuators are known to have multiple degrees of freedom. Where others use complex servo systems, Alliance Technologies can apply a simple controller.

Material processing

Alliance Technologies is involved in amending and implementing non-conventional material processing methods. Materials which can be modified include stainless and carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass and titanium. Alliance Technologies is leading in the technology, our specialists gained their knowledge in the former research division of Philips.

Spark erosion (EDM) is best known, partly as a result of its use in the production of die-casting moulds (die sinking). Our specialists can also help assess the potential benefits and provide more information of chemical machining (ECM/PECM/ECP).

Besides the machining methods, Alliance Technologies is engaged in a more recent development called electro-plasma polishing (EPP). Plasma polishing can not be compared with the other processes. Where EDM and ECM are used to shape a product, EPP is used solely to affect the outer surface to get a high gloss finish. This method of polishing is unique, since the dimensions of the initial product are hardly distorted. Additionally, the EPP process is environmentally friendly, especially compared to other electrochemical polishing techniques.

Besides the process expertise, Alliance Technologies has also successfully integrated them into machines. Alliance Technologies has recently conducted a concept study for a tabletop ECM machine aiming to reduce the threshold to this technique.