KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mechanics
Point-to-Point Move Time
How long does this axis or conveyor move take with the given speed and acceleration?
Move time for a trapezoidal (or triangular) velocity profile with equal acceleration and deceleration, with the force needed to accelerate the moving mass.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Move distance | mm | Length of the move. |
| Maximum speed | mm/s | Speed limit of the axis, drive or process. |
| Acceleration (= deceleration) | mm/s² | Acceleration the drive can deliver and the load can tolerate. |
| Moving mass | kg | Total moving mass including carriage, tooling and product. |
Method and formulas
- If L ≥ v²/a the profile is trapezoidal: t = L ÷ v + v ÷ a.
- Otherwise it is triangular: t = 2√(L ÷ a) and the peak speed is √(a L).
- Acceleration force = m × a (friction and gravity excluded).
- Example: 500 mm at up to 1000 mm/s and 5000 mm/s² takes 0.7 s.
Limitations
- Constant acceleration; jerk limits and settling time lengthen real moves.
- Friction, gravity on vertical axes and process forces are not included in the force.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Estimate pick-and-place or axis cycle times
- Check whether an axis reaches top speed
- Size the acceleration force for a drive
Who it is for
- Automation engineers
- Machine designers
What you get
- Move time
- Profile type and peak speed
- Acceleration time and distance
- Acceleration force
Interpreting the result
- Add settling and dwell time for the total cycle.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 175–180. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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