AC induction motors are used to drive loads such as fans, pumps, lifts, and conveyors. But in some applications, the motor is also used as a brake to stop the load, reverse its direction, or hold the load and prevent it from moving. And while there are several methods of braking for AC motors, if […]
New sensor technology for servo components helps deter line downs and optimize machine uptime
WITTENSTEIN SE has launched a new sensor technology, cynapse, designed as a new self-monitoring gearbox with built-in tracking of vibration, temperature, acceleration and mounting position of the gearbox. Designed to promote machine uptime and deter line downs, the high-precision servo gearbox with cynapse sensor technology consists of three significant features: Product Identification: The gearbox features […]
Programming variable frequency drives for variable-torque applications
Variable frequency drives have an incredible amount of functionality. Due to advancements in technology over the years, HMIs in the form of VFD keypads have become more user friendly with easier navigation, higher resolution displays, and more detailed setup wizards. By Jonathan Kopczyk | Technical support engineer • Yaskawa America Inc. Looking back at the […]
5-axis stage with closed-loop motors for high-precision positioning
PI (Physik Instrumente) LP offers a compact 5-axis stage for precision alignment and positioning required in fields such as fiber-optics and photonics. The modular, 5DOF motorized stage consists of a 3-axis linear module and two goniometers. A multi-axis controller and software with automated alignment functionality is also available. Sub-micron precision is guaranteed by highly accurate […]
What role does Linux play in motion control systems?
Operating systems manage the communication between hardware and software in devices such as servers, computers, mobile phones, and embedded systems. Most personal computers and laptops use either Microsoft’s Windows operating system or Apple’s macOS, and mobile devices such as phones and tablets primarily use Google’s Android operating system or Apple’s iOS. In the industrial world, […]
What are motor starters?
A motor starter is an electronically operated switching device that starts or turns on a motor, allowing it to start and stop safely. The need for a starter is dictated by the type of motor. Generally speaking, low-power motors do not require starters, although what’s considered low power may be debatable. For instance, small dc […]
Servo drive modules from Trinamic handle up to 1,000 W
TRINAMIC Motion Control, now part of Maxim Integrated, has released the TMCM-1636, a single-axis servo controller, developed for drives up to 1,000 W and 60 A RMS. It’s suited for robotics, lab and factory automation, manufacturing, and patient handling equipment such as motorized beds and chairs. The new module achieves high-current loop frequencies that minimize […]
MDX Integrated Servo Motors from Applied Motion Products are now UL recognized
Applied Motion Products increases the acceptance of MDX Integrated Servo Motors into industrial motion control applications with UL Recognition on all models. This certification assures users in the United States and Canada that these motors meet high quality standards for electrical safety. The integrated motors were evaluated according to ANSI/UL standards 1004-1 Rotating Electrical Machines, […]
Bodine now offers 60 new hypoid PMDC gearmotors
Bodine Electric Co. has just announced sixty (60) new 33A7-25H2 and 33A7-30H3 hollow-shaft right-angle hypoid PMDC gearmotors. These integral geared motors combine Bodine’s high-performance type 33A7 permanent magnet dc motor with two new hypoid gearheads. They are a suitable drive solution for applications needing compact size, quiet operation, high torque density, and low energy consumption. […]
Three-phase rectifier boards from Koford Engineering for brushless generators
Brushless generators from Koford Engineering components are now possible. The motion-component supplier now sells regulated three-phase rectifier boards (for up to 5 V and 20 A) that combine with any three phase sensorless brushless motor to serve as brushless generators. Product information can be found at koford.com/Generators.pdf. Recall that when driven by a power […]
Yaskawa debuts intuitive software tool to aid advanced manufacturing
The Drives & Motion division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has released Yaskawa Compass, a new software user interface tool for advanced manufacturing. Yaskawa Compass is a CNC navigator, a graphical user software package applicable to multiple applications in 3D printing, shape cutting, machine tools and robotics. “Compass is designed with creativity in mind allowing machine […]
NASA’s Perseverance rover heading to Mars with maxon drives aboard
This month, NASA will be sending its fifth rover to Mars. Its main mission is to collect soil samples that will be analyzed on Earth at a later time. The rover will also carry a helicopter that will perform the first flights on the Red Planet. maxon’s precision dc and brushless dc motors will be […]
What is a gated index pulse for incremental encoders?
Incremental encoders typically use two square-wave signals in quadrature (out of phase by 90 degrees) to track position and direction of motion. But because they only track incremental position (not absolute position) they’re not able to determine the true position of the motor and connected equipment after a shut-down or power loss. So most incremental […]
Power over Ethernet (PoE) and M12 connectors in motion designs
Though the internet of things is most visible to laymen in consumer devices, the IIoT is massive. The majority of applications are in business, factory, and healthcare settings … and more than a third of the nearly $6 trillion IoT market is in manufacturing. Connectivity is the basis of all this IIoT — providing the […]
Balancing power, weight, and efficiency objectives with low-power braking
Engineers who want the smallest, lightest, lowest power brake available should talk to their brake supplier in the earliest stages of the design project. Waiting until later in the process will trigger a compromise on one or all three of these important design considerations. By Brian Mather | Industrial product manager • Ogura Industrial Corp. […]
KEB America debuts high capacity spring-set load brakes
KEB America’s new High Capacity Load brakes use a spring-set (power-off) design and are electrically released. The brakes are offered in graduated sizes up to 3,200 Nm (2,360 ft-lb). “These brakes are ideal for critical lifting applications that require secondary braking, including cranes, hoists, and lifts”, notes KEB Marketing Manager, Jonathan Bullick. The brakes feature […]
NORD launches new online tool for spare parts
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has launched its new online Spare Parts Shop. The online tool lets designers locate, select, order, and track spare parts quickly and conveniently, with added features such as account-specific pricing, a favorites list for commonly ordered parts, and an inquiry/support option that connects customers directly to NORD’s e-business team. With the Spare Parts […]
Brakes for elevator and lift applications from Miki Pulley
Spring-actuated BXL Brakes from Miki Pulley are designed for the challenging requirements of elevator and lift applications. Designed exclusively for dynamic braking, these brakes are designed for constant elevator usage where long service life with high wear resistance is required. BXL Brakes feature minimal torque fluctuation, even when stopped from maximum RPM. This ensures a […]
What do bit rate, baud, and cycle time mean in industrial networks?
For industrial networks, two of the most important performance factors are determinism and speed. In other words, industrial networks must be able to deliver data in a specified, predictable period of time, and they need to do so as quickly as possible. When describing network speed, three specifications are typically used: bit rate, baud, and cycle […]
Diverse-redundant absolute encoders for safety-critical applications from POSITAL
Sensor manufacturer POSITAL has introduced an inexpensive and flexible alternative for safety-critical motion control systems. Supplementing its existing range of formally certified SIL safety encoders, the new ‘diverse-redundant absolute encoders’, based on non-certified standard components, are a suitable choice for many installations where functional safety is required. When combined with functional safety PLCs, these devices […]
WITTENSTEIN releases new NPL-W corrosion-resistant gearbox
WITTENSTEIN alpha, a provider of high-precision servo gearboxes and drive systems, has launched a new corrosion resistant gearbox to support the increasing market demand for components that can withstand processing, overspray and cleaning environments. Ideal for food processing, bottling and packaging machines, NPL-W features a painted, corrosion resistant housing with no gaps, depressions, undercuts, dead […]
Four axis stepper controller for automation applications
One of the latest products to be released by Allmotion is their EZ4Axis23WV stepper motor controller driver, which runs four fully independent stepper motors using fully intelligent stepper motor controller circuitry. This four-axis position controller with power drivers features programmable acceleration ramps and speeds using four independent 1 Amp (2 Amp peak) PWM chopper drives. […]
What is Ecolab certification for automation components?
In applications that involve wet or humid environments — especially those in the food and beverage industry — a component’s IP (International Protection) rating for ingress of dust and water is an important factor in its selection. But even if a component is rated as dust-proof and protected against the forceful water jets used during washdown […]
Next generation RENCO encoders for brushless dc and stepper motors
HEIDENHAIN’s next generation of RENCO brand rotary encoders includes an upgraded R35i model and a successor to the RCML15 encoder with the R35iL low profile encoder. Both are equipped with a new OPTO-ASIC that provides additional features and improved functionality. The RENCO R35i and R35iL encoders are suitable for use in brushless dc motors or […]
Planetary gearboxes with fitted pinion from Neugart
Neugart is extending its portfolio of planetary gearboxes, especially for rack and pinion drives, with an additional option for a fitted pinion from its in-house production. Two specific types of pinion are available: the PK1 pinion is fitted to the toothed output shaft of the gearbox, whereby the secure connection that is required is provided […]