Since its launch in 2003, the EtherCAT protocol, with “processing on the fly” and data transmission speeds up to 100 Mbit/s, has been widely adopted for automation and process control applications. In 2018, Beckhoff (the developer of EtherCAT), introduced a major performance boost to EtherCAT, in the form of EtherCAT G and EtherCAT G10 — […]
NK Technologies releases 2020 product catalog
NK Technologies released its new 2020 product catalog, featuring performance data, sizes, specifications, and technical references for the company’s extensive portfolio of current sensing switches, transducers, transformers, and ground fault protection products. The new catalog includes recently introduced products such as: DT-BB DC current transducer: Allows a split-core transducer to be installed over existing bus […]
Beckhoff expands presence in Charlotte with new regional office
Beckhoff has moved its regional office in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a larger location to meet constant growth in customer base and market share in the area. Boasting nearly 4,400 square feet, the new office offers exciting advantages compared to the previous Charlotte location that Beckhoff opened in 2012. The office enhances workspaces for local […]
Yaskawa America debuts innovative new industrial microdrive
The Drives & Motion division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has introduced the GA500 Industrial Microdrive. The GA500 drive is rated up to 40 hp and can be applied to 240 Vac single-phase, 240 Vac three-phase, or 480 Vac three-phase incoming power. The GA500 can also be programmed without main power applied, which means users can […]
Allied Motion to show KinetiMax outer-rotor brushless motor at Hannover Messe 2020
Allied Motion Technologies will present its latest innovations in motion technology at Hannover Messe 2020, in Hannover, Germany, April 20 – 24, in Hall 4, Stand E10. Among the products on exhibit, the company will feature its KinetiMax High Power Density (HPD) motors, an outer-rotor brushless motor designed for high-torque, low-cogging applications like robotics, AGVs, […]
Extruder flange options extend versatility of industrial gear units
Extrusion has established itself as one of the most important manufacturing techniques in the production and processing of rubber and thermoplastics. To provide these industries with the high output torque their heavy-duty applications demand, NORD Gear Corporation manufactures several extruder flanges for its MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units. The extruder flange option is available with MAXXDRIVE […]
$161,000 raised in 3 months for PTDA Foundation
The PTDA Foundation reached nearly 60% of its 2020 fundraising goal in the first three months to support PT WORK Force, the Foundation’s initiative to empower PT/MC (power transmission/motion control) industry employers to be more successful in their recruitment and retention efforts. Funding raised in 2020 will continue the work from 2019. Contributions from last […]
Magnetic encoder system with Drive-Cliq interface from Balluff
Balluff’s BML absolute magnetic encoder in the SGA series stands out in any application where high absolute accuracy of position and end-of-travel is required. Comprehensive diagnostics functions ensure reliable operation and more efficient maintenance. With its Drive-Cliq interface the Balluff measuring system can also be easily integrated into Siemens controller environments, with Siemens having certified […]
POSITAL offers encoders, sensors with IP69K environmental protection
POSITAL has expanded its portfolio of rotary encoders and inclinometers (tilt sensors) to include more devices with IP69K level environmental protection. These sensors, which are designed to stand up to repeated exposure to the hot, high-temperature water jets used in pressure washing systems, are now available with a wider range of mechanical options and communications […]
New Weintek HMI series features capacitive touch screens with multi-touch drivers
The new cMT X Series HMI continues Weintek’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of HMI capabilities. The cMT3152X and cMT3162X will feature capacitive touch screens with multi-touch drivers allowing SWIPE, 2 and 3 finger gestures, and PINCH to ZOOM. The cMT3162X will additionally feature optional vibrational feedback for affirmative button interaction. Featuring one of the […]
Direct-drive linear motor features integrated encoder, temperature sensor
The new patented SDLM-019-070-01-01 direct-drive linear motor with integrated position and temperature sensors is the latest addition to the series of zero backlash, zero cogging, high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, long life motors from Moticont. Also known as an electric cylinder, this compact direct-drive linear motor is just 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) in diameter […]
What function do thermistors and KTY sensors serve in motors and gearmotors?
One of the most important operating parameters of motor and gearmotor operation is the temperature of the motor windings. Motor heating is caused by mechanical, electrical, and copper losses, as well as heat transferred to the motor from external sources, including the ambient temperature and surrounding equipment. If the temperature of the motor windings surpasses the […]
Scalable drives for high-power stepper motors from Trinamic
Two new drives from Trinamic Motion Control are designed for high-power stepper motors. The TMCM-1278 combines a motion controller and drive in a single module designed for NEMA 23/24 motors. The PD60/86-1278 PANdrive is a full mechatronic solution that mounts the module on a NEMA 24/34 PANdrive motor. Controlled by a CAN bus interface, both […]
New series of micro-sized drives from ADVANCED Motion Controls
ADVANCED Motion Controls has released three new additions to the FlexPro servo drive family, the FM series. Designed with compact form and power density in mind, the micro-sized drives can outperform larger-sized digital servo drives and still be integrated into tight spaces. The new FM drives are equipped with an additional interface board that makes […]
Heads or tails? A look at conveyor drive options
Conveyors are extremely versatile systems used for delivering bulk or discrete materials through processing operations or along assembly lines. One of the attributes that makes them so versatile is their ability to be configured in almost any layout imaginable, with curves, inclines or declines, and 90° or 180° turns to form complex travel paths. Another […]
Operator terminal for demanding web-based HMI applications from B&R
B&R has added the powerful T80 operator terminal to its Power Panel T-Series. A high-performance Intel Atom processor enables versatile, dynamic web-based HMI solutions. The elegant glass screen makes the Power Panels the perfect accent for a high-end machine design. The glass screen has integrated edge protection to endure harsh everyday operation. The shallow installation […]
New miniaturized controller from maxon supports CANopen
The new EPOS4 Micro 24/5 CAN from maxon, a miniaturized controller measuring only 32 x 22 mm, is a part of its successful line of positioning controllers. The price-performance ratio, with a functionality that’s virtually identical to the larger units, addresses cost-sensitive single- and multi-axis applications. The functionality, operation, software, and accessories of the new […]
What is an equivalent circuit and how is it used?
When analyzing electrical circuits — including those for AC induction motors and DC motors — if the circuit contains two or more of the same passive elements (such as resistors) and is wired exclusively in series or exclusively in parallel, the circuit can be drawn with a simpler representation that contains the voltage source and a […]
New Flextrac series conveyors from QC Conveyors tackles curves and elevation changes
QC Conveyors now serves more markets and applications with its new Flextrac Series modular plastic chain conveyors. Their space-saving modular design lets the conveyors handle the challenges of factory automation applications — whether fitting into new spaces or integrating existing machinery. Each Flextrac Series Conveyor consists of modular straight sections, horizontal curves, and vertical bends […]
New matched motor-drive motion system from Kollmorgen
Kollmorgen’s new 2G Motion System is a servo solution based on the latest thinking about single-source, systems-based design. The 2G Motion System was designed specifically to harness the performance capabilities of Kollmorgen’s AKD2G servo drive and AKM2G servo motor. Motor and drive are precisely matched in every element (e.g. drive switching frequency, commutation algorithms, motor […]
Online tool from FAULHABER speeds drive system selection
The new Drive Selection Tool from FAULHABER lets users precisely determine the required drive system for their application quickly and easily. It’s especially useful for developers and application engineers who need to save time in the selection process. Only a little information, such as speed and torque, is sufficient in order to quickly determine the […]
Selecting miniature motors for surgical devices
Device makers and surgeons have for decades relied on sterilizable brushless direct current (BLDC) motors to meet the torque, speed, and reliability requirements of surgical handtools. Now surgical robotics are leveraging these same capabilities. Today’s surgical robotics and robotically-assisted surgical devices often require BLDC motors to meet demanding requirements. While motors and motion are core […]
SEW-EURODRIVE P-Series planetary gear unit
The P-Series planetary gear unit from SEW-EURODRIVE is available in 11 sizes and offers compact, torque-dense solutions for a wide variety of applications and industries. Built on SEW-EURODRIVE’s modular component foundation, the P-Series is available in a wide range of torque and gear ratio combinations. Consisting of a 7-series gearmotor mounted in front of a […]
Encoders with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ interface for small-motor manufacturers
In order to meet the needs of manufacturers of small servo motors and actuators, HEIDENHAIN introduces an expansion of its small-diameter 1000 and 1100 series rotary encoders with added versions now available with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ. HEIDENHAIN’s models ECN/EQN 1000S, ROC/ROQ 1000S and ECN/EQN 1100S rotary encoders with integrated DRIVE-CLiQ interface feature a compact design with […]
Networked rotary encoders from Advanced Micro Controls boast new features
Advanced Micro Controls Inc. has added new features to their NR60E2 series of networked absolute rotary encoders. The new features include a Profinet interface, E2 Technology, Hub Shaft (Blind Shaft) Option, and Stainless Steel units. These rotary sensors provide an overall measuring range of 16 bits (single-turn resolution) plus 14 bits (number of revolutions), for […]