Kollmorgen’s new www.kollmorgen.com now has site enhancements that include streamlined navigation and improved onsite search capability. The company incorporated feedback from customers to create an improved user experience where visitors can more easily find the motion products, industry-specific solutions, and technical support they’re looking for with a minimal number of clicks. True responsive design and […]
PTDA research reports strong sales in 2017; index above 5 year average
The fourth quarter 2017 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) indicates the average PTDA distributors’ index for total sales during 2017 was 5.4% above 2016. PTDA manufacturers’ average index for total sales for 2017 had an even better result, up 8.6% from a year ago. The 1Q2018 […]
PTDA research reports strong sales in 2017; index above 5 year average
The fourth quarter 2017 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) indicates the average PTDA distributors’ index for total sales during 2017 was 5.4% above 2016. PTDA manufacturers’ average index for total sales for 2017 had an even better result, up 8.6% from a year ago. The 1Q2018 […]
What are stand-alone motion cards?
Stand-alone motion controllers can take the place of PCs in some types of control systems. And there are a few different configurations possible. One is that the motion card can be housed in box with I/O and networking connections and mounted directly to the machine or process it controls. Control programs can be uploaded to […]
Totally encapsulated J1 rotary encoders IP69k electrical protection from Joral
Joral LLC now has a new method to impart total encapsulation in its J1 electronic components. Specially crafted to ensure total protection from extreme temperature fluctuation, intense machine vibration, and pressure wash down, the Joral J1 line-shafted rotary encoders perform rotary motion feedback for industry, ranging from directional drilling rigs to timber harvesters. The new […]
Totally encapsulated J1 rotary encoders IP69k electrical protection from Joral
Joral LLC now has a new method to impart total encapsulation in its J1 electronic components. Specially crafted to ensure total protection from extreme temperature fluctuation, intense machine vibration, and pressure wash down, the Joral J1 line-shafted rotary encoders perform rotary motion feedback for industry, ranging from directional drilling rigs to timber harvesters. The new […]
New igus robolink Apiro is modular kinematics system for automation
igus now sells components as part of a modular motion system called robolink Apiro. The systems could soon make designing and using individual automation setups more cost effective and much easier. With robolink Apiro, design engineers can choose from three lubrication-free worm gears for standard, inverted and linear movement. For users, the device offers setups […]
Heidenhain introduces new improved DRO for machinists
Heidenhain has introduced the new ND 5023 digital readout (DRO) for use with manually operated machine tools. This new DRO replaces Heidenhain’s entry-level ND 522/523 models and consolidates it to one three-axis product. The new DRO comes equipped with a new TFT color display that significantly improves the readability of the information displayed over older models, […]
XY Alignment stage features high resolution and high repeatability
The AU200-50×50-SC Alignment Stage from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) is a high resolution, high repeatability XY stage for such applications as: alignment, assembly, laser drilling, machining, medical, industrial, semiconductor handling, testing, scanning, and optical applications. The linear travel of the X and Y axes is 50 mm x 50mm, and the resolution of each […]
New series of stepper drives for ac-powered applications from Applied Motion Products
Applied Motion Products expands its family of STR Stepper Drives with two new ac-powered units for use in industrial applications powered by ac supply voltages. Offering the benefits of low noise, smooth motion, and high torque over wide speed ranges, the STRAC Stepper Drives bring high-performance motion control to basic step and direction applications. Units […]
Balluff’s emergency stop for safety over IO-Link
Balluff has added an Emergency Stop device (E-Stop) to widen further the safety product portfolio. Balluff’s E-Stop is easily and inexpensively connected directly to the Balluff “Safety Over IO-Link” module or to any safety controller using standard M12 connectors, eliminating terminations and reducing the incidence of mis-wiring. “These devices are used in a variety of […]
PTDA 2018 Leadership Development Conference
Dozens of future leaders in the power transmission/motion control industry engaged in a mix of education and interactive exercises and took home powerful tips and strategies from facilitator Matt Mayberry during the PTDA 2018 Leadership Development Conference. Held March 21-23 in San Antonio, Texas, participants in “Transformational Leadership: Becoming a World Class Leader” walked through […]
How does a servo drive connect to a motion controller?
Drives and controllers are key components in any motion system. A drive accepts commands from a motion controller and converts these signals into high current signals to drive a motor. So, how to connect a drive to a controller? Manufacturers offer a range of options for drive and controller connectivity. These typically break down into […]
Beckhoff Automation expands Ultra-Compact Industrial PC Series
In order to improve coverage for all tasks in the fields of automation, visualization and communication, the C60xx series of ultra-compact Beckhoff Industrial PCs has been expanded with the addition of the new C6017. This latest addition to the Beckhoff Industrial PC (IPC) portfolio combines compact design and installation flexibility with an increased variety of […]
What type of graphical user interface do PC-based controllers use?
Controllers that are PC-based are typically programmed via a Windows computer and used to communicate with, monitor, and control industrial machines and equipment. As the name implies, being PC-based means that the PC monitor is the main graphical user interface (GUI). One advantage of PC-based controllers is their GUI. PC-based controllers are programmed via a […]
Catalog on high-precision linear and rotary positioning systems released
Motion control and nano precision positioning systems leader PI (Physik Instrumente) released a new comprehensive catalog of linear and rotary positioning systems engineered and manufactured for industrial precision automation. The products covered in the catalog address industries such as semiconductor production/inspection, laser material processing, automated optical inspection (AOI), and precision opto-mechanical alignment and assembly. PI’s […]
Single-chip brushless dc (BLDC) driver extends runtime off batteries
STSPIN233 low-voltage motor drivers from STMicroelectronics excel in single-shunt and three-shunt brushless-motor driving. They include a 200mΩ 1.3Arms power stage, in a slim and compact 3mm x 3mm package. The STSPIN233 also has the industry’s lowest standby current, at less than 80nA. What’s more, it can be put into standby mode under logic control, making […]
Miniature brakes, clutches, and torque limiters from Mach III for shaft sizes to a half-inch
Brakes, clutches and torque limiters are now available from Mach III for shaft sizes of half-inch and smaller. The ten new products include: • A spring-engaged brake for power off applications • An air-engaged brake for stopping and holding applications • Five air-engaged clutch configurations for connect and disconnect applications • Three mechanical torque limiters […]
New controllers simplify machines, improve safety performance
Engineers can simplify their machine safety systems and improve safety performance using new controllers from Rockwell Automation. The Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers can be scaled from safety system levels SIL 2/PLd to SIL 3/PLe. This scalability can help engineers optimize a safety system design and potentially reduce its costs, while adhering […]
GAM Enterprises SPH planetary gearbox for cyclic or continuous high-speed applications
The SPH inline planetary gearbox is GAM’s latest setup for today’s demanding motion control challenges. With helical gears, the SPH is designed for dynamic and cyclic applications and can also be optimized for high speed and continuous-duty applications. It is available in six frame sizes with nominal torque ratings 15 to 900 Nm. The SPH […]
What is non-uniform memory access in industrial controls?
Non-uniform memory access (NUMA) is a kind of memory architecture that allows a processor faster access to contents of memory than other traditional techniques. In other words, in a NUMA architecture, a processor can access local memory much faster than non-local memory. This is because in a NUMA setup, each processor is assigned a specific […]
Conveyor manufacturer Dorner now includes FlexMove and Geppert-Band companies to transform automation
In a move that combines more than 100 years of conveyance expertise, Dorner Holding Co. (the parent company of Dorner Mfg. Corp.) FlexMove and Geppert-Band GmbH is merging the three entities into one consolidated brand of Dorner. The new Dorner boasts a global workforce of more than 400 and brings a diverse conveyor automation product […]
Lafert North America appoints new inside-sales team members
Lafert North America, a manufacturer of metric AC Motors, metric gearboxes and coolant pumps, has appointed Joel Fernandes and Jesse Sagoo to new positions. Joel Fernandes will fill the role of sales representative. Fernandes brings 9 years of sales experience to Lafert with time spent in the construction and power distribution industry. A graduate of the University […]
How do cam clutches work, and what are other overrunning clutch options?
Mechanical overrunning clutches, sometimes called one-way or backstop clutches depending on the context, transmit torque in one drive direction but let the output axis continue to turn (freewheel) when the driving motor slows or stops. Such clutch function is useful in large and small designs for material handling, packaging, conveying, medical, turbine auxiliary drives, and […]
Schneider Electric launches Altivar Machine ATV340 variable speed drive
Schneider Electric has expanded its Altivar family of variable speed drives to include the new Altivar Machine ATV340. Designed to address the challenges of the smart machine era, the new Altivar Machine ATV340 drive combines easy installation with cutting-edge application control and advanced, easy-to-integrate automation capabilities. The Altivar Machine ATV340 variable speed drive is suited […]