Happy Five-Year Anniversary, Motion Handbook
Welcome to the fifth edition of Design World’s annual motion control compendium. Observant readers will notice a slight change to this year’s handbook. In years past, it was called the Motion Control Handbook. This year we’ve changed the name to the Motion Systems Handbook. Why the change? For one, we think it more accurately reflects the state of the industry and the way real-world systems are built.
The change also reflects the reality that a motion system is more than just a motor and controller; it comprises a host of individual components that are engineered together to and functional designs.
Motion systems encompass a broad range of components, both mechanical and electrical; from bearings, linear guide rails and ballscrews to the powerful software algorithms in motion controllers and the design software that aides engineers in developing moving machinery.
Even beyond the obvious components, there are accessories such as limit switches, proximity switches and machine vision systems, as well as cabling and the associated harnesses and cable management hardware. In fact, according to some industry studies, these so-called ancillary components are one of the fastest growing areas in the industry.
So whether you’re coming to this handbook as a seasoned veteran, looking for a refresher on a particular topic or component, or you’re new to the industry and figuring out what the difference is between a servo and stepper motor or just what exactly got you covered.
We especially appreciate all the feedback from years past and always welcome more. Receiving compliments on the handbook and requests for extra copies from engineering departments at colleges and universities across the country tells us we’re doing at least something right.
So continue to let us know how we’re doing as we look for ways to improve going forward. Is there something we’ve missed? Do you want more detail or less? You’re welcome to send any feedback directly to me at mbudimir@wtwhmedia. com or to Senior Editor Lisa Eitel at leitel@wtwhmedia.com.
Also follow us on twitter at @DW_Motion and @DW_Lisa_Eitel. Or connect with our linear motion editor Danielle Collins at @DW_Danielle. There, we deliver up-to-the-minute developments in motion control directly to you. And don’t forget to check in at motioncontroltips.com and linearmotiontips.com for the latest news, technical stories and industry trends.
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