Nippon Pulse has introduced its new PJE series of bipolar hybrid stepper motors, which are available in sizes from 20 to 86 mm in diameter (NEMA sizes 8 to 34). These new motors round out the company’s hybrid motor line, joining the existing PJP unipolar hybrid motor series. The PJE series provides high torque in […]
EtherCAT Multi-Fieldbus Interface (MFI) permits seamless integration with other platforms
KEB America announced the availability of a new EtherCAT Multi-Fieldbus Interface (MFI) for its controllers. Using the MFI, customers will be able to easily connect KEB’s high performance multi-axis controller with an existing whole-machine PLC solution without abandoning existing fieldbus integrations. For example, users can choose to develop a machine accessory using KEB’s EtherCAT-based controllers…
POSITAL kit encoders for cost-effective position control of stepper motors
While servomotors remain the gold standard for precision motion control in industrial machinery, the improved performance of stepper motors is making these lower-cost devices an increasingly attractive alternative for many applications. The key to these performance gains is the addition of rotation-measuring encoders, especially the new absolute multi-turn kit encoders from POSITAL. Stepper motors are […]
New pitch-and-roll stages from OES rotate objects with accuracy
Positioning stages from OES now serve applications involving pitch-and-roll for micromachining, aligning mirrors (in scanning-electron microscopes), rotating objects to precise positions, and measuring angles of objects such as crystals. The stages are also suitable for applications that need to move objects to precise angular positions along an arc — for examining the cutting edges of […]
Vesconite Bearings’ 3D printer bushings online store
Vesconite Bearings, the maker of advanced polymer bushings, has launched a 3D printer bushing web store. Stock printer bushings include the LM12UU, LM10UU, LM8LUU, LM8UU and LM6UU, priced from $1.90 excluding taxes and shipping. The specialised 3D printer bushings in stock fit many common 3D models. They come in Vesconite Hilube and an advanced grade, […]
Compact stepper motor with high torque from Nanotec
The new SCA5618 stepper motor from Nanotec offers 15 to 30% more torque than comparable motors with a 56-mm flange (NEMA 23). Thanks to an improved stator geometry and optimized magnetic materials, the rotor inertia is no higher than that of the predecessor model. The SCA5618 is available in three lengths and with two different […]
TRINAMIC TMC2209 stepper driver for silent desktop machines
TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG now sells the TMC2209 stepper driver IC — a motor driver that enables silent operation, intelligent stall detection, and lower cost for 3D printers, office and home automation equipment, and other applications using two-phase stepper motors. The TMC2209 is pin-compatible with earlier TRINAMIC devices, as well as some […]
NEMA 24 integrated motors with dual-port communications from Applied Motion
Two new NEMA 24 frame integrated motors from Applied Motion Products feature dual-port communications for connecting to the industrial EtherNet/IP network of a plant or machine. By incorporating two M12 EtherNet/IP connectors instead of just one on each axis, the SWM24IP-3DE Integrated Stepper Motor and TXM24IP-IDG StepSERVO Integrated Motor support more efficient network topologies such […]
Embedded motion and frameless motors in collaborative robots
Collaborative robots are seeing exponential rise in use. “This trend is a perfect example of the so-called fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0 … a term defined by chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab. It’s blurring lines between digital, physical, and biological spheres,” said Jonas Proeger of Trinamic Motion Control. Some of these […]
Festo displays innovations ranging from robots to adaptive grippers at Robotics Summit DeviceTalks Boston
If you’re attending the Robotics Summit/DeviceTalks Boston 2019, look for Festo solutions that reduce engineering effort for state-of-the-art robotic systems — including laboratory automation. Festo will also show a hands-on bionic learning kit at Booth #216 for middle and high school students. Topping off its display, Festo will fly its Bionic Learning Network flying insects…
New motorized, high-resolution pan-tilt stages
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added new high-resolution, motorized, pan-tilt stages to its extensive line of motion control products. The new stages are available in two sizes: the PT60-1 Pan-Tilt Stage is a combination of two 60 mm (2.362 in.) rotary stages and the PT100-1 is a combination of two 100 mm (3.937 in.) […]
Drives and controls for robotics: See them at the 2019 Robotics Summit
In a couple weeks, the 2019 Robotics Summit (focused on the design, development, manufacture, and delivery of commercial robotics) will take place in Boston. It will be co-located with the DeviceTalks event at the Seaport World Trade Center. One display will be an array of precision processing and powering technologies for robotics. Elmo Motion Control […]
From the archives: HIWIN’s Datorker at Automate and the Robotic Summit
Robots aren’t all humanoid and SCARA; some take the form of linear-motion arrangements. In fact, we’ve covered how Cartesian arrangements in particular offer better energy efficiency and price points than more stereotypical robotic arrangements. You’ll get copious amount of information on such linear designs and technologies at the 2019 Robotics Summit (on commercial-robotics design, development, […]
Available May 2019: Trinamic six-channel stepper-motor controller module for improved performance
TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG now sells the TMCM-6214, a highly integrated module capable of driving up to six two-phase stepper motors, drawing up to 1.9A RMS each at supply voltages of up to +24 V. Thanks to its three integrated encoder inputs for incremental A/B/N encoders, it can support high-precision position feedback […]
AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman launches mobile app
Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions division, has announced the release of the HKP Mobile App. The HKP Mobile App offers a streamlined user experience that optimizes accessibility and a wide variety of resources: applications suggestions, product data sheets, brochures, catalogs, guides, technical documents, case studies, white papers, and more.…
Electric cylinders with programmable MDrive integrated motors
Captive shaft electric cylinders are now available for Lexium MDrive (LMD) integrated motor products. Quiet, clean and compact, these LMD products from Schneider Electric Motion USA integrate motor, controls, and electric cylinder to deliver linear motion. Unlike pneumatics, there’s no need for compressed air … eliminating that expense, maintenance, and noise. Lexium MDrive products integrate […]
Apex Dynamics USA now sells only high-precision 42-mm helical planetary gearhead in industry
Apex Dynamics USA now sells the only high-precision 42-mm helical planetary gearheads in the industry. The Apex Dynamics inline and right-angle helical gearheads include model AB/AF/ABR/AFR 42 (42-mm square) gearheads in an array of single-stage ratios — including 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, and 10:1. Standard double stages range from 15:1 to 200:1. […]
Theranos — and the satisfaction of how engineering doesn’t lie
How does it work? That was the question few people asked about the mythical supertechnology supposedly at the core of Theranos — a Silicon-Valley unicorn overvalued by some $9 billion during a 2013-2014 hype height. Not that it would’ve mattered anyway, as the fictional heart of secretive Theranos changed continuously over its 12 short years.…
Electric cylinders with programmable integrated motors
Captive shaft electric cylinders are now available for Lexium MDrive (LMD) integrated motor products. Quiet, clean and compact, these LMD products integrate motor, controls, and electric cylinder to deliver linear motion. And, unlike pneumatics, there is no need for compressed air, eliminating maintenance and noise issues. Lexium MDrive products integrate 1.8° 2-phase stepper motors with […]
Miniature linear translation stages in X, XY, and XYZ configurations
The new L-505 linear translation stage family from PI (Physik Instrumente) is available with integrated linear encoders providing 0.05 microns and 0.005 microns resolution, respectively. The new design allows for compact multi-axis assemblies, at affordable prices. Many motor and drive variations are available, from fast dc-servo motors with linear encoders and low-friction ball-screws to simple […]
Motion Trends: New motor breeds are smart, connected, and compact
This year’s survey of trends in electric motors for motion control and automation revealed several trends and emerging developments in the use of synchronous ac motors; stepper motors, especially in closed-loop offerings; brushless motors of various types; and a smattering of specialty direct-drive offerings just making inroads. Proliferation of synchronous ac motors With construction and […]
Single-axis PWM drive for brushless/brush dc, voice coil, and stepper motors
The new XC4e PWM digital drive from Aerotech is a high-performance single-axis motor drive to control brushless dc, brush dc, voice coil, or stepper motors at up to 340 Vdc operating voltage and 30 A peak current capability. All versions are compatible with the Automation 3200 motion platform utilizing the HyperWire motion bus. The digitally […]
New high torque planetary gearboxes from Nanotec
For applications that require high torque, Nanotec offers new planetary gearboxes in two sizes and many reductions: the GP42 gearbox is designed for all motors with NEMA 17-flange as well as the DF45 external rotor motors from Nanotec. The GP56 gearbox can be combined with all brushless dc and stepper motors in sizes NEMA 23 […]
Motion Trends: IoT, programmability top encoder trends
What key trends are driving the encoder market? We put the question to several of the top encoder manufacturers to get their perspective on trends in the encoder industry as well as how developments in other industries are impacting their business. Here’s what they told us. With respect to the IoT and IIoT, what kinds […]
When environment affects motor choice on a 3D metal printer
Sometimes it is not just the motor specifications that dictate the choice for a particular application. When the operational environment is specific to the application, it affects the selection process and possibly suggests a semicustom solution. Xact Metal in State College, PA, designs and manufactures accessible metal powder-bed fusion (direct metal laser sintering) 3D printers […]