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 […]
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 […]
igus to unveil 6-axis robotic arm system at Hannover Messe
German-based manufacturer igus will take a step forward in the rapidly-evolving collaborative robotics space when it unveils the ReBeL, a low-cost robotics joint that can be used in residential and commercial settings. The ReBeL will be introduced at Hannover Messe 2018 when the show begins on Monday, April 23, 2018 in Hannover, Germany. The new […]
igus will unveil low-cost 6-axis robotic joint at Hannover Messe
Plastic-motion-component maker igus will advance the collaborative-robotics industry when it unveils its low-cost ReBeL robotics joint next week at Hannover Messe 2018 (beginning April 23rd). The maintenance-free joint works in residential and commercial applications. According to igus, the new ReBeL will robots serving orange juice, loading dishwashers, or sorting manufacturing pieces easier to design and less inexpensive.…
What is a stepper motor’s velocity limit?
A velocity limit for a stepper motor is essentially a top speed that is set by a user beyond which the motor will not go. Why is this useful? Mainly because stepper motors have a speed where a resonant frequency is reached and may cause it to vibrate. This can cause the motor to become […]
Motion Trends: Robotics, IoT impact encoder design
We asked encoder manufacturers to weigh in on the trends they’re seeing in their industries. Here’s what they had to say. What new design trends are you seeing in areas such as robotics, battery powered designs, automated vehicles, and safety in motion control designs? Jonathan Dougherty Product Specialist HEIDENHAIN HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders are critical components […]
A Capacitive Sensing-Based Proximity Sensitivity Analyzer
Capacitive sensing has become an important capability for implementing advanced user interfaces in almost all the areas of electronics, including consumer and automotive applications. Efficient and smooth capacitive performance depends on how the design is tested and analyzed, especially when capacitive sensing is used to perform proximity sensing. For many OEMs, testing proximity sensing is…
Video: Schneider NEMA 14, 17, and 23 linear actuators (with external and non-captive screws)
In a recent video with our esteemed colleague Lee Teschler, we got to look at six linear actuators from Schneider Electric Motion — in NEMA sizes 14, 17, and 23. These linear actuators incorporate single-stack stepper motors to deliver long life and high accuracy and repeatability. The compact IP20 motors are 1.8° step-angle motors pre-integrated […]
Motion Trends — engineering insight and expanded technical features
Each year, Design World publishes a Motion Trends issue — a standalone issue that’s the second in its regular four-part Motion Series. Following are the expanded versions of some of that issue’s articles. Connectivity and IoT expand control design functionality (a Motion Trends report) Connectivity in manufacturing is not a new idea — it’s been […]
XY-theta alignment stage from OES with high resolution and repeatability
The XYR-03-01 Alignment Stage from Optimal Engineering Systems Inc. (OES) is a high resolution, high repeatability XY-Theta stage for such applications as angular glass cutting and grinding, wafer alignment, semiconductor handling, laser cutting and drilling. The linear resolution of the X and Y axis is 5 µm (non-micro-step) or 0.125 µm (20 micro-steps per step […]
Top five conveyor trends of 2018 — including new materials, drives, and pallet-carrying variations
By Kate Nadeau | mk North America With all of the recent talk about automation and the factory of the future, it’s easy to forget the workhorse of nearly every processing or manufacturing plant — the conveyor. As technologies develop and factories get leaner and smarter, so does the conveyor. Big, bulky conveyors with oversized […]
Gears of new materials and in custom variations (with emerging helical, planetary, and other gearing uses)
Power transmission through gearsets is a mainstay of motion control, as gears allow full use of electric-motor capabilities. Recent years have brought gear innovations with new materials; custom gear variations; and all-new applications for helical, planetary, and strain-wave gearing. We asked several industry experts to share their thoughts these trends and the proliferation of OEM […]
Distributor insight: Conversation with Warren Osak on motion-control trends
In a recent phone interview, we got to chat with Warren Osak, CEO of Toronto-based Electromate Inc. — a distributor founded in 1986 that focuses on electromechanical motion control. More specifically, Osak’s company sells primarily servo systems and stepper systems — often for demanding or challenging applications requiring high precision, accuracy, and bi-directional repeatability. Electromate […]
Electric motors: Trends in stepper, battery-powered, and integrated motion designs
From induction motors in electric vehicles to tiny coreless dc motors in drug-delivery equipment, electric motors continue to proliferate. Last year we saw consumer products, implantable medical devices, and automation of previously manual tasks spur the most innovation in motor design and use. This year those trends continue — and now we see increased use […]
What’s the difference between ac and dc stepper drives?
Drives for stepper motors can have inputs that are either ac or dc. What happens inside the drive is that the input signal is converted to a series of square wave pulses that are applied to the motor’s windings to power the motor and produce motion. However, stepper motors themselves function as ac motors (they […]
drylin E linear robot features compact size
Because products need to be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively, the pressure to automate production processes is greater than ever. To meet these growing requirements, igus has developed a new, compact linear robot that is shipped from stock as early as same-day and offered at a low price of $2,165. The self-lubricating and maintenance-free drylin E…
PI expands digital piezo nanopositioning controller family
PI (Physik Instrumente) has expanded its E-709 family of low-cost digital piezo nanopositioning controllers with a new plug-in module for the C-885 PIMotionMaster modular controller system. The PIMotionMaster system allows the combination of different drive technologies, controlled through one interface via one software package. For example, stepper motor stages, closed-loop servo motor positioners, and fast […]
New Oriental Motor DRS2 Series compact linear actuator
Oriental Motor now offers an expanded lineup of the popular AZ Series with the introduction of the new DRS2 Series compact linear actuator. The DRS2 Series compact linear actuator is a high precision ball screw actuator fitted with the AZ Series stepper motor with absolute mechanical encoder. The absolute encoder is a mechanical multi-turn absolute […]
Applied Motion intros UL-listed and CSA-certified stepper and servo motors
Applied Motion Products introduces a range of UL-listed and CSA-certified stepper motors and servo motors for use in applications requiring certifications in North America and Canada. Units are recognized to Standard UL-1004-6 for Servo and Stepper Motors, UL 1004-1 Standard for Rotating Electrical Machines, and Canadian CSA Standard C22.2 No. 100-14 for Motors and Generators. […]
UL-Listed and CSA-Certified Stepper and Servo Motors for Motion Control and Automation
Applied Motion Products introduces a range of UL-Listed and CSA- Certified stepper motors and servo motors for use in applications requiring certifications in North America and Canada. Units are recognized to Standard UL-1004-6 for Servo and Stepper Motors, UL 1004-1 Standard for Rotating Electrical Machines, and Canadian CSA Standard C22.2 No. 100-14 for Motors and…
Unboxing video: Nippon Pulse Motion Checker controllers for two-phase stepper motors
In a recent video, my colleague Miles Budimir and I got the chance to program and play with an MCH-5 motion checker controller from Nippon Pulse America. These come in versions for both unipolar and bipolar stepper motors, and we got a sample of one for bipolar. The controllers provide pulse-direction output signals — so the […]
The Top 5 Pain Points in Motion Control Design
Today, design engineers developing motion control functions must not only deal with technology-related questions, but also with a long list of commercial challenges and project-related questions that affect their implementation decisions. To better understand these real-world challenges, TRINAMIC Motion Control (TMC) asked its field application engineers to identify the top five questions, problems, or issues…
Integrated motor basics video: Benefits, communications, and support of distributed architecture
Integrated motors, sometimes called smart motors, are motors that integrate one or more motion system components. The motor part of the integrated motor can be a brushless dc motor, servomotor, or stepper motor. Typical motion systems have a number of common components including the motor, controller, a drive and power for drive and control […]
NEW programmable pump from Fluid Metering
The Intelligent Programmable Pump from Fluid Metering, Inc. combines FMI’s precision valveless STH Stepper Pump with integral programmable driver in a compact design ideal for integration with OEM instrumentation. The driver provides precision servo control of the STH pumps stepper motor for resonance-free, quite operation. Having 5 programmable inputs and 2 outputs, the Intelligent Pump…
High-power 35DBM can-stack linear actuator from Portescap
Portescap now sells 35DBM high-power stepper can-stack linear actuators. These 35-mm linear stepper motors offer an enhanced design suitable for applications demanding high linear force. The new 35DBM features an optimized magnetic circuit powered by high energy neodymium magnets. The 7.5 deg step angle provides finer incremental movement with a high degree of accuracy and […]