Omron Automation Americas recently announced the release of its new CP2E Series all-in-one controller that provides advanced control that enables IIoT connectivity for compact machines. The controller improves manufacturing productivity and quality by making it easy to visualize the performance and data of connected machines through simple programming. Manufacturers are constantly driven to streamline their […]
Trinamic now offers ultra-silent stepper motor driver with step/direction interface
Trinamic Motion Control now sells TMC2226 stepper motor drivers for two-phase bipolar stepper motors providing up to 2.8 A (peak) and supply voltages ranging from 4.75 to 29 V. Programmable using single-wire UART and featuring some of Trinamic’s latest-generation technologies, the TMC2226 driver is suitable for design upgrades with compatible drivers. The TMC2226 uses StealthChop2 […]
ABB’s new AC motors offer power-dense, water cooled design
ABB’s AXW 5000 and 5800 motors offer more horsepower per pound than conventional totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motors but with a smaller frame size. This helps save space, up to 8 in. in overall length in some cases, which enables more compact installations. Advantages of AXW motors include higher power densities, smaller overall footprint […]
Flat motor series from FAULHABER now features integrated gearhead, encoder
FAULHABER has extended its BXT flat motor series by adding corresponding gearheads and integrated encoders as well as speed controllers that are also exceptionally short in the axial direction. All components have been optimised to ensure that they function perfectly together. There are three different sizes available than can solve many different drive challenges. In […]
What’s the difference between torque mode and velocity mode in servo control?
Servo systems are used when the application calls for precise control of position, velocity, or torque — or a combination of the three. Depending on the parameter being controlled, the servo system can be operated in torque mode, velocity mode, or position mode. Each mode requires control loops that allow the servo drive and controller […]
Fully integrated servo controller IC from Trinamic aids ventilator design
Trinamic Motion Control has debuted the TMC4671-LA, the world’s first fully integrated servo controller IC with field-oriented control for BLDC/PMSM, 2-phase stepper motors, dc motors, and voice coils. Using input from market leaders in e-mobility, robotics, lab automation, and pump and blower design, Trinamic has fully optimized the TMC4671-LA by incorporating all required motor control […]
What is direct torque control (DTC) for AC induction motors?
Variable frequency drives control AC induction motors through one of several control schemes. Scalar control (also referred to as V/Hz or V/f control) varies both the voltage and frequency of power supplied to the motor to maintain a fixed ratio between the two. This keeps the strength of the magnetic field at a constant level […]
HEIDENHAIN partners with Applied Motion to expedite new ventilator project
In a collaborative effort to support the healthcare industry during this COVID-19 crisis, HEIDENHAIN is working with Applied Motion Products, Inc. to expedite critical components to a large manufacturer of ventilators. Now in various stages of delivery, the Applied Motion Products’ StepSERVO Integrated Motors equipped with HEIDENHAIN’s RENCO encoders are making their way into the […]
New VFD series features PM motor control, reduced energy usage
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has released the newest addition to its lineup of variable frequency drives (VFD), the FR-E800 Series. The micro-drive features a built-in PLC, and will include safety functionality meeting IEC 61508 standards and support various networks, including Ethernet/IP, MODBUS/TCP, and the soon-to-be-released CC-Link IE TSN. The FR-E800 Series is designed for engineering, […]
Miniature brakes: Examples of where electromagnetic spring-applied versions excel
Several industries are creating new opportunities with enabling technologies such as cameras, sensors, batteries, processors, and communications made ubiquitous by consumer products. Where such designs take miniature formats, electromagnetic brakes excel. By Brian Mather | Industrial product manager • Ogura Industrial Corp. Oh, how times are changing. Zoom meetings are the norm. Children all […]
New GSL robotic strain wave gearboxes available
GAM announces the release of the new GSL series of strain wave gearboxes. The new gearboxes provide zero-backlash and high torque in a small gearbox for robotic and motion control applications. The GSL gearbox uses harmonic gearing for a very compact design that easily integrates into applications requiring high ratios and high precision in a […]
What is isochronous real-time (IRT) data exchange?
Real-time industrial communication protocols are those in which data exchange takes place within a specified amount of time — typically less than 10 ms. But “real-time” systems can be “soft” real-time or “hard” real-time, depending on how rigidly deadlines are enforced. In a soft real-time system, occasional violations of the cycle time, or deadline, for a […]
High torque synchronous drive/timing belts from AutomationDirect
Synchronous drive belts and pulleys use teeth to prevent slippage and unwanted speed variations. AutomationDirect SureMotion 5M and 8M (5-mm and 8-mm pitch) high torque synchronous drive/timing belts have a curvilinear HTD (High Torque Drive) tooth profile which allows the belts to have a much larger pulley contact area for improved performance. The chloroprene belt […]
What are explicit and implicit messaging in EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP, which is the implementation of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) over standard Ethernet, uses two types of messaging between devices: explicit messaging for data that is purely informational, and implicit messaging for time-critical data. All four industrial networks that use CIP at the application layer — EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and CompoNet — support explicit […]
Trinamic introduces small, lightweight servo controller module
TRINAMIC Motion Control introduces the TMCM-1617, single-axis servo controller module, designed for servo drives with 18A RMS and 8 to 28V dc supply voltage. The TMCM-1617’s EtherCAT, CAN and RS485 interfaces, ultra-lightweight aluminum housing (conforms with DIN EN 60529), and a cutting-edge feature set make the TMCM-1617 an ideal choice for medical, aerospace, and robotics. […]
Festo assigns teams to COVID-19 respiratory ventilator development and protective gear manufacture
Festo North America and subsidiary Fabco-Air Inc., classified essential businesses, are continuing to supply pneumatic and electric drive technology to distributors, equipment manufacturers, and end users in North America. Supporting solutions for COVID-19 “Festo has launched focused coronavirus mitigation projects,” said Craig Correia, Director of Life Science & Process Industries, Festo North America. “Among several […]
Portescap motors support critical-care applications during COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an urgent need for critical-care equipment such as ventilators and infusion systems — as well as increased requirements for lab analyzers. Portescap has been a leading expert in miniature motors and precision motion control solutions for medical devices and clinical diagnostics for many decades and is proud to be able […]
What is the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)?
In a recent post, we explained the seven layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) protocol, including the top, or application, layer, which manages the interaction between programs or applications and the network. One example of a specialized application layer is the Common Industrial Protocol. Also referred to as CIP, the Common Industrial Protocol was […]
What is the application layer in an industrial network?
Think of all the tasks that take place behind the scenes when you interact with a program or application — such as an internet browser or email client — on a computer network. For example, the data being exchanged must be disassembled into packets, which are then transmitted across the network and reassembled at the […]
Motion-industry educational efforts abound for students and engineers
Motion-component suppliers surveyed for this year’s Design World Trends issue described several different programs to maintain technical proficiency for both application engineers and OEMs and other users of their products. CGI Motion engages in outreach in the form of open houses so that STEM students get chances to tour the company facility. That’s from Robert […]
How conditioning monitoring data helps solve future problems
Condition monitoring can help protect organizations against future problems, maximize equipment lifetime, and optimize operations. Abhishek Jadhav Product Manager Dynapar Corporation In today’s demanding production environment, manufacturers need to maximize productivity while minimizing cost of ownership. Condition monitoring provides a solution. Conditioning monitoring systems collect rich amounts of data that can be converted to reliable […]
Improving performance without machine redesign
Improving machine performance to meet market demands doesn’t have to mean starting over from scratch. By partnering with a motion-centric supplier that offers new-generation motion systems plus co-engineering expertise to provide perfect-fit customizations, aging machines can be brought back to life with minimal design impact. As new technologies enter the industrial market, engineers must find […]
New applications a major trend for shocks and vibration mitigation in 2020
Automated machinery and manual designs alike must exhibit minimal vibration and should gently and precisely slow and moving masses on (or engaged with) the design. Our 2020 Design World Trends survey of industry experts indicates an uptick in new applications for shocks, damping, gas springs, and kinematic holding that were previously done manually or run […]
Lin Engineering hastens manufacture of dc motors for fight against COVID-19
With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, demand for medical equipment has quickly risen. Many such devices incorporate precision electric motors. To support efforts to combat COVID-19, Lin Engineering — a designer and manufacturer of precision electric motors and motion systems — is prioritizing the production and supply of motors to support companies making medical devices critical […]
New series of servo products from Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has released its next generation MELSERVO-J5 Series of ac servo motors, amplifiers, and motion control units. The MELSERVO-J5 Series brings performance, reliability, flexibility and efficiency to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, packaging, printing, converting, material handling and more. MELSERVO-J5 is a result of continuous innovation and improvement upon the […]