Joral LLC introduces the PE18 ProxEncoder non-contact rotary encoder product line. Modeled in a threaded proximity switch housing, the 18mm true non-contact encoder is designed to capture rotary motion where conventional sensors fail. Two USPTO patents enable the PE18 ProxEncoder to detect on-axis rotation with up to 0.5-in. (12mm) air gap between the application and […]
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 […]
Joral debuts non-contact rotary encoder for harsh environments
Joral LLC introduces the PE18 ProxEncoder non-contact rotary encoder product line. Modeled in a threaded proximity switch housing, the 18-mm true non-contact encoder is designed to capture rotary motion where conventional sensors fail. Two USPTO patents enable the PE18 ProxEncoder to detect on-axis rotation with up to 0.5-in. (12 mm) air gap between the application […]
Miniature voice coil motor with high force-to-size ratio
Smaller in diameter than a United States quarter, the miniature Linear Voice Coil Motor, LVCM-019-016-02, from Moticont has a high force-to-size ratio. It produces 8.9 oz. (2.5 N) of continuous force and 28.0 oz. (7.8 N) of peak force in a compact 0.750-in. (19.1 mm) diameter x 0.94-in. (23.8 mm) long envelope (at mid-stroke). This […]
Engineered materials and upfront design work (are leading trends for mechanical components)
Seals, chains, cable carriers, springs, retaining rings, and general power-transmission (PT) components continue to see new materials at critical surfaces; proliferation of application-specific versions (especially for compression and wave springs); and increasingly practical online purchasing for both off-the-shelf components and customized orders. Here we explore some of these trends. Online B2B ordering of very specific […]
Baldor Electric Company is now ABB
ABB will integrate the Baldor Electric Company name into its global ABB brand as a part of its Next Level strategy, which includes harmonizing different ABB-owned brands under the global ABB master brand. Beginning March 1, 2018, Baldor Electric Company, a member of the ABB group for more than seven years, will be known as […]
PTDA welcomes five new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) recently welcomed five new member companies. Distributor members ERIKS North America (Pittsburgh, Pa.) distributes bearings, belt & chain drives, motor/motion control, conveyors & material handling components and hydraulics & pneumatics. Vice president Bill Moore said, “We are looking forward to extending our relationship with EPTDA into North America with […]
ITT Enidine releases flight-critical components that deliver control, comfort and agility
ITT Inc. and its Enidine brand has added high capacity laminated (HCL) elastomeric bearings and Frahm dampers to its extensive rotorcraft solutions portfolio. Enidine is showcasing its comprehensive energy absorption and vibration isolation solutions for rotorcraft applications at HAI HELI-EXPO 2018, today Feb. 27 through Mar. 1, in Las Vegas. See these new technologies at Booth […]
Economical brushless dc motors for large quantity production from Nanotec
With the DBL36, Nanotec now offers a brushless dc motor that is designed for large quantities. The DBL36 is available in three lengths with a rated power of 7.5 W in size S, 18 W in size M and 33 W in size L. These electronically commuted 3-phase motors are equipped with three Hall sensors […]
What are IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen?
The IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international standards organization that publishes electrical and electronic standards. Hundreds of them, in fact; standardizing everything from letter symbols in electronics to medical equipment and railroad communication and signaling. Specifically, IEC 61131-3 is the standard for “Industrial-process measurement and control – programmable controllers.” It sets standards for […]
PTDA Foundation now accepting nominations for 2018 Wendy B. McDonald Award
The PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Award recognizes a woman who has established herself as an integral contributor to her company’s success and brought positive change to the power transmission/motion control industry. The PTDA Foundation established the award in 2014 to honor the memory of Wendy B. McDonald, one of the power transmission/motion control industry’s […]
IDEC releases iOS and Android apps for PLC access
IDEC Corporation announces the release of its WindEDIT Lite app for iOS and Android devices, providing two-way access to its family of MicroSmart FC6A PLCs. The app provides much quicker, simpler and easier connection as compared to browser-based access. With the WindEDIT Lite app, users can monitor any PLC parameter, and change set points and […]
Marathon stainless steel and jet pump motors from AutomationDirect
New Marathon Powerwash SXT washdown duty motors are designed for use in food and beverage processing and other washdown environments. The all stainless-steel totally enclosed motors are available in single and three-phase models. C-face with rigid base (footed) and C-face footless mounting options are also available. Marathon stainless steel motor prices start at $309.00. Jet […]
New Oriental Motor DGII rotary actuators with AZ Series dc input drivers
Oriental Motor now sells an expanded lineup of DGII Series rotary actuators — including two new dc input AZ Series driver options. As the demand for complete high-accuracy and efficient rotary actuators grows, Oriental Motor has answered with the introduction of the AZ Series dc input drivers. This allows for more applications that are using dc […]
What is a rotary indexing table?
Rotary indexing is a process where repeated angular displacement during a machine cycle is followed by motionless dwell. Tables for rotary indexing are specially designed to make repetitive moves around a platform. Essentially, they are highly precise work-positioning devices that index parts to be worked or machined in multiple operations. Rotary indexing tables are integrated […]
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 […]
How do STO inputs affect SIL3/PLe conformity for AC drives?
Safe Torque Off, or STO, is a drive-based safety function that stops the drive from providing power to the motor, without interrupting power to the drive. Activating the STO function produces an uncontrolled stop, meaning the motor coasts to a stop based on the system’s inertia and friction. The STO function also prevents an unexpected […]
Soft starter with internal bypass expands motor functionality and efficiency
The new Allen-Bradley SMC-50 smart motor controller with internal bypass from Rockwell Automation brings greater operational control over motor starts and stops. As an extension of the soft starter family, the SMC-50 smart motor controller delivers greater functionality and efficiency across industries. Soft starters traditionally use solid-state, silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) to control voltage to the […]
Thermal time constants and managing PMAC servo motor overloads
When intermittent power density is of a required high value, using classic RMS calculations and speed-torque performance curves as the sole selection methods may be problematic. That’s because such an approach might cause motor or drive undersizing. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Using classic performance curves with RMS calculations […]
Custom ABM Drives for extreme-environment motors, drives, and hoists
ABM Drives has extensive experience in developing and producing gearmotors for demanding applications — including dockside crane hoists, trolleys, and bridge drives. The gearmotors are engineered to last years even under severe duty cycles that demand minimum maintenance and enduring reliability. In fact, ABM hoist drives can withstand exposure to extreme ambient conditions. Drives must […]
What kind of feedback do piezo motors use?
Piezo motors are known for their extremely small size and high size-to-torque ratio, as well as high-resolution movements (micrometer and even nanometer-level resolution.) The high resolution is attributable to the inherent design of piezo motors themselves, but feedback also helps to ensure highly accurate movement on the order of nanometers. As a general rule, piezo […]
SERAPID supplies Meridian Lift for XXIII Olympic Winter games opening ceremony
The SERAPID solution has once again been chosen to provide dynamic stage action for the opening ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. SERAPID had previously provided an extensive stage lift system for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China. The opening ceremony took place in the Pyeongchang Olympic main stadium, […]
New EL3783 EtherCAT I/O provides monitoring, diagnostics of alternating voltages to 690 V AC
Beckhoff has announced the release of the EL3783 oversampling EtherCAT Terminal for power monitoring for standard control systems. Conventional automation and power measurement technology are increasingly converging, and with the integration of the EL3783 I/O terminal, high-precision grid analysis becomes available for a range of power-generating systems. Most importantly, three-phase AC voltage systems up to […]
Ogura MS series clutches, brakes now available in North America
Ogura Industrial announces the availability of its MS series of clutches, brakes and combination clutch-brake units to North America. The MS series is finding new opportunities for machinery manufacturers in North America due to its unique features. The MS series is a complete line of clutches, brakes and combination clutch brake units available in eight […]
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. […]