The Swiss drive specialist maxon motor is expanding its range of miniature servo controllers by adding the ESCON Module 50/8 HE (Harsh Environment). This compact plug-in module with a nominal current of 8 A is a true powerhouse, designed for brushed and brushless DC motors with a peak power of up to 750 W. However, […]
High-torque EC brushless dc motors from maxon
The EC-i 52-mm motor is one from a family of EC brushless dc motors from maxon. It’s an iron-wound internal rotor motor redesigned from 7 pole pairs to 8 pole pairs. This significantly reduces the vibration and noise output of the dc motor. Available in three voltage outputs, 18, 24 and 48 V, the 52-mm […]
Electromagnetic brakes and clutches for motor control
For more than 40 years, Inertia Dynamics has been recognized as a global leader in the design and manufacture of technically-advanced industrial clutches and brakes. Inertia’s experienced design and development team utilizes sophisticated test equipment to ensure very high quality and consistency levels to meet the most demanding customer requirements. Inertia Dynamics offers a full […]
Integrated absolute value measuring system with FANUC interface
Internationally active manufacturers of machine tools, 3D printers and related systems often provide their customers with the choice between two to three CNC controllers to cover regional preferences. While doing so, they follow a common-part strategy below the drive level as much as possible in order to reduce costs and complexity. In addition to interfaces […]
Catching up with Oriental Motor at MD&M East
Earlier this month, I spoke with Viet Le, Senior Sales Engineer, Oriental Motor at the MD&M East/ATX East show in New York City. The company was showing off its AZ series of closed-loop absolute mechanical encoder stepper motors—they feature low vibration and high efficiency, and you don’t even have to purchase a battery back-up or […]
Belden Universal announces relocation, expansion
Belden Universal has announced plans to move into its new, state-of-the-art production facility. Construction of the new, 40,000 sq-ft factory is progressing rapidly in Hillside, Ill., in close proximity to Belden’s current headquarters in Broadview. Relocation will proceed in staged phases this fall and expected to conclude by late 2017. The expansion was fueled by […]
Slotless brushless motor designs offer three advantages: Details on linear behavior and more
In a recent video recorded at the Design World studios, I teamed up with my colleague Paul Heney to review the features of three motors (including slotless brushless motor options) from Koford Engineering in Winchester, Ohio. Related article: What are the differences between slotted and slotless motors? Brushless motors are like brush motors but use electronic […]
What are gearmotors used for speed-control applications?
Aside from their use in position control applications, gearmotors are used in speed-control applications as well. The reality is that many different types of gearmotors can be used for speed control. As with any design problem, the requirements of the unique application will dictate what type of motor is best suited for the job. A […]
Revamped PTDA Canadian Conference called a “complete success”
With a 30% increase in distributor delegate registration, more networking opportunities for all, three dynamic speakers and a fully booked DM-IDEX (one-on-one appointment scheduling session between distributors and manufacturers), the new and improved Canadian Conference was well received by participants. “The DM-IDEX was very, very productive and this has been a very good event overall—the […]
Where are digital servo drives used?
The original servo drives were analog types that operate on ± 10 volt inputs, but digital servo drives that operate over fieldbus networks now dominate the market. The primary difference in construction between digital and analog drives is that a digital drive includes a microprocessor, which carries out computations to determine the output control signal […]
Catching up with Beckhoff at ATXEast
I had a great chat with Beckhoff’s Daymon Thompson at last week’s ATX East trade show at New York’s Javits Center. The PC-based machine controls company features a range of processors, from an ARM processor all the way up to an industrial server with 36 cores and two terabytes of memory—possibly the biggest PLC on […]
SigmaLogic7 Compact puts full AOI functionality into less cabinet space
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America Inc. has introduced the SigmaLogic7 Compact. This new servo amplifier makes it possible to add the exceptional precision and superior performance of a Sigma-7 servo system in machines using Rockwell Automation programmable logic controllers. SigmaLogic7 Compact builds on the legacy of the SigmaLogic, the first Yaskawa SERVOPACK […]
Wittenstein recognized for its skilled labor apprenticeships
Wittenstein in Bartlett, Illinois has been recognized as a “Young Adult Employer Champion” by the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. The award was presented to Wittenstein’s President and CEO Peter Riehle during the National Fund’s 2017 Leadership Convening event, held at the Philadelphia Loews Hotel on June 15, 2017. Wittenstein was one of nine manufacturers recognized […]
New compact hexapod has higher performance for industrial alignment applications
PI has added a higher performance model to its range of compact hexapods. The New H-811.i2 provides twice the velocity along with sensor resolution up to 8 times higher compared to the current H-811.D2 miniature hexapod. The compact size, robust design with low friction ballscrews brushless motors, and powerful controller with multi-axis alignment capabilities make […]
Where are analog servo drives used?
The purpose of a servo drive is to convert low-power signals from the controller to high-power signals to the motor, instructing it to produce the desired torque or velocity. Servo drives (also referred to as servo amplifiers) can operate on either analog or digital input signals. Analog servo drives receive ± 10 volt analog signals […]
SigmaLogic7 Compact — AOI functionality, more compact, and PLC compatible
The Drives and Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. introduces the SigmaLogic7 Compact. This new servo amplifier makes it possible to add the exceptional precision and superior performance of a Sigma-7 servo system in machines using Rockwell Automation programmable logic controllers. SigmaLogic7 Compact builds on the legacy of the SigmaLogic, the first Yaskawa SERVOPACK to […]
Baldor at Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) 2017 conference in Tampa
The annual EASA conference and convention will be held this year June 25-27 at the Tampa Convention Center. If you’re attending, visit Baldor at Booth #501. “As a supporter and exhibitor at EASA for more than 30 years, we value our relationship with the organization and its members. They are our service arm for electrical […]
What do PLC watchdog timers do?
Basically, the function of a watchdog timer is to make sure that some processing malfunction does not shut down the entire system. Examples of malfunctions can be hardware failures or a program error that may, for instance, send the program into an infinite loop. In PLCs, watchdog timers are typically involved with the program scan […]
Quiet slotless, brushless motors from Koford
Koford Engineering’s new line of 2.3 in. (60mm) slotless brushless motors are designed for low noise and high efficiency. They are available with a variety of windings and in either sensorless or Hall sensor configuration. Rated output is up to 800 W continuous power with no load speeds from 3.864 to 25,104 rpm. The slotless […]
Automation and motor control: ABB releases new ACS380 machinery drive
The ACS380 machinery drive is part of ABB’s all-compatible drives portfolio designed to offer technically compatible drive, as well as an all-compatible setup for people, process, business, and environmental goals. The ACS380 offers an intuitive control panel with an icon-based menu for easy and smart commissioning of the drive. All essential features are built-in as […]
Meyer Industries acquired by conveyor and pulley company Precision Inc.
Meyer Industries Inc., a world leader in designing, engineering and manufacturing of vibratory conveying, bulk material handling and food processing equipment, has announced today that it has been acquired by Precision Inc., an international employee-owned heavy industry conveyor, pulley and idler manufacturer based out of Pella, Iowa. “The acquisition of Meyer adds more products and […]
Celera Motion intros Agility Series slotless motors
Agility Series slotless motors from Celera Motion deliver best-in-class torque ripple and zero cogging. They’re ideally suited for scanning, pointing, measuring and cutting applications that require extremely smooth velocity control and highly accurate positioning. Engineered with ZeroCog slotless motor technology from Applimotion, the effects of cogging torque, magnetic forces, flux harmonics and phase balance and […]
Chip-level controllers run spiral (helical) interpolation: Nippon Pulse PCL6000 series
Nippon Pulse’s PCL6000 series of chip-level controllers include the two-axis PCL6025B and the four-axis PCL6045BL and PCL6046 chips. Their advanced features have long made them the most advanced controller chips in the world. In addition to standard linear and circular interpolation options, two of the advanced controller chips now feature a third interpolation option — spiral or […]
Conveyor belt monitoring process shows real time issues
ContiTech has unveiled a unique conveyor belt monitoring process that allows users to see belt wear in real time. “A red bonding layer below the top cover is exposed when it’s time to change the belt,” said Chris Marchant, product manager for conveyor belting. “In addition, the ContiAlert system is complete with a calculator that […]
New NEMA 34 hybrid servo family from QuickSilver
QuickSilver Controls, Inc. has released its new high-power NEMA 34 Integrated Hybrid Servo Family called the SilverMax X34. The Integrated Servo includes both an internal and external clamp, a 20 A RMS, 40 A peak driver operating from 12 V through 72 V. The SilverMax X-series includes expanded command and register space as well as […]