Motion System Design articles from April 2005

Motion System Design archives from April 2005

Best Buy blues--Part two.(Editorial)
April 1, 2005... Last July, I spent about $7,000 on computer equipment at Best Buy. As I explained in the March editorial, this is in addition to many other major purchases made there over the years. In fact, I probably have close to $1,000 in extended...

Three cheers for FWF.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... Hooray! Thank you all for the Fun With Fundamentals (FWF) revival! Maybe it's just me, but while working on this first of the revived FWF series problems, I may have run into some snags. Lee Ruiz Peerless Pump Indianapolis,...

Avoid the blues.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... I just finished your article on the Best Buy Blues and I'm surprised that you have not received a notice on your Neptune washer. I bought one a few years ago, had it for two years, and the "wax motor" and a circuit board went out. Since I...

Motor testing crucial to British Airways: Magtrol SA develops customized test bench for aircraft maintenance.(What's NEW)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Responding to a need by British Airways Avionic Engineering, Magtrol SA of Fribourg, Switzerland, developed a complete turn-key system to test a wide range of electrical motors used on passenger aircraft in accordance with the OEM's CMM...

EASA Convention and Exposition.(What's NEW)(Electrical Apparatus Service Association)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The Electrical Apparatus Service Association's (EASA) Annual Convention and Exposition, Reaching New Heights, runs June 25-29 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville. Tenn. The program will address current industry...

McNeil Industries has acquired the assets of Precision Guide Systems.(Company news)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... McNeil industries has acquired the assets of Precision Guide Systems. Both companies are based in Willoughby, Ohio. McNeil Industries is an IS0-certified supplier of engineered sealing products, precision machined components, and special...

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).(Company news)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A budget request for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was submitted to Congress by the President on Feb. 7, and includes appropriations for manufacturing. Industrial Technology Services (ITS) could receive $46.8...

Math file-sharing problems solved: free program lets users transfer and manipulate math models in Excel.(What's NEW)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Sharing complicated math equations has gotten easier with the development of TK Solver Player for Excel, a free downloadable program from Universal Technical Systems Inc. (UTS). The software, available at www.uts.com, lets users share Excel...

World demand grows.(INDUSTRY FOCUS: PACKAGING MACHINERY)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... According to industrial market research firm The Freedonia Group, growth in the packaging machinery industry is showing improvement over previous years, as world demand is projected to rise 5.0 percent per year (including price increases)...

B&R Industrial Automation has increased its presence in the United States with the expansion of its exclusive sales territories by its distribution partners, PacMation Inc. and Integrated Motion Inc.(Company news)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... B&R Industrial Automation has increased its presence in the United States with the expansion of its exclusive sales territories by its distribution partners, PacMation Inc. and Integrated Motion Inc. Currently, B&R provides local sales and...

EPRI research makes waves: studies of five coastal sites show that wave energy potential warrants further research and development.(What's NEW)(Electric Power Research Institute)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A recent report shows that electricity from wave energy may be economically possible in the near future. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) collaborated with the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy. Laboratory (NREL) and...

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill., has been contracted to supply automation products, machine controls, IT validation, startup, training, and support services at two new Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plants in Dundee, Mich.(Company news)
April 1, 2005... Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill., has been contracted to supply automation products, machine controls, IT validation, startup, training, and support services at two new Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plants...

Keeping on track: the electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic lines on moving automation systems can interfere with one another if not properly managed and protected. Organizing lines prevents them from tangling or corkscrewing.(Cable CARRIERS)
April 1, 2005... As demands for productivity have increased, automation systems with rigorous duty cycles are being designed for longer travels, higher speeds, and apid accelerations. These systems often require carriers that must operate more smoothly, and...

It takes two: designers who choose sides between steppers and servos limit only themselves. Don't be shorted. Learn where each motor type works best, and bring the full power of technology to your next project.(Servos & STEPPERS)
April 1, 2005... Servomotors are the clear choice for today's motion applications. Then again, so are stepmotors. What's more, stepmotors are also less expensive than they were a few years ago and easier to select, install, and operate. But for that matter, so...

Variable-speed drives.(Peak PRODUCTIVITY)
April 1, 2005... Productivity is a shared goal in industrial applications involving designers, component makers, and end users. Everyone plays a role. In this report, the editors of Motion System Design polled variable-speed drive experts for their advice on...

Gear drives.(Design by Objective: EFFICIENCY)
April 1, 2005... Drive One high-torque drives offer superior efficiency and performance for high torque, low speed applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Output torque to 4 million Ib-in. (450,000 Nm) * Ratios from 145:1 to more than 10 million:1 ...

Geared motors.(Design by Objective: EFFICIENCY)
April 1, 2005... Three-phase BS Series worm geared I motors come as a two-stage design for I improved efficiency. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 0.05 to 7.5 hp, 0.2 to 300 rpm, and 220 to 8.850 Ibf-in. * Single or double output shaft, foot or flange mount,...

Servo planetary gearboxes.(Design by Objective: EFFICIENCY)
April 1, 2005... With a 96% efficiency rate, these high-precision servo planetary gearboxes attach directly to servomotors and provide exceptional torque and stiffness in a small envelope. FEATURES & BENEFITS * High torque (up to 17,701 lb-in.) *...

High-speed ballscrews.(Design by Objective: EFFICIENCY)
April 1, 2005... BSS Series ballscrews operate at higher speeds than conventional ballscrews, improving productivity and efficiency. Circle 185 FEATURES & BENEFITS * Linear speeds to 240 m/min * Low noise and vibration (6 dB reduction *...

Variable frequency drives.(Design by Objective: EFFICIENCY)
April 1, 2005... F700 variable frequency drives control motors from 1 to 800 hp while boosting motor efficiency and maximizing energy savings. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 200 or 400 V * Controls up to four motors * Improves motor efficiency by 12%...

Keep a low profile.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
April 1, 2005... Combining accuracy and precision in a low-profile package, the DDT 200 direct drive rotary stage fulfills rotary motion requirements for metrology and light mechanical processes. It provides a 200 mm table with a resolution down to one...

Linear motor speed, belt drive price.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
April 1, 2005... An electrical toothed-belt axis with internal roller guide achieves linear motor speed, hitting 10m/sec overworking strokes of up to 5 m. Low noise, repeatability of [+ or -] mm, loads up to 600 n, abd the ability to operate in a contaminated...

Carried away on conveyors.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
April 1, 2005... CarrySmart made-to-order conveyors include Flex-Turn, Flat-Flex Straight, Flat-Flex Shuttle Conveyors, and CarrySmart Spreader or Converger Specialty Conveyors. Advantages of this line include easy movement of products around corners,...

Helping hands.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
April 1, 2005... PZN-plus three-finger concentric grippers come in a lightweight, compact package, and extend the capabilities of the standard PZN series with higher load capacities, longer finger capability, and better efficiency. Newly designed jaw...

Automation systems.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
April 1, 2005... The Easy-2-Combine automation system simplifies handling tasks with small parts by using directly combinable individual components. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Centering elements for interlocking mounting * Connections for sensors and...

Valve sensors.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
April 1, 2005... Ni 4-DSU35-2DNETX5-H150 valve position sensors allow for direct connection to DeviceNet field bus networks. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Dual outputs along with actuation kit (puck) monitor rotary actuator position * Compatible with M12...

Vacuum cups.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
April 1, 2005... Nomathane vacuum suction cups handle injection-molded plastic parts and coated optics without leaving ghost marks or mold release agents. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Pliable silicone-free material resists heat up to 356[degrees]F * Flat,...

Locking cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
April 1, 2005... Series CCA Advanced Locking Cylinders with integral Amlock Rod Clamp control overtravel, drifting, bouncing, and reverse traveling. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Holds the rod in any mid-stroke position * Spring force clamping eliminates...

Inside out.(Better BY DESIGN)
April 1, 2005... Usually a motor's rotor is on the inside and usually that's okay--except when power density is an issue. This being the case in a new line of motors, the magnetic rings are on the outside for high speeds and accelerations. With the rotor...

Baby steps.(Better BY DESIGN)
April 1, 2005... Most hybrid motors step fast like variable reluctance varieties, while boosting torque with permanent magnets. But these stepmotors go one step further using precision stators to maximize torque density by minimizing the airgap. The stators are...

High-speed vision sensor.(Product Spotlight PROXIMITY SENSORS)
April 1, 2005... PresencePLUS P4 EDGE vision sensors are for high-speed inspection and error-proofing applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sense and evaluate 10,000+ objects/min * Validate the height and width of parts, location of labels, detects...

Presence sensing.(Product Spotlight PROXIMITY SENSORS)
April 1, 2005... Checker 101 can visually detect the presence of items during the manufacturing process. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Analyze over 400 images/sec * Illumination, optics, sensor, processor memory, and I/0 included * External trigger...

Block-style proximity sensor.(Product Spotlight PROXIMITY SENSORS)
April 1, 2005... R01 mini block-style, low-profile inductive sensors combine compact size with superior sensing range. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 7 mm sensing range * 5 mm sensing range in weld field immune version * Ensures proper workpiece...

Smart vision sensing.(Product Spotlight PROXIMITY SENSORS)
April 1, 2005... Compact in size, the 2D smart vision sensor ZEV features higher sensing speeds, greater efficiency, and lower operating costs. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Speeds of 4,6 or 12 msec * 5 to 50 mm sensing view * One touch tracking ...

Low weight couplings.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... CD couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia, making them ideal for servomotor and other precision motion control applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * High torsional stiffness, zero-backlash, transmits torque on par...

Roller guides.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Type-SRW guide features rollers with an L/D of 1.5 or better for increased rigidity. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Rail widths available from 70 to 150 mm; curved synthetic-resin cage cradles each roller for uniform alignment and no skewing...

Servo controls.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... MicroFlex servo controls improve servomotor speed, smoothness, and resolution while driving down costs. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Single axis drive works with rotary as well as linear brushless serve motors * Accepts incremental...

Linear actuators.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Size 34 hybrid linear actuators incorporate optical encoders that resolve movements down to 0.0005 in. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Actuator generates up to 500 lb of thrust at a resolution of 0.0005 to 0.005 in. per step * Integrated...

Programmable tilt switch.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... MCL Single Axis Programmable Tilt Switch can be factory or user configureed to trip at any angle in its [+ or -] 45[degrees] sensing range. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 4.5 to 28 V single power supply * Unidirectional and bi-directional...

Brushless dc motors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Responsive compact motor features high torque to size ratio in a stainless steel housing. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Peak torque of 10 oz/in, at 7,000 rpm * Small size, 0.75 in. diameter and 3.4 in. length * 1.43 msec mechanical...

Free ac-drive software.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... WIN-trAC software simplifies use of WF2 drives. * Windows-based program for control, configuration, monitoring, and diagnosis * RS485/Modbus protocol, allows single and multi-drop use for stand-alone and networked drives *...

Linear encoder.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Miniature LIDA 400-series scales offer grating pitch of 20 [micro]m. * Generous mounting tolerances, scanning-head height of 12 mm, scanning area of 14.5 sq. mm is more forgiving of contamination * Resolutions down to 50 [micro]m with...

Brushless dc motors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... BS-Series brushless dc servomotors employ star-connected windings to generate maximum torque from relatively little current. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Maxtorque: 28.7 oz-in., max speed: 16,000 rpm * 86% efficiency, no-load current:...

Modular frequency inverters.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... KWF frequency inverter modules attach to servomotors, forming compact, integrated servodrives. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 2kVA (max) inverter module forms single housing with motor * Integrated cold plate removes heat and saves space...

Linear guides.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... DryLin WQ square rails ensure loads are evenly distributed and decrease friction. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Plastic liners feature engineered polymer, iglide J200, which reduces friction by 20% and wear rates by 34% * 20 and 6 mm,...

Motor control ICs.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... MC73110 Motor Control ICs incorporate digital current loop to maximize the performance of brushless dc motors and eliminate manual adjustments. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Operates as standalone controller or as a programmable axis...

Power transmission belts.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Aramid-reinforced belts are designed for low- and high-speed drives for the life of the equipment. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Synchroforce Extreme belt features aramid cord tension members for reinforcement, and is ideal for drives running...

Alignment systems.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Rotalign ULTRA shaft/coupling alignment systems feature a large backlit color screen and keyboard. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Lightweight computer powered by rechargeable battery * USB and Bluetooth connectivity for interface with...

Dynamic rod locks.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Linear motion devices brake and hold pneumatically actuated loads, allowing electronic controllers to slow or stop action without relying solely on the cylinder itself. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Spring-engaged actuation, air or manual...

Shaft locking devices.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... SLD keyless shaft locking devices attach shafts to hubs without machining or additional assembly labor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Adjustable and releasable mechanical shrink fit for multiple bore sizes in low to high-speed operations ...

Linear displacement sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... R-Series Temposonics magnetostrictive position sensors are easier than ever to use thanks to built-in diagnostics and remote programmability. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Analog and digital serial outputs * 1 pm resolution, [+ or -]...

Programmable logic controller.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... PLC on a Chip Module is a single chip programmable logic controller mounted in a module for quick and easy use. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Programmed by EZ Ladder PC-based software featuring ladder diagram and function block programming ...

Integrated controller.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... SMLC-Lite is PLC and ServoWire motion controller in one. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Suitable for 1 to 3 1/2 axis systems * Supports brushless rotary and linear actuators, dc brush motors, voice coils operating from 24 Vdc to 460 Vac ...

Motion control cards.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Motion control card uses an Ethernet bus to communicate data and supply power at the same time. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Allows implementation of several protocols (TCP-IP, http, etc.) already embedded in operating system * Utilizes...

Brush and brushless servomotors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Series of brushed and brushless servomotors are designed as a drop-in replacement and engineered to reduce torque ripple for smooth operation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * SE500 series of eight brushed offers 23 to 500 W * SEC00 series...

Linear position sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Magnetostrictive position sensors incorporate captive slides, offering an easy upgrade path in traditional rodless position-sensing applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Resolution down to 2 [micro]m, repeatability to 6 [micro]m *...

Metric leadscrews.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Thomson leadscrews are available in diameters from 10 to 24 mm. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Leads from 2 to 45 mm, suitable for positioning light to medium loads quickly * Supernut-brand nut eliminates backlash, DIN 103-compliant thread...

Isolation transformers.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Standard range of transformers are designed for servo and small motor drives. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 0.5 to 5 KVA rating * Electrically isolated primary and secondary windings of solid copper * UL system operates in enclosures...

Precision encoders.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... EPC's 104 page catalog features the full line of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide variety of industrial positioning, counting, motion and motor control needs. Expert cross...

Extensive clutch/brake catalog.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Our comprehensive clutch and brake catalog combines all individual product guides in one convenient 80-page publication. It includes complete technical data on Electromagnetic Friction Clutches and Brakes, Spring Applied Brakes, Wrap Spring...

Wave springs.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... The new Smalley Steel Ring Co. Wave Spring Catalog is now available. Catalog features over 2000 stock size springs, ranging from 3/8" to 16". Special designs range from .200" to 84" are available in 1-4 weeks with No-Tooling-Charges[TM]. Carbon...

Kohzu America, Inc.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Japan's premiere manufacturer of precision motion instruments now offers its comprehensive line of rotary, linear and swivel-arc stages to the American industrial and scientific community. Kohzu, Japan's premiere manufacturer of precision...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... The Intech Power-Core[TM] gears are precision machined and offer solutions to applications in which lubrication, wear, noise, vibration, inertia, shock load, moisture and chemicals present a problem for nylon, Delrin or metal gears. Metal Core...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Baldor Electric Company offers Super-E[R] NEMA Premium[TM] efficiency motors from 1 through 1500 HP in low and medium voltages. TEFC, ODP, WPI and WPII enclosures are available with choice of environmental protection such as severe duty, IEEE...

Customized motor test systems.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Magtrol, Inc. provides complete, customized turn-key test benches for electric, hydraulic and pneumatic motors, gas engines and pumps. The test systems are comprised of motor test equipment with LabVIEW[TM] based Motor Testing Software and...

CGI Inc. gearheads.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Offering the widest range of standard gearhead ratios available in the industry. Providing custom solutions for motion control and automation applications. CGI is focused on engineering expertise and knowledgeable, customer service. CGI Inc.,...

New integrated DualVee[R] wheel technology from Bishop Wisecarver.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Bishop Wisecarver announces Integral studs and bushings that eliminate tolerance stack-up and improve durability and stability. Wheels with integral bushings and studded shafts provide higher load capabilities and reduce installation time....

Compact belt-driven unit ideal for food and pharmaceutical packaging.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion[R] PDU2 Profile Driven Linear Transmission Unit from Bishop Wisecarver is compact, modular, cost-effective, and can satisfy most application parameters. Mechanically simple yet innovative, PDU2's design offers advanced...

Bishop-Wisecarver offers a system that save time and money.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion[R] MCS Machine Construction Systems offers a wide range of aluminum profile sections, including connecting hardware and accessories. These modular, versatile components are constructed for use in industrial machinery, assembly...

Brakes & clutches.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Magnetic particle brakes & clutches are ideal for tensioning, load simulation & torque limiting applications. Torque can be varied infinitely from near zero to rated torque by varying input current. Stock units from 1 oz. -in. to 300 lb. -ft....

Linear motion design guide.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Kerk Motion Products' 74-page design guide explains how to apply non-ball leadscrews, screw rails, linear rails splines, and slides. Charts, graphs, photos, illustrations, simplified design formula, and practical product selection tips make...

Precision mechanical components.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... Comprehensive, easy-to-use format for over 50,000 components: bearings, belts & pulleys, shafts, couplers, gears, hardware, slides, lead screws & nuts, positioning tables, linear motion systems and more. Call for application engineering...

AST Bearings general catalog.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... AST Bearings' general catalog features at overview of our one-stop facility, value added services and products that we offer as well as depicts photos, drawings, descriptions and typical applications for custom-designed precision bearing...

Optical encoders.(Media MART)
April 1, 2005... This Design and Specifying guide provides a comprehensive summary of optical encoders and their accessories. The guide includes detailed design examples with special attention to operation in extreme environments. It includes absolute and...

Piezoelectric force sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Dynamic sensors measure force in compression, tension, and impact modes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Better than strain-gage sensors at measuring faster, shorter-duration events in crimping, stamping, and punching applications * Ring,...

High-torque dc motors.(New PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Brush-commulated dc motors are ideal for applications requiring the power and size of an ironless core/coreless motor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 22-mm motor runs at up to 8,500 rpm, generating up to 10.2 oz-in, of peak torque * Skewed...

Shoe-in: don't get alarmed over this problem.(Fun with FUNDAMENTALS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... As it turns out, Finagle J. Wurme did not hit the plane with his frozen chicken. Once the bird was removed from the runway, airport security officers had a good chuckle with Finagle over his mistake, the passengers on the plane settled back...