Motion System Design articles from August 2003

Motion System Design archives from August 2003

Tough sell for tough times.(In the Loop)(goal to increase manufacturing in US through high tech and public/private partnerships)
August 1, 2003... The National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing recently issued a report to government and industry leaders, describing what it thinks the U.S. must do to maintain its current standard of living. In a nutshell, the coalition is calling for an...

Failure to communicate.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... This is in response to both articles on page 56 of the June 2003 issue. In the words from "The Captain" in the movie Cool Hand Luke, "What we have here is a failure to communicate." People who aren't employed in the manufacturing sector...

Manufacturing is link to prosperity.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... I enjoyed and appreciated your recent article about the need for a manufacturing base. There are not enough people looking at this as a serious concern. The very link to prosperity is eroding in front of our eyes. You will find that the...

Plastic and elastic.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... In regards to the Brushing Up //Matter matters article in the May issue: It covers the basics pretty well, except for the Modulus of Elasticity. Yes, strain is the deformation evident in solid bodies that experience an applied stress, but it is...

Steel and ceramics give ballscrews a boost.(What's New)
August 1, 2003... Ballscrews in electromechanical injection molding machines have a hard life operating in a high-pressure, unforgiving, and often neglected environment. Despite working under high loads, they are expected to last a long time. Umbra Cuscinetti,...

Flying the 'Wright' way.(What's New)(making historic replicas of the Wright Flyer)
August 1, 2003... In 1903, the Wright Flyer became the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a pilot aboard. To mark the centennial anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's maiden flight, the Wright Redux...

Robotic road warriors.(What's New)(Department of Defence seeking robotic vehicles)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The war in Iraq provided a glimpse into the future of combat, one in which unmanned systems play a much bigger role. Considering the potential robotics technology has in protecting the men and women who defend our nation, the U.S. Dept. of...

Crash course on noisy gears.(What's New)
August 1, 2003... If you're involved in the analysis or manufacture of simple and complex gear systems, check out these short courses offered by Ohio State University in Columbus. The basic course runs Sept. 10 to 12, and an advanced class is held Sept. 15 to...

Pack Expo goes international.(What's New)(packaging trade show features foreign exhibitors)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
August 1, 2003... Attendees to Pack Expo Las Vegas will get a taste of Latin American packaging with the addition of three international associations: Argentine Packaging Institute, Brazilian Packaging Association, and Mexican Packaging Association. These...

A crowning achievement for cam followers: the effects of load deflection on specific areas of a cam follower bearing can spell doom and gloom if you don't account for them.(Course audit: advanced learning at your desk, at your pace)
August 1, 2003... Topics of discussion: * Cam followers * Bearing stud deflection Under load, a cam follower bearing deflects at the bearing stud. This deflection affects the load distribution over the rollers and over the length of each roller,...

No longer second best: with the help of new technologies, leadscrews prove they're more than ballscrew substitutes.
August 1, 2003... Leadscrews were once thought of as cheap substitutes for ballscrews, only good for less demanding applications. They were often assembled using low-quality screws from ballscrew or fastener designs, in which a one-piece nut provided basic power...

Rotary to linear converters: though they are tried-and-true components, applying rotary-to-linear converters requires attention to subtle details. This month, the editors at Motion System Design asked nine industry experts for tips to avoid application pitfalls. Here's what they said.(Productivity Forum)
August 1, 2003... When using rotary-to-linear converters, what applications present the most challenges in terms of machine productivity? Challenges Robert/Danaher: Factory automation equipment tends to present the biggest challenge. Many applications...

Pressure switches stay hot.(Sensor Tips)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Despite growing competition from pressure transducers and transmitters, pressure switches will continue to find use in a variety of applications, according to VDC's study, "The U.S. Market for Pressure Switches." The study predicts the U.S....

Bundle up your cables.(Sensor Tips)
August 1, 2003... Magic cable ties from Micro Plastics Inc., Flippin, Ark., feature a hook-and-loop design to help you quickly and firmly bundle and unbundle your cables. Material is a combination of nylon and polypropylene. Lengths range from 4 7/8 to 12 3/16...

Q&A corner.(Negative Temperature Coefficient and Positive TC thermistor usage)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Thermistors are thermally sensitive resistors with either a negative (NTC) or positive (PTC) temperature coefficient. Both types are solid-state ceramic components, known for their reliability and long life. NTC Q: When should I...

Rack & pinion: the other precision linear drive.(MSD 101)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Rack-and-pinion drives, in concept, are one of the oldest and most basic power transmission technologies. They consist simply a pinion gear meshing a toothed bar or "rack." Although either component may be fixed, it's usually the pinion, which...

Comparing costs.(MSD 101)
August 1, 2003... As the travel distance increases, so does the cost discrepancy between linear motors and rack-and-pinion systems. The difference is due primarily to the expense of additional motor magnets and longer-travel encoders. [GRAPHIC OMITTED]

Don't bring me down.(MSD 101)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Machine drives must not only overcome the load they're attempting to move, but also the normal forces they themselves produce. The normal force associated with certain linear motors can be five to 10 times higher than that of a ballscrew or...

Rack and pinion scorecard.(MSD 101)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Acceleration: 3 to 4 g's Speed: 200 to 300 m/min (400 m/min coming soon) Accuracy: 12 to 40 [micro]m (4-m length) FEATURES Constant stiffness over entire travel length: good control behavior; low noise and heat...

Questions & answers.(MSD 101)(Brief Article)(Column)
August 1, 2003... Q: How is accuracy maintained? A: The accuracy of a precision rack-and-pinion system is around 12 [micro]m per 500-mm rack. By matching sections--each section is checked and marked --lengths of any size can be created with no more than 40...

Golden seals: new gears pay off for glassware maker.(Lifetime & reliability)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Background: Mikasa, a manufacturer of dinnerware, fine china, and crystal, has a state-of-the-art distribution center in Charleston, S.C. The plant is entirely automated, incorporating over 16 miles of intelligent conveyors flanked by dozens of...

Aircraft has right stuff: flexible shafts assist aircraft's flap actuator system.(Service & support)
August 1, 2003... Pilatus, the aircraft manufacturer located in Stans, Switzerland, produces a Uniquely versatile, multipurpose aircraft,-the PC-12. As a business aircraft, it offers multiple configurations ranging from executive-level transportation to...

Stainless steel motors.(Motors Warehouse)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Rating: 1/2 to 10 hp FEATURES * Pre-lubricated double-sealed bearings * Hydrophobic breathers * IRIS insulation for inverter-duty operation * Withstand caustic lye, bleach, acids, alkalines, surfactants *...

Premium efficiency motors.(Motors Warehouse)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Output: 1 to 500 hp FEATURES * High-strength cast iron frames * UL recognized and CSA certified * NPT-threaded terminal box * Vibration level below IEEE specification * NEMA MG1 Part 31 rated for inverter...

New line of drives.(Motors Warehouse)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Horsepower: 1/3 to 500 Voltage: 198 to 506 FEATURES * Line includes ac inverter drives, encoderless vector drives, vector drives, ac drives, as well as digital dc controls * Overload capacity of 150% (30 sec); 200%...

Brushless dc motors.(Motors Warehouse)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Rotational speed: 8,000 rpm FEATURES * 3-phase, 4-pole * Slotless stator design * Low-inductance, high-current bandwidth * Three sizes available * Many length and performance options Pittman ...

4-pole brushless motor.(Motors Warehouse)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Output: 200 W continuous Speed: 12,000 rpm Torque: 37 oz-in., depending on winding FEATURES * Built-in Hall-effect sensors * Temperature range: -20[degrees] to 100[degrees] C * Built to IP54 standards ...

New servo drive launched into US market.(XtraDrive, high precision AC servo driver introduced to U.S. market)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... An Israeli firm, YET (the company name is a contraction of Yaskawa Eshed Technology Ltd) is introducing it's high precision AC servo driver to the US. Called XtraDrive[TM], it incorporates many new and advanced features, according to the...

One of XtraDrive's key features.(Caption)
August 1, 2003... While the manufacturer touts a number of distinguishing features in XtraDrive, one in which they excel is their zero settling time. Non-linear control, adaptive feed-forward algorithm and digital processing of encoder pulses provide both small...

What will it be, guns or butter?(Idea Exchange)(Brief Article)(Column)
August 1, 2003... DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE COLD WAR, WHEN THE U.S. was spending more and more on defense, liberal politicians thought too much money was being diverted from social welfare programs and consumer niceties. The debate was said to be about making...

The judicial process is a mess.(Idea Exchange)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED, MANY APPOINTED judges at both the federal and state level are having trouble getting confirmed by legislative bodies that must approve them. This brings to a head just how contorted our courts and judicial processes...

Must manufacturing die for infotech to live?(Idea Exchange)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THERE IS A COMMON PERCEPTION THAT AS ONE AREA of industry ascends in importance, another must wane. For example, the rise of our manufacturing economy is often said to have caused agriculture to decrease in importance. And as we turn more to...

Data to drawings.(Online)
August 1, 2003... Translating raw data into CAD drawings and dimensional data is easy thanks to the Configurator from Lovejoy Inc., Downers Grove, Ill. The online database features more than 20,000 flexible couplings used in such power transmission applications...

Vision systems tough it out.(Sensing)
August 1, 2003... LabView just got rugged. The new NI CVS-1454 compact vision system from National Instruments, Austin, brings FireWire connectivity and multi-camera synchronization to harsh environments. The system can handle multiple camera inputs and...

Partners in industrial wireless.(Connectivity)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Phoenix Contact Inc., Harrisburg, Pa., and Vancouver-based Omnex Control Systems announced an exclusive distribution agreement to increase worldwide availability and sales of industrial wireless radio systems. Under the agreement, Phoenix...

Handy CAN.(Connectivity)
August 1, 2003... Big things come in small packages with the USB-to-CAN compact from IXXAT Inc., Northampton, Mass. The interface can receive bursts of CAN messages, timestamp them, and send them to a PC via USB without losing data, even at high data rates and...

Counter/pulse output modules.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * Accept high-speed, pulse-type input signals * Provide discrete or pulse output * 8 dc sink/source inputs at 9-30 Vdc * 4 isolated sink/source dc outputs at 5-30 Vdc * Work with incremental encoders ...

Sound-level meter.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Frequency measurement: 30 to 8,000 Hz Sound measurement: 40 to 130 dB (A weighting); 45 to 130 dB (C weighting) FEATURES * For audio, general-purpose use * Sound levels displayed digitally and in bar graph *...

Ballscrews for linear actuation.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 6 to 125 mm (rolled ballscrews); 16 to 125 mm (ground ballscrews) Lead: 2 to 50 mm Dynamic load: 1.2 to 164.7 kN (rolled ballscrews); 9.7 to 269 kN (ground ballscrews) FEATURES * Ground ballscrews can be...

Retroreflective laser sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Range: 60 ft Output rating: 150 mA Operating temperature: -10[degrees] to 50[degrees] C FEATURES * Meets IEC IP67 and NEMA 6 standards * Visible Class 1 laser * Easy-to-read 8-segment LED bargraph display...

Actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Motor: 12/24 Vdc permanent magnetic Max. thrust: 500 N Temp: -20[degrees] to 40[degrees] C FEATURES * Reinforced glass fiber piston rod * 750 m straight cable without plug * Built-in limit switches *...

Right-angle gearbox.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 60 lb-in. Speed: 350 rpm FEATURES * Grease lubrication * Ball bearings and foot mounting * High-energy ceramic magnets RAE Corp. [telephone] (815) 385-3500 www.raemotors.com Circle...

Stainless steel gear reducers.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Ratio: 5:1 to 100:1 Input: C-flange, quill, and coupling FEATURES * O-ring on face of input flange * Environseal eliminates need for vent * Stainless steel output shaft * Food-grade synthetic lubricant ...

Planetary gearheads.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Rated torque: 110 lb-in. (500 lb-in. max) Gear ratio: 5:1 to 45:1 FEATURES * Backlash less than 1 arc-min * 60 mm square mounting flange, 85-mm length * High torsional stiffness HD Systems Inc. ...

Decentralized control.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * Locates controller on or near the motor itself * Operates on common bus networks * Local I/O connection via M12 connectors * Reduces number of branch circuits and cabling expenses * Easy installation; convenient...

Retaining rings.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * Lightweight, economical * Handle light- to medium-thrust loads * Spiral wound * Provide 360[degrees] retaining surface * For internal, external applications Smalley Steel Ring Co. [telephone]...

Crown gear drives.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Ratio: 1:1 and 2:1 Shaft diameter: 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 in. FEATURES * Compact * Sealed from contaminants * Class 10 spiral bevel gears * Non-magnetic stainless steel shafts * Pre-lubricated ...

Worm speed reducers.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Center distance: 1.33 to 4.75 in. Output torque: up to 6,800 lb-in. FEATURES * Factory-filled synthetic lubricant * Leak-free performance * Easy on/off tapered bushing system eliminates corrosion Rockwell...

Shaft-mounted helical gears.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Ratios: to 25:1 Capacity range: 0.3 to 173 kW FEATURES * Available with parallel bore, single-taper bush mountings * Comes with CD-ROM for installation, maintenance * Compact torque restraint * Heavy-duty...

Expanded gearhead line.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 46 to 2,566 lb-in. Ratio: 3:1 to 100:1 Size: NEMA 23 to 56 FEATURES * New ratios make it easier to match inertias * 5-year warranty * Optimal performance in mid-level range Alpha Gear Drives...

Servo inclinometers.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Output: [+ or -] 5.0 Vdc Input: [+ or -] 3[degrees] Temp range: -60[degrees] to 90[degrees] C FEATURES * Splash-proof seal; ideal for outdoor use * Rugged, biaxial, fluid damped, flexure suspension * 3 Hz...

Double nuts for ballscrews.(Motion Markeplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 16 to 100 mm FEATURES * Needs no spacers or connecting hardware * Improves ballscrew accuracy, rigidity, and life * Eliminates backlash and improves ball nut stiffness * Cuts angular errors in assembly...

Linear ballscrew stages.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * Precision-ground ballscrew * High production accuracy * Optional bellows, hardcover waycovers * Brushless servomotor * Sealed linear motion guide bearings Aerotech Inc. [telephone] (412)967-6854 ...

Rotating shaft guards.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * Comply with OSHA, ASME, and ANSI standards * Easy installation * No gaps greater than 0.25 in. * Hinged for convenient coupling lubrication, inspection, and maintenance * Made from polyethylene Orange Peel...

Self-lubricating bearings.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... SPECS Load capability: 40,000 psi for static loads, 20,000 psi for dynamic loads Temperature range: -200[degrees] to 300[degrees] F Diameter: 3/16 in. and up FEATURES * Longer bearing life * Heavy-duty construction...

Plug-and-play sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... FEATURES * IEEE 1451.4 compliant * TEDS stored in the sensor * Automatically sets up and calibrates signal conditioning with sensor * Revolutionizes test and measurement market Sensotec Inc. [telephone] (800)...

Load Runners[R] idler rollers: superior life in harsh environments.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Load Runners load guidance systems, for precision handling of heavy loads in tough environments, combine the high capacity of Load Runners idler-rollers[R] with high-strength-steel Load Rails, cut to length and configured for your...

Linear motion catalog offers components & complete systems.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Lee Controls provides not only in-stock linear motion components--linear bearings, shafts, support rails, carriage plates and slide tables--but complete custom linear systems as well. We also offer high-precision linear guides, famous for...

Rigid torque servo couplings.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... You can buy cheaper couplings, but only Renbrandt Disc Couplings can match the accuracy of your encoders, steppers, etc. Flexible couplings are not all alike. * Fleximite[TM] Disc Couplings--Quite simply, the very best servocouplings by far....

Linear motion components catalog H860.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... The new master catalog H860 features linear rails and bearings for all types of automation applications as well as acme and ball screws. These components make it more affordable to design, build or repair linear systems and/or production,...

Disc springs.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Key Bellevilles, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of disc springs. Sizes range from .236" to .36" O.D., .010" up to 3" thick. Over 10,000 different sizes in stock. Large raw material inventory. Engineering support. Send for our Free...

Electric cylinders.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... RACO Electric Linear Cylinders with ballscrews or acme screws are environmentally safe and low maintenance cylinders. Thrusts to 200,000 lbs., speeds to 30"/second, and strokes to 20 ft. Modular system allows custom built units using the...

Motor mounting systems.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Brochure illustrates motor mounting products, including Automatic motor bases, adjustable motor bases, adjustable rail, custom motor mountings, and transition bases to adapt NEMA "rerated" motor frame sizes to existing mountings, Outlines...

Linear bearings and automation components!(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... New Tusk catalog is a resource for design engineers working with linear motion and needing commercially available linear bearing of many types quickly. Included are dimensions, specifications for ball slides, crossed roller slides, heavy duty...

Special environment Linear Motion Rolling Guide Series.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Brochure presents Linear Motion Rolling Guide Series for special environment that ensure reliable use under the diverse environmental conditions. Please select the IKO Products best suited for your particular needs, from among the wide range of...

The world-smallest MINICAM, CF & CFS series.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... IK0 MINICAM series are compactly designed cam followers with the stud diameter 2 to 6 mm and the outer ring diameter 4.5 to 13 mm. They are suitable for lightly loaded high precision cam mechanisms as well as linear motion mechanisms. Stainless...

Fluorinated lubricants.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Krytox[R] Fluorinated Greases and Oils are chemically inert, insoluble in common solvents. Temperature range--103[degrees]to 800[degrees]F. Compatible with plastics, rubber, ceramics, and metals. Nonflammable, oxygen compatible, no silicones or...

New! Servometer[R] "SMC" coupling line.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Servometer[R] flexible couplings are Low Inertia, Zero Backlash, Low Wind-up, precision constant velocity universal joints. Servometer[R] flexible couplings absorb angular and parallel misalignments in combination with axial movements, while...

Linear Motion Rolling Guide Series with Capillary Plate.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Capillary Plate is attached inside of the end seals of slide unit or external cylinder of Linear Motion Rolling Guides in uniform contact with the race ways of track rail or spline shaft. Lubrication oil impregnated in the Capillary Plate is...

Miniature Linear Way series LWL & LWLF.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Miniature type of Linear Way series meet the next-generation needs. The world-smallest size model with a track rail width of 2mm has been introduced. The standard products are made of stainless steel, and a wide range of variations in shapes...

Spiral retaining rings.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... The new Smalley Steel Ring Company Retaining Ring Catalog is now available. Smalley has over 4500 rings in stock, sizes from 1/4" to 16". Special designs are available with No-Tooling-Charges[TM] with sizes from .200" to 84"; available in...

Electric linear actuator systems.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... LINAK is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electric linear actuator systems. Their product range includes many customized combinations that can be utilized in diverse market applications from hospital beds, patient lifts, and...

EAS[R]-Compact torque limiting clutch.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... The EAS[R]-Compact from Mayr represents the next generation of mechanical torque limiting clutches. Featuring our patented system for backlash free torque transmission, the EAS[R]-Compact offers higher torque capacities and larger bore sizes at...

ROBA-Stop[R] fail safe brakes.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... ROBA[R]-Stop electromagnetic, spring applied, fail safe brakes from Mayr can be used in a wide range of industrial applications. In addition, our ROBA[R]-Stop-M brakes are ideally suited as motor brakes. Mayr also offers specialized brakes,...

Track roller & cam follower solutions.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Intech Power-Core Track Rollers and Cam Followers feature quiet, easy motion, high resistance to flat development, no rail wear, high load and shock capacity, no swelling in moisture. Bearings installed with proprietary thermal technology,...

PT equipment.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... For 50 years, industry has relied on us for dependable speed and position control. Fairchild transmissions are used in printing, paper, packaging, and textile applications, providing web-tensioning and precise speed regulation. They are also...

Smartflex[R] servo coupling.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... The revolutionary modular design of the new Smartflex[R] servo coupling from Mayr drastically reduces both cost and delivery time, as well as greatly simplifying installation and assembly. The Smartflex[R] provides high torsional rigidity,...

Keyless shaft/hub locking devices.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Mayr, as the US distributor for SIT, offers a I complete line of frictional shaft/hub locking devices at very competitive prices. These I products eliminate keys and splines with a mechanical interference fit and provide easily releasable,...

Gear solutions.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Intech Power-Core Gears offer solutions to applications in which wear, lubrication, noise, vibrations, shock load, moisture and chemicals present a problem for nylon, Delrin or metal gears. Metal core delivers secure gear mounting to the shaft...

Precision retaining devices.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Specialized design and engineering brochure of mechanical and self-locking precision retaining devices, which provide for more precision of assemblies, greater security of retaining/locking and more economy of finished bearings and other power...

Inch & metric timing belt drives.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... 32 page catalog contains engineering information, drawings and dimension data for standard synchronous timing belt drives. Information on the latest metric tooth forms including curvelinear, trapezoidal and involute styles is included. The...

Linear bearing product guide.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... Del-Tron Precision's new 88 page guide includes, ball slides, crossed roller slides, 1,2, or 3 axis micrometer driven positioning stages, motor-ready lead screw driven stages, friction-free air actuators, recirculating slide guides, crossed...

B-LOC keyless locking devices.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... B-LOC Corporation is the leading supplier of Keyless Frictional Shaft/Hub Locking Devices in North America, featuring Locking Assemblies, Shrink Discs and Shaft Couplings in both inch and metric sizes for shafts from 1/4" to 40". Our products...

Precision motors for motion control.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2003... The 12 page catalog introduces the most advanced series of electronic motors, operating similarly to DC servo motors. As the leading manufacturer of piezo-electric motors for precision motion control applications, product lines range from...