Motion System Design articles from August 2004

Motion System Design archives from August 2004

U.S. manufacturing poised for growth.(In the Loop)
August 1, 2004... Here's some news you're unlikely to find in any of the mainstream media outlets: The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) predicts a major upswing in North American manufacturing within the next 12 months. Rising international...

Taking bombs away.(What's New)(Ordnance Disposal Robot )(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
August 1, 2004... An Ordnance Disposal Robot (ODR) is being used in Iraq to secure and transport hazardous, dangerous, or suspicious materials to places where they can be safely disarmed or destroyed. The ODR is compact and portable, so it can fit in the...

DeviceNet reorganization.(What's New)(Common Industrial Protocol)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... ODVA has reorganized its DeviceNet specification, as well as released several specification enhancements for DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP. Under the new organization, the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which is used by all CIP networks,...

Design process gets framed.(What's New)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new framework to support the design of automated manufacturing and robotic systems used for such...

Free machine-vision seminars.(What's New)
August 1, 2004... Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., hosts free machine-vision seminars called Understanding and Applying Machine Vision Sensors. The half-day events demonstrate how vision sensors perform automated inspection tasks in the automotive, medical,...

The need for good motor decisions.(What's New)(Motor Decisions Matter)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... In February, Motor Decisions Matter, a campaign that promotes motor-management strategies, introduced the 1-2-3 Approach to Motor Management, a free software tool to help companies calculate the potential savings of using a motor-management...

High-gravity compounds benefit lead-replacement apps.(What's New)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... RTP Co., Winona, Minn., introduces advancements in high-gravity compounds (HGCs) for lead-replacement applications that typically fall within densities of 5 to 11 gm/cc. These heavy-weighted HGCs provide improved processing capabilities for...

New PEM for microfuel cells.(What's New)(Sandia Polymer Electrolyte Alternative)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The researchers at the Dept. of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories are working on a new type of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to bring the goal of a microfuel cell closer to realization using diverse fuels like glucose, methanol, and...

Shaft hub proves to be powder-tough.(What's New)(International Powdered Metal Design Competition )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Chicago Powdered Metal Products Co., Schiller Park, Ill., won an award of distinction in the 2004 International Powdered Metal Design Competition for its output shaft hub for truck transmissions. Made for Ford Motor Co.'s Powertrain Operations...

Permanent magnet, permanent power transmission: when frequent disengagement wears too heavily on mechanical couplings, magnetic designs transmit power without the physical contact that leads to deterioration.(Magnetic Couplings)
August 1, 2004... Magnetic couplings transmit high torque with no physical contact, and they disengage smoothly when load gets too high. Generally speaking, the couplings use magnetic power in three different ways; here we'll discuss the two types (hysteresis...

Getting it straight: hybrid-core servomotors are changing the way machines get from point A to B. Their unique setup delivers conventional linear motor performance for the price of a toothed belt or ballscrew arrangement.(Linear Motors)
August 1, 2004... Usually a motor's expensive permanent magnets are placed on its barrel-shaped secondary--and usually that's a good arrangement. However, a linear servomotor's secondary is unrolled to make a flat track that stretches for the full distance of...

Step motors turn it on: new micros simplify digital current-mode control, letting step motors run faster, smoother, and with greater precision.(Electronic Control)
August 1, 2004... For the last 40 years, stepper motors have been used in applications requiring tight position control at an affordable price. The advantageous economics stem from simplicity. Steppers deliver accurate positioning without feedback, and can be...

Connectivity: how is connectivity best incorporated into your design? Motion System Design talked with John Naudziunas from Murrelektronik Inc. and John Roberts of B&R Industrial Automation Corp. to find the answer.(Design By Objective)
August 1, 2004... Define connectivity. What's considered leading edge today? Roberts: Connectivity is the ability to connect to a machine from anywhere in the world and monitor every aspect of the control and motion system. The connection could be via a VPN...

Modular switch for Ethernet apps.(Sensors & Signals)
August 1, 2004... With no complex IT programming, the Modular Managed Switch (MMS)from Phoenix Contact Inc., Harrisburg, Pa., makes industrial Ethernet setup easy. Plug in the needed modules, configure the browser-based interface, and the switch is ready. ...

Inductive ring sensors.(Sensors & Signals)
August 1, 2004... Minneapolis-based Turck Inc. offers S32 ring sensors with a 100-mm-diameter ring. The four-wire, 10 to 55-Vdc sensors are suitable for part detection through feeding and tube systems or parts ejection control. FEATURES & BENEFITS *...

Talking machine to machine.(Sensors & Signals)
August 1, 2004... The Nvio is a machine-to-machine (M2M) system from Opto 22, Temecula, Calif., that , combines all needed sensor interfaces, wired or wireless communications, and a software portal application in one package. Part of this offering is the Nvio...

Flexible, rugged system I/O.(Sensors & Signals)
August 1, 2004... The BL76 system I/O from InterlinkBT LLC, Minneapolis, consists of a gateway, base modules, and electronic modules. The gateway, available for DeviceNet and Profibus-DP, coordinates the I/O data exchange and generates detailed diagnostic...

Bearings with bearings.(Better By Design)
August 1, 2004... Most bearings only carry load, leaving other parts of the system to report position. But now there's a roller bearing that can feed back its location. An encoder integrated into the bearing reports position with precision up to [+ or -] 3...

Seamless operation.(Better By Design)
August 1, 2004... Pressure drops with temperature, causing gearboxes to suck in air during cooldown. Usually that's okay--except when water, washdown solutions, and airborne particles sneak in too. These contaminants can literally grind gearboxes to a halt....

Fast motion control.(Spotlight Controllers)
August 1, 2004... The NextMoveESB motion controller provides up to three axes of servo and four axes of stepper motion control. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 100 [micro]sec servoloop closure times * Provides pulse and direction to steppers up to 500 kHz ...

Two-motor controller.(Spotlight Controllers)
August 1, 2004... The M2 drive can operate two different dc motors at the same time, saving panel space and money. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 1 1/8-hp output; 115-Vac input * Independent mode: Each side controlled with different trimmer pot settings and...

Multi-axis positioning controllers.(Spotlight Controllers)
August 1, 2004... Modular multi-axis position controllers offer a solution between manual changeover and total servo control. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Up to 10 axes * Includes dc servo amplifiers, absolute and incremental encoder input modules with...

Intelligent motion controllers.(Spotlight Controllers)
August 1, 2004... MAXv motion controllers provide up to eight axes of motion control on a single card for VME-bus compatible computers. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 266 MHz, 32-bit RISC processor * PID update rate of 122 [micro]sec on all axes * Six...

Motion controller modules.(Spotlight Controllers)
August 1, 2004... PXI-7352, 7354, and 7356 motion controller modules come in two, four, and six-axis versions. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Include eight total encoders, 64-bits of discrete I/O, and eight 16-bit analog inputs * Stepper or servo motion...

Brushless motors.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... The 200-W Faulhaber 4490 brushless motor combines the benefits of a skew-wound System Faulhaber wire with a rare earth magnet. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 44 mm in diameter; 90 mm long * Delta-wound version targets high-speed...

High precision bellows couplings.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... BK7 Series bellows couplings compensate for axial, angular, and lateral misalignment. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Mounts to hollow bores with an expanding tapered clamping element * Stainless-steel bellows offers high torsional rigidity...

Linear position sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Rugged and reliable Temposonics G Series linear position sensors offer more functions for less cost. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Fully programmable setup * Red and green LED indicators alert users of errors * In-line pushbutton or...

Modular rack and pinion drives.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... A system of racks, pinions, reducers, and lubrication systems help users build an axis of any length. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Capable of carrying weights from 100 to 100,000 lb * AGMA-12 racks combined with Split pinion, DualDrive...

Low-cost drives fill high-volume apps.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... ACS50 Micro Drive brings electronic control to 0.25 to 1-hp motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Replace contactors, soft starters, triacs, and step transformers with electronic control * Three control pots, eight DIP switches let users adjust...

Frameless motors drive direct.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... IndraDyne T frameless servo motors deliver 4,700 N-m of torque over a speed range from 25 to 700 rpm. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Power for direct drive applications * Designed for link circuit voltages to 750 V * Liquid or...

Cable carriers.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Nylatrac QT Series carriers include molded elastomer torsion bearings at link pivot points for less noise. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Available in standard Nylatrac Series sizes * Suitable for laboratories, medical, and semiconductor...

Low-profile frameless resolvers.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... ULT Frameless Pancake Resolvers for applications requiring large through-holes and limited angle of rotation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Many sizes (2.5 to 14 in. ID; 3 to 15in. OD) * Angular error map compensates for mechanical error...

Polyurethane timing belt.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Synchronous Gen III belt is reinforced with S and Z twist tensile members for straighter tracking on pulleys. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Increased hardness for up to 45% tooth-load capacity * 30% more load-bearing teeth *...

Cable and carrier systems.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Conductive ESD Energy Chain prevents the buildup of static electricity and eliminates the potential for sparks. FEATURES & BENEFITS * New E6 meets EU ATEX guidelines and SEMI E-780998 requirements * Easily lengthened or shortened...

Very flexible couplings.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Heli-Cal flexure performs as a coupling or U-joint. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Eliminates maintenance and backlash associated with separate parts * Can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to designer specifications ...

More sensor options.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... Sensor line extends to include new categories. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 5-mm extended-distance sensors * Ac and dc rectangular photo sensors * Short-body prox sensors (8 and 12 mm) * Analog prox sensors (8, 12, 18, 30 mm) ...

Linear slide.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... The RGS 1000 linear-motion slide transmits high force in a cost-effective package. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Handles dynamic loads to 100 lb * Speeds to over 60 ips * Suitable for materials handling, CNC routers, packaging,...

Amplifier simplifies ultrasonic motor use.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... AB5 amplifier generates ultrasonic waves to drive piezoelectric servomotors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Linear voltage-to-velocity profile eliminates need for custom servo algorithms * On/off function lets users instantly and easily...

Regenerative drives simplify torque control.(Motion Marketplace)
August 1, 2004... RG60OU-T Regenerative Drives provide velocity and torque control for motors up to 2 hp. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Simple operation based on Enable and Inhibit terminals * Adjustable torque and acceleration * Tachometer or armature...

Sealed linear actuators.(Linear Corner)
August 1, 2004... NEMA-17 and -23 environmentally sealed linear actuators (ESLA) can be washed down and autoclaved. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Motor end protected with polyolefin shrink tubing and polyurethane adhesive sealant * Non-magnetic, polished,...

High-precision ball, crossed roller slides.(Linear Corner)
August 1, 2004... New line of high-precision ball and cross roller slides offers straight line accuracy of 0.00004 in. per inch of travel with a repeatability of 0.00002-in. FEATURES & BENEFITS * All-stainless-steel balls, rollers, ways, preloaded gibs,...

Quiet technology.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... A quiet carrier system doesn't have to be a quantum leap. The Nylatrac QT System is a line of standard carriers that have been modified for extremely quiet operation. The QT System delivers the reliability of proven carrier designs, with...

Elgo magnetic linear encoders.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Magnetic-Resistive touchless technology for use in harsh environments. Unaffected by dirt, dust, water, oil, electrical noise or vibration Applications include: woodworking, saws, metal shears, and metal bending equipment. Sensors are IP65 or...

Fluorinated lubricants.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... 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...

Precision positioning stages.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Kohzu, Japan's premiere manufacturer of precision motion instruments now offers its comprehensive fine of rotary, linear and swivel-arc stages to the American industrial and scientific community. Manual and motorized sub-micron accuracy...

Torque Systems capabilities.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Torque Systems Division of Cleveland Motion controls has introduced a new capabilities brochure that highlights their ability to provide customized electromechanical solutions for brushless and brush servomotors, linear actuators and encoders....

Linear motion catalog offers components & complete systems.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Over 400 products and systems are showcased, including precision case-hardened and ground steel shafts, aluminum support rails, shaft support blocks and shaft rail assemblies, roller bearing pillow blocks/carriage prates, as well as complete...

Backlash-free solutions.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... GERWAH Drive Components offers a complete line of GERWAH[R] Zero Backlash Servo Coupling and PETER[R] Keyless Shaft/Hub Locking Devices, including Bellow, Miniature and Servo Insert Couplings, Mechanical and Magnetic Torque Limiters, Locking...

Anti-Creep Cage Crossed Roller Way.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Anti-Creep Crossed Roller Way CRWG offers cage-creep-proof function using a rack-and-pinion mechanism originated from IKO Crossed Roller Way, featuring smooth linear motion with super high accuracy. Additional features include freedom in...

Mechanical caliper brakes.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... New catalog lists specifications for mechanical caliper brakes available from Ausco Products Inc. for applications in lawn and garden tractors, snowmobiles, ATVs, trailers, and small construction and agricultural vehicles. Products include...

Multi-disc brake selection guide.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... This easy-to-use 28 page selection guide contains drawings, specifications and detailed information about the latest in heavy-duty brake technology, and includes Ausco's now generation wet and dry multi-disc brakes. The catalog also provides an...

LDL linear encoder.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Utilizing reflective optical diffraction technology, the LDL is a compact, affordable answer to digitize motion to resolutions of .00005 inches (.0005 mm). Offered in travel lengths up to 48 inches, no contact between the readhead and scale...

Wave Springs.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... 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...

Hydraulic caliper brakes.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... New catalog lists specifications for heavy-duty hydraulic caliper brakes available from Ausco Products Inc. for application in all types of trailers, agricultural vehicles, off-road vehicles, construction and industrial equipment. Products...

Brake technology.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... Brochure presents a variety of high tech multi-disc, ball ramp, and caliper brakes manufactured by Ausco. It summarizes the company's commitment to staying on the leading edge of technology and meeting the needs of our customers, often by...

Clutches & brakes.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... New 22-page, color brochure features Hilliard's full line or motion control products, including overrunning, bi-directional, intermittent motion, torque limiting and centrifugal clutches, plus permanent magnet, electric and Twiflex brakes....

Miniature bellow couplings.(Media Mart)
August 1, 2004... R+W miniature bellow couplings are for low intertia applications requiring high positioning accuracy, and are now available in a wide variety of mounting methods. The couplings compensate for parallel, angular and axial offsets, and are much...

Quadrature encoder signals.(MSD 101)(optical rotary encoder)
August 1, 2004... The sensing mechanism in an incremental optical rotary encoder consists primarily of a light source, code wheel, and optical detector. As the code wheel turns, a ring of alternating opaque and transparent regions shutters the light between the...