Motion System Design articles from August 2005

Motion System Design archives from August 2005

Web contents.
August 1, 2005... Click on Current Issue for in-depth information on motors, bearings, linear motion, controllers, and sensors. Click on Issue Archieve to browse past features; classic issues of the popular department Brushing Up are also warehoused to pass on...

Getting to know you.(In the LOOP)
August 1, 2005... To news articles, written ears apart, should be required reading for everyone in government, the press, and the education system. Together they paint a picture of what the world is up against in the War on Terror. The first piece is a...

PTDA offers positive market outlook.(What's NEW)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The Power Transmission Distributors Association's (PTDA) May trend data for distributors and manufacturers of power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) products shows a steady rise in the industry. In May, U.S. ditributors' year-to-date...

Wafer-thin: new infrared tool measures silicon wafer thickness.(What's NEW)(National Institute of Standards and Technology)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... To meet its quality control roadmap goals by 2010, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed the Improved Interferometer ([IR.sup.3]), which accurately measures differences in thickness across the new...

CD coupling ensures zero-print error.(INDUSTRY FOCUS: PRINTING)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... High-speed operation requires die-cutting machines that maintain smoothness and reduce torque spikes. This is particularly true for Mark Andy Inc.'s LP 3000, a high-speed printer that produces labels at 750 ft/min., prints two sides in a single...

The Timken Company.(Company news)
August 1, 2005... The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio completed the sale of its Linear Motion Systems (LMS) division--Timken S.p.A in Milan, Italy, and Timken Deutschland GmbH in Stuttgart, Germany,--to Overseas Industries S.p.A., an Italian firm. LMS designs and...

Steinmeyer GmbH.(Company news)
August 1, 2005... Steinmeyer GmbH, Albstadt, Germany, opened a direct sales office in Newton, Mass. The facility is responsible for sales and service of precision ball screws and lead screws in North America.

It's super: Rockwell Automation demonstrates first high-temperature, superconducting motor using second-generation wire.(What's NEW)
August 1, 2005... Moving a step forward in its goal of making energy-saving technology commercially viable, Rockwell Automation, Greenville, S.C., successfully demonstrated the capabilities of a 2-hp Reliance-Electric high-temperature superconducting (HTS) motor...

Fall schedule set for Motor & Motion College courses.(What's NEW)
August 1, 2005... SMMA-The Motor & Motion Association will offer four SMMA Motor & Motion College courses in October. The first class, The Fundamentals of Electric Motor Design, will be held October 5, prior to the SMMA 2005 Fall Technical Conference at the...

Aerospace Display Systems (ADS) and Transicoil Corp., recently merged to form ADS/Transicoil, and have moved headquarters to Collegeville, Pa.(Pennsylvania)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Aerospace Display Systems (ADS) and Transicoil Corp., recently merged to form ADS/Transicoil, and have moved headquarters to Collegeville, Pa. The 90,000 sq. ft. facility houses engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, and...

B&R Industrial Automtion Corp., Roswell, Ga., added Elec-Trol Inc., Hopkins, Minn., as a partner company in its automation distribution network.(Company news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... B&R Industrial Automtion Corp., Roswell, Ga., added Elec-Trol Inc., Hopkins, Minn., as a partner company in its automation distribution network. Elec-Trol represents B&R in Minnesota, Nebraska, and North and South Dakota. The addition increases...

ABB MV Drives.(Medium Voltage )(Drives Industry)(Aaron Aleithe becomes the vice president of ABB MV Drives)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... ABB MV Drives, Norwalk, Conn., has named Aaron Aleithe global vice president of business development. Aleithe is responsible for leading the growth of the business in the chemical, oil, and gas segment. He is based in New Berlin, Wis. and has a...

Mectrol LLC.(New Hampshire)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Mectrol LLC, Salem, N.H., completed the sale of its polyurethane timing belt business, allowing it to concentrate on its motion control and automotive business units. The company will retain its headquarters, central engineering, and...

The U.S. Senate confirmed William Alan Jeffrey as the 13th director of the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).(United States)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The U.S. Senate confirmed William Alan Jeffrey as the 13th director of the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Jeffrey succeeds Arden Bement. Jeffrey has been involved in federal science and...

SKF Spindle Service.(Company news)
August 1, 2005... SKF Spindle Service, a unit of SKF USA Inc., opened a service center in Armada, Mich., to better serve Detroit-area manufacturers. In addition to ball screw manufacturing and repair, the facility will offer spindle service. SKF reconditions and...

Get connected: don't let bad cables destroy a good motion system. Find out how to select these vital components.(Motor CABLES)
August 1, 2005... Engineers designing servo and stepper systems tend to focus on the obvious: the motor, controller, amplifier, and sensors. Signal and power cables, though no less important than the components they connect, are often overlooked until the...

Turning an art into science: the tool profile of molded plastic gears can be predicted degrees mathematically for more efficient mold development.(Plastic GEARS)(Cover Story)
August 1, 2005... Improved engineering plastics with better material properties have led to an increase in the use of plastic molded gears in mechanical drives. The cost efficiency of replicating geometries through molding has also increased their use. With this...

Cables and accessories.(Peak PRODUCTIVITY)
August 1, 2005... Productivity is a shared goal in industrial applications involving designers, component makers, and end users. Everyone plays a role. In this report, Motion System Design editors polled cable and accessories experts for their advice on...

Step angles and accuracy.(MSD 101)
August 1, 2005... For every system design, engineers must determine how much accuracy is necessary. All components put into the system affect this accuracy, even back to the motor. In step motors, accuracy increases when the steps are smaller. This is because...

Incremental shaft, hollowshaft encoders.(Design by objective: RESPONSE)
August 1, 2005... The Kubler 2 in. incremental shaft (T8.5000) and hollowshaft (T8.5020) encoders offer extremely high shock ratings for continuous duty operation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Shock rating of 250 g * Speeds to 12,000 rev/min, frequency to...

Airless cylinders.(Design by objective: RESPONSE)
August 1, 2005... Multi-position airless cylinders achieve high speeds for precision through complete adjustable control of all movement parameters. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Loads to 22 lb * Programmable for high stroke accuracies * High...

Linear motor positioning actuator.(Design by objective: RESPONSE)
August 1, 2005... Type GLM30 high force linear motor positioning actuator provides 3,000 N continuous linear force using liquid cooling. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Instantaneous peak-linear-force of 4,500 N * LM Guide type SHS features long strokes and...

Permanent magnet motors.(Design by objective: RESPONSE)
August 1, 2005... PS Series motors feature permanent magnet rotors combined with an outer rotor design. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Resolution of more than 2.6 million counts/rev, maximum speed of 600 rpm, accuracy of 30 arc/sec, repeatability of 2 arc/sec...

The four forces.(Brushing up--UNIVERSAL FORCES)
August 1, 2005... Four fundamental forces appear to be holding the universe together: the electromagnetic force, two nuclear forces, and gravity. They're all caused by matter's absorption or emission of energy-carrying particles called bosons. For this reason,...

Open door policy.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
August 1, 2005... ATD automatic door openers are designed for field retrofit on existing machinery for horizontal or vertical door operations. They protect operators from both crushing and repetitive motion injuries and include built-in safety features that...

Drumming up power.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
August 1, 2005... Drum motors, or motorized pulleys, act as conveyer drive systems in which the motor, transmission, and bearings are totally enclosed within the drum shell. Power from the motor is transmitted through the gearbox, which is joined to a geared rim...

Coordinating gantries.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
August 1, 2005... AGS1000 series Cartesian gantry systems are driven by BLMC series brushless linear servomotors for speeds of 2 m/sec and accelerations of 2 G. Feedback via a non-contact optical linear encoder with resolution of 10 Nm to 1.0 mm. Thermal...

Gantries with giddyap.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
August 1, 2005... It's no myth. Hercules Series gantries feature a modular design for versatility and linear motors for maximum throughput and micron-level precision. Each axis incorporates its own iron core or ironless (zero-cogging) linear servomotor in one of...

Valve manifolds.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
August 1, 2005... The XV module connection allows integration of pneumatic valves by most well-known manufacturers directly into the system. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 24 digital outputs for up to 24 valves, in a compact DSUB housing * Direct cConnection...

Magnetic cylinder sensors.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
August 1, 2005... C-slot pneumatic cylinders feature Giant Magnetoresistive technology and offer high repeatability, fast response times, and immunity from long-term effects of magnetic fields. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Unlimited cycles reduce sensor...

Rodless cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
August 1, 2005... Series MY2 and MY3 rodless cylinders use low-profile designs for space-saving of 30% or more compared to conventional designs, and exceed 3,000 km life. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stroke-adjusting, double-acting MY2 requires no lubrication...

Repairable cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
August 1, 2005... EN series NFPA interchangeable cylinders use extra long graphite-filled cast iron rod bushingsto increase stability. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Bores sizes of 11//2 to 6 in., rod diameters of 5/8 to 1 3/4 in. * Strokes to 48 in.,...

Pneumatic hoses.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
August 1, 2005... Chainflex Air pneumatic hoses used in an Energy Chain System offer flexibility and resistance to abrasion, oil, and coolant. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Tested for more than 10 million cycles at bend radius 10 times outer diameter *...

No key needed.(Better BY DESIGN)
August 1, 2005... Normally a shaft is machined with a keyway that connects onto other components, such as a bushing. However, a new power transmission design allows for direct connection between shaft and bushing without a key. The Vecobloc keyless bushing...

Rotary encoders circumvent resolvers.(Better BY DESIGN)
August 1, 2005... While resolvers are well suited for robust applications, they do not handle the demands of drive and automation technology well. Now, small servo drive users and those whose applications require low accuracy can employ inductive rotary...

DLS5 ideal for single and double axis gantries.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion[R] DLS5 belt driven linear transmission unit is a compact driven unit built on a strong aluminum beam. Carriage has a maximum load capacity of 10,000N. The single beam can accomodate multiple carriages for larger loads. The...

New technology for cabin carriers.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... Introducing Bandtrac, the newest innovation in co-extrusion technology. Eliminates noise, wear and vibration inherent to link-style systems. An affordable solution to demanding applications, Bandtrac requires no additional components outside of...

Precision encoders.(Media MART)
August 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...

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

Telescopic Ball Bearing Slides for extending applications.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... BishopWisecarver now offers high quality HepcoMotion[R] HTS Telescopic Ball Bearing Slides. Combined with exceptional performance and a phenomenal range of options, HTS slides are quiet, rigid under extended loads, and offer smooth motion and...

UtiliTrak[R] linear motion guides with polymer wheels.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... BishopWisecarver announces the PW UtiliTrak[R] with signature DualVee motion Technology[R] guide wheels. This smooth, low cost, corrosion resistant linear guidance solution features a pre-assembled carriage with studded polymer wheels and...

Linear bearing products guide.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... 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...

CGI Inc. gearheads.(Media MART)
August 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.,...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
August 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)
August 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...

Spiral Retaining Rings & Wave Springs.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... Smalley's complete product line is now available in one easy to navigate catalog. The new catalog includes over 7,000 standard wave springs, spiral retaining rings and snap rings. Smalley's new catalog offers simplified part selection, special...

Looking for a new integrated automation system?.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... Containing detailed technical information for a wide variety of products the new B&R product catalog shows our customers various options for an efficient Integrated Automation Solution; whether you are looking for Visualization, Motion...

Optical encoders.(Media MART)
August 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...

Hybrid linear actuator catalog.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... The HSI hybrid actuators come in six sizes, from 21 mm square to 87 mm square. Each size has three designs available--captive, non-captive and an external linear version. There are over twenty five different travels per step available, from...

Linear module actuator.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... Rodless actuators offer a high speed maintenance free synchronous belt driven LM type actuator. It consists of a lightweight aluminum carriage running on wheels with ball bearings riding inside a special aluminum extrusion, it is driven by a...

www.leeson.com.(Media MART)
August 1, 2005... Experience the most appealing, easiest-to-use customer web portal in the motor and PT business. Now you can instantly get the up-to-date information you need to efficiently manage transactions with LEESON... everything from technical...

Linear actuators.(Spotlight LINEAR MOTION)
August 1, 2005... Cala 36 linear actuators are engineered with motor and drive spindle connected inline through a planetary gear assembly, achieving a compact design for limited space. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 12 or 24 Vdc * Loads to 600 N, speeds of...

Linear motors.(Spotlight LINEAR MOTION)
August 1, 2005... Linear motor family P01-48x240 features standard and fast winding options, for maximal force and high payloads, and minimal position times in long-stroke applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 580 N peak force * IP 67 motor connector...

Optical linear scale.(Spotlight LINEAR MOTION)
August 1, 2005... Absolute sealed LC 182 optical linear scale covers measuring lengths to 4,240 mm. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Constant signal quality over entire length * Resolution down to 0.02 [micro]m, maximum traversing speed to 120 m/min *...

Linear-type stepper motor.(Spotlight LINEAR MOTION)
August 1, 2005... LinearStep offers linear motion in a rotary size package without the associated costs of rotary stepper motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 25 to 35 mm outside dimensions * Ball bearing support and durable motor case promote long life...

Miniature linear guide/slide.(Spotlight LINEAR MOTION)
August 1, 2005... Mini-Rail LS/MS self-lubricating, screw-driven linear guides/slides provide a compact, robust, light-weight, low-cost, smooth, and quiet motion control solution. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Precision ball bearings support lead screw and...

Absolute encoders.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Compact absolute encoder is designed for limited space applications, measuring only 52 mm in diameter and 30 mm in height. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Shaft (6 mm diameter) and hollow shaft (10 mm bore) versions * Delivers 8 to 12 bits...

Linear brakes.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Ortlinghaus brake is pneumatically released for linear drives and holds the present position securely and without backlash. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 1,100 N maximum braking force (dry running) * 5.5 bar minimum air pressure required...

Safety light curtains.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... MiniSafe flexible MSF4700 family of safety light curtains withstands high shock and vibration environments typical of punch presses and heavy industrial machinery. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Multi-segment design protects up to four openings...

Plastic shaft collar.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Clamp-style collars avoid marring and wrap around the shaft, increasing honing power. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Available in one- and two-piece versions, as well as set screw, in bore sizes from 1/8 to 3 in. * Uses acetal and...

Light-duty offset gearmotors.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Light-duty gearmotors come in standard sizes and use a one-piece gear cluster made with high-strength steel and precision-hobbed gears. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Operating temperature from -60[degrees] to 250[degrees]F, motor rated to...

Servo worm reducers.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Precision servo worm reducers include high torque, economy, and basic versions for rotary axis drives, traveling gantries and columns, and material handling applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * High torque offers 150% the torque...

Linear guides.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... AMSD monorail guides incorporate position feedback and digital interface circuits, and are available in roller and ball versions. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Integrated scale and guide provide simultaneous installation; electronic scan head...

Ultrasonic position sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Low-cost sensors produce analog current or voltage output corresponding to target distance. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sensing ranges from 0 to 2 in. and 0 to 20 in. * Programmable min and max position (removable pushbutton included...

Dynamometer tables.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Dynomometer Table Series accommodates hysteresis/engine or Eddy-current/powder brake meters. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Can be customized for blowers or multiple meters * 19-in. rack mounts for controllers, readouts, power analyzers,...

Vacuum stepmotors.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... 211 Series Nema 11 stepmotors are ideal for small, commercial-grade vacuums of [10.sup.-4] to [10.sup.-7] Torr. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Holding torque ranges from 9.2 to 16.6 oz-in., 1.8[degrees] step size * Measures 1.1 sq in. and...

Rigid shaft couplings.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... Line of clamp-type shaft couplings comes in a variety of materials, sizes, and configurations to match all application requirements. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Precision-machined from steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in bore sizes 1/4...

UV proximity sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... CZ-H52 UV Sensor detects targets invisible to conventional proximity sensors. FEATURE & BENEFITS * Detect fluorescent materials from a distance of 25 to 55 mm on plastic, metal, glass, and other substrates * Measurement unaffected...

Integrated stepmotor and drive.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... DSM Series micro-stepping motors with onboard drive electronics save space and simplify installation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * NEMA frame sizes 17, 23, and 34 * Holding torque ratings of 32,60, 74.9, 90, 144, 239, 381,575, and 1,061...

Wire rope displacement transducers.(New PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2005... HX Series linear position sensors withstand adverse environments and offer a wide range of measuring distances. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Thirty ranges from 2 to 2,000 in. * Digital and analog outputs, [+ or -] 0.03% linearity *...

Problem 280: air heads: you don't need portable electronic devices for this one.(Fun WITH FUNDAMENTALS)
August 1, 2005... Dizzy Lizzy Hapless and Hanna live on opposite coasts. Lizzy lives in and loves L.A., while Hanna's happy home is halfway outside Hartford. One day, the two friends decided to pay each other a surprise visit. Unbeknownst to Lizzy, Hanna hopped...