Motion System Design articles from December 2005

Motion System Design archives from December 2005

The straight story on ballscrews: selection of ballscrews often focuses on extra features that may bring little benefit, while mundane but critical factors are ignored.
December 1, 2005... Engineers are most often concerned with travel accuracy, which might be why so many published norms are available on this single topic. Chief among these are DIN 69051, ISO3408, JIS B1191, and ANSI-B5.48; they cover everything from material...

On-board amplifiers.(Design by objective: EASE OF USE)
December 1, 2005... The MC73110 brushless motor control IC developer's kit (DK73110) with mosfet amplifiers offers an easy way to build high-end motor controllers. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Incorporates velocity and current loop, commutation,...

Programmable machine controller.(Design by objective: EASE OF USE)
December 1, 2005... PMC-328 comes with graphical programming software for ease of use and powers, drives, and controls any 2 or 4-phase stepper with currents to 3 A. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Control via host computer with standard serial cable or by loading...

Intelligent sensors.(Design by objective: EASE OF USE)
December 1, 2005... The iSensor family of intelligent sensors integrates a dual-axis MEMS accelerometer, digital temperature sensor, power-management circuitry, and embedded firmware. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Provides fully calibrated digital outputs for...

Fiber-optic sensors.(Design by objective: EASE OF USE)
December 1, 2005... D10 compact, DIN-rail-mountable fiber-optic sensors are available in three models with choice of bipolar discrete, dual-discrete, and analog-discrete outputs. FEATURES & BENEFITS * D10 Expert with numeric display offers 4-mode power...

Motion control programming.(Design by objective: EASE OF USE)
December 1, 2005... LinkMotion 32-bit machine driver software simplifies programming motion control boards by queing files to print, speeds design-to-manufacturing process, and eliminates process or controller hardware. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Compatible...

Sizing and applying roller screws.(usage of roller screws)
December 1, 2005... How it works Roller screws convert rotary motion into linear motion just like acme and ballscrews. Comparably sized roller screws, however, have better efficiency than acme screws and can carry larger loads than ballscrews. In addition,...

Just the sort: how to improve sorting operations using motion control.(Smart PACKAGING)
December 1, 2005... Sorting is the act of merging, identifying, inducting, and separating products to be conveyed to specific destinations. This discussion focuses on the sorting of products packaged in containers, such as cartons, boxes, and plastic bags. The...

Avoiding step loss.
December 1, 2005... Stepmotors convert electrical pulses into incremental mechanical movements. Each "step" is a set angle, providing precise linear positioning downstream. Sometimes, stepmotors are unable to step when pulsed; they may be overloaded or the pulse...

Let's give a hand to the winners Igus names Mini manus winners.(What's NEW)(2005 Mini manus Online Plastic Bearing Design Contest)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The 2005 Mini manus Online Plastic Bearing Design Contest winners have been named. Manus aims to educate the industry on the merits of plastic as a viable material for use in machinery components. Kesmac Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of...

Searchable product database.(What's NEW)
December 1, 2005... DirectIndustry.com is an international, online database that lets users search thousands of product releases by category and exhibitor. The site features more than 5,000 product releases in its library, including several motion control...

Summit attendance hits new peak.
December 1, 2005... More than 830 people attended the PTDA 2005 Industry Summit Oct. 18 to 20 at Bally's Las Vegas. Attendance was the highest since 2000, with a 20% increase from 2004. Attendees included 247 distributors representing 138 firms, up 25% from 2004....

Updated standard released.
December 1, 2005... The PTDA and Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) unveiled the new version of the Product and Price Information Format (PPIF) at the PTDA 2005 Industry Summit. The standardized, ASCII format for electronic transmission of manufacturer...

ODVA expands network technologies for CIPs.(Common Industrial Protocol)(Open Devicenet Vendors Association)(Open Devicenet Vendors Association developed a networking Project for simple sensors and actuators)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... ODVA, Tokyo, developed Project CipNet SA, a network for simple sensors and actuators, which uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). This single, media-independent protocol complements and expands the CIP family of networks for automation,...

Building engineers one robot at a time.(PTDA news roundup)
December 1, 2005... AutomationDirect, Cumming, Ga., sponsored the Forsyth Alliance team's entry into the 14th Annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, with financial support, donations of materials, resources,...

Good things come in modular packages: ARC reports show benefits of software modularity in packaging machinery.(What's NEW)
December 1, 2005... Three studies published by ARC Advisory Group outline the benefits of modular-packaging machine design. The reports show how automation practitioners use modularity, why packaging companies seek more modular control architectures, and how...

Variable frequency drives manage shear rates.(Bematek Systems Inc.,)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Efficiently and reliably managing the shear rate of its high-speed, inline mixers and high-shear colloid mixers is crucial to Bematek Systems Inc., Beverly, Mass. David Ekstrom, president and general manager, says the company's flexible,...

Motion control distributors join together.(What's NEW)
December 1, 2005... Motion control distributor Minarik Corp., Glendale, Calif., purchased Southwest Controls Inc., Anaheim, Calif. Southwest Controls will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minarik, which will also acquire the company's Orange County and San Diego...

Twin-rod air cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
December 1, 2005... Twin-rod cylinders achieve precise, non-rotating linear motion with less than 1/3 degree of rotation for rod alignment and eliminate endplay for guided motion. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Rectangular body simplifies mounting, saves space,...

Rack-and-pinion actuation.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
December 1, 2005... Rack-and-pinion rotary actuators suit compressed air environments, including those that are filtered, lubricated, or non-lubricated. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Available in 90[degrees], 180[degrees], 270[degrees], and 360[degrees] rotation...

A switch for the better: mechanical limit switches obey the first rule of engineering--keep it simple. That's why they're still the best control option in many automated applications.(Mechanical SENSORS)
December 1, 2005... Limit switches are sensors that provide feedback to keep some physical value (for example, pressure, temperature, or distance) within a preset range. Here we discuss mechanical limit switches and how they sense (and maintain) the position of...

Soft ride.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
December 1, 2005... A new line of oversized PCV heat shrinkable tubing prevents scratches and protects fragile products as they move over rollers, frames, and machine guides. Easily installed, HS-105 PVC tubing is offered in 17 sizes from 3/64 to 4 in. ...

Pulling their weight.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
December 1, 2005... Motorized pulleys with integrated shaft encoders allow conveyor system operators to accurately synchronize product movements. Using SKF or SNR pulse outputs, they can precisely monitor pulley movement to control conveyor belt speed, position,...

Giving good vibes.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
December 1, 2005... The 8001-series active electronic-vibration platform delivers vibration isolation in benchtop units via a microprocessor that uses active feedback to sense vibrations and eliminate them immediately. All six transitional and rotational vibration...

Platform upstages ball screws.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
December 1, 2005... The PowerTrack platform replaces ball-screw stages with linear motors and integrated bearing/encoder technology for a low-profile stage with high speeds and accelerations. The platform eliminates wear and tear associated with couplings and...

Ready-to-assemble DualVee[R] wheels are waiting for your special request.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... DualVee[R], the original Vee guide wheel, is now readily available to meet your specific industry needs. Let BishopWisecarver's Application Engineers help customize your guide wheel selection. Stainless Steel Wheels; available in sizes 1-4;...

QuickTrak[R] linear motion system.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... BishopWisecarver now offers an off-the-shelf solution that reduces design and installation costs by easily integrating into machine configurations. The belt or screw driven Quick-Trak[R] is ideal for light industrial use in laboratory, medical...

3000 lb capacity linear electric actuators!(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... New brochure features Burr's high performance A-Series acme screw actuators, which handle load capacities up to 3000 lbs. and static loads to 5000 lbs. for your most demanding applications. Line offers 34:1 and 110:1 gear ratios, and is AC or...

UtiliTrak[R] linear motion guides with polymer wheels.(Media MART)
December 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...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
December 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)
December 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...

Hi-flex continuous-bending cables.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... Specially designed from the ground up for use in cable and hose carriers ensuring superior performance and longer cycle life in continuous bending hi-flex applications. Optimized stranding types, hi-flex shielding, and outstanding...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... Intech Power-Core[TM] Track Rollers and Cam Followers feature quiet, easy motion, high resistance to flat development, no rail wear, high load and shock capacity. Suitable for wash down and harsh environments. Proprietary thermal bearing...

Precision encoders.(Media MART)
December 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...

Optical encoders.(Media MART)
December 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...

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

Linear bearing products guide.(Media MART)
December 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...

Motors, gearmotors and drives.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... LEESON's Catalog 1050 offers detailed information and specifications on thousands of ratings of industrial-duty motors, gearmotors and drives--available from stock warehouses throughout the United States, North America and the world. Products...

BiSlide[R] positioning system.(Media MART)
December 1, 2005... BiSlides are a modular system that enables you to quickly and easily create complete single or multi-axis, high accuracy positioning systems. Travel range: 5"-80". Size: 3.4"W x 2.6"H. Durable, low cost motorized and manual, BiSlides are...

Outsourcing: setting the record straight.(Guest EDITORIAL)
December 1, 2005... In the September issue of MSD, a letter authored by one of our employees was printed in response to an editorial on outsourcing. In his response, he made several unsubstantiated and damaging charges that do a disservice to our employees and our...

Waverunner--Part 3: a tribute to Nikola Tesla.(In the LOOP)
December 1, 2005... In 1887, industrialist George Westinghouse met with inventor Nikola Tesla to discuss the future of alternating current in the U.S. Both men wanted to establish ac as the standard over dc, but they also realized it suffered from a lack of...

Welcome in our house.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... I receive MSD and was quite surprised at your September "In the Loop." I was not expecting to find the message you relayed to your readers in the last two paragraphs but I just wanted to say thank you for your courage to put it there. If we...

... And not so welcome.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... Why is this editorial (September 2005) in Motion System Design? It is a highly conservative opinion in a technical magazine and is out of place. To take the leap from sidewalks to the Boy Scouts and late-term abortion is too much, and does not...

Another viewpoint.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... I just received my first issue. Thank you! In commenting about your (apparently unsettling) PC editorial in the September issue, Ron Wible writes an opposing opinion by saying that, "we complain about government... but we keep electing people...

Ac motors.(Peak PRODUCTIVITY)
December 1, 2005... In our very last Productivity Forum, we concentrate on one of Nikola Tesla's most significant inventions--the ac motor. In this report, Motion System Design editors polled ac motor experts for advice on how to maximize productivity in...

Grounding brush.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Aegis SGR conductive microfiber shaft grounding brush protects bearings from electrical damage for life of motor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Safely channels harmful shaft current away from motor bearings to ground and eliminates frosting,...

Integrated linear actuators.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Explorer Series electric linear actuators have the force and velocity to replace hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders in many applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Self-contained unit incorporates motor, controller, amplifier, sensors, and...

Microstepping driver.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The IM481H Plus driver powers stepmotors up to NEMA size 23 using a patented motion-control chip that provides active anti-resonance, smooth low-speed motion, and precise current control in a 1.1 x 2.7 x 0.175-in. package. FEATURES &...

Non-ball lead screws.(Products)
December 1, 2005... VHD series lead screws eliminate drag and wear from high pre-load forces, maximizing load-carrying capabilities as well as axial and radial stiffness. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Anti-backlash assembly provides low drag torque, creating a...

Position sensors.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Temposonics magnetostrictive E-series linear displacement sensors measure four positions at once. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Start/stop pulse output senses up to four magnets at once along same axis * Automatically uploads...

Automation controllers.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Snap Pac is a high-performance, multi-domain, Ethernet-based programmable controller used in automation, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Standalone S1 suits high I/O point counts or complex Ethernet...

Cordsets and receptacles.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The 5, 6, 7, and 8-pin M16x0.75 versafast cordsets and receptacles handle up to 8 A of current in a small molded body. FEATURES & BENEFITS * PVC-flexlife cable withstands rigorous industrial applications * IEC IP-67 protected and...

High-load gears.(Products)
December 1, 2005... MC series industrial gear units with extended bearing distance often eliminate the need for separate load bearings. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Employ helical and bevel-helical gearing * Reinforced output shaft rides on powerful, stiff...

Direct talk: combining industrial Ethernet's high bandwidth and the determinism of SERCOS produce advanced motion control for automated machines.(Motion Control INTERFACE)
December 1, 2005... In 1973, researcher Bob Metcalfe, Xerox Corp., developed a way to link computers to printers, thus creating a physical method of cabling, known today as Ethernet. The SERCOS interface--also known as Serial Real-Time Communications System--is an...

Regenerative drives.(Spotlight VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES)
December 1, 2005... ACS800 series of fully-integrated, regenerative ac drives are offered in 7.5 to 125 hp and with harmonic-distortion levels lower than conventional 18-pulse drive products. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Designed for operation of 208 to 240 Vac...

Variable frequency ac drives.(Spotlight VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES)
December 1, 2005... SECO-brand Bronco variable frequency ac drives feature an isolated front end for reliable operation and voltage doubler circuit with output of 230 Vac to a motor from a 115 Vac supply. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Accept speed reference...

High-power drives.(Spotlight VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES)
December 1, 2005... High-power VLT 5000 variable frequency drives offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability to satisfy constant or variable torque demands. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Available in 125 to 500 hp and 40 to 350 hp * Modular...

Industrial ac drive.(Spotlight VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES)
December 1, 2005... Reliance Electric GV6000 multipurpose ac drive provides simplicity and flexibility in a compact, zero-stacking design for high power density applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Seven frame sizes from 0.5 to 200 hp and 480 V; 240 and...

Web contents.
December 1, 2005... www.motionsystemdesign.com Click on Current Issue for in-depth information on motors, bearings, linear motion, controllers, and sensors. Click on Issue Archive to browse past features; classic issues of the popular department Brushing Up...