Motion System Design articles from December 2008

Motion System Design archives from December 2008

Improving gear microgeometry to improve motion performance: part 2 of 2.(Course Audit)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Topics of discussion * Dangers of not accounting for load variation * Automated optimization for gear microgeometry design * Simulation of manufacturing variability * Case study of a speed gear pair...

Plug-and-play engineers.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... The only ones who think there is an engineering shortage are HR people trying to keep to a budget and technical schools trying to get government subsidies. If there were a shortage of engineers, headhunters would be making money poaching...

Show me the money.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I believe we have enough engineers now, but we may not later. Why invest in something that doesn't have a tangible return? There are plenty of engineers, but not at a bottom barrel price. Industry fired many engineers for various reasons. Next...

Who needs employers.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I'm a controls engineer. I have 34 years experience in a variety of fields and I've developed more than 200 new products--nine of those, industrial robots. I love engineering and the thrill of solving problems. However, because of my...

From soft heads, soft leads.(In the Loop)
December 1, 2008... Piracy is alive and well in the 21st century, and not just in the shipping lanes along the Somali coast. With increasing regularity, online data pirates are seizing personal information, especially that of engineers, and shopping it around to...

Worm gearboxes.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... Gearboxes are constructed of cast iron one-piece housings and feature a C-flange input and carbon steel shaft with either right-hand or dual-shaft output. Features & benefits * Suitable for electric motors to reduce output speed,...

Cable transducer.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... SR1A-125 cable-extension transducers are rated to IP67 for rugged position feedback in wet environments and outdoor applications. Features & benefits * 125 in. measurement range; mounting bracket provides multiple cable exit...

Conveyor chains.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... Megalife range of maintenance-free power and free conveyor chains suitable for packaging and food processing. Features & benefits * Links with metal bushes and running rollers of sintered material, saturated with oil under vacuum...

Brushless motors.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... Modular BX4 series brushless dc servomotors have few components to eliminate the need for adhesive-bonded joints and deliver longer service life than mechanically commutated drives. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits *...

Linear actuator.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... CGL15N/CGL20N actuator features caged technology for a maintenance-free design. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Seal mechanism, full size cover, and AFE-CA grease reduces dust * Synthetic resin cage with patented...

Stepper motors.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAE HS series hybrid stepper motors are optimized for microstep operation. Features & benefits * Frame sizes 17, 23, and 34 offer step resolutions of 1.8[degrees] (200 steps per rev) in full-step mode *...

Dual output encoders.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... HS35 encoders are designed for use as winch-turn counters in the draw-works systems of oil rigs. Features & benefits * Hard-anodized metal housing, sealed connector, IS rating, dual bearings, and shaft seals for NEMA 4 and 13 (IP65)...

Economical encoders.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... HC20 commutation encoders are priced 40% lower than previous models for use with brushless servo and step motors. Features & benefits * Direct-read non-interpolated technology stems from a custom phased array ASIC * 5 to 26 Vdc...

Ac motors.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... Sinochron ac motors offer encoder-free motion control with overspeed capability and zero slip. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Rated at 0.25 to 10 kW * Eliminates need for an encoder in medium accuracy...

Linear arc motors.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LARC series linear arc motors are suitable for rotating large diameter mechanics that do not require fast acceleration or high torque. Features & benefits * Operate from a three-phase motor controller in...

Modular tachometer.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UDM60 tachometer measures and processes two independent pulse signals and features dual 6-digit, backlit LCD display and dual analog indicator. Features & benefits * Processes complex logic and math...

Track rollers.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... Graphalloy V-groove track rollers and cam followers solve difficult application problems involving high temperatures and acidic, corrosive, and wash-down environments. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Long life and...

Pressure transducers.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... PX409 high accuracy pressure transducers offer superior performance in a small 0.75-in. diameter package. Features & benefits * Micro-machined silicon sensor offers high accuracy and long-term stability * Sensor protected by a...

Fiber optic rotary encoder.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... TD5207 nonmetallic fiber optic rotary encoder is designed for use in motion control systems operating in extreme electromagnetic fields. Features & benefits * Encoder also serves as the control feedback for pneumatic or hydraulic drive...

Silicone cables.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Motion Series Plus (MS+) silicone cables offer enhanced versatility for high-performance motion control systems. Features & benefits * Integrates six power conductors and 20 signal wires in compact flat...

Motion control starter kits.(New Products)
December 1, 2008... All-inclusive MDrivePlus product line (combines motor, driver, controller, and encoder) now offers QuickStart kits to help speed design verification. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Broad input V range, enhanced...

Adjustable speed drives serve up efficiency: choosing the right drive can go a long way toward optimizing machine throughput and productivity. If you need to put your manufacturing processes into overdrive (and who doesn't these days), learn from our panel of experts how a well-chosen drive can fine tune speed, torque, or position control.(Productivity Forum)(Discussion)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Electric drive decisions How do electric drives contribute to productivity in today's automation environment? Rich * SEW: The most basic principle for achieving productivity gains by using variable frequency...

Simplifying with slip clutches: slip clutches are commonly used to protect against overloads, but they serve other functions as well--increasing machine speeds, applying constant tension to webs or wires, indexing mechanisms, holding, and controlling torque, to name a few.(Clutches)
December 1, 2008... Continuous and intermittent slip clutches find myriad uses, and engineers improve new motion control applications with them every day. How do they work? Torque is transmitted from flats on a clutch hub to mating flats on inner plates (through...

Slotless brushless motors.(Product Spotlight: Brushless motors)
December 1, 2008... 23 mm slotless brushless motors eliminate cog and allow precise positioning compared to conventional toothed motors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Available in 2 and 4-pole designs, sensorless or with hall sensors...

Brushless dc motors.(Product Spotlight: Brushless motors)
December 1, 2008... NEMA 17 brushless dc motors offer high speed and high dynamic torque. Features & benefits * Quiet and smooth operation with optimal performance from 300 to 3,000 rpm * Suitable for applications with little power requiring a higher...

Brushless servomotors.(Product Spotlight: Brushless motors)
December 1, 2008... Fully integrated [I.sup.2] brushless servo system includes a closed loop brushless dc servomotor, built-in drivers, controllers, and I/O devices. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Runs on universal power anywhere in the...

Brushless dc motor.
December 1, 2008... EC-powermax 22 achieves extremely high torque at slow speeds compared to similarly sized brushless dc motors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Available in two lengths with an operating range of 90 to 120 W *...

Save time with programming software.(Programming software)
December 1, 2008... New software development tools accelerate motion programming, test, and simulation. Application Development Kit (ADK) 6.0, PLCopen-compliant control software, lets users program systems and machines using any of the five PLCopen languages in...

Software update offers faster motion control design.(Programming software)
December 1, 2008... Pro-Motion control setup software now features an axis wizard to help designers quickly configure motion architectures for testing and includes an auto-tuning feature for servomotor current and position loops. Further advancements offer...

Mechatronic toolkit combines mechanical and control software.(Programming software)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MechaWare 3.0 integrates mechanical system and control software design, improving motion system performance and time to market. As a special toolkit for motion system design, the program helps software and mechanical...

Pneumatic products--online.(Web Contents: motionsystemdesign.com)
December 1, 2008... A new site covers one line of pneumatic parts: Humphrey Products Co., Kalamazoo, Mich., has put its new product guide online at www.humphrey-products. com. Clicking on Product Overview directs you to photos of solenoid, mechanical, TAC, air...

Bee line to linear motion.(Web Contents: motionsystemdesign.com)(Website overview)
December 1, 2008... The new website www.pacificbearing. com of Pacific Bearing Co. PBC Linear) Roscoe, Ill. showcases linear motion components such as linear actuators, polymer bearings, ball bearings and linear systems development. Among other things, the website...

Technical bearing links.(Web Contents: motionsystemdesign.com)
December 1, 2008... Looking for technical information on rotary bearings? Pacamor Kubar Bearings, Troy, N.Y., has a full library at www.pacamor.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Among other topics and tools are a technical pages index, a bearing life and load...

Actuators solve baffling bagging application.(What's New)
December 1, 2008... In the diverse bulk-materials processing industries, systems must be designed to measure, fill, and seal bags containing anything from pet food to salt, sugar to dirt, and fertilizer to animal feed. And because the bags themselves are one area...

Packaging profile enhances SERCOS III.(What's New)
December 1, 2008... Good news for the packaging industry: The SERCOS (Serial Realtime Communication System) vendor organizations have announced the development of a Pack Profile for real-time Ethernet-based SERCOS III. The new profile defines a subset of SERCOS...

InSights.(What's New)
December 1, 2008... The election may be over, but the fun hasn't ended. It's out with Nobama signs and in with nanobamas. A University of Michigan professor in Dearborn has created 3D portraits of the president-elect that are smaller than a grain of salt. John...

Motion controllers aid space exploration.(What's New)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Exploring the deepest corners of space depends on savvy astronomers with access to the right tools, not the least of which are powerful telescopes. A team of scientists at the University of California Observatories...

PTDA announces changing of the guard.(What's New)
December 1, 2008... At The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) 2008 Industry Summit held recently in Miami Beach, Fla., PTDA elected its 2009 Board of Directors and Manufacturer Council. Drew Tucci, director, marketing and sales, Eastern Bearings...

Two automation conferences, one location.(What's New)(Conference notes)
December 1, 2008... OMAC and WBF will co-locate their 2009 conferences, to be held May 4 to 6, 2009, in Research Triangle Park, N.C., at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center. The uniting theme is "Expanding the Horizons of Manufacturing: Learning and...

Fenner Precision enhances Buffalo facility.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Fenner Precision, Manheim, Penn., a developer and manufacturer of custom belts, pulleys, and rollers for paper propulsion, motion control, and power transmission applications, has invested $950,000 in upgrades and new equipment in their...

PMD announces new president.(Biz bits)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Performance Motion Devices Inc., Lincoln, Mass., has named Greg Woods as its new president. Founder Chuck Lewin will continue as chairman of the board and VP of engineering, focusing his efforts on development of...

SCHUNK raises money for soup kitchen.(Biz bits)
December 1, 2008... SCHUNK Inc., Morrisville, N.C., a manufacturer of work-holding, toolholding, and automation technology, continues its partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), one of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Racing teams, by participating in JGR's 2008 FanFest. The...

Danfoss to double Illinois facility.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Danfoss Drives is doubling its Loves Park, Ill., facility that produces variable frequency drives, adding both production and office space. After expansion, the facility will be LEEDcertified and registered with the...

MicroStrain expands to fuel growth.(Biz bits)(Financial report)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Due to strong growth in sales and development contracts over the last five years, MicroStrain Inc., Williston, Vt., has expanded its corporate headquarters. The new 19,000 sq. ft. facility is double the size of its previous location. Growth is...

Bodine Electric completes consolidation project.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Bodine Electric Company, Chicago, Ill., has completed its strategic plant consolidation project. The company, a manufacturer of fractional horsepower gearmotors, motors, and motor speed controls announces that their Peosta, Iowa plant is now...

Think matter.(BETTER BY Design)
December 1, 2008... When it comes to putting sensors in a fluid-power cylinder, the most common approach is to gunbore the piston rod and mechanically fasten positioning apparatus and associated electronics. It's not very economical, however, especially for high...

Programmability debugged: putting the "pro" in programmable automation.(Design by Objective)(Automation Direct)(Bosch Rexroth Corp.)(Crouzet Automatismes S.A.)
December 1, 2008... Specifying components is easy. Putting them together in a complex motion system is anything but. If your next project requires programming expertise to make it all work, check out these tips and tools for simplifying system setup. PAC...

Motion platforms unlock programmable automation.(Solution snapshot)
December 1, 2008... One of the major hurdles designers face when attempting to build programmable automation systems is the complexity associated with software development. In some cases, designers are required to master four or five programming languages to...

Quieting impact and vibration: friction springs consist of radial rings that deform briefly and convert impact energy into frictional heat. They are useful for damping in many applications.(Damping components)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spring technology for damping is relatively old. Stagecoaches had leaf springs, early trains had large, crude, coil-spring buffers (to absorb shocks when cars bumped together) and early automobiles made use of simple...