Motion System Design articles from February 2004

Motion System Design archives from February 2004

Public relations 101.(In the Loop)
February 1, 2004... I recently received an unsolicited manuscript for publication, billed as a design story on how to apply linear motors. In reality, the article is about a commercial line of linear stages, a product-oriented fluff job like so many being peddled...

America must support manufacturing.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... I am sending your article "Tough sell for tough times" on to some others who will find it interesting. My company sells industrial products (grinding wheels) to small to mid-size manufacturers and we have seen our customer base erode as shops...

Manufacturing deserves recognition.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... Whether you work for a manufacturer or a distributor or you are neither, this message is important and pertinent to us all. It is not important for manufacturing to receive special treatment; it is only important that it receive the proper...

Thanks for help on step motors.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... I found the article Course Audit: Applying step motors successfully (August 2002) on the Internet. The article is among other subjects about the dampening of stepping motors. I am interested in this subject, but having trouble finding a...

Don't patronize engineers.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... A couple of comments concerning the recent letter to MSD: Patronizing will get you nowhere. Good engineers should be paid a salary that is equal to, or better than, every occupation, with the exception of pilots and doctors. One of the...

We want to have 'fun'.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... I have always eagerly awaited the arrival of Motion System Design (PT Design...). The best part has always been the puzzle at the end. Just like dessert, you save the best for last. I was very disappointed to find that it was not in this...

Movin' and groovin' on Mars: motors and drives help NASA's rovers maneuver quickly and safely on Martian soil.(What's New)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... On January 15, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit rolled onto Mars soil. A little over two weeks later, Spirit's twin Opportunity got its wheels dirty. Maneuvering on Mars is a tricky feat. The rovers have to move quickly, but, more...

NMW holds rally for American manufacturing.(What's New)(National Manufacturing Week)(2004)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The National Design Engineering Show and Conference comes to Chicago's McCormick Place Feb. 23-26. Part of National Manufacturing Week 2004, the show provides education and networking for those responsible for designing new products quicker,...

Fun with fundamentals.(What's New)(invented by Bill Forst, Cloyes Gear Co)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The winner of problem 274 (November 2003), Sweet defeat, is Bill Forst, Cloyes Gear, Paris, Ariz. We had 96 entries, and perhaps some misunderstanding. Assuming the tanker was elliptical as the photo showed, the losers would have to...

Motion control system design.(Course audit: lesson 3--multi-axis coordinated motion)
February 1, 2004... Topics of discussion: * Control system review * Synchronized motion * Linear interpolation * Design example--introduction * Design example--analysis There are many ways to coordinate motion between two or more...

Rough neighborhoods: What's considered an "extreme" environment today? In what sorts of applications are extreme environments most likely to appear, and why?(Extreme Environments)
February 1, 2004... What should engineers know about component interactions, good or bad, and how they play into extreme environments? John//Exlar: Extreme environments for motors and actuators are washdown environments, from various degrees of soaking to...

Oiling out the kinks: an oil-shear clutch/brake puts an end to monthly replacement problems.(Posidyne X2 oil-shear clutch/brake)(Force Control Industries Inc)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Background: For a manufacturer of steel elbows for automobile sun visors, the first step of the process involves indexing tubular steel stock of 0.05-in. wall thickness into a tube cut-off station. Here, a 2-hp electric motor and clutch/brake...

Motors with a purpose: strides in ac technology have created a need for definite-purpose ac induction motors on variable-frequency controllers.(Power Transmission)
February 1, 2004... In the past, the majority of high-performance industrial applications have used de motors and controls, but advances in adjustable-frequency ac technology are making ac motors more attractive. These strides have led to the use of induction...

Rings for sealing bearings.(Power Transmission products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: circumferential speed up to 1,000 surface ft/min at contact diameter FEATURES * Space-saving seals for ball and roller bearings * Protect against contamination * Mount easily on ball bearings, non-tapered and...

Timing belts.(Power Transmission products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * 11 different profiles * Fiberglass-reinforced Neoprene * Available in trapezoidal, curvilinear, European tooth forms * Include MXL, XL, L, HTD3, HTD5, HTD8, T2.5, T5, T10, AT4, AT10 Quality Transmission...

Shaft-mounted clutch-brake.(Power Transmission products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Brake torque: 56 lb-in. Clutch torque: 2,110 lb-in. Bore: 1.125 in. FEATURES * Ideal for start/stop conveying applications * Low-cost, compact, single piston design * Splined hub assures full brake torque...

Flow indicator.(Power Transmission products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Output range: 0 to 0.012 [in.sup.3] a per cycle FEATURES * Compatible with air and motor-operated pumps * High-efficiency green LED display * 1/8-in. NPT connections at inlet and outlet * Sturdy, compact...

Ac drives.(Power Transmission products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Preprogrammed with useful factory settings * Simple controls for speed adjustment, basic programming * Removable memory chip * Desktop programming module * Compact unit AC Technology Inc., Lenze Group...

Servocoupling dynamics.(MSD 101)
February 1, 2004... There's a Japanese saying that the nail that sticks up will be hammered down. Servocouplings were developed when servodrives and positioning feedback got accurate enough to make the backlash of traditional couplings conspicuous. But...

Metric bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Molded from variety of polymers * Sleeve flange thrust styles * Oil free * Resists dirt dust Igus Inc. (888) 803-1895 www.igus.com Circle 154 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Solid-polymer bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Temp: to 500[degrees]F FEATURES * Cylindrical, flanged types * Made of polyamide-imide resin * High compressive strength, creep resistance * Low coefficient of friction thermal expansion * Can be used in...

Self-lubricating bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Load: 60,000 psi (static); 30,000 psi (dynamic) FEATURES * Composite self-lubricating design * Made for high loads with linear, oscillatory, or rotational movement * Excellent wear properties * High-strength...

Linear ball bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Self-aligns to match the axis of shaft * Grease reservoir for maintenance-free operation * Integrated floating double-lip seal keeps grease in, dirt out * Available in standard inch, metric sizes INA USA Corp....

Self-lubricating bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Load: 40,000 psi (static); 20,000 psi (dynamic) Temp: -200[degrees] to 300[degrees]F Diameter: 3/16 in. and up FEATURES * Longer bearing life * Heavy-duty construction * Decreased rattling, vibrations,...

Adapter ball bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Inner ring: 360[degrees] concentric FEATURES * Pull/push adapter system * Interchangeable housing * Reduced vibration * Meets ISO standards Rockwell Automation (864) 281-2172 www.dodge-pt.com ...

Tapered roller bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 0.3125-in, bore to 87.5-in. OD FEATURES * Consists of inner ring outer ring tapered rollers cage * Taper angles allow bearing to handle combination of radial thrust loads * 26,000 bearing combinations...

Linear bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: RN3, RN4, RN6, RNG4, RNG6 Length: to 900 mm Speed: 1 m/s FEATURES * Free of lubricants * Coated with tungsten carbide * Eliminates cage creep * Operates at -40[degrees] to 80[degrees]C ...

Angular bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Contact angle: 10[degrees] or 15[degrees] FEATURES * Separable, nonseparable types * One ring shoulder partially or totally removed * Support thrust loads or combination of radial thrust loads * Greater load...

Deep-groove ball bearings.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Bore: 18 to 460 mm FEATURES * Full-depth raceways on both sides * C3 internal clearance * Pressed steel riveted cage, seals shields, snap ring * Moderate to heavy radial loads * Thrust loads in either...

Air bearing.(Bearings)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Minimizes airflow, friction * Made of porous carbon material * Lower operating costs * AB-36RV has axial load of 4.2 to 5.0 Kgf; radial load to 5.0 Kgf * AB-50RV has axial load of 7.2 to 9.0 Kgf radial load to...

Easier to convey: a versatile drive replacement package cuts downtime on auto assembly conveyors.(Packaging focus: conveying)(Ford Motor Co)
February 1, 2004... Background: The Ford Motor Co.'s Michigan Truck Plant produces the popular Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Skids holding the vehicles are transported throughout the entire plant on a series of power roll bed conveyors. The conveyors' drive...

Torque monitors.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Monitors and controls torque and power * For use on rotating shafts to 20-in. diameter * Monitors shaft speed and direction * Non-contact system uses inductive power and data transfer Binsfeld Engineering Inc....

Modular managed switch.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Requires no complex IT programming * Point-and-click diagnostics * Expands from two to 24 ports * Front or bottom cable access * Cables: twisted pair, glass fiber, polymer, HCS * Vibration-proof, push-pull...

Parallel-shaft gearmotor.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 320 lb-in. Ratio: 5:1 to 300:1 FEATURES * Cast aluminum housing * Standard face, foot mounts * Heat-treated hobbed gearing * Needle bearings on output shaft * Quiet operation Groschopp...

Industrial-grade rotational transducer.(Position Measurement Technology)
February 1, 2004... Combine the reliable, rotational position feedback of Celesco's 2-wire, 4-20mA current loop signal with the superb linearity and resolution of a plastic-hybrid potentiometer, then package it in stainless steel sealed to IP68 submersible...

Precision OEM sensor.(Position Measurement Technology)
February 1, 2004... Cost effective, compact, and customizable, the Celesco Z115 linear cable-extension transducer is an excellent choice for critical applications, such as the Intuitive patient-side cart pictured here, which require precision potentiometric output...

Small and responsive mini transducer.(Position Measurement Technology)
February 1, 2004... Designed for the high-acceleration demands of aerospace flight testing and automotive crash testing, the Celesco MT2A miniature cable-extension position transducer features a high-tension, heavy-duty measuring cable that can respond to motions...

Product search.(Position Measurement Technology)
February 1, 2004... Find the right transducer for the job quickly, easily, and conveniently in Celesco's 2003 catalog, complete with data sheets for the new MT2A and the CLP, and an improved table of contents for browsing the Celesco product line of Industrial,...

Digital dc speed controls.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Accepts proximity sensor inputs * 16-bit processor * Integrated RS485/RS422/RS232 serial interface port * Designed for digital closed loop operation * P-I-D algorithm Dart Controls Inc. (317) 733-2133...

Thin stepmotor.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Holding torque: to 4 oz-in Size: 36-mm diameter; 12-mm thick FEATURES * [+ or -] 1.5 arc/min step accuracy * Windings encapsulated with ceramic based polymer to draw away heat * Lightweight * 0.9[degrees],...

Metal core for gears.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 0.75- to 8-in. OD FEATURES * Available in carbon steel stainless steel, aluminum * For all gear types * Restrains thermal expansion * Reduces noise Intech Corp. (201) 767-8066 ...

Hybrid stepmotors.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Holding torque: 10 to 3,186 oz-in. Length: 0.81 to 9.76 in. FEATURES * Standard NEMA frame sizes * Precision-honed stators * Ground rotors * 4, 6, 8 leads * Single-, doubled-ended shaft extensions ...

Compact controllers.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Voltage: 230 Vac single or three-phase input Power range: 100 to 750 W FEATURES * Four motor sizes * Open bus interfaces available * Compact size Bosch Rexroth Corp. (847) 645-3712 ...

Computer numerical control.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * 15-in. touch panel * Increased productivity * Can link up to eight CNCs * One CNC can control 248 axes, spindles * New interface simplifies operation Siemens Energy & Automation (800) 964-4114 ...

Harmonic drive gearheads.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Output torque: 221 to 1,213 lb-in. Ratio: 50:1 to 160:1 FEATURES * Zero backlash * Compact design * Heavy-duty bearings support integral flange * Easy mount to most servo motors * Positional accuracy...

Vision sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: 6,000 parts per min FEATURES * Built-in Ethernet port for flexible communications * Fine Matching algorithm * Detects scratches, dirt, deformities * Built-in character libraries to discern multiple...

Ethernet connection.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Allows use of standard Ethernet interface card * Available under Windows XP, 2000, and NT * Ideal for applications where performance is critical * True, real-time interface * Available with two built-in ports...

Magnetic encoders.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: to 7,200 cpr Wheels: 1/2 to 10 in. FEATURES * Magnetoresistive chip sensor * On-board interpolator with large wheel/sensor gap * Operates in harsh environments * Custom units available ...

8-bit microcontrollers.(Motion Marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * 40-, 28-pin types * Analog, digital feedback * Three-phase PWM system * Quadrature encoder interface * Analog-to-digital converter * No need for external motor control components Microchip Technology...

Right-angle gearmotor.(Motion Marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Voltage: 12 to 180 Torque: 16 to 60 lb-in. Speed: 500 rpm FEATURES * Custom performance, shafting, or mounting * Options include motor sizes and stack lengths, throated gear, and oil lubrication * UL and...

Magnetostrictive sensor.(Motion Marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Measuring range: 4 to 60 in. Output: 0 to 10 Vdc Repeatability: +/-0.005% of full scale FEATURES * Durable, non-contacting design * Slide-on clamp mounting feet * Infinite resolution, restricted by output...

Inverter/vector-duty motors.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Constant torque: 60 to 12 Hz at 5:1 speed range; 80 to 4 Hz at 20:1 speed range Torque options: 60 to 6 Hz at 10:1 speed range; 60 to 0 Hz at 1000:1 speed range FEATURES * Conform with NEMA MG-1-1998 Section 31.4.4.2...

Decentral motor switch.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Power range: to 4 hp, 3-phase 380-480 Vac FEATURES * IP66/NEMA 4X enclosure * Mounts to wall or motor * Controls motor's electromechanical brake * Optional integrated Fieldbus interfaces Danfoss Drives ...

Frame fabrication.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Complete packaging, crating, shipping services * Full assembly or sub-assembly * Built to specifications * T-slotted aluminum extrusion 80/20 Inc. * (877) 248-8020 www.8020.net Circle 180 ...

Custom-made belts.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 0.062 to 0.562 in (round); 003 to 0.187 in thick, to 1.5 in wide (flat) FEATURES * Metric or inch * Round or flat * No length restriction * Abrasion resistant * High coefficient of friction *...

Servo drive.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Power source: 12 to 180 Vdc Output: 750 W for dc brush and brushless motors FEATURES * Sinusoidal vector control, trapezoidal vector control, trapezoidal six-step, and dc commutation * Adjustments made via serial...

Heavy-duty slide.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Load rating: to 300 lb Length: 12 to 32 in FEATURES * Lock in/lockout * Front latch activates lock * Safety-yellow finish * Prevents drawer rollout under harsh conditions Accuride * (562) 903-0200...

Strong chain.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Double barrier guards against corrosion * Lasts 10 times longer than nickel-plated chain * Carbon-steel strength * Coating contains no hexavalent chromium * Roller chain in sizes 35 to 100 * Conveyor chain...

Motor brakes.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 1.5 to 25 lb-ft FEATURES * Stainless-steel waterproof * Fit 56C through 143TC NEMA C face motor frames * For interior exterior applications * Withstands tough conditions Dings Co., Dynamics Group...

Part-sensing light screens.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: as low as 0.8 ms Object detection size: 0.22 in. Length: 3, 6, 12 in. FEATURES * Up to 11 light beams generate crosshatch pattern * Aluminum housing with T-slot mounting * Bipolar NPN and PNP outputs...

PC/104 card.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Complies with SAE MMSI standard * Data rate of 10 Mb/s * Handles BC, RT, RT/MT modes of operation * Built with Enhanced Mini-Ace 1553 core Data Device Corp. * (631) 567-5600 www.ddc-web.com Circle...

Small sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Response time: 4 ms Speed: 2,000 units/min FEATURES * Immune to radiated and conducted energy * CE certified * Resistant to dust humidity most acids and bases * Unaffected by changing light color Hyde...

Stainless-steel collars.(Motion Marketplace)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 1/2 to 1-in. ID; custom to 10-in. ID FEATURES * Set-screw 1- and 2 piece styles * Withstands harsh chemicals corrosives frequent washdowns * Can be supplied with threaded bores mounting holes hinges ...

High-precision actuators.(Linear Corner)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Stroke: to 18 in. Dynamic load: to 600 lb Temp: 32[degrees] to 140[degrees]F FEATURES * Available with three motor types * Easy to install and program * Options: holding brakes, encoders, linear...

Mini linear actuator.(Linear Corner)
February 1, 2004... SPECS OD: 0.375 in. FEATURES * Kerkote TFE coating on leadscrew, guide rail minimizes drag torque * Self-lubricating * Screw leads in standard, self-compensating anti-backlash assemblies * Standard mounting...

External linear actuator.(Linear Corner)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: 0.000125 to 0.002 in, Thrust: to 25 lb FEATURES * Stainless-steel acme leadscrew * Thermoplastic nut * No need for shaft to leadscrew couplings * Rotating leadscrew does not advance *...

Seeing seminars.(Cognex Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., offers a series of free machine-vision seminars that show how vision sensors can perform automated inspection tasks in the automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, consumer, and electronics...

Long-range, speedy UV sensor.(Vision In Motion)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Not as widely "known as other sensors, UV sensors detect the application of seals, greases, adhesives, paper labels, and other materials for quality assurance and manufacturing process feedback. They are particularly adept at discriminating...

More power, more storage.(National Instruments)(vision system)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Because inspections can be integrated into one embedded system, die CVS-1455 compact vision system ends the struggle of coordinating information and images from several independent machine performance processor, nonvolatile storage, and three...

Stuck in network traffic?(Vision In Motion)(Coreco Imaging Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Non-real-time operating systems and delays from network traffic can cause machine-vision systems to become out of sync with the Items on a production line. Leaving potential for rejecting good items and passing failed ones. NetSight II systems...