Motion System Design articles from February 2005

Motion System Design archives from February 2005

Fun, fun, fun.(In the Loop)
February 1, 2005... In anticipation of the return of Fun with Fundamentals to Motion System Design next month, I thought it would be fitting to write about something fun. So here are "Ten Fun and Exciting Facts About Engineering" as compiled by the National...

Teach the children well.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... A belated thank you for the issues of Motion System Design sent to Mississippi State. They have been distributed to my class, along with some diabolical homework related to planetary transmissions, and are being read cover to cover. It's...

More on the open-door policy.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Jerry Yankie brought up an interesting concept. (In Response, October 2004). I was the lead facilitator and trainer for a crew of 35 facilitators when the company I worked for was in the process of adopting ISO 9000 standards and its preceding...

Correction.(In Response)(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... The 2005-2006 Power Transmission Handbook & Directory (December 2004) listed incorrect contact information for CGI Inc. The correct information is 3400 Arrowhead Dr., Carson City, NV 89706, (775) 882-3422, FAX: (775) 882-9599, Email:...

SiC switches offer big power boost.(What's New)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Researchers at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) have developed high-power switches made from silicon carbide (SIC) crystals. The 1-sq-cm devices represent a milestone in power and size that could significantly improve the...

RBC Bearings Inc., Oxford, Conn., has completed agreement with Networks Electronic Corp. to purchase its U.S.(Company news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... RBC Bearings Inc., Oxford, Conn., has completed agreement with Networks Electronic Corp. to purchase its U.S. Bearing business located in Chatsworth, Calif. RBC Bearings is a global manufacturer of highly engineered, precision bearing products...

Balmac Inc., a designer and manufacturer of vibration analysis, monitoring, and balancing instrumentation, is relocating its corporate sales and manufacturing offices from Hilliard, Ohio.(Company news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Balmac Inc., a designer and manufacturer of vibration analysis, monitoring, and balancing instrumentation, is relocating its corporate sales and manufacturing offices from Hilliard, Ohio, to a new facility eight miles north of its old location....

In-car communication protocols poised for growth.(Industry focus: automotive)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In-vehicle network architectures and associated in-car communication protocols are generating excitement in the automotive industry, according to research on the European automotive network architecture markets by Frost & Sullivan. New vehicle...

AC Technology, Uxbridge, Mass.(Company news)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... AC Technology, Uxbridge, Mass., announces Danny McDonald as Director of Sales, North America. He joins the company from Control Techniques Americas, a div. of Emerson Industrial Automation.

BDL, Wassenberg, Germany, a manufacturer of internally powered drum motors specifically designed for driving conveyor belts.(Company news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... BDL, Wassenberg, Germany, a manufacturer of internally powered drum motors specifically designed for driving conveyor belts, has established a North American headquarters in Wilmington, N.C. The drum motor line features rugged construction...

Weasler Engineering Inc.(Company news)(Torsional Damper product line)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Weasler Engineering Inc., announces the purchase of the Torsional Damper product line from Metal Technologies, which includes single-stage, RS two-stage, and VRS three-stage dampers. The dampers are designed to reduce torsional vibration in...

UL standards online.(What's New)(Underwriter Laboratories)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Subscribers and committee members now access Underwriter Laboratories proposed standards online thanks to a new approval process. Proposed standards can circulate publicly in as little as 39 weeks. The old way of routing drafts and...

Japan's best-selling encoders available in U.S.(What's New)(Nidec Nemicon Corp. )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... After years of success in Japan, Nemicon rotary encoders are now available to the U.S. market. The line consists of more than 2,000 rotary encoders, from miniature rotary encoders with diameters from 0.472 in. to 3.93 in. The encoders deliver...

Regal-Beloit Corp., Beloit, Wis., was officially listed last month on the New York Stock Exchange.(Company news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Regal-Beloit Corp., Beloit, Wis., was officially listed last month on the New York Stock Exchange. The company's stock began trading on January 21, after its Board of Directors rang the opening bell. The Company, which manufactures motion...

Timken Co.'s Technology Group at Timken Research.(Company news)
February 1, 2005... Donald J. Remboski has been named Vice President of Product Innovation in the Timken Co.'s Technology Group at Timken Research, North Canton, Ohio. In this new position, Remboski will help the company accelerate both top and bottom-line growth...

Spring motor repair seminars.(What's News)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) offers several spring seminars for members and nonmembers. Fundamentals of DC Operation and Repair Tips--March 18-19--Denver This seminar covers dc machine theory and operation, as...

Linear motion goes plastic: common applications for linear guide systems include packaging equipment, woodworking, motion control, pneumatics, and material handling. Now plastic bearings are an increasingly viable alternative to steel roller bearings.(Motion)
February 1, 2005... Linear bearings, also called linear guide systems, have been used in the U.S. since the early 1900s, most commonly in printing and textile industries. Previously limited to steel ball bearings, now more options--including plastic and ceramic...

Customizing cam clutches: improved mechanical clutches transmit more power through a smaller, lighter envelope.(Clutches)
February 1, 2005... Mechanical clutch designs meet tough challenges in a multitude of industries: HVAC, bulk handling, packaging, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and especially off-highway and recreational vehicle applications. In these vehicles, manual...

Belt and chain drives.(Peak Productivity)
February 1, 2005... Productivity is a shared goal in industrial applications, involving designers, component makers, and end users. Everyone plays a role. In this report, the editors of Motion System Design polled belt and chain drive experts for their advice on...

Thermoelectric effects.(Brushing Up)
February 1, 2005... Anyone who's taken a hands-on course in electric circuits knows that resistors warm when conducting current. The amount of heat is proportional to the product of the resistance and the square of the current. This relationship, known as Joule's...

Magnetic encoders.(Design by objective: extreme environment)
February 1, 2005... Series EK600 large-bore magnetic encoders offer accurate speed and position sensing while withstanding oil, dirt, and temperatures to 100[degrees]C. FEATURES & BENEFITS * High resolution feedback up to 3,000 cycles/rev from rotating...

Inductive proximity sensors.(Design by objective: extreme environment)
February 1, 2005... A family of inductive proximity sensors can tolerate harsh outdoor conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stainless-steel housings; IP69K rating * Operating temperature range of -40 to 185[degrees]F...

Sealed linear encoders.(Design by objective: extreme environment)
February 1, 2005... Redesigned LC 400 absolute sealed linear encoders incorporate a single-field scanning technology that uses a large single scanning window to increase contamination resistance. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Constant signal quality over entire...

Washdown coating for speed reducers.(Design by objective: extreme environment)
February 1, 2005... Stainless Bost-Kleen (SBK) wash-down protection for speed reducers prevents wear and cracking caused by caustic chemical high-pressure washdowns. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Prevents rust and reduces possibility of bacteria growth *...

Air bearing gantry.(Systems & Subsystems)
February 1, 2005... The ABG10000 Series gantry uses air bearings to provide ultra-smooth motion. BLM Series brushless linear servomotors drive the gantry to speeds of 1 m/sec and accelerations of 0.5 g. Feedback is from a rugged non-contact optical linear encoder....

Chain conveyors.(Systems & Subsystems)
February 1, 2005... VarioFlow-S chain conveyor includes chain widths, styles, and stainless-steel options for applications with stringent hygiene requirements. The line includes chain conveyors in 80, 100, 160, 240, and 320-mm widths. An open-channel conveyor...

Pivot conveyors.(Systems & Subsystems)
February 1, 2005... Pivot conveyors create a new walk-through access for employees in applications where long conveyor lines stretch across plant floors, hindering access. The conveyors mount to a pivot base, allowing them to swing either left of right to create a...

Spindle-lift tables.(Systems & Subsystems)
February 1, 2005... Two new spindle-lift tables are used in DryLin linear guide systems. DryLin SLW is a compact, flat linear table with a spindle drive available as part of the DryLin W linear guide system. DryLin HTSP is a plastic spindle-lift table available...

Compact dc gearmotors.(Product Spotlight Gearmotors)
February 1, 2005... Model No. MMP.PDSF80-12V.180 dc gearmotor accepts any 12-Vdc power source, including batteries. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 2.8 in. in diameter; 6 in. long * 180:1 gear ratio * Rated for 70 lb-in continuous torque at 3.9A *...

Helical geared motors.(Product Spotlight Gearmotors)
February 1, 2005... Three-phase BF Series helical geared motors drive machines and equipment of all types. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Power from 0.075 to 50 hp * Output speeds from 0.3 to 230 rpm * Torque from 840 to 163,700 lb-in. * Stator...

Hybrid stepper gearmotors.(Product Spotlight Gearmotors)
February 1, 2005... Custom NEMA 16 and 17 two-phase hybrid steppers are available with 42-mm gearheads. NEMA 23 steppers come with 60-mm gearheads. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Six standard ratios and custom ratios * Current from 0.6 to 1.2 A/phase at 3.6 to...

Hollow-shaft gearmotors.(Product Spotlight Gearmotors)
February 1, 2005... The 562 Series hollow-shaft gearmotor offers continuous torque to 1,100 lb-in. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Optional fourth stage of gear reduction, providing ratios up to 2,200:1 in the same envelope * Multiple mounting configurations...

Synchronous servomotors.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... DT Series motors output large power density from compact frame size. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Output to 30 kW, torque to 600 Nm * Extended overload capacity handles peak loads in machine tool, robotics, packaging machines; suitable...

Motion control platforms.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... The modular SQIO product line is compatible with any SynqNet network. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Comprised of a SynqNet Interface Device (SQID) and flexible analog and digital 'add on' boards * SynqNet I/O product family provides up to...

Voice coil motors.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Linear motion voice coil actuators provide precision linear actuation over short distances or strokes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Seven models range from 0.63 in. diameter X 0.55 in. long (VM1614) to 3.15 in. diameter X 2.13 in. long...

Radax for Robotrax.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... A small nylon part called Radax can change the bend radius of Robotrax three-axis cable carriers without limiting rotational qualities. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Part is placed between links to prevent undercutting the minimum bend radius...

Servo actuator.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... TPM ac servo-gearmotor's deliver accuracy to less than one arc-min. of lost motion, for smooth operation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Ratios from 21:1 to 220:1, continuous torque from 8 to 1,000 Nm, peak torques from 30 to 2,600 Nm,...

Adjustable frequency drives.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... G7 Series ac drives achieve servo-like performance, incorporating a three-level power architecture that eliminates problems associated with IGBT switching. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Provides speed, torque, and position control *...

Position controller.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... EPOS 70/10 digital controller has position, velocity, and current modes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 150 x 93 x 28 ram, also accepts external signals to operate in "step and direction" or "master encoder" modes * 11 to 70 Vdc input,...

Light curtain.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... EZ-SCREEN allows point-of-operation machine guarding from $750. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Non-contact, cascading option allows connection of up to four curtain pairs and multiple AC interfaces, with a 2-ms increase in response time for...

Resolver feedback.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... SimpllQ drives provide absolute feedback signals for commutation and precision velocity and position resolution. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Resolver capability reaches 30,500 rpm for full servo control in situations with high speed and...

Photoelectric sensor.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... PhotoVirtu sensor has four sensing modes: diffuse, background suppression, polarized retroreflective, and through-beam. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Built-in teachable technology with removable pushbutton for convenience and tamper prevention...

Microstepping drives.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Compact DCM8028 and DCM8055 chopper drives are easily integrated into larger systems. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Two models suitable for driving step motors to 2.8 and 5.5 A per phase, respectively * Input to 80 Vdc, drive two-phase...

Lead screw assemblies.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Non-ball NTB-Series lead screws feature self-lubricating polyacetal nut. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Take-up system maintains axial stiffness while system torque is held to a minimum * 303 stainless screws available with long-life TFE...

Sealed bearings.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Noncontact bearing seals retain lubricant without compromising running speed. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Protects against failure caused by contaminant infiltration * Running speeds to 1.5 M dN (rpm x bore, mm) * Available in high...

Heavy Duty Compact Beam.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... A verstaile addition to the HepcoMotion[R] Heavy Duty product line, the compact section beam has the facility to mount slides on all 4 corners. The HDCB can be supplied in 4 for mats: a single axis unit, a 2-stage telescopic sxis, a ball screw...

Tension & registration control system.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... An integrated system controls and corrects tension and registration deviations occurring in web printing, labeling and converting equipment. Employing the DGT 2000 digital web tension controller, the Amadeus digital registration controller,...

Precision mechanical components.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... Comprehensive, easy-to-use format for over 50,000 components: bearings, belts & pulleys, shafts, couplers, gears, hardware, slides, lead screws & nuts, positioning tables, linear motion systems and more. Call for application engineering...

Wave Springs.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... 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...

Heavy duty compact ball screw transmission.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... Built on a strong, compact aluminum beam and fitted with Heavy Duty Slides, the HepcoMotion HDCS unit is driven by an 025mm ball screw which provides a high driving force and high precision. It is available in two standard carriage sizes for...

Double the benefits with the DAPDU2.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion CAPDU2 is a new double-acting system that incorporates a slotted, tough aluminum beam of one-piece construction with a drive belt and two or more carriages. The DAPDU2 uses the virtually friction-free Herculane wheels to provide...

Customized Motor Test Systems.(Media Mart)
February 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...

Linear motion catalog offers components & complete systems.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... 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 plates, as well as complete...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media Mart)
February 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...

Martin's pocket guide to gears.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... Can you tell the difference between a bevel and a miter gear? Do you know what causes excessive drive noise? Do you know how to find the OD of a gear? Free pocket-sized guide answers these questions and more. Request Martin's Pocket Guide To...

Precision encoders.(Media Mart)
February 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...

Gear reducers.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... The new LEESON Electric 7050 Aluminum Gear Reducer. This catalog combines the LEESON Bravo[R] worm gear reducers and Lecentric[TM] inline gear reducers, resulting in a fully comprehensive aluminum gear reducer catalog. Hundreds of new product...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media Mart)
February 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...

Optical encoders.(Media Mart)
February 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...

Integrated brushless controller.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... The new AMLBG line of brushless motors is offered with an integrated motion controller and power stage. It can store motion routines or is controlled through a discrete I/O interface or a CAN-Bus interface; the communication protocol is...

Urethane products.(Media Mart)
February 1, 2005... U.S.A. Drives, Inc. is known for the design, manufacture, and sale of precision urethane belting and molded products. Manufacturing facilities feature specialized molding capabilities providing the best in urethane products. Where custom...