Motion System Design articles from February 2008

Motion System Design archives from February 2008

Target: web processing: learn how to set up and program a flying shear and watch one at work.(Programmable Autormation)
February 1, 2008... Welcome to our first installment of Programmable Automation, a new department that will detail some of the most common--and most complex--motion-centric machine processes. This year, we'll explore topics ranging from web processing to path...

Electric actuators explained: what are the most important aspects of electric actuation that system designers need to be aware of? What happens when things go wrong? Find out how industry experts answer these and other questions as we explore the limits of electric actuation technology.(Productivity forum)
February 1, 2008... * The basics How do electric actuators contribute to productivity in today's motion-centric automation environment? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] John * Exlar: The flexibility provided by electric actuators greatly enhances a design...

Moving-magnet linear motors: one new linear motor performs better than voice coils, ballscrews, pneumatics, and hydraulics in some applications.(Linear motors)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Bose Corp. Eden Prairie, Minn. Linear motors are becoming increasingly practical for general motion. Many are used for long strokes of a few feet or more. One new design, however, where the magnets move relative...

Bill and Bob Gore: this month, we review the lives of Bill and Bob Gore, innovators in the polymer and cabling industry, for inspiration and ideas.(Did you know)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wilbert (Bill) L. Gore was born in 1912, in Meridian, Idaho and spent most of his younger years in Salt Lake City. He earned engineering and chemistry degrees during the depression, and later went to work at the...

Creative conveyor trips the light fantastic.(What's New)(Cover story)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Cincinnati Automation's automated inspection machines are now lighter on their feet than ever. That's because this custom machine integrator recently adopted a new LED backlit conveyor to convert automotive part...

Bowling research strikes skill and technology balance.(What's New)
February 1, 2008... The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) has wrapped up a major two-year study of bowling ball motion and how high-tech equipment may influence lane conditions and scoring. The USBC Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force is now analyzing...

InSights.(What's New)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Welcome to InSights, a new department that serves up thought provoking and inspiring images--eye candy that does double-duty as brain candy. This image, titled "Pasture of Instabilities," shows an electric field being applied to a thin film of...

Good news for gear makers.(What's New)
February 1, 2008... Even among whispers of a downturn in the economy or the "R word," the gear market looks strong. That's the gist of a new Gears study from The Freedonia Group Inc., Cleveland, an industry research firm. The report forecasts a 3.3% annual...

China PLC market poised for growth.(What's New)
February 1, 2008... China's business environment is providing abundant investment opportunities for manufacturers from all around the world to set up facilities there. Foreign direct investment flowing into China, accompanied by rising consumer demand, is...

Imperial electric handles Howell's customer service.(Biz bits)(Kinetek Inc. has acquired Howell Electric Motors and is been operated by Imperical electric company)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Howell Electric Motors, recently acquired by Kinetek Inc., Deerfield, Ill., is now being operated by Imperial Electric, Akron, Ohio. Howell motors are often used in food machinery, air handling, commercial cleaning equipment, industrial...

Mark your calendars for PTDA.(Biz bits)(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has announced the following dates and locations for its 2008 events: University of Industrial Distribution March 2-5, Indianapolis PTDA Executive Development Conference ...

PMMI celebrates 75 years.(Biz bits)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PMMI, a trade association with more than 540 member companies that manufacture packaging machinery, components, containers, and materials, has issued a commemorative logo and plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary....

Webinar to discuss belt drive solutions.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Choosing the right power transmission technology for the job can be a real challenge, especially with today's demands to optimize systems for efficiency, noise, package size, and easy maintenance. If you'd like to learn more about the pros and...

FIRST Competition kicks off in overdrive.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The 17th annual FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition kicked off January 5th with this year's contest titled "FIRST Overdrive." At the event, which took place at 49 kickoff sites, teams...

Miniature stepper motor.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... ADM1220S miniature stepper motor has an external motor diameter of only 12 mm and a length of 17.2 mm and eliminates axial endplay for reduced rotational audible noise. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Holding torque...

Magnetostrictive position sensors.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Posichron PCST27 sensors are designed for position measurement in underwater applications to 100 m. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Analog output of 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, or digital pulse output start/stop or SSI *...

Torque limiter.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... SK1 torque limiters are backlash free and highly responsive, with the ability to completely disconnect a drive and driven components in under 3 msec. Features & benefits * Disengagement torque can be adjusted in the field; several...

Optical encoders.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... E7P quick assembly, incremental optical kit encoder suits stepper motor motion applications, brush-style servomotor feedback, robotics, pick-and-place machinery, X-Y tables, and CNC machine tools. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features &...

Slide guide.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... NB GL high load capacity slide guide features new cushioning and lubricant delivery for a quieter and easier to maintain design that is interchangeable with older models. Features & benefits * Ball cushions prevent noise of metal...

Hybrid linear actuator.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Series 28000 (Size 11) double stack captive hybrid linear actuator is built for long life (several million cycles) and features engineering thermoplastics in the rotor drive nut and a stainless steel Acme lead screw, for quiet and...

Resolver-based servodrive.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Model 941 Position servodrive features a resolver that measures the position of the motor shaft within a revolution, whereas an incremental encoder can only know the shaft's relative position. Features & benefits * Output scales...

Reeling cable.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Buflex X'Prem thin and lightweight polyurethane sheath cable reduces weight and increases abrasion resistance in high-speed (up to 150 m/min) crane operations. Features & benefits * Performs like other standard rubber sheathed reeling...

Pushbutton switches.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... KP02 series of illuminated silent pushbutton switches actuates with a shorter stroke for front panel designs in audio/ video equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Total travel of 0.138 in. * Three common...

Modular conveyors.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... DynaCon conveyor systems offer flexible modularity with a variable speed motor that allows speeds from 20 to 200 ft/min for high throughput applications. Features & benefits * Allows conveyors from 4 to 72 in. wide * Energy...

Motor controllers.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1503E medium voltage SMC Flex OEM component kits offer 15 kV and new stackable PowerBrick power circuit technology for easy installation, flexible mounting, and reduced inventory. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features...

Motion control chip.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... M3000 motion control IC provides a complete system for motion control, handling time-critical motion and motor tasks in silicon to control and position multi-phase step motors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Uses...

Brush dc servomotors.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Pittman series 6000 22-mm-diameter brush-commutated dc servomotors incorporate a skewed 5-slot armature design and bonded neodymium iron boron magnets to deliver more power than many dc motors of similar size. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

A day in the life: Chuck Cattell, research scientist Philips Medical Systems Cleveland, Ohio.(Reader PROFILE)
February 1, 2008... How long have you been involved in medical design? I've been a research scientist for 26 years and have worked in CT (Computed Tomography) for 20 years. In all, I've been with Philips Medical Systems, formerly Picker, for more than 39...

Vertical conveyor takes sanitation to new heights.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AquaPruf LPZ Series platform conveyors offer the highest level of sanitation with virtually no spillage on incline or decline applications. The sprocket-driven LPZ can be disassembled for cleaning by one...

Leadscrew assembly ready for washdown.(Design by Objective)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The updated ScrewRail combines drive and support/ guidance components in a single coaxial design that saves as much as 80% of the space used by a two-rail system. It includes a precision rolled leadscrew supported by sealed bearings and...

Touchless sensors handle harsh environments.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2008... The Vert-X E Series of touchless rotary angle sensors features a permanent magnet that is secured to the rotating object (usually a shaft) by the end user. No direct mechanical linkage exists between the axis and measuring system, so axial or...

Brushless motor paves way for construction equipment.(Solution snapshot)
February 1, 2008... For several years, Groschopp Inc., Sioux Center, Iowa, has supplied customized universal ac motor components to a manufacturer of concrete vibrators used in the construction industry. It recently upgraded the design to IPX4 rating (washdown...

Washdown standards drive conveyor company's decisions.(Solution snapshot)
February 1, 2008... Founded in 1974, Kamflex Corp., Carol Stream, Ill., manufactures stainless steel, sanitary conveyors for companies that handle a wide range of products, from snack foods, meat, dairy, and frozen foods to beverages, pharmaceutical, and personal...

Cables stay flexible in extreme cold.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recently upgraded Xtra-Guard 4 cables remain flexible even at temperatures as low as -50[degrees]C. A durable UL-approved jacket allows the cable to flex freely without compromising resistance to oils, chemicals,...

Efficient motor saves energy, withstands rust.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SSE Stainless Super-E wash-down duty motors, available in 1/2 to 10 hp, offer a stainless steel housing, conduit box (welded to the motor), box cover, shaft, base, fan cover, and slinger. This makes the motor...

In-line reducer has appetite for food industry.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2008... The food-grade Cyclo in-line reducer features an enhanced C-face quill design, an antimicrobial rotary output seal that acts as a flinger to expel contaminants, and a stainless steel output shaft and hardware. Food-grade lubricant and paint,...

Simple configurations speed installation.(Save time with robotics)
February 1, 2008... Monitoring and controlling complex machinery is made easy with the PNOZmulti safety system from Pilz Automation Safety LP, Canton, Mich. The PNOZ monitors and controls as few as one and more than 15 safety functions (if the expansion modules...

Delta robot arms eliminate design time.(Save time with robotics)
February 1, 2008... With the expiration of key patents, packaging machine designers can design their own Delta3 robot arms or purchase one. Picking a ready-to-run robot arm such as the PacDrive Robot P3 from ELAU Inc., a Schneider Electric Co., eliminates design...

Making light work of belt tensioning: optical-based measurements of a belt's vibration frequency make for more accuracy.(Belt drives)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's universally recognized that proper synchronous belt tension is key to efficient drive operation. And where newer-generation belts drive loads, proper tensioning is critical. First-generation synchronous...

Idler sprockets.(Companion Component: Tensioners)
February 1, 2008... Idlers effectively create accurate tension in a chain drive. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Eliminate whipping action sometimes found in drives with long centers; if chain continues to run loose it will wear at an...

Adjustable pitch sheave.(Companion Component: Tensioners)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MVS adjustable pitch, heavy-duty sheave is designed for use with A, B, 3- and 5-V belts. Features & benefits * Designed for up to 40 hp at 1,750 rpm * Each turn on adjustment screw moves flange by 1/16...

Belt, chain tensioners.(Companion Component: Tensioners)
February 1, 2008... Zetasassi line of belt and chain tensioners improves performance in industrial automation applications by keeping constant tension in belt and chain drive systems. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Transmit torque more...

A formula for success.(In the loop)
February 1, 2008... Engineering, as practiced in its various forms, rests squarely on the development, transfer, and application of systematic problem-solving techniques. Look no further than an introductory textbook on circuits and you will find, in just the...

Bolt-on brakes.(Product Spotlight: Clutches & Brakes)
February 1, 2008... Bolt-on brakes for small frame assemblies are spring set and have a clamp-collar fitting for quick assembly. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Can be easily mounted on most standard stepper and servomotors without...

Magnetic brakes, clutches.(Product Spotlight: Clutches & Brakes)
February 1, 2008... Magnetic particle brakes and clutches produce smooth, infinitely adjustable slip torque. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Brakes for unwind tensioning and load simulation; clutches for rewind tensioning and torque...

Ball screw brake.(Product Spotlight: Clutches & Brakes)
February 1, 2008... Spring-engaged, ball screw brake ensures quick, precise braking and holding in ball screw applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Serves as a primary or redundant brake to prevent ball screws from back driving...

Spring-applied brakes.(Product Spotlight: Clutches & Brakes)
February 1, 2008... Spring-applied brakes have reduced internal components to simplify design and reduce cost and length for servo, robotic, and ballscrew applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Hub and disk are one piece; contact...

Fail-safe brakes.(Product Spotlight: Clutches & Brakes)
February 1, 2008... Line of fail-safe brakes suits aerospace applications because they offer a high torque to size ratio. Features & benefits * Sizes from less than 1.0 to more than 5.0 in. * Torques from less than 1 to more than 500 lb-in. *...

Have a little fun.(Web Contents)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... If you're looking for some fun diversions during the workday, then stop by our website. This month, we're featuring another Pop Quiz--this one about inventors who changed the world with their inspirations. Even better is the prize--the book...

Seeing clearly.(Web Contents)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Improving navigation was the goal of a redesigned website, www. edmundsoptics.com, from Edmund Optics (EO), Barrington, N.J., a supplier of industrial optics and optical components. The site is geared towards optical...