Motion System Design articles from February 2009

Motion System Design archives from February 2009

Conic relief.(BETTER BY Design)(Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instruments)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Conventional synchronous belt systems, usually rugged and reliable, tend to have one Achilles' heel--their grooved belts want to walk or drift during use. A new synchronous belt drive from Stock Drive Products/ Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI), New...

Vital stats.(BETTER BY Design)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On display: Self-guiding Conidrive N10 Belts Key features: Conical projections on belt surface mesh with indents on matching pulley; polygon-free for smooth rolling around pulleys; same meshing performance in...

Women making strides in science, engineering.(Celebration: MSD's big Five-O)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... In the 1950s, when Motion System Design made its debut as Power Transmission Design, most women filled their working hours as homemakers, teachers, nurses, secretaries, or switchboard operators. Fast-forward 50 years: While engineering and...

Nurturing nerd girls.(Celebration: MSD's big Five-O)(Dr. Karen Panetta is highly acclaimed women in engineering)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... As director of the Simulation Research Laboratory at Tufts University, Dr. Karen Panetta is one of the most highly acclaimed women in engineering. She is also the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) committee chair, and serves as the director for...

Smart designs for speedy applications.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2009... High throughput is the name of the game in today's fast paced, high-speed automation environment. When your project calls for components that can handle the heat of high acceleration/ deceleration demands, consider these tips and tools.

Electric actuator built for speed.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2009... The electric actuator EGC is designed for both high dynamic speeds and high rigidity. This modular actuator can be used as an individual component adapted to third-party motors, or may be supplied as part of a complete system. The EGC is...

Optical encoder combines speed, accuracy.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2009... The TONiC super-compact optical encoder delivers exceptional signal purity and stability in a small package that is quick and easy to set up. Advanced optical design and electronics are combined in a compact readhead (35 x 13.5 x 10 mm) for...

Servo couplings pour accuracy into waterjet cutting.(Solution snapshot)
February 1, 2009... Originally conceived in the 1950s as a way to slice trees into lumber, waterjet cutting has evolved into a versatile machine tool process, complementing other methods including laser machining and plasma cutting. The beauty of waterjet cutting...

Motion controller offers accel/decel ramps.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2009... The VMC-3000 series single-axis motion controller is now available for the LA series of linear servo amplifiers. The controller is a DSP-based plug-in card that can be configured in a variety of modes including position, torque, and a high...

Belt-driven actuator delivers high velocity.(Design by Objective)
February 1, 2009... The MXB-U linear actuator features an unguided carriage system capable of velocities up to 200 in./sec and accelerations up to 1,200 in./[sec.sup.2]. The actuator is suitable for applications that require high linear velocities and...

Ballscrews go green.(GREEngeenring)
February 1, 2009... For years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in the industrial world. It's the move to reduce the use of hydraulics and replace it with more eco-friendly electromechanical actuation. Electric actuation delivers power on demand,...

No shortage of talented engineers.(In response)
February 1, 2009... I'm sorry I missed the opportunity in December to contribute to the discussion regarding the "engineer shortage" in the U.S. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I am now teaching high school physics after a successful 20-year career in...

Tithing and taxes.(In response)
February 1, 2009... I wonder if Holdren will recommend that the engineers and the companies that employ them should get a tax credit for every hour they tithe? This way, the government can share in the sacrifice they are so glibly suggesting. After all, these...

Linear shaft motor sizing: one of the most straightforward tasks in linear motion system design is to specify a motor and drive combination that provides the force, speed, and acceleration required by the mechanical design. All too often, it is the most overlooked.(Linear motion)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even knowledgeable engineers can miscalculate required system force, often by selecting a motor, and then designing a system around it. This approach leads to motors that are overly large or small for an application,...

Tough as steel.(In the loop)
February 1, 2009... Earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the Super Bowl champions of the National Football League, as they battled back from a three-point deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. An estimated 90 million viewers watched the...

Magnetic bearings on the rise: stringent demands in semiconductor manufacturing make magnetic bearings increasingly suitable for equipment that handles and processes wafers.(Magnetic bearings)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As chip circuitry shrinks, it requires new (increasingly sensitive) processes. So, controlled environments devoid of contaminants are increasingly important, as is the precision with which the wafers are handled. ...

Cable/hose carriers.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Nylatrac automation line of cable and hose carriers are designed for high speeds and accelerations offering options for applications that require quiet operation, convenient accessibility, quick installation, and reliable performance. ...

Tool changer.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... The QC-1210 heavy automation tool changer is designed for payloads up to 2,650 lb and offers three fail-safe, stainless steel locking mechanisms to ensure high-moment capacity and strength. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits...

Pneumatics system controller.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The LS-C41 pneumatics system is a highaccuracy analog PID controller paired with an efficient PWM-based valve driver. Features & benefits * Onboard valve driver saves space, with multiple PID and...

Ac induction servomotor.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... High Dynamics Performances (HDP) ac induction servomotors are designed for rough operating conditions where compact dimensions and high dynamics are critical. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Low rotor inertia, high...

Compact PLC.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... CLICK line of micro brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software offer practical features in an easy to use, compact, and expandable design. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Eight inputs and six...

Heavy-payload robot.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... New TX200 and TX200L are long-reach material-handling robots featuring load capacities ranging from 100 to 130 kg and maximum reach of 2,194 to 2,594 mm. Features & benefits * Six degrees of freedom, fully enclosed structure for easy...

Gravity conveyors.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Modular gravity conveyors offer flexibility in configuration by using short roller sections to create the appropriate conveyor length. Features & benefits * Roller sections are 20 in. long and include 5 rollers on 4-in. centers *...

Linear actuators.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] High-torque GSX and I series electromechanical linear actuators are now available with a built-in force measuring option. Features & benefits * Direct collection of electronic data on force applied by...

Pneumatic mini slide.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Pneumatic mini slide DGSL uses an integrated bearing system for accuracies of 0.01 mm with linearity and parallelism in 1/100 mm range. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * 8 sizes from 4 to 20 mm diameter with strokes to...

EtherCAT gateways.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Anybus X-gateway series connects EtherCAT networks with 19 other fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks. Features & benefits * Compact for standard DIN rail mounting and 24 V industrial power supply * All protocol functions...

Mercury motion controller.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Mercury is an OEM closed-loop motion controller for dc brushed and brushless motors, capable of driving motors up to a 1.1 kw peak. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Multiple communication ports offer a wide choice of...

Multi-rib belts.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... PolyVee belt driven roller and RollerDrive provide reliable torque transmission up to 300% higher than traditional O-rings. Features & benefits * Flexible core allows it to be applied without any tensioning device * Accepts...

Dc servomotors.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Pittman Series 14,000 brush-commutated dc servomotors incorporate 11-slot skewed armatures to minimize magnetic cogging and promote quiet operation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * 2-pole stators, sintered bronze...

Magnets.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... High strength Plastalloy magnets extend service life of drive trains, hydraulic lines, and metalworking equipment by capturing metal filings and ferrous materials that would otherwise damage downstream components. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Bearing encoder.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bearing encoder SC12 provides overall height of less than 1 in. and performance upgrades in applications limited by traditional modular encoder solutions. Features & benefits * Outputs consist of a...

Ac motors.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... DR line of ac motors with modular components provides a universal solution for global energy efficiency standards. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Standard model and two high-efficiency versions * Modular design...

Linear arc potentiometers.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Expanded line of potentiometers are now available with linear and nonlinear tapers, taps, and electrical angles of 340[degrees] and 350[degrees]. Features & benefits * Suitable for military/aerospace and...

Variable-speed dc drive.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... UPM and WPM motor speed controls have been redesigned to comply with the European RoHS directive. Features & benefits * Surface mount technology, controls fractional PMDC gearmotor or motor speed; UPM unfiltered (SCR) control provides...

Rotary vane actuators.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... Pneumatically operated VRX actuators deliver up to 484 in.-lb of torque at 100 psi and can withstand high axial loads of up to 23 lb. Features & benefits * Economical, for rotary actuation up to 280[degrees] in bore sizes of 1, 1.75,...

Stock ac motors.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stock Baldor.Reliance RPM ac motors offer compact, square laminated steel frames for inverter and vector-duty applications. Features & benefits * Totally enclosed fan or blower cooled, drip-proof designs ...

Custom-engineered bearings.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A line of bearing assemblies can be created for automotive and off-highway vehicles, machine tool, conveyors, material handling, packaging and food processing machinery, printing, textile, and general industrial...

CAN and CANopen error tester.(New Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Universal CANcheck diagnoses CAN and CANopen errors. Features & benefits * For physical wiring, cable, termination line length tests; signal level, busload and display of message and error frames * 4...

Thoughts on engineering.(PROFILES IN Engineering)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... How do you see the role of the engineer evolving in tomorrow's society? Engineers are going to play a central role in solving some of the world's most pressing problems, from energy and the environment to security and healthcare. To be...

Top 10 tips for working with gearmotors: gearmotors are onerous components to select and incorporate properly. Here we present you with 10 suggestions for maximizing gearmotor efficiency and service factors. Learn from our panel of industry experts on how to make the most of these workhorses in your design.(MSD's Top 10)(Discussion)
February 1, 2009... 1. When specifying, start by determining the required torque at the gearbox output shaft. A gearmotor's purpose is to act as a power transmission component. As such, the two most important factors at the gearbox output shaft are its speed...

Online selection help.(Web Contents: motionsystemdesign.com)
February 1, 2009... Not sure which products meet your motion need? A Motion Selection Guide at the new orientalmotor.com can walk you through a selection process with simple questions about your application. Need to find a motion system based on specifications?...

New motor, gears website.(Web Contents: motionsystemdesign.com)(www.leeson.com)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The new site www.leeson.com includes complete, accurate, and easy-to-find information on Lincoln Motors, Grove Gears, Electra-Gears, and other motion products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The site of LEESON Electric, it also features...

Driving with flexible couplings: some mechanical drives use all-metal torsional couplings to drive components in different arrangements. The couplings improve durability to move greater torque.(Power transmission)
February 1, 2009... Metal coupling systems can boost torsional capacity in many mechanical drive arrangements, particularly in heavy-duty applications. To determine where they are appropriate, designing and prototyping that account for motor gears and splined...

Update your files quickly and easily.(File builder)
February 1, 2009... Get your next project off to a fast start, no matter what it entails, by collecting design-oriented information now. Send in your response card (stitched into your copy of MSD) or log on to www.motionsystemdesign.com and click on Reader Service...

Lube-free bearings boost packaging uptime.(Industry Focus: Plastics)
February 1, 2009... Manufacturing packaging equipment such as form fill and seal machinery requires the ultimate in flexibility, as equipment must be built to handle a huge variety of products from green beans and candy to soaps and detergents. The right bearing...

Plastics tradeshow, design contest head to Chicago.(Industry Focus: Plastics)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NPE2009 International Plastics Showcase will take place June 22 to 26 at Chicago's McCormick Place. A total of 2,000 companies will exhibit, with more than a third coming from outside the U.S. About 75,000...

Silicone cable strengthens hearing aid.(Industry Focus: Plastics)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new over-the-counter hearing aid that's both affordable and comfortable is music to the ears of people with moderate hearing loss. Called the Songbird flexfit hearing aid, manufactured by Songbird Hearing Inc.,...

Call for papers: Fieldbus applications, industrial Ethernet.(What's news)
February 1, 2009... esd electronics Inc., Greenfield, Mass., seeks papers and presenters on fieldbus applications and industrial Ethernet technologies that will appeal to engineers, managers, and decision makers. Papers and presentations will be included in esd's...

Webinar to discuss CANopen for machine control.(What's New)(Conference news)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... If you've ever wished you knew more about CANopen--the industrial networking system used in millions of applications worldwide--a webinar taking place March 12 at 2 p.m. EST is for you. The free webcast will be presented live and then will be...

Ringfeder and Gerwah to work closely.(What's New)(mergers between Ringfeder Power Transmission GmbH and Gerwah GmbH )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The Ringfeder Power Transmission GmbH from North Rhine-Westphalian Krefeld and the Gerwah GmbH from Bavarian Grosswallstadt, both based in Germany, will be working together closely in the future, according to a recent company announcement. The...

IEEE celebrates 125 years.(What's New)(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with activities surrounding the theme of "Celebrating 125 Years of Engineering the Future." Anniversary events include the first IEEE...

Program teaches SolidWorks for free.(What's New)
February 1, 2009... Fisher/Unitech, Troy, Mich., recently announced investment in its local market to provide displaced designers and engineers with professional development through a community service program, "No Engineer Left Behind." The program allows...

Physicist to receive Sigma Xi's top honor.(What's New)
February 1, 2009... Physicist Deborah S. Jin, a Fellow of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will receive Sigma Xi's 2009 William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement. The Procter Prize, the society's highest honor, has been presented...

Cognex creates strategic alliance.(What's New)
February 1, 2009... Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., a manufacturer of vision software and tools, has announced the launch of the Cognex Acquisition Alliance. Through the alliance, Cognex establishes strong technical and marketing relationships with major camera...

InSights.(Molecular motors (Biochemistry))(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... In some of the smallest motion systems in nature, scientists are now identifying how viruses sweep material inward. This artist's conception depicts the structure of one "molecular motor" that packages DNA into the head segment of the T4...