Motion System Design articles from January 2009

Motion System Design archives from January 2009

A powerful tool: some frequency analyzers can be built right into controllers. They should be a top consideration when choosing a motion controller for complex system applications--as frequency analyzers can be used to design for servo systems with low mechanical stiffness.(Servo simulation)(Technical report)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Does your servo system exhibit tremors or unsteady motion--say, during drilling, wrapping, or other functions? You may be looking to optimize performance despite low mechanical stiffness. If so, consider a motion...

Update your files quickly and easily.(File builder)
January 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 or log on to www.motionsystemdesign.com and click on "Reader Service Card" to get the latest...

Tougher than nails: one heavy-duty encoder technology delivers reliability in tough environments.(Encoders)(Technical report)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rotary encoders are used in a range of industrial applications, from speed monitoring on conveyor systems to position control on automated handling machines. Industrial-rated encoders function effectively in...

Couplings come into focus: learning the ins and outs of coupling choices and what each type has to offer will help when you face your next machine vision or optical inspection system design.(Lessons in Vision)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's not easy specifying and setting up a machine vision or optical inspection system. These highly technical, multi-purpose systems requiring high precision components are used for a number of tasks where they...

Big three blues.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... Capitalism operates with ruthless efficiency. Take for example the janitor in a UAW plant. At first he was a low-level person who came and cleaned up. He walked around pushing a garbage can on wheels with a broom and a dustpan. Then the UAW...

Bias should be banned.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... You've published an editorial by a media writer complaining about the bias in the media and citing a list of "liberal" media people who show "how far the media is willing to go in its malicious attempts to manipulate the news" and end with a...

In all fairness.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... Per your article, "What would 'Joe' do?"--I couldn't agree with you more. I wonder how much longer it will be until the "Fairness Doctrine" is imposed and honest comments like yours will be restricted? Rob Woodring Stillwater, Okla.

What this Joe would do.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... I don't believe you've described the whole problem. I believe our society and the media are on a path that our Founding Fathers would have found foreign. You see, it is society in general that steers what the media displays. In addition, you...

Welcome to this piece of history.(In the Loop)
January 1, 2009... Fifty years ago, two things changed the industry in which you work: The integrated circuit was invented, and the magazine you're now holding (or reading online) was published for the first time. Vacuum tubes still ruled the day when, in...

Synthetic chain lubricants.(MSD 101)
January 1, 2009... Synthetic lubricants are different than traditional mineral oils in that they are engineered from smaller molecular building blocks to meet size and structure specifications, in turn customizing performance. They are also formulated under...

Caged ball LM guide.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... SRS5M/WM caged technology in a miniature LM guide eliminates the need for frequent lubrication and gives maintenance-free performance. Features & benefits * Low particle generation makes it suitable for precision equipment applications...

Explosion proof motors.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... IEC explosion proof motors are ATEX certified and available in single phase, three phase, brake, and two speeds at various nominal voltages and ratings from 63 to 315 frame sizes. Features & benefits * Flameproof-explosion proof motors...

Electromechanical cylinders.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... New series of electromechanical cylinders offer custom control, high speed, and high torque capability to applications traditionally requiring hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits *...

Stepper drive/motor unit.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... STM is a stepper drive and motor unit fused into a single device offering savings on space, wiring, and cost. Features & benefits * Advanced current control, anti-resonance technology, torque ripple smoothing, and microstep emulation...

Line driver cables.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... New series of line driver cables designed for use with AMT series of modular encoders. Features & benefits * Suitable for use in RF interference machinery applications * Cables measure 1 m and operate from -40 to 85[degrees]C ...

Swivel heads.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... SRH series 180[degrees] swivel heads are modular and consist of SRU rotary modules combined with two swivel corners, plus EDF electric and MDF media feed-throughs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Available in six...

Safety light curtains.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Safetinex safety light curtains protect operators from injury by detecting when they have entered a danger zone and immediately stopping the machine. Features & benefits * Sender and receiver unit demarcate...

Modular linear actuator.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... ELZex explosion-proof modular linear actuator series meets ATEX 95 certification for caustic environments. Features & benefits * Heavy duty rodless design is belt-driven and features anti-static high torque drive (HTD) belt *...

Wireless encoders.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Swiftcomm, a wireless interface for encoders, offers a real-time wireless signal over a secure network for motion control applications. Features & benefits * Fast boot-up and transmission time allows...

Motor/drive units.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... MDrivePlus offers two new step and direction integrated motor/drive units: the MDrive14Plus Microstepping and the MDrive14Plus Half/Full Step. Features & benefits * Uses NEMA size 14 brushless 1.8[degrees] stepping motor and measures...

Precision stage.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... X-TREME nano-translation cross roller stage is a compact, high performance stage, capable of accuracies up to 0.14 Nm at speeds up to 6.5 mps. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * 27 mm high x 70 mm wide with load bearing...

Ball bushing bearings.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... Thomson stainless steel MultiTrac ball bushing bearings deliver high performance in harsh environments and up to twice the load carrying capacity, or eight times the operating life, of conventional linear bearings. Features & benefits *...

Magnetic sensors.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... MDRM/MDFM noncontact, wear-free magnetic sensors offer 360[degrees] angular measurement; compact units resist vibration, dirt, and moisture. Features & benefits * No bearings, wiper contacts, or other moving parts that break down over...

Rack and pinion systems.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... Three levels of compact gearbox/rack and pinion systems offer high dynamic performance, unlimited travel distance, long service life, and low heat. Features & benefits * Economy--for standard linear applications in mid-range/low-cost...

Powerlink interface connection.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... The high-performance port provides a cost efficient and open solution that lets users connect devices to Powerlink networks. The systems house for CAN, CANopen, and realtime Ethernet automation has added a Powerlink stack to the architecture of...

Spherical bearings.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... A full line of spherical bearings is suitable for a variety of applications, including industrial, construction, racing, agricultural, and lawn and garden equipment; several models are also suitable for non-rotational applications. ...

Old-timer still ticking.(New Products)
January 1, 2009... The basic technology of the belt pictured in this January 1959 ad from Motion System Design is still in use today, but with innovations that now impart up to 98% energy transfer efficiency. (Compare that to maximum V-belt efficiencies of 90% or...

Timely tips: speed clutch/brake selection: pick the right clutch or brake for the job and reap the benefits of fast response time, energy efficiency, dynamic torque, and long life. Make an unwise choice and suffer the consequences of slippage and overheating. Learn from our panel of experts how specifying the correct clutch or brake can put the brakes on lost productivity.(Productivity Forum)(Discussion)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clutch and brake basics How does the choice of a clutch or brake contribute to productivity in today's motion-centric automation environment? Edd * Nexen: Properly sized clutches and brakes save energy and...

Parallel shaft gearmotors.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... VWDIR14 (Von Weise drop-in replacement) ac parallel shaft gearmotors deliver up to 50 in.-lb output torque from most global ac power sources. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Operates on 115 or 230 V, 60 or 50 Hz;...

Actuator-sensor interface for gearmotors.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... AS-Interface with improved diagnostic capabilities is now standard with MOVIMOT C gearmotors; the interface provides failsafe connectivity under challenging ambient conditions and links easily to higher-level fieldbus and Ethernet networks. ...

Gearing up for another road trip.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Car trouble. It's the bane of modern life, whether the auto on the roadside is a Yugo or a Rolls Royce. When the vehicle is a 1925 Lanchester 40HP Tourer, replacing an errant part gets even trickier. Such was the...

Don't forget your lubes 'n greases.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... All lubricants minimize friction and result in lower heat generation. However, oil provides the best lubricating properties for gearmotors and is typically used in 1/10 hp and larger gearmotors designed for industrial service. Increasing the...

Reversible dc gearmotor.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... MMP-TM55-24V GP52-195 is a compact, low speed, high torque unit suitable in applications such as battery-powered electric vehicles, robotics, and factory automation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Accepts any 24 Vdc...

Precision gearheads.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... Precision gearheads offer a suitable solution when a motor is powerful enough for motion, but has too much speed and not enough torque. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Standard planetary and spur gearheads in more...

Brushless gearmotors.(Spotlight on Gearmotors)
January 1, 2009... NEMA 23 and 34 integrated brushless permanent magnet (PM) servo gearmotors are suitable for use in industrial machinery, medical equipment, and other applications. Features & benefits * Brushless PM motors are combined with lower noise...

We've published a lot of technical information over the last 50 years. Now we ask of one inaugural-issue headline: does it still hold true?(Celebration: MSD's big Five-O)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Yes, today's double helical gears retain all the same features that originally made them beneficial to use. However, with the advances realized in materials, machining, and design over the years, the more commonly produced helical gear has...

50 years Golden Anniversary.(Celebration: MSD's big Five-O)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To get straight to the point: This 1959 headline still holds true! Helical gears definitely offer advantages over ordinary spur gears. The most important are smoother, quieter run due to angled tooth engagement,...

Packaging equipment website.(Web Contents)
January 1, 2009... Attention packaging equipment designers, engineers, and end-users: A new resource offers application-specific motion control solutions at www.Altra-Packaging.com. Online location of Altra Industrial Motion, Quincy, Mass., the site offers...

International order capability.(Web Contents)
January 1, 2009... Fractional horsepower gearmotor and electric motor manufacturer Bison Gear & Engineering, St. Charles, Ill., has enabled order processing at bisongear.com for 235 countries, dependencies, and territories. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Stretching wire generates current.(What's New)
January 1, 2009... Researchers have developed a new type of electric power generator able to produce ac current through cyclical stretching and releasing of zinc oxide wires. The new "flexible charge pump" generator is the fourth generation of devices designed to...

Patent advances maglev technology.(What's New)
January 1, 2009... MagneMotion Inc., Acton, Mass., a developer and manufacturer of linear synchronous motor (LSM) products and systems, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 7,448,327 related to development of magnetic levitation (maglev) systems. The patent builds on...

Collars, couplings on sale.(What's New)
January 1, 2009... A list of overstock shaft collars and couplings at 40% off is now available at www.collarsandcouplings. com. It is accessible from the "Clearance Items" button on the home page and is updated regularly. Authorized distributors can log in for...

Win a high-speed video camera.(What's New)
January 1, 2009... How would you use a high-speed camera in your business? Southern Vision Systems Inc. wants to know--in 100 words or so--how you'd use their StreamView LR Portable high-speed camera (valued at $5,950) to impact your company's bottom line. If...

Fly farther.(In Sights)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... This image shows the flow around a golf ball traveling at speeds up to 100 mph. The computations are among the largest direct numerical simulations of complex flows ever performed, involving billions of grid points. The aim is to pinpoint how...

Back to school: automation classes.(What's New)
January 1, 2009... During economic downturns, machine designers, operators, and maintenance personnel can improve their marketability by taking training courses. Omron University, Schaumburg, Ill., offers industrial automation courses that develop proficiency in...

New features enhance Powerlink V.1.1.0.(What's New)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group (EPSG) has released the Powerlink specification V.1.1.0. New features have been added by using reserved bits. Improvements include complete integration of high availability functionality and greater...

Moog acquires California Linear Devices.(Biz bits)
January 1, 2009... Moog Inc., Blacksburg, Va., has acquired California Linear Devices Inc. (CLD), Carlsbad, Calif., a privately held company specializing in high performance linear servomotors for motion control applications. CLD provides motion solutions to...

B&R partners with The MathWorks.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... B&R Industrial Automation Corp., Roswell, Ga., is expanding its collaboration with The MathWorks, Natick, Mass., by entering the company's "Connections Program," which supports third-party suppliers in development of products relating to MATLAB...

Festo and LeekSeek enter agreement.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Festo AG & Co. KG, Germany, and LeekSeek International Ltd., England, have signed a global cooperation agreement. The two companies will pool their expertise in efficient compressed air applications, enabling them to offer an extensive service...

Heinz-Dieter Schunk honored.(Biz bits)(chief executive officer at Schunk und Company GmbH)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heinz-Dieter Schunk, CEO of SCHUNK Inc., was awarded the German Machine Development Prize on October 14, 2008 during the German Machine Development Summit in Berlin, for his lifetime efforts. Under his management, a...

Omron picks EtherCAT as motion bus.(Biz bits)
January 1, 2009... Eiji Ikeno, general manager, Motion Control Division of Omron Corp., announces that the company has selected EtherCAT as its next motion bus system. Omron has also decided to take an active role in the EtherCAT Technology Group within the...

Danaher Motion names Thomson president.(Biz bits)
January 1, 2009... Ron Meyer has been appointed president of Thomson, a Danaher Motion company, Wood Dale, Ill. Thomson produces ball bushing and profile rail bearings, case shafting, ground and rolled ballscrews, linear actuators, linear systems, and related...