Motion System Design articles from July 2003

Motion System Design archives from July 2003

Loosing and winning. (In the Loop).
July 1, 2003... The laws of physics say that when a one-ton Mazda Miata and a five-ton Brink's armored truck slam together, the Miata loses. I experienced just that difference in momentum transfer several weeks ago--on the losing side. Initial shock is gone...

Blame the nut behind the wheel. (In Response).(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2003... I just read your editorial on highway safety. It's human nature to place the blame elsewhere. Blame the car, blame the highway, etc. I worked on an ambulance for eight years and have seen many accidents. My observation is that about 80% of all...

Seat belts save lives. (In Response).(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2003... I respectfully suggest that you missed one huge factor that would also reduce auto fatalities--seat belts. Yes, I understand that the piece was primarily about safer roads. Nevertheless, it reminded me that virtually every time I read about...

Backing a truck takes skill. (In Response).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... On the publisher's page (June, pg. 56), you state "we are a diverse nation, and we all can't be stockbrokers, investment bankers, and insurance executives. We have to have room for people who can't offer much more than an ability to put a nut...

Semicon West: features new programs, events. (What's New).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Semicon West, the annual event focused on the technology and business of manufacturing in semiconductor, display, MEMS, and other related industries, will feature more than 1,400 exhibitors this year. The event is divided into two parts...

Pump up your standards knowledge. (What's New).(Hydraulic Institute has introduced a new 2003 Guide)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Hydraulic Institute has introduced a new 2003 Guide and Annual Subscriber Service for ANSI/HI Pump Standards, making it possible for users to receive the latest and most comprehensive pump standards as soon as they are published. The...

High-temp magnets. (What's New).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Electron Energy Corp., Landisville, Pa., offers a new class of rare-earth cobalt magnets for high-temperature applications, such as those in deep space. When properly coated, the magnets can provide long-term service at temperatures as high as...

Getting a grip on outdoor equipment. (What's New).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Trimming the hedges may be a little easier thanks in part to Test.Lab software and SCADAS III test hardware from Belgium-based LMS International. The NVH testing platform helps Husqvarna, an outdoor-equipment manufacturer, deliver more...

You've got the touch. (What's New).(HoloTouch Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... With HoloTouch technology, operators can reach out and control a variety of electronic devices by passing their fingers through 3 D holographic images. Human interfaces using the technology from HoloTouch Inc., Darien, Conn., project...

Flat out. (What's New).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A high-torque rotary motor from Penn State engineers can be configured in a variety of shapes, including one as flat and thin as a CD case. In flat format, the motor might soon drive changes in the camber of airplane wings or fins,...

The information you need, the setting you want.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Everyone is being required to do more with less these days. We know it's not easy to take the time or resources to travel to mammoth tradeshows to see the latest and greatest products and technology. Time and money are precious commodities, but...

Couplings & U-joints: wondering what's new in the linear world? The editors of Motion System Design conducted a survey among industry experts to find out. Here are the responses we believe you'll find most useful. (Productivity Forum).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Challenges When using couplings & U-joints, what applications present the most challenges in terms of machine productivity and why? JIM/KTR: One of the most technically challenging applications we deal in is zero-backlash precision...

Robots show their sensitive side: knowing some force-torque sensor system basics could boost your metallic friend's performance.
July 1, 2003... Sensors and transducers measure and analyze changes off a system norm. Force and torque transducers generate output signals from vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces and camber, steer, and torque moments. That's handy on robots that rely...

Slip rings go digital: transmit power and digital data through rotary connections without compromising performance.
July 1, 2003... As the analog world gives way to the digital in more applications, integrators face replacing traditional analog components with digital equivalents. Nowhere is this more evident than in the electromechanical world. Digital encoders are...

Small but mighty. (Sensor Tips).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The ChipEncoder optical encoder chip features diffractive optics to provide rotary position feedback of 3,300 to 160,000 counts/rev and linear feedback of 100 to 1,000 counts/mm. The tiny, PCB-mount device from MicroE Systems, Natick,...

Sensing a winner. (Sensor Tips).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Motorola is looking for a few good ideas in embedded system design. The company is holding a "Sense the Possibilities" contest that will reward designers who demonstrate the most unique applications of electric field detection and imaging based...

Questions & answers corner. (Sensor Tips).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Q: What's the difference between Class I and Class II laser sensors? A: Class I lasers produce little power ( Q: Is there an alternative to reed and Hall-effect sensors for pneumatic cylinder applications? A: Magnetoresistive...

Cutting edge: using dual and triple wavelength technology, a new system cuts by removing material--including dielectric coatings too brittle to cut with laser wavelengths. (Newton's Garage).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The driving force in the semiconductor market is throughput. Smaller size requirements (including 300 mm formats) are also raising the bar. Now, the MultiDice platform developed by NanoVia LP of Londonberry, N.H. utilizes a laser with multiple...

Your worst nightmare--more offshore manufacturing. (From the desk of the Publisher).
July 1, 2003... Not long ago, those supposedly in the know derisively divided the U.S. economy into two halves. One was the new economy, which was supposed to grow vibrantly based mostly on the Internet and telecommunications. The other half was the old...

Management isn't always rocket science. (From the desk of the Publisher).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In a recent cartoon, Dilbert asks his boss: "Logically, doesn't the existence of thousands of management books show that no one knows what works best?" Good question. At least one academic, like Dilbert, takes a jaundiced view of the...

Encoders speak up. (Communication).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Designers seeking encoders that 'speak' Profibus-DP may have found their match in Minneapolis-based Turck Inc.'s new line of programmable multiturn absolute encoders. The accurate, rugged, and reliable "Kubler by Turck" encoders, available...

Speedy motion system development. (Software).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Faster motion system development time is just around the corner thanks to diagnostic software from Motion Engineering Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif. The Controls Toolkit integrates a diagnostic program that simplifies the generation of bode plots,...

Setting a SEMI standard. (Ethernet).(Semiconductor and Materials International )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... It looks as though Ethernet has found a home in the semiconductor industry. ODVA, an international association comprised of members from leading automation companies, announced that Semiconductor and Materials International (SEMI) accepted...

High torque in small motor. (Small Motors Warehouse).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Holding torque: 1.54-in. motor delivers 69.4 oz-in. (bipolar driver), 55.2 oz-in. (unipolar driver); 2.32-in. motor delivers 133 oz-in. (bipolar driver), 106.2 oz-in. (unipolar driver) Rated input current: 0.85 A per phase...

Stepper for precision control. (Small Motors Warehouse).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Holding torque: 260 oz-in. Size: 2.25 sq in. FEATURES * Uses full or half-step drive * Available in multiple lengths * Enclosed motor housings * Permanently lubricated, high-precision ball bearings *...

Lightweight but powerful. (Small Motors Warehouse).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 1.6-in. diameter; 2.569-in. long Power: 1,788 W at 49,000 rpm; 413 W at 11,700 rpm Voltage: 12 to 170 V FEATURES * 200[degrees] C insulation system * Slotless, nonskewed winding design * Use as...

Brushless motor controller. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Frequency: 120 kHz, PWM Weight: 8.3 oz. FEATURES * Minimizes high-current ripple * Diagnostic/mode indicators * Position sensors unneeded ThinGap Motor Technologies (805) 477-9741 www.thingap.com...

Laser measurement system. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Resolution: 1 mm with absolute position to 100 m Repeat accuracy: [+ or -] 2 mm FEATURES * Harmless for human eyes * No moving parts * Integral PLC/NC controls * Phase delay records distance Siko...

Servo gearmotor. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 50, 70, 100 mm Efficiency: to 98% FEATURES * Low backlash for precise positioning * High torsional stiffness improves performance * Special membrane maintains constant internal pressure * Lifetime...

Compact encoders. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Housing diameter: 1.5 in. Temperature range: to 194[degrees] F Resolution: to 1,024 ppr FEATURES * Shaft and hollow-shaft versions available * Made of high-tech composite material * Shockproof *...

Digital servo-amplifier. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Voltage: 12 to 50 V (low-power version); 24 to 70 Vdc Output: 15 A peak (low-power version); 30 A peak FEATURES * Controls velocity, torque at low speeds * Adjustments via RS 232 or CAN bus * Temperature range:...

Stainless steel gear reducers. (Motion Marketplace).
July 1, 2003... SPECS Ratio: 5:1 to 100:1 Input: C-flange, quill, and coupling FEATURES * O-ring on face of input flange * Environseal eliminates need for vent * Stainless steel output shaft * Food-grade synthetic lubricant ...

Micro ac drives. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Output: 1/2 to 5 hp Input: 230 to 460 Vac FEATURES * Digital keypad/display module * Built-in software * Programmable digital I/O * Panel or DIN-rail mount * Automatic voltage regulation Danfoss...

Rust-free brakes. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Outside diameter: 1.8 to 30 in. Static capacity: 1 to 10,000 Nm FEATURES * Surface coating increases friction * Avoids corrosion-related brake locking * Increased performance Stromag Inc. (937)...

Servo worm reducers. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Ratio: 4.75:1 to 52:1 Input speed: up to 5,000 rpm FEATURES * Designed for ac and dc servomotors * Provides precise positioning and repeatability * Backlash levels less than 2 arc-min * Various motor...

Laser distance sensors. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Sensing distance: 1 m Response time: 900 [micro] sec Resolution: to 4 microns FEATURES * Compact size * Equipped with analog current and voltage output * For high-speed applications * Require no...

Ultrasonic sensor. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Range: 1.2 to 12 in. FEATURES * Senses opaque or translucent objects * Unaffected by color * Straight or right-angle housing * IEC IP 67 and NEMA 6P rated * Tolerates vibration, mechanical shock, washdown...

Analog position sensor. (Motion Marketplace).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... SPECS Length: 95 mm FEATURES * Sealed to IP 67 standard * Resistant to shock, vibration, moisture, common contaminants * Magnetoinductive technology provides non-contact continuous positioning information Balluff...

Problem 270//faucet finish: you'll need to go with the flow on this one. (Fun With Fundamentals).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... It's the end of a long day, but Bernie Beaker has been given one last task by his boss, the venerable Professor Oltymer. The assigned task is to fill up a hundred 250-mL beakers with water to prepare for next morning's science class. Once...

Fun problem 268. (Winners circle).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Guzzlin' grannies May 2003 Total entries: 64 Number correct: 8 (12.5%). The answer was 5.24 at 1.75; in the June issue, a typo in the solution reflected 1.05. Winner: Derek Koonce Derek's prize: Inviting Disaster, Lessons...