Motion System Design articles from June 2007

Motion System Design archives from June 2007

AC made EZ: learn how ac drives differ and avoid the guesswork when selecting one for your next design.(Motors and drives)
June 1, 2007... Motion engineers generally fall into two camps when it comes to ac drive technology: Those already taking advantage of its benefits--low price, compact design, simplicity--and those who will soon start. Both groups, however, face a similar...

MR fluids: through thick & thin.(Brushing up)
June 1, 2007... Mix a designer magnetic powder into oil, water, or glycol, and what do you get? A fast-acting mechatronic fluid perfect for damping or moving variable loads. Jacob Rabinow of the U.S. National Bureau of Standards first developed the slurry...

Controlling web tension with load cells: part 2 of 3: the more you know about selecting and sizing load cells, the better your chance for success in your web tension application.(Course audit)
June 1, 2007... When spools or webs of continuous paper, wire, cloth, or plastic are manufactured and converted, the material is typically pulled off a roll, processed, and rewound--in unwind, intermediate, and rewind zones. Knowing the unique tension values...

Managing shock and vibration.(Design by Objective)
June 1, 2007... Call it what you will--resonance, looseness, vibration, shock load, backlash, imbalance, noise, or strain cycles--none of it is good for machinery and equipment, leading to premature aging, unsafe operating conditions, and errors. Consider the...

DBO [check] lists.(Design by Objective)(Brief article)(List)
June 1, 2007... [check] Many vibration issues are easily solved if caught early in the design cycle [check] Vibration is detrimental to bearing life and machine performance [check] Vibration takes many forms and varies with frequency; three main...

Bearings under oscillation: oscillating motion can quickly destroy even over-sized bearings. Understanding and treating the problem, rather than the symptoms, is the cure.(Engineering extremes)
June 1, 2007... Grease both lubricates and keeps contaminants out of bearings. But its job is often made difficult by back-and-forth, or oscillatory, motion. Printing presses are a classic example: Frequent returns to home coupled with short advances can wreak...

Problem 297: pop quiz.(Fun with fundamentals)
June 1, 2007... This month, we invite you to visit motionsystemdesign.com and try your hand (or mouse) at our interactive trivia quiz. Questions will be accessible from the "Pop Quiz" link in our Knowledge FAQtory. If you can prove you're "smarter than a fifth...

Win a copy of maple 10 software.(Fun with fundamentals)
June 1, 2007... The winner of this month's problem receives a copy of Maple 10 math analysis software from Maplesoft, of Waterloo Maple Inc., Waterloo, Ontario. The tool solves mathematical problems, creates interactive technical applications, and changes math...

Securing a starting lineup: base your next carrier system on standard components for a straightforward, cost-effective design.(Cable and hose carriers)(Column)
June 1, 2007... Cable and hose carriers prevent the lifelines of automated machinery from tangling and fatiguing prematurely by limiting flexion to a specified radius, and imparting a gentle rolling to feed lines in and out as machinery moves. But there's a...

Applying shaft seals: advanced learning at your desk, at your pace//part 2 of 2.(Course audit)
June 1, 2007... In our last installment, we discussed how a shaft seal is just one of a three-part system--a system that also includes the moving shaft itself, as well as the housing into which the seal is installed. Now we discuss mechanical assemblies...

Mechatronics and sfumato--connecting the dots through time.(in the loop)
June 1, 2007... What could a 500-year-old painting technique have in common with a 21st century interdisciplinary design philosophy? Depending on how you look at it, almost everything. Sfumato is an Italian word that means vanish, as in wisps of smoke...

Seeing it through with software: don't cover your eyes. The right software development tools take the fright factor out of setting up a machine vision system.(Lessons in Vision)
June 1, 2007... Machine vision has been a scary subject for engineers for several years. Some have bad experiences to blame, some have chosen to avoid it altogether, and some haven't even considered it as a potential solution to their automation challenges....

Are we flying?(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2007... I enjoyed reading your "In the loop" column in the May issue (Fly like an eagle). We always see data showing the unemployment rate as being good, but manufacturing jobs continuing to decline, especially here in the Midwest. What I would like to...

Where are the wages going?(letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2007... Regarding your question as to why the state of manufacturing in the U.S. has a negative portrayal ("In the loop," May 2007), I would suggest that the lack of real wage growth and continued loss of health and retirement benefits might be the...

Coming soon to a node near you.(scope of information convergence in control system designing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The promise of information convergence has been talked about for years. In its truest sense, convergence means that everything can be part of the network--from home appliances to cars to sensors at the edge of the factory floor. Being part of...

Strike technology could score you spare change.(What's new)(Public notice)
June 1, 2007... How would you like to win $5,000? How about $2,000? Cash prizes will be awarded to the individual or team who submits the best design for a device that can measure the amount of friction on a bowling lane. The United States Bowling Congress...

PTDA honored at Hannover Fair.(What's new)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... At this year's Hannover Fair, held during April in Hannover, Germany, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) received a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, William Timken. The certificate recognized...

Harbour Group acquires Tritex Corp.(What's new)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Tritex Corp., the parent organization of the Haydon companies, was acquired by Harbour Group, St. Louis, Mo., on April 24. Haydon, Waterbury, Conn., is a designer and manufacturer of fractional horsepower linear actuators, lead screw...

Profibus nodes push past 18 million.(What's new)
June 1, 2007... Profibus nodes installed worldwide have surpassed 18.8 million, according to Profibus and Profinet International (PI), the umbrella organization representing 25 offices worldwide and more than 1,400 member companies. According to figures just...

Free Ethernet seminars.(What's new)
June 1, 2007... For engineers who want to learn more about Industrial Ethernet control, a free 3-day seminar from Wago Corp., Germantown, Wis., may be just the ticket. First you must get to Germantown, but once there, all course materials and meals are...

Kansas State pulls top honors at tractor competition.(What's new)
June 1, 2007... Twenty-eight teams from colleges and universities across North America recently competed for cash prizes and global recognition during the 10th Annual International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. The event took place May 31-June...

Correction.(Correction notice)
June 1, 2007... An outdated advertisement for Andantex inadvertently ran in the April issue of Motion System Design. The correct ad appears on page 61 of this issue.

Conversion excursion: following the paper trail ... motion control technology makes it easy to turn raw material into something useful.(Motion in packaging)
June 1, 2007... Converting is the process of taking a raw medium and transforming it into a functional end product. This could be as simple as converting a roll of paper stock into measure-cut and stacked reams, which could be converted once more in a...

May the additional force be with you.(Pneumatic know-how)(making pneumatic cylinders energy efficient)(Column)
June 1, 2007... We've all been there--you need more force from a cylinder, but don't have the time or money to redesign and/or tear down your machine. So, what are your options? One quick fix to explore is a booster. A booster provides additional power to an...

DualVee motion technology[R].(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... Bishop-Wisecarver's complete range of patented DualVee[R] wheels, bushings and track is ideal for applications that demand low maintenance, high accuracy and repeatability in critical and extreme environments. Wheels offered in 52100 steel,...

Precision mechanical components.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... 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...

Krytox[R] Fluorinated lubricants.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... Krytox[R] Fluorinated Greases and Oils are: Chemicallyinert. Insolubleincommonsolvents. Thermally stable. Temperature range (-103[degrees] to 800 [degrees]F). Nonflammable. Nontoxic. Oxygen Compatible-safeforoxygenservice. LowVapor Pressure....

Spiral retaining rings & wave springs.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... Smalley's complete product line is now available in one easy to navigate catalog. The new catalog includes over 7,000 standard wave springs, spiral retaining rings and snap rings. Smalley's new catalog offers simplified part selection, special...

Hydraulic dampers.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... Ace Controls offers a durable line of gas springs for lifting and counterbalancing loads. In addition, Ace hydraulic dampers are the economical choice for solving your automation damping problems. Contact ACE Controls for your free catalog: ACE...

Belt-driven DB actuators.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... Belt-driven DB actuators operate @ 5.1 meters per second (MPS). No lubrication or maintenance. They are ideal for applications where speed is critical such as pick-and-place mechanisms on high speed automation equipment. Travel up to 6 meters,...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... 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...

Automation direct's volume 11 free catalog.(Media MART)
June 1, 2007... AutomationDirect's volume 11 catalog offers 6,000 industrial automation products for a wide range of applications. The latest volume is loaded with over 1,900 pages featuring product descriptions, technical data, photos, and price lists for...

DeviceNet wire management.(Products)
June 1, 2007... JRBS-57 I/O management system for DeviceNet features junction boxes that provide the convenience of DIN-rail mounting in an IP 20 design. Features & benefits * 4, 6, and 8-port configurations *Die-cast aluminum construction...

Linear axis.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Lirax-M LD linear axis is designed for assembly automation and is made of a drown drawn aluminum profile that has integrated roller guides and is actuated by a linear motor. Features & benefits * Handles weights to 20 kg *Two...

Wheel end brake.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Completely enclosed, wet, multiple-disc brake replaces standard caliper disc and drum brakes on light-duty vehicles. Features & benefits * 40,000 lb-in. maximum static torque at 0 psi; service brake maximum dynamic torque rating of...

Mounted bearing units.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Marathon bearing units withstand harsh operating conditions and protect in washdown environments with their corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free dual-sealing system. Features & benefits * Incorporate insert bearings (coated or...

Dc motor speed controller.(Products)
June 1, 2007... DEC 24/3 1-quadrant amplifier for brushless dc motors can be used flexibly with various voltage sources as a digital speed controller and open-loop speed controller. Features & benefits * 5 to 24 V operating range; maximum power of 3 A...

Electromechanical rod actuators.(Products)
June 1, 2007... DNCE electromechanical rod actuators are screw-driven with a non-rotating round piston rod and serve as a drop-in replacement for ISO 6431 pneumatic cylinders. Features & benefits * Leadscrew repeatability of [+ or -] 0.07 mm;...

Bellows coupling.(Products)
June 1, 2007... BKC compact bellows coupling features stainless steel for high torsional rigidity with zero backlash and flexibility across all three axes of possible shaft misalignment. Features & benefits * Fits shaft sizes from 8 to 75 mm with or...

Dc micro motors.(Products)
June 1, 2007... BSY series dc vibrating micro motors feature a surface-mount configuration that offers a more compact and reliable solution than many spring-loaded designs. Features & benefits *Low profile of 3.4 mm; 11-mm overall length * Speeds...

Vector drives.(Products)
June 1, 2007... SM vector drives now come with NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosures to protect against dust, water, and corrosion. Features & benefits * Enclosures available with up to 3 hp power; drives have power range to 25 hp * Four modes of...

RFID system.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Ositrack by Telemacanique radio frequency identification system is easy to set up without programming. Features & benefits * Automatically detects communication parameter settings (speed, format, parity, protocol, etc.) * Connects...

Linear actuators.(Products)
June 1, 2007... SRX-150 heavy-duty linear actuators are available in five standard lengths in belt or ballscrew-driven versions. Features & benefits * 400, 600, 1,000, 1,500, and 1,900-mm stroke lengths * Up to 66 kN dynamic load capacity; roll...

Human-machine interface.(Productivity forum)(Discussion)
June 1, 2007... Perhaps more than any other machine component, the human-machine interface (HMI) brings full meaning to the concept of usability engineering. It's the plane where man and machine must interact, ultimately determining a machine's ease of use...

Leadscrew assemblies.(Product Spotlight: Ball/Leadscrews)
June 1, 2007... Line of leadscrew assemblies includes acme lead-screws, advanced coatings, and anti-backlash nuts to minimize lost motion while maximizing system stiffness. Features & benefits * Diameters range from 18 to 58 in. with leads as fine as...

Roller pinion system.(Product Spotlight: Ball/Leadscrews)
June 1, 2007... Precision roller pinion system is an alternative to precision ballscrews, converting rotary motion into precise, backlash-free linear motion. Features & Benefits * Bearing-supported rollers mesh with optimized tooth profiles,...

Rolled ballscrews.(Product Spotlight: Ball/Leadscrews)
June 1, 2007... Grade C10 metric rolled ballscrews come in low-dust raise greased versions in threaded outer diameter 10, lead 4 sizes. Features & benefits * Induction-hardened for rigidity and long performance * 100 to 318 mm lengths available;...

Self-locking leadscrews.(Product Spotlight: Ball/Leadscrews)
June 1, 2007... Non-ball leadscrews for vertical applications self-lock and prevent back-driving, without an external brake. Features & benefits * Diameters from 18 to 1516 in. with leads from 0.02 to 3 in. * Sliding friction between nut and screw...

Miniature ballscrews.(Product Spotlight: Ball/Leadscrews)
June 1, 2007... KSS miniature ballscrews come in 224 different ground configurations with finish end machining. Features & benefits * SG series has diameters from 4 to 14 mm and leads from 1 to 15 mm * SG comes with C3 and C5 precision...

Web contents.
June 1, 2007... www.motionsystemdesign.com We invite you to spend some time at Motion System Design's website. We update the site regularly with exclusive news and articles you won't find in our print magazine. In addition, we're making every effort to...

Air-powered pepper pistol packs potent punch.(World in Motion)
June 1, 2007... Personal protection has been vitally important to humans since the beginning of time. And when events like the recent Virginia Tech shootings make people question what it means to feel--and be--safe, the desire for self-defense takes on new...