Motion System Design articles from March 2004

Motion System Design archives from March 2004

Featuring ... Experience the revolution: Lunch & Learn.(Web Contents)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Attending three-day events in faraway places is a drain on your time, your efforts, and your company's money. The Motion System Group is rapidly redefining the standards of industry shows by introducing a comprehensive one-day industry event....

Fat chance.(In the Loop)
March 1, 2004... It's a common dilemma in the business world: Two job prospects with equal qualifications vying for the same position; which one do you choose? Rather than flip a coin, new research suggests considering an additional factor. According to a...

Design and trademark.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I felt your comments on SPIROID and HELICON gearing in your article "Even the Worm Will Turn" in the January 2004 issue of Motion System Design needed some clarification. First of all, SPIROID is not "Like Kleenex... often used as a general...

Readers miss the fun.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I missed not seeing Fun with Fundamentals in January's Motion System Design. I haven't seen answers on the Web for the last few months either. Have you discontinued my fun? Tony Bullard abullard@together.net I hope you are...

Fuel-less flight may break some laws.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... The article titled "Fuel-less Flight Is Taking Off" in the January 2004 issue of Motion System Design was very interesting, but I believe the concept of using a gravity-powered fuel-less aircraft violates some energy and pressure laws. Although...

Small-time sensing.(What's New)
March 1, 2004... Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a zinc oxide nanostructure that could be the basis for a new class of small-scale transducers and actuators. The structures spontaneously form helical shapes from long,...

ASME, IEEE slate conference on rail transportation.(What's New)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers will present the 2004 Joint Rail Conference Apr. 6 to 8 at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore. The annual conference...

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a robot!(What's New)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Robotics has gone to the birds at the University of Delaware, where Sunil K. Agrawal, a mechanical engineering professor, is developing small robotic devices that mimic avian flight. Once completed, the robots will carry miniature cameras...

I can see clearly now.(What's New)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... From kids on sports teams to cataract sufferers, many of us rely on intraocular lenses (IOLs) or contact lenses for clear vision. Using advanced computer control and motion components, the LENSGEN two-axis lathe from Aerotech Inc., Pittsburgh,...

Custom Motors Inc.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * William Anderson has launched a new company, Custom Motors Inc., Chanhassen, Minn. Over the last 30 years, Anderson has developed motor product lines for four established motor companies. Custom Motors Inc.'s strategy is to lead with a...

Cognex Corp.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., launched the Cognex Certified Vision Integrator (CVI) program in North America. The program provides training, sales and marketing materials, software updates, and special pricing for CVIs. For more information,...

Adept Technology Inc.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Adept Technology Inc., Livermore, Calif., announced that its Adept PLC Server robotic interface, compatible with the Adept Cobra PLC line of SCARA robots, has been approved for the Rockwell Automation Encompass Program, which identifies and...

ABB Inc.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * ABB Inc., Zurich, Switzerland, merged its six automation business areas into three globally focused businesses earlier this year. Martinus Brandal heads the new Process Automation business. Frank Duggan manages global sales and business...

Lovejoy Inc.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Lovejoy SLD, a new div. of Lovejoy Inc. offers shaft-locking devices that attach shaft to hub without machining or extra assembly labor. The frictional, keyless shaft-to-hub securing systems provide an easily adjustable (and releasable)...

U.S. Tsubaki Inc.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Mike Manty was named executive vice president and COO of U.S. Tsubaki Inc., Wheeling, Ill. He will report to Kenji Ohara, president. Manty will be responsible for all operations, including the Industrial Products Group, Automotive Div., and...

Heidenhain Corp.(Industry moves)(Leine & Linde )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Heidenhain Corp., Schaumburg, Ill., will be an exclusive distributor for Leine & Linde encoders in the U.S. and Mexico. Sweden-based Leine & Linde offers heavy-duty encoders that complement Heidenhain's rotary encoders. The encoders are...

Hyde Park Electronics LLC.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Hyde Park Electronics LLC, Dayton, Ohio, signed an agreement with Sidel Canada to be its exclusive sensor supplier. Sidel Canada manufactures packaging equipment and is a leader in packaging line engineering.

Bosch Rexroth AG.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... * Winfried Witte, president of Bosch Rexroth AG, is retiring on Apr. 30. Succeeding him is Manfred Grundke, executive vice president for Sales Automation, as well as president of the Electric Drives and Controls business unit. Grundke has been...

Step by step: the key to applying stepmotors is to understand that they move in discrete incremental steps--like a quartz clock, only better.
March 1, 2004... Getting a stepmotor to work takes a lot of finesse, but the extra effort is usually worth it. Unlike most motors, a stepmotor (also referred to as a stepping motor or a stepper motor) will not produce continuous motion from a continuous input...

Why retaining rings fail.(MSD 101)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Retaining ring systems can fail if design criteria are ignored. Under an excessive thrust load, either the ring will shear or, more likely, the groove will deform. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to determine thrust capacity for both the ring...

Timing is everything.(Power Transmission)(Synchronous belts)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2004... With belt drives on about one-third of industrial motors, they have huge effects on performance and output. Synchronous belts especially provide ideal solutions for power transmission, conveying, and linear drive applications. Synchronous...

Spray or stay?(Power Transmission)
March 1, 2004... When transmitting power involves metal-on-metal contact, it's not enough to douse your system with oil or grease. Here we examine the subtler details of lubrication selection, using the ballscrew as an example. Friction is required to...

Couplings.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 4.43 to 885 lb-in. Bore: 0.157 to 1.375 in. FEATURES * Zero backlash * Stainless-steel disc packs * Keyless clamp-style mounting hubs * Single-, double-disc versions * High torsional stiffness...

Jumbo strap wrench.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Handles 4- to 12-in. dia. without extensions * Strap reinforced with steel cable * Springs keep strap snug * For large pipes, odd shapes, polished tubes * Handle removes for easy storage Shoson Industries...

Rod ends.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Compact, lightweight, economical * Self-lubricating models available * Male, female, right- or left-hand threaded shanks * Available in inch and metric sizes * Special platings and coatings RBC Bearings ...

Miniature slide.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Bore: 12, 20, 32 mm Stroke length: to 120 mm FEATURES * Recirculating ball rail mounted above cylinder bore for precise load guiding * Single bearing block carrier; second block optional * Anodized aluminum...

Brushless dc motor kit.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 44 oz-in. at 5,500 rpm FEATURES * For controlled accel/decel * Precision-molded stator * Inherently balanced rotor * Can be magnetized in variety of pole configurations * 2-in. OD, 1.25-in. long...

Ac drives.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Output: 0.5 to 20 hp FEATURES * UL-listed and IP66-rated enclosure * Sensorless vector control * Built-in digital and analog I/0 * Thermal manager adjusts temp fluctuations * Integral dynamic brake ...

Industrial ac drive.(Power Transmission products)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Configurations include input breakers, disconnects or fuses, input/output reactors, NEMA-12 enclosures, dynamic braking * Supports open architecture, connectivity standards * 12-pulse rectification with input...

Best of both worlds: test data combined with FEA allow for faster, more accurate prototyping.(Simulation Station)
March 1, 2004... Predicting noise and vibration of assemblies is nearly impossible with current finite-element (FE) methods; besides requiring often-unrealistic processing power, the results aren't especially accurate without extensive modeling efforts. But now...

Building a better robot: servocontrols increase speed and automation in injection-molding robots.(Field Report)
March 1, 2004... Background: Automated Assemblies Corp. (AAC), Clinton, Mass., designs and manufactures robots to remove injection-molded parts. In response to a growing need for faster, smarter, and easier to use robots, AAC set out to design new...

Shape shifter: servo axes help a bottle labeler automatically adjust to various bottle and label shapes.(Packaging focus//Labeling)
March 1, 2004... Challenge: Self-adhesive bottle-labeling machines typically come with either mechanically or stepmotor-driven bottle plates. Mechanical machines allow rotation of the bottle during the labeling process--good for long labels and labels that...

Ohm sweet Ohm.(Brushing Up)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In 1827, George Simon Ohm, a German physicist, published a paper titled, "The Galvanic Circuit Investigated Mathematically." Here, Ohm described a series of experiments in which he measured and analyzed current and voltage through and across...

Sweet tooth.(Better by Design)
March 1, 2004... Tooth shape can make or break timing belt performance. A poor tooth design can trap air in the belt and pass it along as the pulleys move, increasing noise. Or worse, it can cause tooth shear, one of the main reasons for timing belt failure. A...

Ethernet modules.(Product spotlight: industrial I/O)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Seamlessly integrate with Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus networks * Built-in Web server capabilities * Drive status, current faults, other events transmitted via e-mail * Snap onto EN, MDS drives Control...

Pushbutton station.(Product spotlight: industrial I/O)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Built-in DeviceNet eurofast connector; rated IP67 * 4 dedicated inputs; 4 inputs or outputs * Temp range: -25[degrees] to 70[degrees]C * Fits easily into any standard pushbutton enclosure * Easy mounting *...

I/O processors.(Product spotlight: industrial I/O)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Installed Linux operating system * ARM-based processor mounts on standard mounting racks * Interfaces with mix of analog, digital, serial SNAP modules * RS-232 serial port * 10-Mbps Ethernet connection *...

In-line block style.(Product spotlight: industrial I/O)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * 16, 32 channel digital block modules * Compatible with Interbus, Profibus, DP, DeviceNet, CANOpen * Easily connected sensor, actuator cables * Installs in distributed control panels, control cabinet doors *...

Networked I/O products.(Product spotlight: industrial I/O)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * For SynqNet, CANOpen networks * Convenient modular package * Simple to wire * Easy to add or change type * Mounts on standard 35-mm DIN rail * Full range of digital, analog options available Motion...

Motion controllers.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Available for 1 to 8 axes * Frees host computer from motion coordination * Configurable for stepper, servo control on any axis * Ability to mix network components * Handles positioning, jogging, gearing, ECAM,...

Electrical conduit.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 1/4 to 6 in. FEATURES * Liquidtight, flexible * For medical, food, computing applications * Nonmetallic, EMI/FRI, unjacketed metallic, jacketed styles * Inner core is spiral-wound strip of...

Digital dc drive.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: to 400 Voltage: 230 to 500 FEATURES * User-controlled flexibility * Two adjustable ramp rates * Speed feedback via tach, encoder, or armature voltage * External torque regulation * Motor...

Shaft-mount reducer.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Ratio: 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1 FEATURES * Bushing mounts from either side * Tapered stabilizer ring minimizes wobble, resists fretting corrosion * Reduces the shaft binding found in two bushing systems * Barrier...

Registration mark sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Pulse-modulated * Opacity-sensing mode detects any color * Detects marks as small as 1/32-in. W X 1/4-in. L * Operates on 10 to 30 Vdc * Easy push-button setup, adjustment Tri-Tronics Co. Inc. ...

Load sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Load: 100 to 50,000 lb FEATURES * Combines low-profile compression-only load button, amplifier/conditioner module * Several units can be powered from common supply * Stainless-steel load button * Counter-bored...

Parallel-shaft gearmotors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Ratio: 5:1 to 320:1 Torque: to 125 lb-in. FEATURES * Powder-coated cast aluminum housing * Standard face, foot mounts * Internal ball bearings * Needle bearings on output shaft Groschopp Inc. ...

Giant servomotors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 3,000 N-m Speed: to 2,000 rpm FEATURES * High acceleration at low inertia * Ultra-smooth rotation * Rare-earth magnet technology * Intelligent servomotor ID sensor GE Fanuc Automation ...

Speed sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * DeviceNet enabled * Explosion-proof housing * Under over speed detection * Conforms to ODVA specifications * Needs no I/O terminals adapters * Real time maintenance feedback Electro-Sensors Inc, ...

Ac drives.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: to 1.5 FEATURES * Isolated front end * Dual-voltage inverters * Dc injection braking * Automatic or manual restarts * NEMA 4X enclosure * Can be used with variety of motors Minarik...

Microprocessor-based controller.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Adaptive control algorithm provides consistent performance * Maintains constant and consistent tension * Requires no intervention during normal operation * Designed for winding/unwinding of material such as paper...

Rotary encoder.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Handles vibrations to 300 m/[s.sup.2] shock loads to 2,000 m/[s.sup.2] * Universal cable exit for axial or radial application * Three-point clamping ring prevents damage to mating shaft * Higher acceleration load...

High-capacity linear guides.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Load capacity: to 780 tons FEATURES * JUP type in four sizes * Six rows of recirculating balls * Two axial, four radial raceways * Friction factor of 0.01 * Needs only low driving force THK America...

Pancake motors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS: Torque: to 0.003 oz-in. Size: 0.24-in. dia.; 0.15-in. high FEATURES * Electronically commutated * Ruby bearing * 30 mW output power * Speed to 20,000 rpm * Suitable for optical, laser, biomedical...

Stepmotor.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 16 oz-in. Resolution: [+ or -]1.5 arc/min step error FEATURES * 0.9[degrees], size 14 * 0.82 in. thick, 1.44 [in..sup.2] * Five mounting options * Encapsulated with conductive ceramic-based...

Linear guides.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: to 26.2 ft/sec FEATURES * Extruded aluminum rail * Hardened steel raceways * Sealed double ball bearings * Customizable seals * Maintains [+ or -]0.001 in. rail parallelism over 19 ft Pacific...

Fiber-optic encoders.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Axis length: to 4 m Resolution: to 10 nm FEATURES * Multiple-axes feedback from single remote laser source * For linear or planar applications * Positional accuracy levels to 1[micro]m/m * No need for beam...

Three-phase amplifier.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Power: 190 V, 7 A FEATURES * 3-phase power management modules with open interface * Three half bridge Mosfet drivers * Three modes of setpoint operation * User programmable * Utilizes DPComm up to 2.5 Mbps...

High-speed sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Incorporates Texas Instruments DSP processor * Increased RAM, Flash memory * Grayscale, color models * Standard, high-resolution systems * Uses Windows-based FrameWork software DVT Corp. [telephone]...

Pattern-matching software.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Enables optical verification of characters marked on curved surfaces * Tolerates skew, aspect compression of mark * Locates pattern on curved, warped, wrinkled, stretched surfaces * Allows camera to be mounted at...

Smart motor.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 150 oz-in. Speed: to 2,600 rpm FEATURES * Custom windings for higher speeds, torque * NEMA-34 size * Eight poles * Servos have CE certification * Custom shaft lengths, diameters ...

Linear displacement transducers.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Measurement range: 30 in. Size: FEATURES * Flexible, heavy-duty cable * 2-axis rotation * Withstands harsh climate * Easy to install * Flexible mounting bracket Celesco Transducer Products...

Position sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Length: 4 to 60 in. FEATURES * Waveguide sensing element * External position magnet * 3-wire cable for 24 Vdc, 0-10 Vdc output, ground connections * Protective metal housing MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Div....

Disc couplings.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 500,000 lb-ft Shafts: to 11 in. dia. FEATURES * Single, double, close-coupled designs * 4, 6, 8 bolts * Standard bore and key * Requires no lubrication * Backlash-free connection ...

Motion controllers.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * 2-, 4-, 6-axis versions * Eight encoders * 64 bits discrete I/O * Eight 16-bit analog inputs National Instruments [telephone] (512) 683-6868 www.ni.com Circle 164

Electric linear module.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Stroke: 100, 200, 400 mm FEATURES * Precise, rigid design * Compact, without breakdown outlines * Applicable as arm or gantry module United Components [telephone] (724) 873-1801 ...

Motor stage.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... FEATURES * Direct-drive motor * Linear motion guide bearing system * 2-axis internal cable management * Sealed * Optional air-purge fitting * Small footprint Aerotech Inc. [telephone] (412) 967-6854 ...

Brake for linear motors.(Motion Marketplace)
March 1, 2004... SPECS Air pressure needed: 5.5 bar FEATURES * Holding brake or dynamic brake * Independent of rail profile * Backlash-free holding force * Spring-applied, pneumatically released Orttech [telephone] (440)...

Linear motion catalog offers components & complete systems.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Over 400 products and systems are showcased, including precision case-hardened and ground steel shafts, aluminum support rails, shall support blocks and shaft rail assemblies, roller bearing pillow blocks/carriage plates, as well as complete...

Schneeberger now stocks eight sizes of miniature guideways and six sizes of ball monorail available with 2nd day delivery.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Schneeberger now stocks eight sizes of miniature guideways and six sizes of ball monorail available with 2nd day delivery. Minirail offers retained carriage balls, max speeds of 5m/s and max accelerations of 300 m/[s.sup.2] .Monorail BM is an...

Fluorinated lubricants.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Krytox[R] Fluorinated Greases and Oils are chemically inert, insoluble in common solvents. Temperature range -103[degrees] to 800[degrees]F, Compatible with plastics, rubber, ceramics, and metals. Nonflammable, oxygen compatible, no silicones...

Electric linear actuator systems.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... LINAK is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electric linear actuator systems. Their product range includes many customized combinations that can be utilized in diverse market applications from hospital beds, patient lifts, and...

Customized motor test systems.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Magtrol, Inc. provides complete, customized turn-key test benches for electric, hydraulic and pneumatic motors, gas engines and pumps. The test systems are comprised of motor test equipment with LabVIEW[TM] based Motor Testing Software and...

Miniature bellow couplings.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... R+W miniature bellow couplings are for low inertia applications requiring high positioning accuracy, and are now available in a wide variety of mounting methods. The couplings compensate for parallel, angular and axial offsets, and are much...

Spiral retaining rings.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... The new Smalley Steel Ring Company Retaining Ring Catalog is now available. Smalley has over 4100 rings in stock, sizes from 1/2" to 16". Special designs are available with No-Tooling-Charges[TM] with sizes from 9/32" to 84"; available in...

PT equipment.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... For 50 years, industry has relied on us for dependable speed and position control. Fairchild transmissions are used in printing, paper, packaging, and textile applications, providing web-tensioning and precise speed regulation. They are also...

New cable carrier catalog.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... All new 624-page energy Chain[R] catalog provides comprehensive technical data and design information on hundreds of cable carrier and cable products for any application. The new catalog has been revamped for ease of use and simplicity so...

Plain and spherical bearings and linear guide systems.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Updated 400-page iglide[R] bearings catalog showcases high-performance plastic bearings made from engineered polymers in 16 different material blends. Plastic bearings are lubrication-free, maintenance-free and will not corrode. Customers can...

Mechanical actuators/screw jacks.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Our DESIGN GUIDE provides all the elements to assist you with your toughest application needs! Whether you require a standard product or a special system, Duff-Norton has the solution. With the best application engineers in the indus try and...

We make the motion ...(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... ... that makes the world move. R/B/S provides our customers with the highest level el quality, extensive engineering expertise, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service. We stock over 55 standard models ranging in size from .375"...

Spiral bevel gear drives.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Catalog describes right-angle, three way, and counter-rotating high-quality gear drives with stainless steel shaft sizes from 3/8 to 1 inch. Totally sealed, corrosion resistant units have unique locknut assembly to allow for smooth, quiet...

Motor mounting systems.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Brochure illustrates motor mounting products, including Automatic motor bases, adjustable motor bases, adjustable rail, custom motor mountings, and transition bases to adapt NEMA "rerated" motor frame sizes to existing mountings, Outlines...

New Stafford collars, couplings & components.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Three separate catalogs consisting of over 2500 items include more than 400 new parts. The Solution Series has over 400 unique problem-solving components. Our Signature Series features the largest selection el finest quality shaft collars and...

Synchronous products--just got better!(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Martin's outstanding synchronous product line now includes PowerCat[TM] sprockets. These sprockets are manufactured to run with today's highest horsepower RPP profile bells, such as Panther, Blackhawk, and QT Power Chain. The expanded line...

Anti-creep cage crossed roller way--CRWG.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2004... Anti-Creep Crossed Roller Way CRWG offers cage creep proof function using a rack-and-pinion mechanism originated from IKO Crossed Roller Way, featuring smooth linear motion with super high accuracy Additional features include freedom in...