Motion System Design articles from March 2005

Motion System Design archives from March 2005

Web contents.
March 1, 2005... Click on Current Issue for in-depth information on motors, bearings, linear motion, controllers, and sensors. Click on Issue Archive to browse past features; classic issues of the popular department Brushing Up are also warehoused to pass on to...

Best Buy blues.(In the Loop)(Best Buy Company Inc.)(customer grievances)
March 1, 2005... Over the past several years I've been a frequent shopper at Best Buy, the appliance and electronics retail giant. I've purchased a Maytag dishwasher, a Neptune washer and dryer set, a Hewlett-Packard printer, three telephones, lots of software,...

Can't buy an education.(In Response)
March 1, 2005... I must take exception to something you said in the October 2004 issue of Motion System Design. On the editorial page you said, "... taxpayer moneys could be used for schools," implying that it would create "educated communities." If money...

Aerospace manufacturing takes off with high-speed, five-axis machining.(Industry focus: machine tool)(Computer numerical control)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Aerospace applications present some of the toughest challenges to machine-tool builders. As quickly as possible, complex shaped parts must be cut to exacting tolerances from high-strength, lightweight materials. In many instances, surface...

Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin Corp. is expanding its offerings in electromechanical automation technology with the acquisition of Bayside Controls Inc.(Company News)
March 1, 2005... Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin Corp. is expanding its offerings in electromechanical automation technology with the acquisition of Bayside Controls Inc., a Port Washington, N.Y.-based manufacturer of integrated solutions for industrial and...

SMMA spring management conference.(What's New)
March 1, 2005... The Motor and Motion Association's (SMMA) 2005 Spring Management Conference, running May 4-6 at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa in Tucson, Ariz., will discuss "Facing Tomorrow's Challenges Today." Participants can attend...

BSA 2005 annual convention.(What's New)
March 1, 2005... The Bearings Specialists Association's (BSA) annual 2005 Convention, running May 14-17 at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, features a dynamic program of distribution and manufacturing leaders who will focus on the...

RBC Bearings Inc. has consolidated its operations to a 44,000 square foot facility in Oxford, Conn.(Company News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... RBC Bearings Inc. has consolidated its operations to a 44,000 square foot facility in Oxford, Conn. Now under one roof are the company headquarters, formerly in Fairfield, Conn.; a manufacturing operation, formerly in Waterbury, Conn.; and...

Extending its commitment to its operations in China, Bosch Rexroth AG will invest 83 million Euros over the next three years to expand its production capabilities in China.(Company News)
March 1, 2005... Extending its commitment to its operations in China, Bosch Rexroth AG will invest 83 million Euros over the next three years to expand its production capabilities in China. The expansion begins with construction of a new factory in Beijing in...

Conference on powder metallurgy and particulate materials.(What's New)
March 1, 2005... The 2005 International Conference on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials runs June 19-23 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and features more than 240 technical presentations focusing on new trends in metal powders and particulate materials,...

Industrial Ethernet roundtable.(What's New)
March 1, 2005... In growing numbers, designers are facing the challenge of evaluating Ethernet as a communication interface for their next product or project. Although Ethernet is a mature technology, many engineers need to learn more about it and find out what...

Misumi USA Inc., a supplier of custom mechanical components for factory automation.(Company News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Misumi USA Inc., a supplier of custom mechanical components for factory automation, has entered into a strategic agreement with Pacific Bearings Inc. to distribute the company's Simplicity line of self-lubricating bearings, linear slides,...

OMAC (The Open Modular Architecture Controls User Group) and ISA (The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society) are joining forces.(Company News)
March 1, 2005... OMAC (The Open Modular Architecture Controls User Group) and ISA (The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society) are joining forces. The merger, which will be complete in the first half of 2005, will make OMAC a subsidiary of ISA, and...

Robotic defense vehicles on the move.(What's New)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Responding to a call for more technologically advanced defense systems, several companies are teaming together to design and develop robotic military vehicles. In October of 2004, John Deere & Co. and iRobot Corp. began development of the...

Omron Electronics LLC, Schaumburg, III., has named Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp., Windsor, Conn.(Company News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Omron Electronics LLC, Schaumburg, Ill., has named Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp., Windsor, Conn., a national distributor of its electronic sensors and industrial products, including Omron timers, counters, temperature controllers, power...

Lee McGillivray has been named North America Sales Manager for Bijur Lubrication Group.(Company News)(appointments)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Lee McGillivray has been named North America Sales Manager for Bijur Lubrication Group, a global manufacturer of centralized lubrication systems and components. He will be responsible for all sales-related functions in the United States,...

Overcoming vector control challenges: vector control, DSPs, and low-cost, low-count encoders team up to offer a practical solution to many motion control problems.(Vector Control)
March 1, 2005... The past few decades have seen a rise in the use of field-oriented control in induction motor applications. One advantage of field-oriented control--or as some call it, vector control--is that it increases efficiency, letting smaller motors...

Pneumatic actuation--getting it straight.(Pneumatic Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Air pressure in a linear pneumatic cylinder builds force and advances a piston, which in turn moves components. With feedback control, this simple mechanism can repeatably position large and small loads to within [+ or -] 0.7 mm. Pneumatic...

Gears and gearing.(Peak Productivity)(gearing experts advices on optimizing productivity )
March 1, 2005... Productivity of a system is characterized by uptime, output, and efficiency. Designers, component makers, and end users all contribute to (or hinder) a system's productivity. In this report, the editors of Motion System Design polled gearing...

Stainless steel couplings.(Design by objective: torque density)
March 1, 2005... Type 303 stainless steel beam couplings provide high torque capacity and low wind up. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 10 to 38 mm in diameter * Bores from 2to 19 mm * One-piece design and cut pattern ensure zero backlash and minimal...

Digital servo drive.(Design by objective: torque density)
March 1, 2005... The Cornet joins the SimpIIQ drives family with up to 3 kW of continuous power and 6 kW of peak power in a small and lightweight design. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Ranges in size from 1,370 W (5 Arms, 230 V ac) to 3,070 W (6 A, 460 V ac)...

Two-phase stepper motor.(Design by objective: torque density)
March 1, 2005... With a high power-to-volume ratio, the new ADM 0620 isthe smallest two-phase stepper in the series. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 6 x 9.3 mm, 1.4 g * Runs on 3 to 6 V * -40 to 70[degrees]C temp range * Delivers 125 to 253 mW...

Direct-drive motors.(Design by objective: torque density)
March 1, 2005... SGMCS servomotors offer powerful, high-accuracy positioning in direct-drive factory automation applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 500 rpm max * 20 bit resolution (1,048,576 ppr) * Generates 15 to 5,310 lb-in. of torque (135...

Lorenz-force motors.(MSD 101)
March 1, 2005... In 1831, Michael Faraday discovered that subjecting a coil to a moving magnetic field induces a current. Today, electromagnetic induction powers most electric motors, along with a phenomenon described in Ampere's law (involving the forces...

Does your z-axis need a lift?(Systems Subsystems)
March 1, 2005... MAK-AF Auto Focus linear stages meet the demanding requirements of auto-focus applications, providing high speed moves and fast settling times. The stages accommodate up to 25 mm of travel, with encoder resolutions ranging from 10 nmto 100 nm,...

Get your gantry in gear.(Systems Subsystems)
March 1, 2005... All the components necessary to convert rotary to linear movements are incorporated within the HepcoMotion DLS5. The linear motion system includes the transmission, one or more carriages, and a support. The main structural element is an...

Let it slide.(Systems Subsystems)
March 1, 2005... Slide Rail linear slides and table assemblies are ideal for applications requiring smooth motion, low noise, and/or washdown capabilities. All are sized to order, drilled, and tapped, and factory aligned. The low-profile rails and...

No hum-drum makes conveyors run.(Systems Subsystems)
March 1, 2005... BDL drum motors offer an advanced and efficient conveyer-drive system where the motor, transmission, and bearings are enclosed within the drum shell. Power from the motor is transmitted via the gearbox, which is coupled to a geared rim fixed to...

Non-contacting transducers.(Pneumatic Solutions)
March 1, 2005... For use in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, the TLI series of non-contacting position transducers utilizes inductive-resistive technology to ensure proper operation and accurate measurements. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Withstands...

Proportional control valves.(Pneumatic Solutions)
March 1, 2005... The new VP60 high performance pneumatic proportional control valve features microprocessor driven position control and delivers high dynamic properties and shorter acceleration times. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 250 million operations at...

Compact cylinders.(Pneumatic Solutions)
March 1, 2005... Series CQM Compact Cylinder with Guides incorporates slide bearings into company's CQS and CQ2 company pneumatic cylinders, giving 2 to 4 times the lateral load resistance of standard cylinders. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Meets or exceeds...

O-ring gripper.(Pneumatic Solutions)
March 1, 2005... The PG6J80 O-ring six finger gripper employs a dual acting piston to open and close gripper jaws. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stroke adjustment to fit any O-ring * Ejectors have 0.25 in linear travel and are spring retractable * Six...

Travel guide.(Better by Design)
March 1, 2005... Draw-wire transducers typically measure linear displacement along a single static axis. But with the addition of a flexible cable guide that pivots more than 180[degrees], these rugged sensors can trace out motion in three-dimensional space....

Feed four-ward.(Better by Design)
March 1, 2005... Feed-forward control improves servosystem response, but it complicates tuning and is susceptible to instabilities caused by varying load conditions. Non-linear Control Technology, an advanced form of feed-forward control, solves both problems...

Modular step motor.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... The 3509V is a 0.9[degrees], size-14 step motor with five mounting options. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 1.5 arc minutes accuracy * 0.82 x 1.44 in. square, 0.27 lb * Holding torque 16 oz-in. * Windings encapsulated with...

Mini servodrives.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Servodrive family expands to cover low-power range from 450 to 700 W. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 2.3 x 8.1 x 8.7 in. * 100% compatible with existing series * Integrated braking resistor, line filter, restart inhibit, and motor...

Five axis stepper module.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... The new Five Axis Integrated Stepper Module (FAISM) directly controls up to five stepper motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Includes stepper translator, output connects directly to the stepper motor * Five channels of SSI encoder...

Compact servodrives and motors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... The new Allen-Bradley Ultra 1500 servodrives and TL-Series servomotors are easy-to-use and compact in design. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Four frame sizes * Includes diagnostic and troubleshooting tools * Feedback resolution greater...

Hybrid stepper motors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... New MAE "N Series" hybrid stepper motors feature neodymium magnets for maximum torque and superior acceleration. FEATURES & BENEFITS * NEMA frame size 34 (lengths 2.64, 3.70, 4.92 in. with holding torques of 397 oz-in., 680 oz-in.,...

Driver-controlled servomotors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Motor models BS 80/50 through BSE 80/100 deliver from 450 to 900 W, and are controlled by their own drivers. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 15 inputs and eight outputs (digital) * Two inputs and two outputs (analog) * One input/output...

Stainless steel servomotors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... This new Stainless Steel ServoMotor (SSBSM Series) was designed with durability in mind. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Handles IP67 and 1,500 psi washdown conditions * Standard and low inertia models * Five frame sizes *...

Synchronous servomotors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... DT series of synchronous servomotors provides maximum power in a very small frame. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 30 kW power output * Maximum torque 600 Nm * Suitable for applications with intermittent operation AMK DRIVES &...

Slotless motors.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Slotless HO Series Brushless Servomotors are ideal for light assembly and inspection applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Less than 1% harmonic distortion * Eliminates magnetic disturbances * 29 million counts/rev with a...

Miniature programmable servo.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Thumb size EZServo controller and driver is fully programmable and fits on the back of a HEDS 5500 Encoder (1.4 x 0.95 in). FEATURES & BENEFITS * Controls a DC Brush Motor at 1A, 50V with Quadrature Encoder Feedback and operates in...

Noncontact linear displacement transducer.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Q21R programmable LDT works with a variety of magnets, adjusting signal strength accordingly. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stroke lengths from 5 to 180 in. * Low-profile package, IP 67 rating (IP 68 optional) * 0.001 in. internal...

Linear displacement transducers.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Micropulse AT model BRL6 magnetostrictive transducers provide superior positioning performance and reliability, and elminate mechanical linkage, and backlash error. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 10 micron resolution, 200 pm linearity, and 10...

Multi-axis controllers.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... High performance PC/104-bus multi-axis motion controllers harness the power of DSP, chips to provide S-curve, trapezoidal, velocity contouring, and electronic gearing motion profile modes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 64 kB dual-port RAM ...

Linear guide coverstrips.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... BAC Coverstrips for Ball Monorail are an alternative to traditional plastic caps, covering counterboard mounting holes in profile rail used in precision linear guideway assemblies. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 5 mm thick * Contamination...

Rack and pinion drives.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... These rack & pinion drives eliminate system backlash with a split-pinion and dual-pinion arrangement, offering ultra-precise positioning and repeatability. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Positioning accuracy during acceleration, deceleration,...

Caged-ball technology.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Innovative bearing separator technique expands to larger linear guides and heavy load ballscrews. FEATURES & BENEFITS * HBN Ball Screws outperform hydraulic cylinders, handling loads up to 118 kN over a 48 mm stroke at speeds to 3.8...

Gearhead mounting systems.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... The Micron Gearhead RediMount Motor Mounting System has a three-step procedure to allow all Micron gearheads to be mounted to any available motor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Fast and easy changeover to swap motors in the field *...

Interface boards.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... The new DB-28104 mounts directly to the DMC 21x3 Ethernet motion controller to perform interpolation of up to four sinusoidal encoders. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 3.510 x 3.075 in. * High-resolution position feedback * Accepts...

Machine vision sensors.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... S24 family of vision sensors simplifies the transition from light barriers and other simple forms of sensing, bringing intelligent control within reach of many applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Teach-in operation * LED ring...

Hybrid step motors.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Sub-miniature hybrid step motors offer higher holding and running torque values. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 0.79 in. (20 mm) square * 1.8[degrees] per step * 2.5 oz-in, holding torque with a bipolar driver current of 600 mA per...

Servomotor amplifiers.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Geo PMAC 400 and 600 amplifiers are suitable for a range of applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Embedded motion controller can be programmed for many motions; includes PLC, CNC, gantry, and robot features * 240 Vac power input, [-...

Internal locking assemblies.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Internal Locking Assemblies for shaft/hub connections provide higher torque and axial capacities in rotating machinery. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Self-centering and non-self-centering units available * Self-contained with locking...

Linear actuators.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Size 8 hybrid external linear actuator replaces four components--motor, coupling, lead screw, and nut. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 21 mm square (0.8 in.) * Resolutions of 0.0015 to 0.04 mm per full step * 4.5 kg (10 lb) thrust ...

Servo insert couplings.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... ADS-Servo Insert Couplings deliver high torsional stiffness while allowing vibration damping for CNC controls. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Optimizes the servo loop for maximum gain while minimizing or eliminating resonance * 10 to 655...

Controllers and drivers.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... SilverNugget I-Grade controllers/drivers use standard DB connectors and offer simple programming language. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 8-kHz servo loop rates * 3.5 and 10A versions * 32k non-volatile memory * RS-232/RS-485...

Ethernet connectivity.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... The SJ-EN Ethernet option board provides the S J300 and L300P families of ac inverters with a high-performance, easy-to-use Ethernet interface. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Installs in one of the inverter's two internal option board...

DLS5 ... ideal for single and double axis gantries.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... The new HepcoMotion[R] DLS5 belt driven linear transmission unit is a compact driven unit built on a strong aluminum beam. Carriage has a maximum load capacity of 10,000N. The single beam can accommodate multiple carriages for larger loads. The...

Compact rugged I/O station.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... With TURCK's FDN20 I/O station, you now have a fast, easy and exceptionally flexible solution to connect every pushbutton to a DeviceNet[TM] network. This 6 page color brochure contains all the detailed dimension drawing and application...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... Intech Power-Core[TM] Track Rollers and Cam Followers feature quiet, easy motion, high resistance to flat development, no rail wear, high load and shock capacity. Suitable for wash down and harsh environments, Proprietary thermal bearing...

Spiral retaining rings.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... The new Smalley Steel Ring Company Retaining Ring Catalog is now available. Smalley has over 4500 rings in stock, sizes from 1/4" to 16". Special designs are available with No-Tooling-Charges[TM] with sizes from .200" to 84"; available in...

Bishop-wisecarver offers a system that save time and money.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion[R] MCS Machine Construction Systems offers a wide range of aluminum profile sections, including connecting hardware and accessories. These modular, versatile components are constructed for use in industrial machinery, assembly...

Ready-to-assemble DualVee[R] wheels are waiting for your special request.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... DualVee, the original Vee guide wheel, is now readily available to meet your specific industry needs. Let Bishop-Wisecarver's Application Engineers help customize your guide wheel selection. Stainless steel wheels; avail able in sizes 1-4;...

Precision encoders.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... EPC's 104-page catalog features the full line of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide variety of industrial positioning, counting, motion and motor control needs. Expert cross...

Krytox[R] Fluorinated lubricants.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... Krytox Fluorinated Greases and Oils are chemically inert, insoluble in common solvents, thermally stable Temperature range (-103[degrees] to 800[degrees]F). Nonflammable Nontoxic Oxygen Compatible safe for oxygen service Low vapor pressure. Low...

Super-E motors.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... Baldor Electric Company offers Super-E[R] NEMA Premium[TM] efficiency motors from 1 through 1500 HP in low and medium voltages. TEFC, ODP, WPI and WPII enclosures are available with choice of environmental protection such as severe duty, IEEE...

SAB catalog now available on CB.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... SAB North America, a leading supplier of flexible high quality cable for robotics and automation, now offers its Flexible Control and Automation Cables Catalog in a convenient CD format The CD contains complete descriptions, specifications and...

Stock or custom linear electric actuators.(Media Mart)
March 1, 2005... New brochure features Burr's best-selling HD-Series acme screw linear actuators. Used in a wide range of applications from off-road equipment to satellite dish positioners, this line handles loads to 2500 lbs, offers several gear ratios, has...

Miniature guideways.(Media Mart )
March 1, 2005... Schneeberger now stocks eight sizes of miniature guideways and six sizes of ball monorail available with 2nd day delivery. Minirail offer retained carriage balls, max speeds of 5m/s and max accelerations of 300m/s [less than or equal to]....

Linear brake.(New Products)
March 1, 2005... Profile Rail brake is spring-engaged and air-released for high efficiency. * Cost effective, easily integrated into profile rail systems, kept disengaged without pressure * Normally closed, directional control valve is open to the air...

Poultry in motion: don't let this problem ruffle your feathers.(Problem 275)(chicken test)
March 1, 2005... Out on his b first field test for the aerospace lab of Ida-Ore University, and Finagle J. Wurme has forgotten his notebook. Not only that, he's at the wrong airfield. Today, Wurme is to perform the "chicken test" on a new composite IOU is...