Motion System Design articles from March 2006

Motion System Design archives from March 2006

Guideways keep motion straight: rolling-element guideways eliminate stick and slip, helping machines increase throughput. Learn how to size, install, and maintain them.(Bearings and slides)
March 1, 2006... Machine tools spend about 70% of their time cutting metal. The rest of the time, they're either making a tool change or positioning for the next machining function. It's possible, however, for machine tools to spend more time cutting and less...

Magnet man.(Interview)
March 1, 2006... William Gilbert, quite literally, wrote the book on magnetism. Prior to his work, which culminated in his epic treatise, De Magnete, the effects of magnetism were the stuff of myth and magic. Gilbert changed all that when he showed...

Hold fast: get the inside story on coupling speed.
March 1, 2006... Couplings are probably the most compliant and predictable component in a motion system. Turn up the speed, however, and it's a different story. Resonance, misalignment, and lubrication become major issues. And lifetime can be anyone's guess....

Flux vector drives.(Variable frequency drives )
March 1, 2006... Variable frequency drives convert ac power to dc and then reshape that current to control ac motors. All types control speed by varying current frequency, but one subtype--flux vector drives--uses current-switching techniques to control motor...

Close quarters: things to consider when you need to optimize torque density.(Design by Objective)
March 1, 2006... A new breed of products--from self-powered wheelchairs to autonomous aircraft to all-electric plastic injection-molding machines--tells of a trend sweeping the motion industry. Engineers in both component and system development are pulling out...

Dr. Gilbert Wanninger: this month, we review the life of Dr. Gilbert Wanninger, inventor of the cable carrier system, for inspiration and ideas.(Did you know)
March 1, 2006... In 1953 German machine builder Waldrich Siegen G.m.b.H. was working to rebuild after the devastation of World War II. Employed at the company as director of engineering was Dr. Gilbert Wanninger. He noticed the company's massive machinery would...

Sweet serves.(Problem 285)
March 1, 2006... Finagle J. Wurme is ready for the IOU varsity tennis team's spring tryouts. He trained tirelessly during the winter by lifting weights, running laps, and playing ping-pong. Now, he's eager to demonstrate his improved, powerful serve. ...

Looking for more on Tesla.(In Response)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... Please advise status on "Waverunner," Larry Berardinis' continuing series on the life of Nikola Tesla. Last I saw was Part 2 in the Motion Monitor e-newsletter of 29 Nov. 2005. A reference was made at the end of that article that the next...

A note of thanks.(In Response)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the insightful articles in MSD and look forward to receiving and reading each month's copy. I wish I knew more friends who appreciated the knowledge you share. Keep up the excellent,...

Waverunner--Part 5: the continuing tribute to Nikola Tesla.(In the loop)
March 1, 2006... In 1905, the U.S. Patent Office committed one of its biggest mistakes, rescinding Nikola Tesla's patent for radio and awarding it to Guglielmo Marconi instead. Not only did the decision end Tesla's work on wireless power transmission, it denied...

Torque by magnetic pull: permanent-magnet couplings also function as clutches and brakes, suitable when other designs are not practical.(Magnetic couplings)
March 1, 2006... Over the last 40 years, permanent-magnet couplings have come into the manufacturing forefront. This technology can operate at high speeds without contact or wear of active components, and at temperatures from cryogenic to 500[degrees] F....

Ride this train.(Mechanisms and machines)
March 1, 2006... Conveyor belts and power transmission equipment are often employed to move materials around production facilities and warehouses. However, their belts, hydraulic elevators, and cranes must be adjusted, tightened, and lubricated, and their wear...

Operation: wind and unwind: lessons and solutions for all motion engineers.(Motion in Packaging)
March 1, 2006... How does a typical wind-unwind system work? Perhaps the best way to describe this system is by examining a multiple-web converter--a handling system that converts many individual web streams into one web of manufactured product. To start, a...

Re-inventing the wheel.(What's new)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Circular wheels have been moving people and machines for thousands of years. Now, two engineers are testing non-circular wheels for use in MEMS applications, robotics, micro machines, and toys. Stephen Derby of Distributed Robotics LLC and...

National distribution agreement reached.(What's new)
March 1, 2006... Applied Industrial Technologies, Cleveland, expanded its strategic relationship with Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Automation and Climate and Industrial Controls Groups. Applied will nationally distribute Parker-branded pneumatic air valves,...

Software library supports packaging standards.(What's new)
March 1, 2006... A software library has been developed by Beckhoff Automation, Bosch Rexroth, and Siemens to support the PackAL standard. Designed for their respective control platforms, this new packaging-specific library is available for download from the...

Harmonic drive companies merge.(HD Systems Inc.Harmonic Drive Technologies and Nabtesco USA Inc merges Harmonic Drive LLC)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... HD Systems and Harmonic Drive Technologies, Nabtesco have merged to form Harmonic Drive LLC. Based in Peabody, Mass., the new company provides harmonic drive gearing and motion control products. It employs about 90 people and is jointly owned...

NEMA applauds appliance standards schedule.(What's new)
March 1, 2006... NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, commended the Department of Energy (DOE) for its schedule on setting new home appliance efficiency standards. The five-year plan outlines how DOE will address the appliance standards...

Ethernet Alliance forms to promote Ethernet technologies.(What's new)
March 1, 2006... A new industry group, The Ethernet Alliance, Mountain View, Calif., has formed to promote continued success and expansion of Ethernet technology. Focusing on all IEEE 802 Ethernet standards, the Alliance will serve as an industry resource and...

Direct driving controls axial forces.(Industry Focus: Plastic/Injection Molding)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The continuous production of defect-free profiles with plastic extrusion requires precise technology. The extrusion process creates large axial forces on extruder screws that can damage components integral to the machine. Usually gearmotors...

Electrical actuator replaces hydraulic gating.(Industry Focus: Plastic/Injection Molding)
March 1, 2006... Injection molding applications typically use hydraulic valve manifolds and power systems for valve gate control and sequencing, but a new electric servo actuator does the same job in a much smaller package. The ServoGate from Tol-O-Matic,...

New DualVee[R] Integral Wheel Technology.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... BishopWisecarver announces Integral bushing and stud shaft wheels that provide higher load capabilities, reduce installation time, eliminate tolerance stack-up, and improve durability and stability. Offered in 52100 carbon bearing steel and...

Krytox[R] fluorinated lubricants.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... Krytox[R] 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...

Kohzu, Japan's premiere manufacturer of precision motion instruments now offers its comprehensive line of rotary, linear and swivel-arc stages to the American industrial and scientific community.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... Kohzu, Japan's premiere manufacturer of precision motion instruments now offers its comprehensive line of rotary, linear and swivel-arc stages to the American industrial and scientific community. Manual and motorized sub-micron accuracy...

Extensive clutch/brake catalog.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... Our comprehensive clutch and brake catalog combines all individual product guides in one convenient 80-page publication. It includes complete technical data on Electromagnetic Friction Clutches and Brakes, Spring Applied Brakes, Wrap Spring...

UtiliTrak[R] linear motion guide with polymer wheels.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... The PW UtiliTrak[R] with signature DualVee Motion Technology[R] guide wheels from BishopWisecarver is a smooth, low cost, corrosion resistant linear guidance solution which features a pre-assembled carriage with studded polymer wheels and...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... 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...

Compact Rugged I/O station.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... 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...

Hysteresis devices.(Media MART)
March 1, 2006... Magtrol, Inc. manufactures Hysteresis Brakes and Clutches for precise tension and torque control in the textile, coil winding, printing, packaging, wire and cable industries. Producing torque strictly through a magnetic air gap, Magtrol's...

Ac motor drives.(Products)
March 1, 2006... ACS 800 harmonic motor drives save space and eliminate filters and transformers often required to reduce harmonics. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Compact, stand-alone units incorporate active converters to eliminate low-order harmonics and...

Universal joints.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Needle bearing universal joints for steering and shift-linking applications incorporate high-strength alloy steel yokes with permanently sealed drawn-cup needle bearing and forged cross. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Pre-lubricated, double...

Turn steppers into servos.(Products)
March 1, 2006... SilentStep control software lets stepmotors run like servos by optimizing torque, precision, and noise. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Patented software technology * Reduces resonance and noise by up to 75% * Efficient control...

Compact couplings.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Servo coupling body EK/GS and clamp collar KLR61x120 connect mid-sized shafts for backlash-free operation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * All-steel construction handles torque spikes; failsafe jaw design * Clamp collars 3/8 to 2 in. shorter...

End effectors.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Servo grippers EGN 100 and EZN 64 are powered by integrated motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Encoders provide feedback * Two control modes for control over force, position, or speed * Eliminate the need for air supply in cases...

Modular tooling.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Modular end tooling is easily configured for flexible modular automation in a variety of material handling applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Robust design made of lightweight aluminum * Mounts to robot in end-mount cantilever...

Leadscrews.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Anti-backlash W-Series nuts minimize backlash at screw interface. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Made of self-lubricating polyacetal for low drag torque, especially on precision rolled leadscrews * Can be lubed for life of coupled motor, or...

Permanent magnet motors, drives.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Ecoheart permanent magnet motors and drives achieve 10% higher efficiency than induction motors by reducing internal loss by 50%. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sinusoidal motor current waveform achieves low torque ripple, vibration, noise, and...

Microstepping drive.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Ion microstepping digital drive is a fully enclosed module that provides motion control, network connectivity, and amplification in a compact, easy-to-use package for dc brush, brushless, and stepmotors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Up to 256...

Multipurpose couplings.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Motion control couplings are available in several styles, including beam, Oldham, mini-jaw, bellows, mini-soft, mini-disc, and curved jaw. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Compensate for parallel, angular, and axial misalignments * Speeds to...

Micro brushless motors.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Micro motor features ceramic air bearing design for high speed and quiet operation at high temperatures. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 20-mm size with 3 to 5-[micro]m gap between bearings * 12 Vdc operating voltage; 70 mA load current ...

Machined springs.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Compression/extension machined springs incorporate multiple features into one component. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Compression spring ends can be flat and square * Slot has constant width from end-to-end for no progressive touching of...

Multi-controller PLCs.(Products)
March 1, 2006... New CPUs for FA-M3R family of PLC systems make them more suitable for high-speed applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Minimum instruction time of 0.07 sec * Automatically store program documentation, eliminating need to load from...

Position transducer.(Products)
March 1, 2006... MT3A position transducer tracks linear measurements in testing where compact size, flexible mounting, high velocity, and water resistance are required. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Spring tension performs in accelerations to 47 G *...

Linear actuators.(Products)
March 1, 2006... DL series linear actuators feature a rigid, enclosed aluminum-box structure in a compact size that incorporates the linear bearing and drive mechanism. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 25, 50, 75, and 100 mm lengths deliver 10 million in. travel...

Motor reversers.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Three-phase motor reversers start up to 7.5 kW induction motors in either direction. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Safely control and invert motor direction on two legs, drawing up to 75 A (400 Vac) * Extremely compact, measuring 3.94 x...

Ball transfer units.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Euro ball transfer units feature spring clips which allow quick installation on floors or other surfaces and eliminate fasteners, loose clips, and fixing holes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 22-mm diameter ball with 160 kg load rating *...

Mini servo drives.(Products)
March 1, 2006... The Whistle miniature digital servo drive is small and light enough to mount on a motor housing or close to the motor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Deliver up to 0.5 kW continuous power at up to 99% efficiency * Seven models range from 60...

Vibration monitors.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Highly durable, stand-alone, metal-enclosed Octavis monitor resists oils and coolants, withstands extreme washdowns, and tolerates punishing outdoor conditions. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Analyze vibration signatures and predict failures by...

Elastomeric sealing.(Product spotlight: Lubes and seals)
March 1, 2006... F-treated FKM elastomers offer a permanent low coefficient of friction surface that cannot be washed away. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Material properties are protected beneath the surface of molded shapes * Stable properties; little...

Air mist lubricant.(Product spotlight: Lubes and seals)
March 1, 2006... Synmist is a high film strength, synthetic lubricant used in centralized air-mist lubrication systems. FEATURES & BENEFITS * ISO grades 32, 46, 68, 100, 150, 220, 320, and 460 available * Reduces bearing vibrations; is compatible...

Infrared lubrication system.(Product spotlight: Lubes and seals)
March 1, 2006... PurgeX infrared lubrication system combines PurgeX positive displacement pump with programmable logic and infrared sensing for dispensing the right amount of lubrication accurately on a moving target. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Up to 0.012...

Electrical connector lubricant.(Product spotlight: Lubes and seals)
March 1, 2006... RheoTemp 761G performs above the polyalphaolefin (PAO) heat barrier of 125[degrees]C at a cost less than silicone or fluorinated oils. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Reaches temperatures of 175[degrees]C * Reduces connector insertion force...

Tapping into torque signals: many options exist for sending data and power to and from torque sensors. Find out which method is best for your application.(Torque sensors)
March 1, 2006... Several schemes are available to calculate torque in motion control, quality control, and test applications. Most are based on indirect measurements and are of limited value. Torque sensors, by contrast, measure torque directly. Their output...

Web contents.(motionsystemdesign.com )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Click on Current Issue for in-depth information on motors, bearings, linear motion, controllers, and sensors. Select Issue Archive to browse past features; classic issues of the popular department Brushing Up are also warehoused to pass on to...