Motion System Design articles from November 2005

Motion System Design archives from November 2005

Let's get physical.(Web CONTENTS)
November 1, 2005... Once a week at newton.ex.ac.uk/aip the American Institute of Physics sums up the latest advances in Physics, from cosmology to nanotubes. This free digest of physics news is from meetings, journals, newspapers, and other sources. It's provided...

Coupling design software.(Web CONTENTS)
November 1, 2005... A new design tool called the Internet Coupling Automation Program (iCAP for short) now allows designers to accelerate information exchange for faster, more economical coupling solutions. Offered by Kop-Flex (of Emerson Power Transmission...

Waverunner--Part 2.(In the LOOP)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Last month, we began a study of the electrical genius Nikola Tesla. We left off with the inventor drawing in the sand an idea that would change the world. Barely out of college, Tesla had figured out how to make ac induction motors work by...

In synch with readers.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I found the article "Get in Synch" (September 2005, p. 20) written by John Chandler to be very helpful. For almost four years, I was a development engineer in the area of BLDC slot-less machines, and I remain interested in drive topologies....

Unwelcome opinion.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I read your editorial in the September issue and I must say I was disappointed in what you chose to express. What your comments have to do with the magazine, the business you represent, or your readers are not apparent. It seems to me you were...

Don't blame PC.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I read your column "Not in my house" this week. First of all, it bothers me that an engineering publication is being used as a political soapbox. I'd like to believe that engineering is a pure science, above the fray of politics. Since you...

In the age of robotics, anything is possible: Stanford University leads five teams in completion of DARPA Grand Challenge.(What's NEW)
November 1, 2005... It was literally the dawn of a new day on October 8, as five teams crossed the finish line in the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Grand Challenge, an event that proves autonomous ground vehicles can travel long distances over...

Nanohelix structure builds nanoscale piezoelectric devices.(What's NEW)
November 1, 2005... A previously unknown zinc-oxide nanostructure could provide a new building block for creating nanometer-scale sensors, transducers, resonators and other devices that rely on electromechanical coupling. Based on a superlattice of alternating...

A step closer to superconductivity.(What's NEW)
November 1, 2005... Metal Oxide Technologies (MetOx), Houston, partnered with the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in a cooperative research and development agreement to transmit 150 times more electric power through long-length,...

PTDA welcomes new members.(Power Transmission Distributors Association )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) welcomed six new distributors to its membership roster, including: Aztec Industrial Bearing & Supply, Las Vegas; Blair Bearings Inc., Miami; Girardi Bearing Company, Salinas, Calif.;...

PTDA elects board members.(PTDA NEWS)
November 1, 2005... The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) elected its 2006 board of directors and manufacturer council at the PTDA 2005 Industry Summit in Las Vegas. Andrew H. Nations, president of Bearings & Drives Inc., Macon, Ga., succeeds...

Getting connected with conveyors: conveyors are an integral part of any process or plant. Chances are there's a standard conveyor type available for your specific need.(Conveyors)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... For centuries, people relied on manual labor to move large quantities and heavy, cumbersome items from point-to-point. This time-consuming process was eased around 1900 when conveyors were invented. One of the first applications was by Henry...

Bearings fit for cuisine: when it comes to food processing, not just any bearing will do. Housing materials, inserts, lubricants, styles, even accessories must meet FDA/USDA standards to protect food integrity and optimize machine output.(Food-grade BEARINGS)
November 1, 2005... Bearings play an essential role in food processing from bakeries to seafood canneries to bottling plants. Like any component in a high-speed, high-volume production line, their unexpected failure or unscheduled maintenance can be devastating....

Making a U turn: universal joints have connected shafts in industrial, household, medical, and utility vehicle applications for over 100 years. The standard block-and-pin design still finds use in modern applications because it transmits torque even through extreme misalignment.(Universal joints)
November 1, 2005... Some mechanical drives require torque be transmitted through an angle. If the angle of misalignment is small--under 3[degrees] or so--several coupling types can join the drive and driven shaft. For situations of greater misalignment or where...

Lubes and seals.(Peak PRODUCTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... Productivity is a shared goal in industrial applications involving designers, component makers, and end users. Everyone plays a role. In this report, Motion System Design editors polled lubes and seals experts for advice on optimizing...

Ethernet Powerlink platform.(Design by objective: CONNECTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... Ethernet Powerlink protocol consists of servomotor drives, a full-function machine controller that manages more than 200 motion axes, and license-free software to implement machinery and motion control systems. FEATURES & BENEFITS *...

AC drive.(Design by objective: CONNECTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... SJ/L-EN module provides ac micro drives with easyto-use Ethernet interface, external installation, and RJ45 connector. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Implements MODBUS/TCP protocol * Incorporates seven LEDs to monitor board status and...

PCI interface.(Design by objective: CONNECTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... PCI-1588 interface synchronizes clocks and events on multiple distributed devices with submicrosecond precision using the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Features built-in Ethernet port, three general-purpose...

Intelligent drive.(Design by objective: CONNECTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... A700 high-performance, variable-frequency drive feature built-in PLC to power motors ranging from 1/2 to 600 hp. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Runs with Profibus DP, CC-Link, DeviceNet, LonWorks, ControlNET, Modbus RTU, Metasys N2, EtherNET...

Multi-axis servo drives.(Design by objective: CONNECTIVITY)
November 1, 2005... Module AX25xx-B900 servo drives with Ethernet interface provide maximum output for control cabinets as small as 300-mm deep. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Control eight axes--a master module and up to seven axis modules * Reduce wiring,...

Planetaries for servos.(MSD 101)
November 1, 2005... Planetary systems are now the gear system of choice for automation applications using servomotors. Why? Two frequent misconceptions are that planetary systems have low backlash (one to seven arc-min.) and that the low backlash is the main...

Wash-down valves, cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
November 1, 2005... Series CL03 pneumatic valve system has an IP69K protection class rating for high-pressure wash down to 1,450 psi. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Mounts close to actuators for improved productivity * Hygienically designed with smooth...

Compact cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
November 1, 2005... RLQ series of compact cylinders integrates a locking mechanism and air cushions while maintaining short overall length. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 32, 40, 50, and 63-mm bore sizes * Lightweight and compact one-way lock mechanism for...

Dual-groove cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
November 1, 2005... GeoMetric cylinders conform to DIN/ISO 6431 and VDMA 24562 and feature a dual-groove (round and CombiGroove) design for flexibility in mounting switches and sensors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * CombiGroove accepts round and angular switches,...

Guided actuators.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
November 1, 2005... GC and GS pneumatic-guided actuators provide high-positioning accuracy for linear motion applications such as pick-and-place. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Three bore sizes--3/4 with 8-in. stroke; 1 1/16 with 12-in. stroke; and 1 1/2 with...

Compact motion.(Better BY DESIGN)
November 1, 2005... Based on the Magellan motion processor, the single-axis ION digital drive operates on 12-56 V and 8-15 A (optional heatsink increases current), delivering up to 550 W. The host sends commands such as position, velocity, acceleration, and jerk...

Equal input.(Better BY DESIGN)
November 1, 2005... The pull-type Equalizer eliminates voltage variations and temperature fluctuations by using PWM to change duty cycles. Modulation affects pulse duration, which changes according to data interpreted by the microprocessor. The solenoid operates...

Servo drive software.(Spotlight PLCS & I/OS)
November 1, 2005... Q programming software for BLu family of servo drives creates and downloads complex programs for motion control and I/O handling directly into drive. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stores values and manipulates registers * Operates from...

Ethernet-based controller.(Spotlight PLCS & I/OS)
November 1, 2005... Ethernet-based programmable controller 750-841 is protected against unauthorized access with a built-in IP-filter. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Multi-tasking, 32-bit CPU with real-time clock, 512-KB program memory, 128-KB data memory, and...

Slice-style terminal block.(Spotlight PLCS & I/OS)
November 1, 2005... New e2c 20 I/0 line of slice style DIN rail mountable terminal block I/0 modules can be used in distributed control enclosures. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Supports DeviceNet and Profibus * Features removable terminal blocks, spring...

Remote I/O control system.(Spotlight PLCS & I/OS)
November 1, 2005... System 2003 CP570 with Celeron 300 offers short reaction times and system expansion with fieldbuses to cover a wide performance spectrum. FEATURES & BENEFITS * X86-compatible CPU with I/0 processor * 500-sec cycle time *...

Linear actuators.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Duraplus linear actuators driven by brushless dc stepping motors promote smoothness, speed, and less cogging for OEM applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Speeds of more than 10 in./sec with high acceleration rates * 1/4 to 3/8 in....

Rocker switches.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The SW 3800 series features high electrical capacity of 30 A at 125 and 250 Vac and 30 Vdc. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Mechanical life rated at minimum 50,000 operations and electrical life at minimum 25,000 operations * Nominal force...

Handheld control terminal.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Profi-RT3 handheld control terminal with built-in ProfiBus-DP interface is designed for robotic systems and automated machinery. FEATURES & BENEFITS * LCD display of 20 lines by 15 characters * 44 mechanical keys * ANSI/RIA...

Vision sensors.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The In-Sight 5400S is made of stainless steel and protects against harsh manufacturing environments without an extra enclosure. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sorts, detects, inspects, verifies, reads, and counts passing items * Contains...

High-load ball screws.(Products)
November 1, 2005... New line of ball screws handles high-capacity loads at fast speeds with efficiency up to 90%. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stainless and alloy-steel styles available in 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 in. diameters in lengths to 72 in. * Single...

Timing belt pulleys.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Series 0.080 pitch aluminum MXL timing belt pulleys for 1/4 in. belts feature Fairloc integral hub fastening which eliminates the need for conventional separate hub clamp devices and offers frequent position adjustment. FEATURES & BENEFITS...

Step motor.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Linearstep offers linear motion in a rotary package. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Thread spec and enhanced neodymium magnet rotor promote high-thread efficiency and large driving forces * Linear shaft movement allows simple, inexpensive...

Shock absorber.(Products)
November 1, 2005... High-cycle SC 300-HC industrial shock absorber features a quick rod-ready time for high-speed production equipment. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Short stroke translates to faster cycling and production times * Suitable for packaging,...

Ring drives.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Camco ring index drives feature large through-holes for automated machinery and equipment, including electrical wiring, air, and hydraulic lines. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Models feature 1, 1.5, or 2-meter nominal rings; each available in...

Linear guides.(Products)
November 1, 2005... DryLin N low-profile linear guides are self-lubricating and support high-speed applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Plastic guiding elements run on anodized aluminum rails, enabling oil and maintenance-free operation * Reach speeds...

Servo electrical gripper.(Products)
November 1, 2005... PT-AP70 servo actuated gripper is fully flexible and easily controls glass, foam, or sand molds via preprogrammed parameters. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 70-mm total stroke; 200 N grip force * Repeatability less than [+ or -] 0.05 mm in...

Electromechanical linear actuator.(Products)
November 1, 2005... DGE-RF linear actuator offers high speed and flexible design for a variety of applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Speeds to 10 m/sec, working strokes to 5 m, repeatability of [+ or -] 0.1 mm, loads to 600 N * Roller guide...

UtiliTrak[R] linear motion guides with polymer wheels.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... BishopWisecarver announces the PW UtiliTrak[R] with signature DualVee Motion Technology[R] guide wheels. This smooth, low cost, corrosion resistant linear guidance solution features a pre-assembled carriage with studded polymer wheels and...

DualVee[R] guide wheels take you to a higher level of clean.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... Clean room compatible wheels consisting of 400 series stainless steel and a synthetic PFPE grease are now available from stock. Special materials, lubricants, surface treatments, and processing are also possible. Available in sizes 0-3....

BishopWisecarver offers the SL2 stainless steel based slide system.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion[R] SL2 is a corrosion resistant system available assembled or in component form allowing for maximum flexibility. Offering an extensive range of slides and bearing assemblies, the SL2 also offers FDA approved specially treated...

AST Bearings general catalog.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... AST Bearings' general catalog features an overview of our one-stop facility, value added services and products that we offer as well as depicts photos, drawings, descriptions and typical applications for custom-designed precision bearing...

CGI Inc. gearheads.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... Offering the widest range of standard gearhead ratios available in the industry. Providing custom solutions for motion control and automation applications. CGI is focused on engineering expertise and knowledgeable, customer service. CGI Inc.,...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
November 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...

Precision encoders.(Media MART)
November 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...

Spiral retaining rings & wave springs.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... 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...

Precision mechanical components.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... 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...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... 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...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media MART)
November 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...

Motors, gearmotors and drives.(Media MART)
November 1, 2005... LEESON's Catalog 1050 offers detailed information and specifications on thousands of ratings of industrial-duty motors, gearmotors and drives--available from stock warehouses throughout the United States, North America and the world. Products...