Motion System Design articles from November 2006

Motion System Design archives from November 2006

Get rolling with guide wheels--part 2 of 2.(MSD Classroom)
November 1, 2006... When it comes to moving loads along straight or curved paths, steel-on-steel guide wheel systems are tough to beat. They are unaffected by most types of industrial fluids and debris, withstand temperatures to 500[degrees]F, set up easily on...

Hysteresis devices.
November 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...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.
November 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...

The world's most compact digital servo drive.
November 1, 2006... Elmo Motion Control's Whistle weighs only 1.8 ounces and is the size of a matchbox (2in). Despite its size, it can deliver 10A/1000W of continuous power (at up to 99% efficiency) and 20A/2000W of peak current. The Whistle has all the...

Mini catalog.
November 1, 2006... With PACAMOR KUBAR BEARINGS (PKB) miniature and instrument ball bearings installed in your products, you can be confident that your precision devices contain high quality, reliable, and domestically produced components. Miniature and instrument...

Electronic position sensor.(Pneumatic Solutions)
November 1, 2006... SMAT position transmitter continuously monitors the position of a cylinder piston within 50 mm, and produces analog output. Features & benefits * Contactless, magnetic measurement design offers 0 to 10 V and 20 mA output * Mounts...

Pneumatic control valve.(Pneumatic Solutions)
November 1, 2006... GEN2 valve module contains on-board programming logic for independent intelligent control of multiple sequential control operations. Features & benefits * Communicates directly with other upstream and downstream modules * Makes...

Keeping machines fit.(Design by Objective)
November 1, 2006... Nowadays, product features are often what differentiate one component from another. Diagnostics and maintenance feedback functions are a major way to add value to your design, by providing a way to run processes more efficiently or produce a...

Going in new directions: Linear step motors move with exceptional positioning accuracy, under both open and closed-loop control.(Linear stepper motors)
November 1, 2006... Since the 1970s, linear motors have directly driven highspeed motion systems. Their operation is similar to that of their cylindrical cousins, as they physically resemble flattened rotary motors, split open along the axis of rotation. But...

Lock it up: locking devices clamp components, such as gears, flywheels, and pulleys, to a shaft. See how these threadless and keyless mechanisms keep up to speed.(Need for speed)
November 1, 2006... Moving equipment at high speeds requires stability. The use of shafthub locking devices dampens vibration while transmitting high torque. To help us understand how locking devices work, we asked the experts to explain what makes them suitable...

Pick it up: servo technology makes pick-and-place operations faster and more precise; integrated motion and modular programming simplify their design.(Motion in packaging)
November 1, 2006... Pick-and-place machines are used in a wide variety of applications throughout the consumer products industry. The speed and precision with which they perform their respective tasks directly affects productivity, and ultimately, the bottom line....

Web contents.(www.motionsystemdesign.com)(funtech.com )(Website overview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www.motionsystemdesign.com We invite you to spend some time at Motion System Design's new website. New features include links to blogs and useful papers. You'll also find online-exclusive content--related to articles, Fun with...

Catering to VFD signals: if a cable fails, it can be quite an undertaking to remove it, replace it, and refit it with connectors. That's why specially insulated cable that resists damaging spikes is useful in demanding variable frequency drive applications.(Cables and carriers)
November 1, 2006... Increasingly common, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are used to control motor speed--elevating the frequency of power pulses/sec fed to motors for faster turning, and decreasing that frequency to make motors turn more slowly. As for the...

Integrated actuator system.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Ternary all-in-one linear system controls multiple positions, integrating electronics, precision mechanics, feedback, and software. Features & benefits * Two sizes--046 and 032--for forces up to 600 and 190 N * Linear travel up to...

Modular linear system.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Smart linear actuator module automation system features DirectConnect technology for easy integration of pneumatic slides, grippers, and rotaries. Features & benefits * Three models with strokes from 100 to 1,400 mm and stroke speeds...

Electric actuators.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Tritex electric actuators combine brushless servomotors, servo amplifiers, and position controllers in one housing to eliminate external amplifier and cables. Features & benefits * Linear versions come with front flange, rear clevis,...

Linear actuators.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Three models of Care 33 linear actuators position equipment safely and reliably while promoting high dynamic load capacity, silent operation, and low current consumption. Features & benefits * Strokes from 50 to 500 mm * Dynamic...

Electromechanical linear actuator.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Linear actuator is a leadscrew-driven package that improves accuracy and offers high precision and long life. Features & benefits * Accepts NEMA size 17, 23, and 34 motors * Kerkote TFE coating, Kerkite highperformance composite...

Encoder feedback-enabled actuators.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... Size 11 hybrid linear actuators feature encoder feedback with two channel quadrature TTL squarewave outputs. Features & benefits * Encoder resolutions from 200 to 1,024 cycles/rev or 800 to 4,096 pulses/rev * Actuator resolution...

High-speed actuators.(Spotlight Electric Actuators)
November 1, 2006... TY series linear actuators are integrated with SHS LM guides and QZ lubricators for long-term and maintenance-free operation. Features & benefits * Reach speeds to 5 m/sec and accelerations to 5 g * Planetary gearbox ratios of 3:1,...

Intelligent drives.(Products)
November 1, 2006... IDM/IDS640 DSP drives feature a CANopen communication option for DSP 402 standard. Features & benefits * Embed motion control, drive, and PLC functions in compact size * Software configurable to drive brushless, dc, linear, or step...

Cable carriers.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Bandtrac cable and hose carriers feature a single-piece extrusion that eliminates noise, wear, and vibration inherent to link-style carriers. Features & benefits * Quiet, smooth, and clean * No moving parts; exhibit low wear ...

Linear actuators.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Rohlix linear actuators convert rotary motion to linear travel and carry loads at speeds up to 70 in./sec, depending on size. Features & benefits * Handle thrust between 5 and 200 lb; loads attached to carrier block by two cap screws...

Ethernet-capable controller.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Accelera DMC-40x0 Ethernet/RS232 controllers include a 32-bit microcomputer for high speeds and processing powers. Features & benefits * Accept encoder inputs to 22 MHz; provide servo updates to 32 KHz; execute program instructions in...

Vector drives.(Products)
November 1, 2006... SMVector drives feature high starting torque, auto-tuning, advanced lowspeed control, and dynamic speed regulation. Features & benefits * Four modes of operation--V/Hz, enhanced V/Hz, vector speed, and torque * Power range up to...

Aluminum-acetal gears.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Series S1268Z-M aluminum-acetal gears feature the Fairloc integral hub fastening system to eliminate marred shafts. Features & benefits * 20[degrees] pressure angle; AGMA Q10 and ISO Class 7 ratings * Mate with hubs that accept...

Inductive, heating fuses.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Edison fuse line includes J, RK1, and RK5 class fuses to protect motors, transformers, and other inductive and heating loads. Features & benefits * Current limiting, fast-acting, and time-delay * 250 or 600 Vac ratings; UL and CSA...

Finned frame ac motors.(Products)
November 1, 2006... RPM ac totally enclosed duty motors with finned frame construction provide increased torque density and more power in a small package. Features & benefits * Advanced cooling optimizes heat dissipation and allows motor to deliver more...

Magnetic linear encoders.(Products)
November 1, 2006... E-Series linear magnetic encoders provide measurement and feedback where optical scales don't work or last. Features & benefits * Resolution between 0.5 and 200 [micro]m/edge * Self-adhesive, stainless steelbacked magnetic tape and...

Motor controls.(Products)
November 1, 2006... IEC motor control line features nonreversing contactors, bimetallic overload relays, and motor protection circuit breakers to work with common connections and accessories. Features & benefits * Contactors available from 9 to 80 A;...

Washdown motors.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Barracuda stainless-steel motors have been expanded to include ratings from fractional to 30 hp. Features & benefits * Vacuumpressure impregnated windings withstand electrical shorts * Sealed electrical bearings suit high loads;...

Open-frame XY stage.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Positioning stage model KDT 180--DC is 32 mm high with a 199 mm2 footprint. Features & benefits * 60-mm travel in each direction with straightness/flatness deviation of 1 [micro]m * Preloaded miniature ball screw, coupled to dc...

Severe-duty tables.(Products)
November 1, 2006... Precision slide table systems with sealed linear bearings are engineered to carry heavier loads at higher speeds under continuous operation. Features & benefits * Long life and low-friction roller bearing pillow blocks; precision...

Measuring rpm.(MSD 101)(using tachometers)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Tachometers directly report angular speed. Some are simple processors that merely digest output from an external sensor or encoder; others are integrated units that combine an encoder or sensor and a processor in one neat package. Both types,...

What's their typical range?(Q&A)(range of tachometers)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Common tachometers can process frequencies from 0.1 to over 10,000 Hz. So conceptually, when using an incremental or other pulse-output sensor, incoming pulses are counted, timed, and scaled by a known pulses/rev value to calculate shaft speed....

How do tachometers connect to larger systems?(Q&A)
November 1, 2006... On the input side, tachometers fall into three basic categories: Direct-coupling and noncontact (both with internal sensors) and processor-only sensorless types. Direct-coupling tachometers attach to shafts directly, just as rotary shaft...

What are other functions of tachometers?(Q&A)
November 1, 2006... Many models include programmable speed alarms for underspeed and overspeed indication where shaft speed must be controlled autonomously. With these tachometers, a supervisory process is notified when speed crosses one or more user-set...

Johan Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich: this month, we review the lives of Johan Josef Keller, Jakob Knappich, and family--champions of the modern robot--for inspiration and ideas.(Did you know)(Company overview)
November 1, 2006... In the 1890s, the birth and proliferation of the automobile was sparking the imaginations of many pioneering engineers. Johan (Hans) Keller and Jakob Knappich were no exception. The two entrepreneurs were working together at an acetylene...

Low Profile System from BishopWisecarver.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... LoPro[R] Linear Motion Systems are low profile, pre-engineered modular units consisting of an antifriction slide way, constructed with DualVee Motion Technology[R] and a linear actuator. LoPro linear systems are available in four sizes, belt,...

SBD sealed belt drive system.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... The new HepcoMotion[R] SBD linear system introduces a new sealing method that keeps away dirt and debris. A stainless steel band, held in place by a magnetic strip and running the length of an aluminum beam, effectively encloses the unit. SBD...

Catalog CD.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... AutomationDirect's complimentary catalog CD offers over 5500 industrial automation products for a wide range of applications. Also available in print, the 1750-page catalog and addendum feature product descriptions, technical data, and photos...

Extensive Clutch/Brake Catalog.(Media MART)
November 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...

PDU2 profile driven linear transmission unit.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... The HepcoMotion[R] PDU2 is compact, modular, cost-effective, and satisfies most application parameters. Mechanically simple yet innovative, PDU2's design offers advanced engineering materials, proven belt technology, and an aluminum structure...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... 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 mechanical components.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... 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...

DL series linear actuators.(Media MART)
November 1, 2006... DL series linear actuators offer the benefits of space-saving design, fast, simple assembly, long life and competitive price. The rigid enclosed aluminum box structure provides a compact envelope that incorporates the linear bearing drive...

Problem 293: free for ball: don't get mowed over by this problem.(Fun with fundamentals)
November 1, 2006... Every November, fans gather for the Otheta State vs. Cactus U matchup. This year, it's late in the first quarter--third and ten--and OSU's Johnny T. Jectrie fades back to pass. He lays out a tight spiral, but a Cactus rascal deflects the ball...

Win a power supply.(Fun with fundamentals)
November 1, 2006... The winner of this month's problem receives a RHINO PSP series power supply from AutomationDirect, Cumming, Ga. These provide tightly regulated output voltage for sensitive loads in industrial environments. The slim plastic case is lightweight...

Vene, vede da Vinci--sensazione.(In the loop)
November 1, 2006... Many people believe that creativity comes naturally to those who possess it. Others, like Leonardo da Vinci, regard creativity as something we acquire by developing attributes and inclinations with which we are born. We've already discussed two...

Good vibrations down on the farm: magnetorheological fluids reduce vibration levels in heavy-duty machinery.(What's new: Industry Focus: Agriculture/Construction)
November 1, 2006... The shakes, rattles, and rolls that drivers of agricultural vehicles feel are things of the past on new machinery with technology from Lord Corp., Cary N.C., and Sears Seating. The operator seats in large row-crop tractors from agricultural...

Getting a lift from proximity sensors.(What's new: Industry Focus: Agriculture/Construction)
November 1, 2006... All too often, booms on cherry pickers are not locked down, resulting in accidental damage to bridges and overpasses, trees, and power and telephone wires. Booms should be fully retracted, secured, and checked by drivers prior to movement....

Covert markers provide packaging security.(What's new: Industry Focus: Agriculture/Construction)
November 1, 2006... A business unit of Adhesives Research Inc., Glen Rock, Pa., focuses on anti-counterfeiting technology with covert markers for several industries, particularly in packaging. ArMark Authentication Technologies highlighted its covert markers...

Veer on the side of safety: online database provides recognized images of important industrial safety precautions.(What's new: Industry Focus: Agriculture/Construction)
November 1, 2006... Watch your arm! Don't get caught in that gear! Look out for that pulley! If words were used to describe images on a new database from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), it would be ones like these. AEM has added an online...