Motion System Design articles from November 2008

Motion System Design archives from November 2008

Near-instant gratification.(Web Contents)
November 1, 2008... A new website offers over 1,300 image-rich pages detailing fluid power and power transmission products, designed with better navigation, quick quote generation, CAD and product downloads, and industry news. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

It's all about packaging.(Web Contents)(Website overview)
November 1, 2008... Attention packaging equipment designers, engineers, and users: A new resource for packaging-specific motion control solutions in now located at altrapackaging.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new website of Altra Industrial Motion,...

Online O-ring calculator.(Web Contents)(Leborg Sealing Solutions)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... An updated calculator provides an easy way of calculating specifications and housing designs. From Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Ft. Wayne, Ind., www.tss.trelleborg.com/us is now available in both inch and metric versions. With a number of...

Blog on mechanical trends.(Web Contents)
November 1, 2008... Exchange your thoughts with other engineers at www.misumiusa.com/blog.aspx--a blog focusing on the latest mechanical component trends for assembly automation. It's hosted by Misumi USA Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., so engineers have a place to share...

Online cable ordering.(Web Contents)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NorthwireDirect, an e-commerce website for ordering off-the-shelf, factory-direct cable, is located at www.northwiredirect.com. More than 100 products (including CAN-Bus, DeviceNet, sensor and instrument,...

Lean and mean: specifying within size and weight constraints.(Design by Objective)(Maxon Precision Motors Inc.)(NSK Precision America Inc.)(Portescap U.S. Inc.)
November 1, 2008... Meeting stringent space and weight demands is a challenge for many of today's design engineers. If your new project needs to go on a diet, check out these tips and tools for watching weight and making it fit. Lightweight motors combine...

Seeing stars.(Solution snapshot)(Cover story)
November 1, 2008... When scientists want to look into the far corners of space, they rely on sophisticated instruments that collect tiny amounts of energy at various wavelengths along the electromagnetic spectrum. One such tool is the Effelsberg radio telescope,...

Improving gear microgeometry to improve motion performance: Part 1 of 2.(Course Audit)
November 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] No two gears are manufactured the same, but addressing manufacturing variability with optimized gear microgeometry boosts durability and lowers noise, vibration, and harshness, or NVH. New developments in...

Note to parents: engineering is pretty cool.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... One of biggest challenges facing the U.S. today is that we're not producing enough engineers who can envision and build real, working machines. Today's engineers have an overabundance of software knowledge, but far too few can devise products...

What would "Joe" do?(In the Loop)(Editorial)
November 1, 2008... Election day for the majority of Americans is less than a week away as I sit here typing this editorial. Like many people, I look forward to the end of what has been a particularly ugly election cycle, beginning with the run-up to the primaries...

Highly economical drive solution for your machines.(Media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ACOPOS multi by B&R: modular cooling concept, simple wiring, trend-setting power supply, compact and scalable inverter modules, high availability, integrated safety technology. Learn more about this innovative drive...

High-flexibility cable whitepaper.(Media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As appeared in Machine Design. Learn about the big differences in types of cable used in motion applications. This new 12-page whitepaper covers design considerations when using Flat or Round flexible cables....

Backlash-free metal bellow couplings.(Media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Catalog details high performance bellow couplings designed for servo motor and motion control applications. These torsionally rigid, maintenance free couplings are the perfect solution for demanding high speed, high...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Linak LA35 actuator.(Media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The LA35 actuator is characterized by its robust design allowing it to be used in harsh conditions. It is available with integrated electronics and force of up to 1300 lbs. The LA35 actuator is ideal for mobile...

FEA for designers.(media MART)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Or, users new to FEA, consultants, or individual engineers. NEi Fusion combines a powerful Parasolid geometry engine to create Finite Element Analysis models using familiar CAD commands. NEi Nastran Solvers provide a...

Self-lubricating slewing rings.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PRT slewing ring bearings use two self-lubricating, low friction polymer sliding elements in place of ball bearings. Features & benefits * Polymer sliding elements of solid lubricant requiring no additional...

Programmable cameras.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... BOBCAT line of machine-vision cameras in 45 X 45 X 39-mm envelope offer advantage where space is limited. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Easily replaces existing analog units, field-upgradeable firmware * Choice...

Parallel grippers.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... EGN series of servo electric twofinger parallel gripers now include sizes 80, 100, and 160. Features & benefits * Stroke per finger of 8 and 16 mm * Upward and downward expansion allows the exact size gripper for each task with...

Ethernet connectors.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... RJ-45 modular plug and jack connectors offer IP67 sealing and quick-connect bayonet coupling suited for EtherNet/ IP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet applications. Features & benefits * Coupling mechanism provides positive locking for...

Roller chain.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... PerforMax bushings offer roller chain improvements with upgraded performance and reliability. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Lube grooves, heat treatment, and precise dimensions produce a solid bushing *...

Sensors.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Uprox + Factor 1 sensors now include IP69k washdown versions with temperature ratings from -40[degrees] to 100[degrees] C. Features & benefits * 316 stainless steel construction, liquid crystal polymer front...

Accelerometers.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... Signal-conditioned accelerometers provide stable vibration measurement outputs over wide temperature range. Features & benefits [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Dc response accelerometers offered from [+ or -] 2 to [+ or -]500 g *...

Protective boots.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... Protective boots stop rod scoring, prevent nicks, and extend seal life by protecting cylinder rods from chips, abrasive particles, and impinging objects. Features & benefits * Neoprene nylon coated fabric boots handle temperatures from...

Step motor driver.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DRV-1 is a 1 amp, microstepping driver suitable for a range of resolutions. Features & benefits * Six resolution settings from full to 1/32 step * Includes small (2.7 x 3.1 x 1.0 in.) heat-sink mounted...

PC belt.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pyrathane twisted connectable PC belts are now available to replace endless belts in diameters from 3/32 to 9/16 in. Features & benefits * No disassembly when replacing belts on line shaft conveyors and...

Transport system.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... MagneMover shuttle combines the QuickStick LSM product line with standard aluminum track and vehicle components for flexible turnkey transport. Features & benefits * High-speed transfer shuttle allows a range of system layouts;...

Brushless servomotor.(New Products)
November 1, 2008... BSM132 high-power brushless servomotor ranges from 20 to 34 hp with optional blower cooling. Features & benefits * Continuous stall torque from 620 to 1,060 lb-in. and speed capability to 5,000 rpm * Double insulated, multicoated...

Shear transmission sheer genius: oil-shear brakes and clutches survive the erratic motion and incosistent speeds that can burn up other drives. They maintain accuracy under tough conditions, and never units are easier than ever to incorporate into designs.(Clutches and breaks)(Technical report)
November 1, 2008... In oil-shear brake and clutch units, friction plates and oil work together to slow and accelerate systems. Consider oilshear clutching: Upon startup, rotating input discs move toward stationary output discs, and oil between them shears to make...

Bullish on packaging.(Packaging in Motion)(robots used in packaging industry)
November 1, 2008... "It's difficult to gauge how the credit crisis will affect our businesses. At the end of the day, robots for packaging typically get purchased as part of relatively large capital investments. So, the degree to which companies become hesitant to...

Miniature encoders.(Product Spotlight: Encoders)
November 1, 2008... R22i optical incremental encoders provide position feedback with optional commutation signals for brushless motors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * 22 mm diameter by 15 mm long; fits motor shafts to 4 mm *...

Extreme-service encoders.(Product Spotlight: Encoders)
November 1, 2008... RLS miniature magnetic rotary encoders include a small diametrically polarized magnet and custom ASIC, which contains an array of Hall effect sensors that generate a voltage when exposed to a magnetic flux field. Features & benefits *...

Dual output encoders.(Product Spotlight: Encoders)
November 1, 2008... HS35 encoders are designed for use as winch-turn counters in the drawworks systems of oil rigs. Features & benefits * Hard-anodized metal housing, sealed connector, IS rating, dual bearings, and shaft seals for NEMA 4 and 13 (IP65)...

Economical encoders.(Product Spotlight: Encoders)
November 1, 2008... HC20 commutation encoders are priced 40% lower than previous models for use with brushless servo and step motors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Direct-read noninterpolated technology stems from a custom phased array...

Motion controllers ease robotics applications.(TIME SAVING TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2008... SpiiPlus and MC4U motion control modules feature advanced tuning tools, including FFT analysis and both profile and variable monitoring for quick and easy system setup. Flexible application programming with the ACSPL+ multitasking language...

Servo controller makes automation more flexible.(TIME SAVING TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2008... The PACMotion servo motion controller, the latest addition to the RX3i PACSystems family of programmable automation controllers (PACs), combines highly integrated motion and machine logic with the flexibility and scalability needed for machine...

Compatible components simplify machine control.(TIME SAVING TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2008... The Connected Components program reduces the time it takes for machine builders to choose suitable control products. The program combines a simple, yet powerful controller with a full suite of related components and a dedicated set of...

Controller and spindle set deliver velocity stability.(TIME SAVING TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2008... The Dover DMM-101 Single Axis Controller and ST1 Air Bearing Spindle together form an easily integrated subsystem for hard disk drive (HDD) applications, but can also be ordered separately. The controller delivers velocity stability performance...

Inspection perfection: smart camera shines a light on glass examination.(Lessons in Vision)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The process of melting sand and forming it into glass is a manufacturing method that dates back thousands of years. Though contemporary production methods benefit from greater scientific knowledge of additives that...

Microdrive delivers delicate motion.(What's New)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From little kids to kids at heart, model train enthusiasts are passionate about their hobby and crave as much realistic detail as possible to be packed into their miniature replicas. While older generations of model...

Go green for more greenbacks.(What's New)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... A new report about sustainable manufacturing from ARC Advisory Group, Dedham, Mass., could help you navigate your next career move. In today's engineering workplace, it pays to be knowledgeable about green initiatives that can save your company...

Eelectric engineering holds promise.(What's New)
November 1, 2008... Whether it's Velcro or aircraft design, engineers have a long tradition of lifting some amazing design concepts from Mother Nature. A new paper by researchers at Yale University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)...

More Research Triangle Park news: new Fieldbus book.(What's New)
November 1, 2008... ISA, an automation standards association based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., recently released Foundation Fieldbus, 3rd Edition by Ian Verhappen and Augusto Pereira. The book's authors, control system engineers with experience in Foundation...

Merger forms HaydonKerk Motion Solutions.(Biz bits)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Haydon Switch and Instrument Inc., a company involved with motor miniaturization, announces a merger with Kerk Motion Products, a manufacturer of non-ball leadscrews, linear rails, and actuator systems. The two companies will become HaydonKerk...

Gore joins Ethernet Alliance.(Biz bits)
November 1, 2008... W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Landenberg, Pa., a manufacturer of cable assemblies, has joined the Ethernet Alliance, an industry group dedicated to the promotion of Ethernet technologies. Gore will play a key role in the advancement of Ethernet...

Danfoss names new CEO.(Biz bits)(Niels B. Christiansen promoted as chief executive officer)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Effective October 1, Danfoss Group, Loves Park, Ill., announced that its president and CEO, Jorgen M. Clausen, has retired and that his successor, Niels B. Christiansen, has assumed these leadership roles. Clausen will formally become the...

Omron assists hurricane relief efforts.(Biz bits)
November 1, 2008... In response to the ongoing needs of communities damaged by Hurricane Ike, Omron Foundation Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., approved the donation of $50,000 to the Greater Houston Community Foundation to assist with relief efforts. Hurricane Ike, which...

NSK receives sustainability award.(Biz bits)
November 1, 2008... NSK Precision America, Franklin, Ind., has earned recognition as one of the "2008 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World," a list compiled and released annually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. NSK's...

Interroll adds West Coast service center.(Biz bits)
November 1, 2008... Interroll Corp., Wilmington, N.C., recently opened a new service center in Tulare, Calif. The new facility will include application support, customer support, and warranty service, enabling the company to better serve equipment manufacturers...

G whiz.(World in Motion)
November 1, 2008... Space tourism will be here in a flash, with SpaceShip Two from Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic ready to whisk passengers beyond Earth's atmosphere as early as 2009. Save your money, however, because the suborbital excursion will cost...