Motion System Design articles from October 2003

Motion System Design archives from October 2003

Great! An assistant secretary of commerce.(In the Loop)
October 1, 2003... It is tradition on Labor Day for the president of the United States to make a speech before members of a labor union to praise the nobility of the American working man. This year, President Bush chose to make his appearance at the training...

Someone noticed Airbus is subsidized.(In the Loop)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry feels the United States should subsidize aircraft producer Boeing like France subsidizes Airbus. "I'm tired of Airbus playing all kinds of subsidy games," Kerry said. "We have to fight back, and...

DIY with simpler systems.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2003... I read your column in the July issue, and passed along a copy to a friend here at work, also a Miata driver--though I guess you're technically a former Miata driver. I think she feels somewhat safer for having seen what a good job yours did in...

Safety in small packages.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2003... This is in response to the July editorial, Losing and Winning. I, too, am a Miata-crash veteran. It's extremely gratifying to prove wrong those people who said, "If you get in a wreck in that tiny little car, you'll be killed!" Glad to hear you...

One thing at a time.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2003... I restore vintage automobiles, and drive them daily. They don't have crumple zones, safety cages, antilock brakes, or even seat belts in some cases. Cars today are much more refined--in many ways, technological wonders. Still, rollover deaths...

Let's save manufacturing.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2003... "Tough sell for tough times" (August In the Loop) should be required reading for anyone with a business interest in manufacturing. The issue has grave import and imperative. I hold out not much hope for action from our political leaders,...

You can't spell manufacturing without F-U-N.(What's New)(Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... How do you get kids excited about manufacturing? Have them make their own toy, of course. At least, that is the motivation behind a new exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Called ToyMaker 3000, the exhibit features a...

Correction.(What's New)(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2003... George Jaffe, vice president of Steinmeyer Inc., was incorrectly listed in the August issue Productivity Forum (p.25). Schneeberger Inc. continues to be a distributor of his company.

Bearing and gear make gust-boosting team.(What's New)
October 1, 2003... An integrated flexpin bearing from The Timken Co., Canton, Ohio, is helping to boost wind turbine performance for MAAG Gear AG. The Swiss firm is using the bearing for one of its giant wind turbine transmissions, which will be part of a new...

Setting a new standard.(What's New;National Electrical Manufacturers Association )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has released a revised standard on motors and generators. MG 1-2003, a revised version of MG 1-1998, provides more than 500 pages of manufacturing and performance data related to electric motors...

Servodrives make an impression.(Market spotlight: printing & converting)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Cincinnati-based Roto Press International, now Nilpeter USA, specializes in flexographic presses for the tag, label, and converting industries. Its eight-color Model 8518 Servoflex flexographic printing press runs at speeds of 750 to 1,000 fpm....

A zap trap.(What's New; mouse traps)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... If what they say about building a better mousetrap is true, Woodstream Corp. had better be ready for the masses to knock at its door. The Lititz, Pa., company's new Victor EMT is the first mousetrap to use electronics for a fast, clean catch...

U.S. packaging still in the lead.(What's New)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... U.S. packaging machinery manufacturers maintained their lead in the marketplace in 2002 by shipping an estimated $5.851 billion in packaging equipment, up $26 million from 2001. The figures come from the Confederation of Packaging Machinery...

What you need to know about one-piece, helix-curved beams.(Course audit: advanced learning at your desk, at your pace)
October 1, 2003... Topics of discussion: * Helical beam couplings * Universal joints * Coil design * Materials * Challenges * Coupling checklist Understanding how helical, curved beams operate--how their spiral cuts accommodate...

Gearing & gearmotors.(Productivity Forum)
October 1, 2003... Wondering what's new in the linear world? The editors of Motion System Design conducted a survey among industry experts to find out. Here are the responses we believe you'll find most useful. When using gearing & gearmotors, what...

Sensible steering.(Sensor Tips)
October 1, 2003... A triple-redundant sensor pack is steering tractors in the right direction. The feedback device from Duncan Electronics, a div. of BEI Technologies Inc., Tustin, Calif., brings safety to critical steering applications with three independent...

Q&A corner.(Sensor Tips)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Q. What is the difference between linearity and accuracy? A. Linearity measures the closeness of a curve (such as a calibration curve) to a straight line. Accuracy measures the conformance of an indicated value to a standard or ideal value....

Small and slim.(Sensor Tips)
October 1, 2003... MSP-100 Series transducers measure up to 3,000 psi and come with a non-amplified output and an accuracy of [+ or -] 1%, with an operating temperature range of-20 to 85[degrees]C, With a compact one-piece stainless-steel construction and...

The wheel.(MSD 101)
October 1, 2003... The less work required to translate an object, the better. Avoiding sliding friction--a major sinkhole of applied force for motion--is accomplished through rolling. The perfect mechanism for this motion is a rolling wheel that turns on its axle...

CD duplicators get a new spin: simplified assembly yields cost, production advantage.(Design by objective: time to market)(Amtren Corp. Optical Systems Group)
October 1, 2003... Amtren, Corp.'s Optical Systems Group, Montgomery, All., manufactures CD/R and DVD/R automated recording systems. John Klein, a design engineer with Amtren, was looking at designs to decrease cost and provide a better-quality product. When he...

Taking the lead.(Design by objective: time to market)
October 1, 2003... Precision rotary-to-linear converters coupled with cost-effective motors help transform offices into print shops, doctor's offices into labs, and manufacturing workers into bionic wonders. Still, ball and lead screws are not without...

Couplings offer flexibility.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Outside diameter: 15 to 50 mm FEATURES * Made from 7075-T6 aluminum * High torsional stiffness * Zero backlash * Suitable for ac, dc servomotor applications * Two flexible element sets Helical Products...

No backlash with this coupling.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Outside diameter: 0.59 to 2.25 in. Bore size: 1/8 to 1 1/8 in. FEATURES * Two hubs and elastic element * Polyurethane spider damps impulse loads * Two hardness levels available * Setscrew and clamp styles *...

Coupling your line shafts.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 88.5 to 35,400 lb-in. Span: 8 in. to 20 ft Speed: to 8,000 rpm FEATURES * Stainless-steel bellows, aluminum tubes * Removable center section * High torsional rigidity with zero backlash * Bellow...

Servo coupling is matter of balance.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: to 885 lb-in. Bore: 4 to 35 Mm Speed: 10,000 rpm FEATURES * Flexible discs accommodate higher torque * Lightweight, one-piece assembly * Clamp-type hubs * Low inertia Zero-Max Inc. (800)...

Coupling slit minimizes stress.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Outer diameter: 6 to 25 mm FEATURES * Clamp or setscrew types * 7075-T6 aluminum * One-piece, slit * Transfers motion between rotating shafts Reliance Gear Co. ltd. 44 (0) 1484 601000 ...

Jaw in-shear coupling.(Coupling Warehouse)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: to 366,666 lb-in. Bore: to 9 in. FEATURES * 6-pin locking system * Driving, driven jaws in separate planes * Stainless-steel locking ring holds spider in place * 2[degrees] angular misalignment...

Position controller.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Automatic setup with existing controls * Controls 10 axes in modular system * Dc servo amplifiers * Absolute and incremental encoder input modules with built-in I/O * Open to additional modules Phoenix...

Ball bearings.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Bore sizes: 0.125 to 1.378 in. FEATURES * Single-row deep-groove style * Open, double-sealed, shielded versions * Available with solid lubricant packs * Corrosion-resistant 400 series stainless steel MRC...

Inverter-duty gearmotors.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 38 to 350 lb-in. Ratio: 5:1 to 75:1 Rating: 3/8 hp, 230 V, 60 Hz, 3-phase FEATURES * Enclosed fan cooled * Lubricated for life * Right-angle, parallel-shaft configurations * UL recognized, CSA...

Oil-shear brakes.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque rating: 4 to 1,250 lb-ft Output: 110 to 120 V FEATURES * Longer motor and drive life * Fully electric * Oil-shear cushioning reduces stress on drives * Solution to start/stop indexing, cycling, and...

Gearboxes.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Speed: to 1,200 rpm Backlash: 1[degrees] on reversal FEATURES * Prelubricated * 45[degrees] helical gears are hardened alloy steel * Bores ground to 0.002-in tolerance * One-piece aluminum housing, geared shaft,...

Angle encoder.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Circular scale with 90,000 grading periods * [+ or -] 1 angular second accuracy * Scanning unit with circular scale * Housing with cable * IP 40, IP 64 protection Heidenhain Corp. (800) 233-0388 ...

Reversing control.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * For motors to 2 hp * Transient voltage protection * Onboard dynamic brake resistor * Automatic dynamic braking on power loss * Adjustable min, max, IR comp, current limit Dart Controls Inc. (317)...

Ac motor speed controller.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Input: 200/230 V Speed range: 90-1,600 r/min FEATURES * Controlled acceleration, deceleration * Instantaneous stopping capability * Meets UL1004, 2111 standards * For use with World K/V series motors ...

Cycloidal speed reducers.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 500,000 in.-lb Input: 1/16 to 200 hp FEATURES * Smooth, silent, operate without vibration * Absorb high shock loads in excess of 500% * Fully compatible with current cycloidal speed reducers on the market *...

Brushless pancake motor.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Output: 90 W Torque: 55.6 oz-in. Speed: to 5,000 rpm FEATURES * Electronically commutated for long motor life * 3.5-in. diameter; 1.1 in. high * Built-in Hall-effect sensors * -40[degrees] to 100[degrees] rating...

Gearmotor system brochure.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * In-line (type D): output torque 60-4,278 lb-ft; 3:1 to 220:1 gear ratio * Right-angle (type W): output torque 90-8,851 lb-ft; 5:1 to 485:1 gear ratio * Offset (type A): output torque 96-8,482 lb-ft; 8:1 to 274:1 gear...

Precision-ground ballscrews.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 3/8 to 6 in. Leads: 0.100 to 1.0 in. FEATURES * Internal recirculation system * No-tubing internal return * One-piece nut construction flanges * Lenghts to 60 ft SKF Linear Motion & Precision...

Magnetic encoders.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 8.4 mm long, 16 mm diameter Temp range: -40[degrees] to 150[degrees] C Voltage: 3.3 to 26.5 Vdc FEATURES * 16 counts per revolution * Can be coupled with planetary and spur gearheads * Gearheads with a variety...

Bevel gear drives.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Output speed: 32 to 455 rpm Torque: 797 lb-in. Gear ratio: 3.85:1 to 54.65:1 FEATURES * Unicase one-piece housing * Meets AGMA Class 13 standards * Factory-installed synthetic lubricating oil * Leak-free,...

Integrated motor and controller.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Holding torque: to 85 oz-in. Voltage: 12 to 40 Vdc Steps per revolution: 400 to 12,800 FEATURES * Single 4-wire bus linking up to 16 stepmotors * RS232- or RS485-based communications * Needs no PC connection *...

Support bearings.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 mm FEATURES * Provide clearance-free support for radial and axial loads * No relubrication required * Housing can be coated against corrosion * Applications include robotics small...

Intelligent motion control.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Building blocks allow custom OEM motion control systems * Integratable hardware and software modules * Independent of standard board layout or packaging configuration * Includes servo driver, VFDs, logic and I/O...

Brushless motors.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Operating voltage: 10 to 36 V Output: 33 W continuous FEATURES * Digital closed-loop speed control * Overcurrent protection * 2 A current limit * 2-wire fixed-speed, 3-wire variable speed control ...

Slip ring alternative.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Uses rolling flexure * Compact, lightweight * Low noise * Low torque * Easy maintenance Diamond Antenna & Microwave Corp. (978) 458-6133 www.diamondantenna.com Circle 185 ...

Parallel-shaft gearmotor.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Voltage: 12 to 115 V FEATURES * Compact, versatile medium-torque motor * Easily customized * High-energy ceramic magnets * Motor features double-shielded ball bearings * Gearbox features needle bearings ...

Linear rail system.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Shaft straightness: 0.002 in. per ft Radial clearance between shaft and bushing: 0.0005 in. on noncoated assemblies; 0.001 in. on TFE-coated assemblies FEATURES * Centerless ground, stainless-steel shaft mated with...

Digital servodrives.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Watts: 100, 200, 400, 750 Input: 120, 240 Vac FEATURES * Plug-in & spin design * Standard torque-only amplifier * Velocity mode is software selectable * Flash-based operating systems * Standard sub-D...

Keyless tapered bushings.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Single-nut locking * Interchangeable with QD bushings * Eliminates key wallowing, backlash * Custom designs available Fenner Drives (800) 253-3374 www.fennerindustrial.com Circle 179 ...

Acceleration sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Range: [+ or -] 2G (static/dynamic); [+ or -] 4 to [+ or -] 50G (dynamic only) Voltage: 2.7 to 5.5 Vdc FEATURES * Integrated amplifier circuit * Linearity within [+ or -] 15% range * Transverse sensitivity [+...

Linear motor encoder.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Resolution: 1 [micro]m, 5 [micro]m FEATURES * Direct-to-drive cable * Uses magnetic tape * For high-speed applications * Impervious to dirt, moisture, grime Trilogy Systems Corp. (281) 226-7750 ...

High-torque stepmotors.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: to 380 oz-in. FEATURES * 1.8 [degrees] motors have high accuracy (.036 [degrees]) * Standard custom configurations * "Housingless" square frame * Two-phase design * Wide selection of shaft...

High-speed actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Outer rail length: 150 to 740 mm Stroke range: 55 to 608.5 mm FEATURES * Uses caged technology * Cage prevents ball-to-ball contact and friction * Cage acts as lubricant reservoir * Reduces noise levels ...

Frictionless slides.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Length: 25 to 510 mm Stroke: 10 to 450 mm FEATURES * New Formula-S eliminates cage creep * Handles accerations to 15 Gs * Machined grooves accept rack * Cross roller bearings * Provide smooth linear...

Linear actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Stroke length: 2 to 8 in. Ratio: 1:1 to 4:1 FEATURES * Units contain fully integrated intelligent servomotors * Includes optical encoder, digital servo amp indexer * Local power supply * 1 micron...

Motor controller/driver.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Current capacity: 120 A FEATURES * Accepts commands from standard R/C radio or serial port interface * Operates in open or closed loop speed mode * Analog and digital I/O * Designed for mobile robotic vehicles...

Motion control board.(Motion Marketplace)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES * Dual axis control * Easy integration with data acquisition and vision systems * Developers can configure two axes for stepper motors or servomotors * Linear interpolation for multi-axis movement * 32 bits...

Attica Hydraulic Exchange Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... From a very humble beginning in 1976, Attica Hydraulic Exchange Corporation has come a long way to establish themselves as the world's largest fluid power product user base market service support company. Over the last 25 years, the company has...

Bailey International Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... At Bailey, hydraulic cylinders are the core of our business. We are the manufacturer of the Chief[R], Bailey[TM] and Maxim[TM] standard cylinder lines, and we also provide custom design, engineering and manufacturing services from our...

Bosch Rexroth Corporation: linear motion and assembly technologies.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Bosch Rexroth offers a wide range of linear motion products that deliver smooth performance and long life for machines, whether in miniature or heavy-duty applications. Thoughtful details and precision machining put these components among the...

Baldor company profile.(Motion system: solution provider)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... Baldor Electric Company designs, manufactures, and markets a broad line of energy-efficient electric motors, adjustable-speed drives, linear motors, motion control products and generators. We have more than 6,500 different stock products...

Bodine Electric Company.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Engineers face mounting pressure to decrease size, component count, assembly time, and costs. There are also strong motivations to eliminate maintenance in industrial products. These Factors are driving many engineers to consider hollow shaft...

Bonfiglioli's new branch: offering a new level of service to customers in the U.S.A.(Motion system: solution provider)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The new Bonfiglioli USA branch in Hebron, Kentucky is strategically located close to Cincinnati airport within a one-hour flight of 50% of the U.S. market. From this new location, Bonfiglioli USA now provides technical, logistical and...

Brand Hydraulics.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Electric Flow Controls: Brand LEFC, EFC, EFCC and EFCR valves are Electrically Adjustable Pressure Compensated Flow Controls. Flow from controlled flow port (CF) is proportional to orifice area, which can be electronically varied from...

Flow Ezy Filters, Inc.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Flow Ezy Filters, Inc. manufactures hydraulic strainers, filters, and other hydraulic accessories. For over 30 years, Flow Ezy has earned its reputation for producing high quality hydraulic products that exceed their customers' needs. The...

The logical choice for hydraulic fittings and adapters.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Over 10,000 Products In Stock One of the largest selections of fittings available anywhere--in stock right now. Whether you need steel, stainless steel or brass; standards or specials; we stock the products your customers want--more than...

Caplugs.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Founded in 1948, Caplugs has over 50 years experience in the manufacture of premium protection products, including caps, plugs, edge liners, wraparound tapes, nettings, and tubing used in a wide range of industrial applications around the...

Clippard.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... William L. Clippard, Jr. founded Clippard Instrument Laboratory in 1941. The initial product line consisted of electrical test equipment, magnetic windings, and radio frequency coils. The first miniature fluid power devices designed and bull by...

Data Device Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... Data Device Corporation is the leader in Synchro/Resolver Converters, Motor Drives/Power Controllers and Data Networking Interlace Products. Since its beginnings in 1964 with the introduction of the world's first synchro-to-digital converter...

Gear Pump Manufacturing.(Motion system: solution provider)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... GPM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dosco GPM Holdings (Pty.) Ltd, which is a privately owned South African Company. All the shareholders in Dosco GPM are actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company. GPM is a manufacturer...

Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... HSI is proud to introduce a Size 34 captive linear actuator, the latest addition to its growing hybrid motor line. Joining the other hybrid motors, the Size 34 incorporates the same high performance and durable proven design. Taking advantage...

HD Systems.(Motion system: solution provider)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Harmonic drive gearing is used extensively in automation equipment due to the technology's high performance and high reliability. Zero backlash, smooth motion, high torque capacity, ant gear reduction ratios ranging from 30:1 to 160:1 in a...

Helac Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Helac Corporation manufactures a comprehensive line of helical, hydraulic rotary actuators. Our products have established a worldwide reputation for simple, cost-effective rotary oration solutions. Helac actuators offer a unique combination...

Inertia Dynamics.(Motion system: solution provider)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... Product lines Electromagnetic clutches and brakes, spring-applied brakes, wrap-spring clutches and brakes, moment of inertia measuring instruments. Company profile Inertia Dynamics offers a full line of fractional horsepower...

Kerk Motion Products, Inc.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Kerk Motion Products, one of the world's premier manufacturers of non-ball lead screws, is pleased to be part of a breakthrough medical advancement for people with diabetes. Kerk's engineering expertise assisted in the award-winning design of...

Micromatic Textron.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Micromatic Textron of Berne, Indiana, announces the availability of three small hollow shaft Hydroac rotary actuators with more mounting flexibility. The HS-1.5-1V, HS-2.5-1V and HS-4-1V models can now be either end mounted or base mounted....

The Lee Company.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... New 2-way High Flow Miniature Piloting Solenoid Valve The Lee Company's miniature 2-way High Flow Piloting Solenoid Valve offers dramatic space and weight savings as well as high reliability and performance. Available in single coil and...

LEESON Electric.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... LEESON Electric introduces a new line of Stainless Steel Motors designed for long life in demanding washdown applications. The new Washguard[R] SST[TM] motors are Stainless Steel Tough to withstand the severe washdown environments found in the...

MTS Systems Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... MTS Systems Corp. Sensors Division announced the addition of the low-cost EP2 product to its full line of Temposonics magnetostrictive position sensors. The EP2 position sensor provides the same performance and reliability Temposonics users...

Neugart USA.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Founded in 1928 in Furtwangen, Germany, Neugart is celebrating its 75th anniversary... 75 years of dedication to precision gearing. In the early days, Neugart devoted its attention to manufacturing gears for the "Black Forest Clock...

MP Filtri USA Inc.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... The LPA2 Series 30 Particle Counter is a unique high accuracy, fully portable product for users of hydraulic, lubrication, and transmission systems. The twin laser particle analyzer counts and sizes particles of solid contaminants in fluid...

Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Martin's outstanding synchronous product line now includes High HP HTS[R] Sprockets. These sprockets are manufactured to run with today's highest horsepower RPP profile belts, such as Panther, Blackhawk, and QT Power Chain. This allows you more...

Ringfeder Corporation.(Motion system: solution provider)
October 1, 2003... Almost 100 years ago in Germany, Ringfeder GmbH developed the concept for a unique shock absorbing spring--the Ring-spring[R]. With that and other products as a foundation, Ringfeder Corporation, the US subsidiary, has grown over the years to a...