Motion System Design articles from October 2004

Motion System Design archives from October 2004

Check it out.(Web Contents)(Machine Design)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... With our sister publication Machine Design, we present the Electric Motors Reference Center at electricmotors.machinedesign.com. Designed to provide information on electric motors, the site includes information on ac, dc, stepper, and...

Good buys.(In the Loop)
October 1, 2004... A hundred and sixty years ago, the market in Europe and America for tea, silk, and porcelain was booming, but preindustrial China needed few products from the West. To remedy this disparity the British began third-party trading, swapping their...

Out of the loop.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... For some reason: I never received the April issue of Motion System Design. I have read responses to In the Loop in subsequent issues and wonder what I missed. When I went to www.motionsystemdesign.com to look for it, my search came up empty,...

Open the door.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I enjoyed your July 2004 In the Loop. I am concerned about the many typical engineers who aren't given the opportunity to "tinker" enough or try off-the-wall ideas. Of even more concern are engineers or technologists lacking the courage to...

Poised for debate.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... A few of my thoughts on Hollywood bias (August 2004 In the Loop): The people who live in and gravitate toward Holly "weird" are cut from the same cloth. They live in a make-believe world. They can't understand why everyone doesn't think like...

Belt proves it's no drag.(What's New)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Each quarter-mile run, National Hot Rod Association drag racing teams gamble on engine setups. The right tuning decisions at the track don't matter if the blower belt, which helps feed the nitromethane fuel mixture into a 7,500-hp engine, flies...

Correction.(What's New)(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2004... Andy O'Connell of Rockford Ball Screw Co. was misquoted on pg. 42 of the September issue of Motion System Design. Leading-edge accuracy for ball screws today is in the range of 0.0002 in./ft, not 0.002 in./ft. as printed.

Knee mill features software CNC.(What's New)(Soft Servo Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Hardinge Inc., Elmira, N.Y., incorporates new CNC technology from Soft Servo Systems Inc., Waltham, Mass., into its latest machine tool product--the Bridgeport by Harding knee mill. The mill is manufactured based on the original design of the...

Bearings roll with two-story truck.(What's New)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... At 24 ft high, 29 ft wide, and 47 ft long, Liebherr's T282 B is the world's largest mining truck. The nearly two-story-high truck has a payload of 399 tons. To handle the high load requirements, Liebherr turned to wheel bearings from The...

Future engineers get real-world experience.(What's New)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Milwaukee School of Engineering students can work hands-on with the latest motor control technology, thanks to 10 new motor drives donated by ABB Inc., New Berlin, Wis. The addition to the Industrial Control Laboratory completes the extensive...

Packing in automation.(What's New)
October 1, 2004... Packaging machinery is one of the highest growth markets for automation products in Europe, according to a new report from IMS Research. The report analyzed 11 major machinery markets and found that not only is packaging machinery one of the...

Gears on demand.(What's New)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Engineers at Arrow Gear Co., Downers Grove, III., have developed a design and manufacturing process that turns out customized ground tooth spiral bevel gears in a matter of days. The On-Demand Program includes 57 combinations of ground...

Conveying a safe message.(What's New)
October 1, 2004... The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association has published a CD that provides safety guidelines for working around screw conveyors, drag conveyors, and bucket elevators. The CD includes a video on key safety practices, CEMA safety label...

Reinventing the invention industry.(What's New)(Invention Home)(Jacob Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... To combat the practice of charging inventors large amounts of money to develop and market ideas, Invention Home, a div. of Jacob Enterprises Inc., Pittsburgh, offers a new way to license ideas and inventions at a lower cost. By combining...

Same products new name.(What's New)(Omron IDM Controls Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Omron IDM Controls Inc., Houston, has transferred its industrial inverter distribution and commercial HVAV business in ac inverter drives to Yaskawa Electric America Inc., Waukegan, Ill. Yaskawa is the original manufacturer of the ac inverter...

EASA heads to Nashville.(What's New)
October 1, 2004... The Electrical Apparatus Service Association will hold its Annual Convention and Exposition from June 26 to 29, 2005, at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville. The convention, with its theme of "Reaching New Heights", will offer attendees numerous...

Save money without outsourcing.(What's New)(Product redesign)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Product redesign, not outsourcing to China, is a better way for U.S. manufacturers to save money according to a new study from Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc. "Improved Product Design Practices Would Make U.S. Manufacturing More Cost Effective",...

Rotating cylinders.(Q&A)
October 1, 2004... Q: When is it necessary to study the inertial characteristics of cylinders? A: They're relevant whenever an apparatus must accelerate and response is crucial. They predict the performance of shafts and other spinning components--motors,...

Saving space: planetary gears pack a lot of torque in a small package, making them a natural for today's rotary machine axes.(Planetary Gears)
October 1, 2004... Planetary gears debuted in the early 197.0s in automatic transmissions used in tracked and wheeled off-road vehicles. Planetary/parallel-shaft arrangements appeared in the first wave, followed by all-planetary travel drives. Eventually,...

Aligning the planets: gearheads used to position motors must be able to transmit motor rotation correctly. To do this, backlash and position error must be minimized.(Gearheads)
October 1, 2004... Small-sized motor gearheads are frequently used in power motors, usually to reduce motor speed and increase torque. However, as more control or servomotors designed primarily for positioning are being used, many have come to employ reduction...

Measuring where it counts: linear encoders bypass system behavior upstream to monitor what you really need to know about--what output linear motion looks like. Here we take a look at the factors that affect linear encoder accuracy.(Encoders)
October 1, 2004... Optical encoders were the first noncontact devices, developed to eliminate the wear problems of contact encoders. Improvements in their frequency response, bearing assemblies, housings, and especially their accuracy have increased optical...

Lifetime & reliability: for some Motion System Design turns to industry experts tips on how to get long life and high reliability from a design.(Design By Objective)
October 1, 2004... Who's who Charles Manning Omron Electronics LLC Schaumburg, Ill. Andy O'Connell V.P. Operation/Engineering Rockford Ball Screw Co. Rockford, Ill. Define lifetime and reliability. What's considered leading edge today? ...

Easy come, easy go: a pneumatic brake gently starts and stops a conveyor belt on glass-cutting machines.(Field Report)
October 1, 2004... Conveyor belts handling fragile products must, above all, be gentle. And for stepping conveyors with high stop-and-start cycling, the braking must be especially so. Such was the case for a maker of ornamental sheet glass cutting machines, which...

Smooth operators: couplings provide high-speed tab inserters with smooth servo drive operation and zero backlash.(Field Report)
October 1, 2004... UMG Technologies Inc. in Danvers, Mass., makes high-speed tab inserters used in the assembly of printed circuit boards for automotive and consumer interconnect devices. The company's PLT-901 dual-head inline tab inserter is considered the...

14-port DeviceNet blocks.(Sensors & Signals)
October 1, 2004... Brad Harrison passive DeviceNet blocks from Woodhead, Northbrook, Ill., offer 14 DeviceNet nodes in the same, or smaller, footprint than existing eight-port blocks. Combining the blocks with Brad Harrison ultra-thin DeviceNet cordsets results...

Industrial ID readers.(Sensors & Signals)
October 1, 2004... Two DataMan handheld readers and an In-Sight fixed-mount reader from Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., combine high-speed processing with optimized lighting, optics, and software for fast, accurate decoding of challenging 1D and 2D codes. ...

High-flex servo cables.(Sensors & Signals)
October 1, 2004... Chainflex CF21 and CF27 servo cables from Igus Inc., E. Providence, R.I., handle millions of cycles, long or short travels, and have a small bend radius 7.5x the cable's outer diameter. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Four power conductors and...

Tough cable for Ethernet patch cords.(Sensors & Signals)
October 1, 2004... DataMax IE polyurethane-jacketed cable from Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Ware, Mass., is designed for manufacturing tough flexible industrial Ethernet patch cords. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Patch cords exceed electrical requirements of...

Zip it up.(Spotlight Cable Carriers)
October 1, 2004... Zipper Energy Chain Systems are built with interconnected lids that can be pulled back like a zipper. Each lid pulls on its predecessor, removing the top section of the Energy Chain in one uniform piece. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Open and...

Lacking a track.(Spotlight Cable Carriers)
October 1, 2004... Self-supporting Trackless Cable Assemblies solve the problems associated with cable tracks including vibration, size, cable management, and weight. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Function in a controlled motion without cable track or energy...

Quiet please.(Spotlight Cable Carriers)
October 1, 2004... QT Series Nylatrac cable and hose carriers include molded elastomer torsion bearings at link pivot points to reduce noise. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Smooth, reliable operation * Available in standard Nylatrac Series sizes *...

Twist and turn.(Spotlight Cable Carriers)
October 1, 2004... The Robotrax 3D cable carrier provides 3D movement of cable and hoses and comes in five sizes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * ODs: 40 to l00 mm * Bend radii: 80 to 195 mm * Suitable for cable diameters from 2 to 27 mm * Easy to...

Single-field scanning linear encoder.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The redesigned LC 400 absolute sealed linear encoder incorporates a new single-field scanning technology that uses a larger scanning window for better protection against contamination. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Constant signal quality over...

Zero-cog miniature motors.
October 1, 2004... The LEU Series of miniature, brushless linear motors features an ironless core design that provides ultra-smooth motion. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Produces up to 26 lb of force * Come in two coil heights: 15 mm (LEU-15) and 30 mm...

Machined springs.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Machined springs provide added performance because all coils deflect under load. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Almost no residual stresses; no internal stresses to overcome * Springs with two or more integral coils offer redundant elastic...

Linear or rotary motion.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... HR Series motors offer speeds from microns per second to 250 mm/sec. FEATURES & BENEFITS * One to eight elements for 0.45 to 3.6 kg force * Eliminates servo dither in static position * Piezoelectric motors are based on...

High-accuracy step motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The 0.9 [degrees] NEMA Size-17 high-accuracy step motor now comes in a 0.92-in. length, in addition to 1.10, 1.38, and 1.54-in. lengths. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Holding torque ranges from 12 to 30 oz-in., depending on motor length *...

Mini rotary position sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Mini Rotary position sensor is approximately 1/2 in, high with a diameter less than 7/8 in. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Uses Hall-effect technology for high cycling applications * Choice of analog or PWM output * Custom drive...

Dc linear actuators.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Linear actuators accept 24 Vdc power and deliver up to 330 lb of force. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 3g0-mm-long stroke * Available with 12 and 36-Vdc motors, as well as 115/230-Vac motors * Comes standard with a 40:1 reduction...

Power transmission components.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The free, 368-page Catalog 0.460 features more than 9,175 power transmission components. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Econobelt timing belts and pulleys in 11 profiles; belts made of fiberglass-reinforced neoprene, pulleys are steel,...

Mini open-frame solenoids.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... C5 Series miniature open-frame linear solenoids can operate with maximum forces of more than 3.5 lb. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Approximately 20 x 10 x 12 mm * Magnetic lathing configuration rated for forces to 3 lb; standard on/off...

Background-suppression sensors.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... World-Beam QS18FF Background-suppression sensors come in 2 or 4-in. fixed field sensing ranges FEATURES & BENEFITS * 10 to 30-Vdc input * EMI, RFI, optical noise immunity * npn or pnp outputs * Output LED generates red...

High-torque locking devices.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Shrink Discs connect power-transmission components for a quick, adjustable, and releasable fit. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Uniform clamping force eliminates imbalances; backlash-free operation * 77 to 7.6 million lb-ft, reversing loads...

Inverter-duty induction motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Higher quality ac-induction motor offers a durable alternative to dc motors in variable-speed applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Variable speed from 550 to 4,400 rpm optimizes control * Two-pole designs rated 1/6 to 1/2 hp with...

Conveyor and elevator drive.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Drive One pre-engineered assemblies offered in nine sizes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Suitable for conveyors from 25 to 1,000 hp using NEMA or IEC-frame motors * Six-sided mounting capabilities, torques from 58,000 to 840,000 lb-in....

Proximity sensor option.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... End-of-stroke sensors are an option on all Haydon linear actuators. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Incorporates a Hall-effect device activated by a rare-earth magnet embedded in the end of the internal screw * Temperature-compensated...

Motor fixtures.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... New adjustable motor fixtures accommodate motors to 6 in. in diameter. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Maintain motor center height required to couple to HD-106 to 715 dynamometers * Leadscrew adjustment provides for centering *...

Two-phase steppers.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... PK25 Series step motors offer power density. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 1.97 sq. in. frame in lengths of 2.03 or 3.19 in. * Holding torques of 119 and 220 oz-in, in bipolar excitation mode * PK256-02B produces running torque to 80...

Gearmotors for robotics.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... 12GN Series motors offer high-torque alternative to larger brush motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 12 x 10 x 29 mm with a starting torque of 300 m N-m, and a rated load of 20 mN-m * Available in gear ratios of 1/75.7, 1/134.5 1/196.6,...

Shaft-collar samples.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Free evaluation collar samples feature triple-link hinges and captive clamp screws for easy assembly. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 0ne-piece assembly features two halves joined by a hinge * Available in 15 sizes from 3/8 to 2 in. ID ...

Linear position sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Micropulse magnetostrictive linear displacement sensor offers absolute positioning, selectable resolution, and an installation friendly profile. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Absolute quadrature output eliminates need to re-home after a power...

Cylinder slides.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... RCS Series rod slide offers 120 off-the-shelf variations in bore sizes from 20 to 50 ram. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Stroke-lengths in 1-in. increments available to 12 in. * ISO-style repairable cylinders with integral cushions *...

Commutation encoders.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Model R35i encoder offers brushless motor commutation along with high-res incremental position. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Three-phase commutation signal suited for 4, 6, and 8-pole motors * A, B, Z incremental encoder output extends...

Oil-shear clutch/brakes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Posidyne X Class clutch/brakes deliver two to five times the cycle speeds and u 3 to ten times the service life of dry clutch brakes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Near-servo speed and precision at a fraction of the cost * Compact,...

Miniature turntable bearings.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Reali-Slim TT Series thin-section bearings conserve weight and space in industrial and scientific turntable applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Bearings require only 0.25 in. clearance for height * Standard bore sizes range from...

Motion firmware.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Enhanced firmware smoothes electronic gearing transitions and improves position tracking on PCI and Ethernet motion controllers. FEATURES & BENEFITS * New ramp-to-gearing commands--defining gear engagement distance and gear phasing...

Tiny photo sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... MiniSnap through-beam sensor fits in where other sensors get in the way. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 15-m sensing range without special alignment or adjustment * Snap-in enclosure measures 12.5 mm (bore diameter) by 19.3 mm (length) ...

Precision positioning stages.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... 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...

Spiral Bevel Gear Catalog.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... New 20 page stock gear catalog contains rating data and specifications, charts for spiral bevel gear sets in ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, and 4:3 and ground tooth gears in 1:1 and 2:1 ratios, Includes engineering formulas, drawings, AGMA ratings,...

Miniature bellow couplings.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... R+W miniature bellow couplings are for low intertia applications requiring high positioning accuracy, and are now available in a wide variety of mounting methods. The couplings compensate for parallel, angular and axial offsets, and are much...

Fluorinated lubricants.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... Krytox[R] Fluorinated Greases and Oils are chemically inert, insoluble in common sol vents. Temperature range -103[degrees] to 800[degrees]F. Compatible with plastics, rubber, ceramics, and metals. Nonflammable, oxygen compatible, no silicones...

Customized motor test systems.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... Magtrol, Inc. provides complete, customized turn-key test benches for electric, hydraulic and pneumatic motors, gas engines and pumps. The test systems are comprised of motor test equipment with LabVIEW[TM] based Motor Testing Software and...

Zero backlash couplings.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... New from Ruland Manufacturing Company, Inc. Ruland has just issued a new catalog for their Paradrive[TM] Oldham zero backlash couplings. The Paradrive[TM] motion control coupling is designed to handle parallel misalignment. At the same time the...

Super-E motors.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... 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...

Linear module actuator.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... Rodless actuators offer a high speed maintenance free synchronous belt driven LM type actuator. It consists of a lightweight aluminum carriage running on wheels with ball bearings riding inside a special aluminum extrusion. It is driven by a...

Mechanical caliper brakes.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... New catalog lists specifications for mechanical caliper brakes available from Ausco Products Inc. for applications in lawn and garden tractors, snowmobiles, ATVs, trailers, and small construction and agricultural vehicles. Products include...

Multi-Disc Brake Selection Guide.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... This easy-to-use 28 page selection guide contains drawings, specifications and detailed information about the latest in heavy-duty brake technology, and includes Ausco's new generation wet and dry multi disc brakes. The catalog also provides an...

Metric Reali-Slim[R] thin-section bearings.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... New catalog lists over 50 different configurations of metric Reali-Slim bearings. The series includes 8, 13, and 22 mm cross-sections ranging in bore sizes from 29 to 360 mm. To support varying load scenarios, the bearings are available in...

Wave springs.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... The new Smalley Steel Ring Co. Wave Spring Catalog is now available. Catalog features over 2000 stock size springs, ranging from 3/8" to 16". Special designs range from .200" to 84" are available in 1-4 weeks with No-Tooling-Charges[TM]. Carbon...

Hydraulic caliper brakes.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... New catalog lists specifications for heavy duty hydraulic caliper brakes available from Ausco Products Inc. for application in art types of trailers, agricultural vehicles, off-road vehicles, construction and industrial equipment. Products...

Brake Technology.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... Brochure presents a variety of high tech multi disc, ball ramp, and caliper brakes manufactured by Ausco. It summarizes the company's commitment to staying on the leading edge or technology and meeting the needs of our customers, often by...

Elgo Magnetic Linear Encoders.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... Magnetic-Resistive touchless technology lot use in harsh environments Unaffected by dirt, dust, water, oil, electrical noise or vibration. Applications include: woodworking, saws, racial shears, and metal bending equipment Sensors are IP65 or...

C-Sleeve Linear Way--ML.(Media Mart)
October 1, 2004... C-Sleeve (Capillary Sleeve) is a Component part for lubrication originally developed by IKO. This is a porous sintered resin made in the form of a sleeve by sintering fine resin powder and impregnating a large amount of lubricant into its...

Rail guides.(Linear Corner)
October 1, 2004... LLR profile rail guides have internal lubrication reservoirs for consistent, long-term lubrication. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Lubricated foam inserts built into carriage endcap eliminate external lube block * Ball separator technology...

Compact, high-speed actuators.(Linear Corner)
October 1, 2004... Type SKR actuators are available in two new sizes of 20 and 26 mm. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 0.02-mm positioning accuracy * Rail lengths (ram): 159 to 259 (SKR20); 220 to 370 (SKR26) * Stroke ranges (mm): 41.5 to 141.5 (SKR20); 69...

Planetary roller screw assemblies.(Linear Corner)
October 1, 2004... NRS planetary roller screw assemblies provide precise linear motion in demanding applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * High-efficiency roller screw and shallow lead design provide high axial resolution * High static load capacity,...