Motion System Design articles from October 2007

Motion System Design archives from October 2007

Eye in the sky.(Pneumatic know-how)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GPS satellite signals control seed placement in high-tech farms. Modern farmers buy seed by the truck full, but in their pursuit to improve yield, the cost and placement of every seed is a matter of importance....

Industrial communication powers up: high-speed communication networks are spreading like wildfire across the globe's factory floors. Why? In many cases, automation designers, builders, and integrators are merging servomotion technology with Ethernet Powerlink, reaching higher levels of performance and enjoying a host of other benefits as well.(Control/device networks)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Modern industrial automation equipment employing servomotion has become powerful, flexible, and easy to use, while providing an abundance of capabilities. Speedy communication networks are also becoming commonplace,...

Controlling web tension with load cells: Part 3 of 3: the more you know about selecting and sizing load cells, the better your chance for success in your web tension application.(Course audit)
October 1, 2007... When webs of continuous paper, wire, cloth, or plastic are manufactured, the material is typically pulled off a roll, processed, and rewound in unwind, intermediate, and rewind zones. Knowing the unique tension values for each is important for...

Making the most of miniaturization.(Design by Objective)
October 1, 2007... Small doesn't necessarily mean scrawny. With petite components, it's all about torque density and packing power into small spaces. When your next project calls for mini but mighty options, consider the following tools to help downsize your...

Strength through education.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Regarding your mention of the new class called "Industrial Distribution" at a local college in Cleveland in your July 27 eNewsletter, it's nice to hear about a small local college doing something good for the community and themselves. Cleveland...

One thing leads to another.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Regarding your article about global warming in your recent eNewsletter of July 11, I can see a day down the road when solar power really begins to become commonplace. The headlines will probably say something like, "We are stealing so much...

Not our responsibility to govern use.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Comments in our September 7 eNewsletter spurred a slew of thoughts about the responsibilities engineers have over their designs and their future uses. Read on to hear what other engineers say. Your comments in your recent eNewsletter sound...

The question must be: should we?(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... I appreciate your thoughts. Not only do we as engineers often fail to ponder the long term consequences of our activities, our society tends to approach technology with the question, "Can we?" and seldom do we ask, "Should we?"' Harold...

Robots handle radioactive materials.(Industry Focus: Lab Automation)(Cover story)
October 1, 2007... Stopping motion is just as important as starting and controlling it, especially when it comes to sensitive applications like handling radioactive materials. Due to the health risks of exposing workers to radioactivity, robots perform much of...

Bearings boost boo factor.(What's New)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most recent estimate of potential trick-or-treaters (ages 5 to 13) is 36.4 million. That's a lot of kids to scare--good news for companies like Scareparts, Hilliard, Ohio, a...

Piezo technology aids hearing research.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Problems with hearing and balance are the most common sensory deficits on the planet. A research project in the department of neuroscience at the University of Virginia (U.Va.) Medical School, Charlottesville, hopes to make some headway on this...

All hands on deck for product training.(What's New)
October 1, 2007... The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is launching a new training program, the PTDA Hands-On Product Training Workshop, to be held Nov. 13-15 at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minn. The three-day workshop will...

Misumi USA names new president.(What's New)(Masanori Suzuki)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Misumi USA Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., has announced the appointment of Masanori Suzuki as its new president. Suzuki, 43, was formerly the general manager of strategic planning for Misumi Corp. in Japan, the parent company of Misumi USA. In that...

Semiconductor, packaging drive motion control growth.(What's New)
October 1, 2007... Thanks to capital expenditures in both the semiconductor and packaging industries, combined with growth in Asia, the general motion control (GMC) outlook is fairly rosy, according to the General Motion Control Worldwide Outlook, a new study...

R&D awards announced.(What's New)(research and development)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently announced 56 new awards for innovative industrial research and development projects under the agency's Advanced Technology Program (ATP). Projects include...

Synchronous belt teeth.(MSD 101)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Like a cross between traditional belting and chain, timing belts include a main body and engaging surfaces--a.k.a. teeth. They're used to synchronize motion on everything from copiers to conveyors. They're also useful (because of their...

Q&A.(MSD 101)(usage of belts)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... What's the most common tooth profile? Trapezoidal-profile teeth are the original; their design is derived from the spur gear. They're common because they offer precise positioning, especially with newer, modified trapezoidal-tooth profiles...

Micropositioning meets mechatronics: mechatronics, with its multidisciplinary engineering approach integrating electrical, control, software, and mechanical elements, is well matched to the design of complex micropositioning devices.(Mechatronics in motion)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compared to traditional methods, the mechatronic design approach is more of a holistic approach to product design, where the tradeoffs between different functional components (software, hardware, user interface,...

Hollow shaft encoder.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... RCH50 hollow-shaft encoder combines ease of installation with high performance in a new cost-effective package. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Custom Opto-ASIC supporting incremental encoder features line counts up...

Vision inspection software.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Version 1.4.5.0 IPD iNspect software expands the capabilities of the end-user friendly software, and also provides additoinal control and flexibility when interfacing with external equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits...

Multi-axis controllers and drives.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... SEC-AC-SMLC controllers are engineered to plug together and work as a system, while SEC-SDD digital drives simplify servo system tuning with automatic loop adjustments based on motor and load inertia settings. Features & benefits *...

Linear ball bearings.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Simplicity ISO metric ball bearings feature a one-piece polymer ball cage coupled with a hardened bearing steel shell to provide minimal friction and high load capacities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Longer ball...

Adjustable shock absorber.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... SA 1/4 x 1/2 adjustable, miniature industrial shock absorber offers high-energy capability in confined spaces. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Offers energy per cycle rating of 200 in./lb * Effective weight range...

Linear position sensors.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Temposonics RF-series linear position sensors feature a flexible housing designed for short installation envelopes with long strokes. Features & benefits * Include all the outputs, including EtherCAT and SSI, of R series ...

Brushless dc motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BLH speed control package consists of a brushless dc motor and 24 Vdc compact driver board. Features & benefits * Four RoHS-compliant models available in 15, 30, 50, and 100 W output * Speed regulation...

Single-axis actuators.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Single-axis actuators are available in 208 configured styles and are compatible with most servomotors. Features & benefits * Ball-screw driven; built on extruded 6063-T6 aluminum base with black anodized finish and 1045 steel side...

Full-power brake system.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Brake system with ABS and traction control provides vehicle stability while decreasing stopping distances and improving acceleration under low traction conditions. Features & benefits * Up to eight wheels can be controlled...

CAN-model servo system.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] XtraDrive-CAN model servo system allows users to interface with CAN while using non-linear control (NCT) technology. Features & benefits * Supports functions based on CAN-open DS-301 specifications *...

Shaft grounding ring.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AEGIS SGR Conductive MicroFiber shaft grounding ring is ideal for predictive and preventive maintenance programs on VFD-controlled ac motors and large dc motors. Features & benefits * Protects bearings from...

Brushless dc motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compact, high-performance 8-pole brushless dc motor suits applications where high torque-to-weight ratio and efficiency are required. Features & benefits * Capable of 20% more torque than standard 4-pole...

Linear stages.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Allen-Bradley MP-series integrated linear stages suit a variety of load-carrying applications and are available in ballscrew and direct drive linear motor versions. Features & benefits * Use Rockwell RSLogix 5000 programming software...

PLC modules.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DirectLOGIC option modules include 16-bit high-resolution analog modules designed for the DL05 and DL06 PLCs. Features & benefits * F0-08ADH-1 eight-channel current input module operates with 0-20 mA input...

Displacement transmitters.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Output displacement transmitters offer improved IP67-rated sealing coupled with polymer guides and rigid carriers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Less than 0.2% linearity * Stainless-steel body construction...

Ultra-light servodrive.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Tweeter digital servodrives provide sinusoidal and trapezoidal commutation, as well as current, velocity, and full position control. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Weighs 0.95 oz * 2 x 0.49 x 1.65-in. footprint...

Adapter mount roller bearing.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... Series 6000 Shurlok adapter mount roller bearing increases an operation's efficiency and profitability by reducing installation errors, maintenance costs, and downtime. Features & benefits * Available in all housing types for shaft...

Explosion-proof couplings.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... ATEX 95- and 137-certified couplings are precision machined from steel or stainless steel with a thermally and chemically stable, wear resistant, polyurethane insert. Features & benefits * Smooth fit between insert and hubs compensates...

Photoelectric sensors.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... BOS 11K photoelectric family is designed for small parts conveying equipment. Features & benefits * Diffuse, retro-reflective, polarized retro-reflective, and thru-beam styles * Can be positioned at any angle * Threaded...

Compact servo controller/driver.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... The SilverDust D2-IG8 servo controller/driver works with NEMA 11, 17, and 23 frame, high-torque, direct-drive servomotors and is suited for multi-axis systems. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Shares a compact DIN...

Miniature ballscrews.(New Products)
October 1, 2007... SD series ball screws feature internal recirculation inserts promoting smooth running performance and high backdriving characteristics. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits * Cylindrical nuts with a threaded end provide for...

Online machine shop: the best mechanical components for your system are those with perfectly tailored geometry. Now you can specify and integrate them in a more efficient way.(Power transmission)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During machine builds, most design engineers in charge think first about needed components, and then look for custom parts to complete the system. This is when the real work begins--drawing, sizing, measuring, and...

Speed reducers.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... AD reducers offer backlash as low as 3 arc-min and high shock load capacity in an interchangeable design. Features & benefits * Input speeds to 6,000 rpm; output peak torque from 40 to 384 Nm (one-stage) and 38 to 4,000 Nm (two-stage)...

Worm gears.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A double enveloping geometry features more teeth in contact with each other, to provide greater load carrying capacity in similar sizes, improved positional accuracy, longer life, and greater shock load capability....

Anti-backlash gears.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... Series 1158 anti-backlash gears feature Fairloc integral hub fastening system to eliminate marred shafts and help phase adjustment, timing, position adjustment, and frequent removal problems. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & benefits...

Corrosion-resistant gearbox.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stainless SG inline planetary gear and ternary intelligent linear actuator combination is comprised of 304 grade stainless steel shafts and housing and a guaranteed watertight motor/ gearbox connection for washdown...

Spiral bevel gears.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... Gears are carburized and hardened and come in matched sets. Features & benefits * Ground tooth sets available; available as Q9 (lapped) and Q11 (ground tooth) * Sizes from 1 to 16 in. * Constructed of 8620 steel * Custom...

Speed reducers.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cyclo Bevel Buddybox 3 speed reducers and gearmotors combine quiet, efficient Cyclo technology input with rugged spiral bevel gearbox output. Features & benefits * 1/8 to 40 hp; ratios from 11:1 to 26,000:1...

Industrial gear units.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... X series industrial gear units offer high capacity and flexibility and come in 23 different sizes--each with a different torque rating--to deliver high torque graduation. Features & benefits [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Helical and...

Spur gears.(Products Spotlight: Gearing)
October 1, 2007... Gears transmit rotary motion into uniform angular velocity and can be mounted on parallel, intersecting, or non-intersecting shafts. Features & benefits * 96 heat-treated gear teeth * 20[degrees] pressure angle; 16.24 in. OD *...

Can't get enough?(Web Contents)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Is Motion System Design just not enough for you? Are you looking for more unique content related to motion control? Then look no further! Our Motion Monitor eNewsletters contain a plethora of information you won't always see in our magazines or...

Revving up its website.(Web Contents)(Website overview)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bosch Rexroth, Hoffman Estates, Ill., has launched a new website to help automotive companies and their suppliers improve productivity, reliability, and efficiency. The site, located at www.boschrexroth-us.com/...