Motion System Design articles from October 2008

Motion System Design archives from October 2008

Sven Wingquist: this month, we review the life of Sven Wingquist, inventor of the self-aligning bearing, for inspiration and ideas.(Did you know)
October 1, 2008... In 1905, a young maintenance engineer named Sven Wingquist worked at Gamlesstadens Fabriker, a textile plant on Sweden's west coast. The plant had a problem: Ball bearings used to support overhead line shafts (that transmitted power from the...

Prize leads to empire building.(In response)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... John Harrison's H4 Chronometer was entered into the British government-sponsored contest to build a timekeeping device accurate enough to determine a ship's longitude. Harrison was paid about 20,000 pounds sterling as a reward. His chronometer...

Small business gets no respect.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Incentives can work, but are they needed? Newly available lithium battery compositions are passing the crash test and recharge much faster than standard lithiums. McCain would be better off creating incentives for oil alternatives. And that's...

Wheel of fortune.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... These sorts of prizes are normally offered for inventions that generally won't have a payoff for the inventor. If someone manages to develop the proposed battery, the last thing they are going to need is $300 million; the world's venture...

Smells of desperation.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Nobel set aside a big prize for someone who will find a cure for cancer. That didn't help much. What's needed is a solid policy, not cheap giveaways and stints to promote someone's presidential ambitions. What we need are funds diverted from...

Uncle Sam to the rescue.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... I believe the government should be involved in sponsoring a contest for such things as a new car battery technology. You will never see the oil industry sponsor a contest for a technology that would interrupt their infrastructure. Oil companies...

Drive train dilemma.(In response)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... I recently downloaded the MSD article "Sizing gearboxes under dynamic loading," and found it very useful. Could you please tell me how you get the equation for drive train dynamic torque load? Also, in the equation describing a drive train's...

Get smarter--linear position sensors: when it comes to linear position feedback for motion applications, tried-and-true analog sensors used to be king. But now, smart digital sensors are optimizing motion control performance.(Linear Sensing)
October 1, 2008... The output options and user adjustability of analog sensors make them the original plug-and-play devices, and their simplicity frees control engineers to develop control algorithms without worrying about interfaces. However, sometimes the...

Surprise, surprise.(In the Loop)
October 1, 2008... Unless you live in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, October 13, 2008, is Columbus Day, commemorating one of the most significant events in America's storied past. In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator in the service of Spain, led an...

Direct drive servomotors.(MSD 101)
October 1, 2008... Boosting throughput while maintaining accuracy (or vice versa) is challenging. Most motor-powered motion systems require compliance correction as well as inertia matching--sometimes-competing parameters--for an effective solution. However, one...

Cross-referenced to metal cam followers for easy replacement.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Only our patent pending iCamFollowers[R] offer all these advantages: plastic tire eliminates rail wear; no lubrication is required in the bearing or on the rail; reduce noise up to 10dB; absorb shock and vibration;...

Highly economical drive solution for your machines.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ACOPOSmulti 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...

Cicoil high flex cable free samples.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cicoil's Overview Kit includes samples of their exclusive silicone encapsulated high .ex .at cables. The Clear Choice! From standard cables to custom assemblies, Cicoil cables are the best choice for medical,...

Save up to 50% on quality industrial automation products.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AutomationDirect's volume 12 catalog offers 6,500 industrial automation products for a wide range of applications. The latest volume, with over 2,000 pages, features product descriptions, technical data, photos, and...

DLS driven linear system.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The HepcoMotion DLS linear actuator from Bishop-Wisecarver is a complete belt driven linear solution designed to meet the most simple to the most complex positioning application needs. The DLS includes a range of...

Krytox[R] Fluorinated lubricants.(Media MART)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Krytox[R] Fluorinated Greases and Oils are: Chemically inert. Insoluble in common solvents. Thermally stable. Temperature range (-103[degrees] to 800[degrees]F). Non.ammable. Nontoxic. Oxygen Compatible-safe for...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
October 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...

Air bearing actuator.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... Airpel-AB air bearing actuator combines air cylinder linear actuation with zero friction air bearing technology. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Available in metric models with four bore diameters and 10 standard...

Servo drives.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... SV series servo drives feature a digital PID loop with velocity and acceleration feed forward to maximize position accuracy throughout every move, and digital DQ current loop with sine commutation delivers smooth motion, while widening system...

Harmonic linear drive.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... HLD60 linear belt drives are designed with a recirculating belt to eliminate the need for a gearhead or brake. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Stroke lengths from 100 to 3,200 mm and equivalent pitch ratios from 2.5...

Brake motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... Three-phase Short Series Brake Motors feature an integral Dodge spring set brake for compact and cost effective design. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Dc brake is magnetically released with built in single phase...

Miniature disc couplings.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... Miniature disc couplings are motion control couplings with zero backlash, speed capabilities up to 10,000 rpm, strength and torsional stiffness, and low inertia. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Available in single and...

Compact magnetic encoder.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... M15 modular magnetic encoder is specifically designed to perform in dirty and harsh environments. Features & Benefits * Easy to install due to magnetic technology and motor shaft tolerances * Accommodates a wide range of motor...

Synchronous motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 8LT series three-phase synchronous motors provide a compact solution for the most demanding applications. Features & Benefits * High-torque motors are available in two sizes with supply voltage ranging from...

Variable frequency inverters.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... CFW11 Vectrue variable frequency inverters combine V/F, sensorless vector, VVW, and vector (with encoder) control techniques all in one product. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Connect-and-use technology eliminates...

Clutch brake positioning control.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... CBPC-3590 offers closed-loop control operation for baggage handling. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * One-board, microprocessor-based design simplifies and speeds initial setup * Internal display and keypad...

Cartesian motion systems.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... CamoLine introduces easy-to-install connection technology, saving time and money for applications using pick-and-place or other multi-axis Cartesian or Gantry systems. Features & Benefits * Includes electromechanical and pneumatic...

Color machine vision camera.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CleverDragon suite of digital cameras includes three high-speed color models, offered in a resolution range of UXGA to QSXGA. Features & Benefits * Featured on two models is Power over Camera Link (PoCL)...

Drop-in replacement gearmotor.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... VWDIR03 right angle fractional hp gearmotor, designed as ac/dc Von Weise drop-in replacement, operates on 115 Vac, 60 or 50 Hz, or 115 Vdc offering versatility in mounting, output shafts, and speed control. Features & Benefits *...

Ac motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... OMT series general purpose ac motors are single-phase and 115/208-230 V motors available in fractional and integral hp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Features & Benefits * Totally enclosed fan-cooled 56C frame motors constructed of...

Optical incremental encoder.(New Products)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compact MOD70 series optical incremental encoder features a broad range of standard code disk radii with a miniature lead-frame caliper that surface mounts directly to a PCB. Features & Benefits * Meets...

Making sense of position sensors: position sensors play a vital role in optimizing machine throughput and productivity. In fact, a sensor's response time is a key driver of machine speed. If maximum output matters to you, learn from our experts how the right sensor in the right place can put your manufacturing processes into overdrive.(Productivity Forum)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sensor selection How does sensor selection contribute to productivity in today's motion-centric automation environment? Michelle * BEI: Selecting the correct environmental, mechanical, and electrical sensor...

Extending life with the right coupling: the right shaft coupling can extend the life of other components, and improve overall machine performance.(Couplings)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even if a pump fails repeatedly, or if a motor's bearings continually fail before their rated life cycle, don't assume it's the pump or motor design to blame; it may just be that misalignment and the system's...

Choosing rigid chain for power: custom designs often boost efficiency, so demand for them has increased. Rigid chain is one system that delivers application-specific engineering.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Linear motion is challenging wherever industrial workflow logistics must be efficient, machines are deployed, goods stored, and loads are moved or lifted. One technology, rigid chain, combines the mechanical...

Save time with motorized stages: welcome to your Time Saving Technology department, highlighting new designs to help you put more efficiency in your game. This month we review some of the newest stages on the market.(TIME SAVING TECHNOLOGY)
October 1, 2008... Compact stage delivers friction-free motion The Dover MAB-100 linear motor stage measures just 2.5 x 3.5 x 10.5 in. and uses a unique air bearing guideway to deliver precise, straight-line motion. Its noncontact design saves maintenance and...

Site on sustainable designs.(Web Contents)(Website overview)
October 1, 2008... A new website provides information on sustainable manufacturing technology resources and encourages innovation among manufacturers, OEMs, machine builders, system integrators, and engineers: www.boschrexroth-us.com/sustainable, the site of...

Job hunting?(Web Contents)
October 1, 2008... Want to search for jobs in your field to see what else is out there? Actively looking to make a career move? Then check out the Design Engineer Job Zone at designengineerjobzone.com. There, you can anonymously post your resume and set up alerts...

Pack Expo greens up.(Industry Focus: Packaging)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Information Resources Inc., Chicago, nearly half of U.S. consumers consider at least one sustainability factor in selecting packaged goods items or where to shop. Packaging professionals--including...

Globalization, mechatronics fuel GMC market growth.(Industry Focus: Packaging)
October 1, 2008... Healthy investments in manufacturing industries pushed general motion control (GMC) market growth worldwide in 2007, according to a new study, "General Motion Control Worldwide Outlook," from ARC Advisory Group, Dedham, Mass. While economic...

Objects get smart, form alliance.(What's New)(Internet Protocol for Smart Objects)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... A newly formed industry alliance aims to take condition monitoring to the next level: A group of technology vendors and users recently created the IP for Smart Objects (IPSO) Alliance, the goal of which is to promote Internet Protocol (IP) as...

Stanford receives $30 million for engineering center.(What's New)(Stanford University. School of Engineering)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... The Stanford School of Engineering, Stanford, Calif., announces that Jen-Hsun Huang, founder of visual computing company NVIDIA and a 1992 Stanford electrical engineering alumnus, will donate $30 million to help build the Jen-Hsun Huang School...

In sights.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Is it possible to scientifically measure emotions such as love, forgiveness, and compassion? A new study hopes to do so, and to eventually answer a related question about whether these abilities can be expanded through practice. Scientists at...

ASME report calls for collaboration.(What's New)
October 1, 2008... According to a new ASME report, 2028 Vision for Mechanical Engineering, mechanical engineers will need to collaborate with partners worldwide to develop solutions for improving quality of life for all people. Specifically, mechanical engineers...

MagneMotion on the move.(Biz bits)
October 1, 2008... MagneMotion Inc., a manufacturer of assembly automation, material handling, and transportation solutions using linear synchronous motor (LSM) technology, will move its corporate headquarters in December. The new facility, to be located at 137...

Baldor buys Maska.(Biz bits)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Baldor Electric Co., Fort Smith, Ark., a manufacturer of industrial electric motors, power transmission products, drives, and generators recently announced that it has acquired Poulies Maska Inc., Ste-Claire, Quebec,...

Motion Industries acquires Drago Supply.(Biz bits)
October 1, 2008... Drago Supply Company, Port Arthur, Tex., has been acquired by Motion Industries, Birmingham, Ala. Drago has eight locations in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, with annual revenues of approximately $75 million. The company stocks hand tools,...

Bosch Rexroth joins climate exchange.(Biz bits)
October 1, 2008... Bosch Rexroth, Hoffman Estates, Ill., recently announced that it is participating in the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), North America's only voluntary, legally binding greenhouse-gas emissions reduction, registry, and trading program. Overall,...

Danaher Motion wins Volvo contract.(Biz bits)
October 1, 2008... Due to record high fuel prices and legislative action requiring improved emissions standards, the global demand for fuel-efficient vehicles has skyrocketed. Good news for companies like Danaher Motion, Wood Dale, Ill., that supply this market:...