Motion System Design articles from September 2003

Motion System Design archives from September 2003

Our entrepreneurial spirit is fine, thanks for asking.(In the Loop)
September 1, 2003... I'm often asked why engineers aren't more entrepreneurial. Usually, I plead ignorance because to argue the assertion only brings tougher questions like, "Then why do so few start their own businesses, and "Why do most of them fail?" These are...

Breaking the law.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I think that you made a small but common mistake in your answer to the February Fun with Fundamentals puzzle. While the Ideal Gas Law is commonly used by first-year chemistry students, a better approximation uses the ratio of specific heats as...

Symbols are 'Greek' to reader.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... In "Applying Stepmotors Successfully" (on your Web site), the equation is: J = ([paragraph]Lp[r.sup.4])2g: where r is the density of the screw, L is the length, r is the radius, and g is the gravitational constant. Could you please clarify...

'The future don't work'.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Happened to finally get my May issue from the office routing. Certainly some highway improvements and new construction are in order. However, from Los Angeles to Bangkok the historical pattern has been congestion = more roads = more congestion,...

Prize was overstated.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I'm sure you've probably already been made aware of this, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. I believe the cash prize awarded by DARPA for the robotic vehicle Grand Challenge race is only $1 million, not $100 million as it stated in Robotic...

Have it your way.(What's New)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Because screw jack products have thousands of configurations and millions of potential combinations, Nook Industries, Cleveland, is using 3D PartStream.NET technology to vide access to fully configurable models, rather than offer a traditional...

An inside view.(Open House)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Minarik, a manufacturer and distributor high-tech motion control and automation product, invites engineers to learn more a company through two open houses. On Sept. 23, Minarik, Automation & Control will hold its first annual "Speedweek...

RC cars go fast with flat.(What's New)
September 1, 2003... Following the growing demand flat or rectangular magnet wire, Alpha-Core Inc., Bridgeport, Conn., has expanded its "Flat Magnet Wire" program. Available wire sizes now range from 0.25 (30 awg) to 3 mm (9 awg) in diameter. The wire,...

Driving into the record books.(What's New)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Using an ABB drive and two motors for ac power, e=motion, an electric car designed in Britain, will attempt to break the world record for land speed. ABB's ACS800 ac drive converts the 600-Vdc output from four packs of lead-acid batteries...

Uplifting solution.(Market spotlight: material handling)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... When a robotic rack loading application needed a lift, Handling Specialty, Niagara Falls, N.Y., obliged with a custom ballscrew-actuated scissor lift table that integrates with a power roller bed top and automated conveyor system. The...

Learn about material handling online.(Market spotlight: material handling)
September 1, 2003... SK Daifuku, Salt Lake City, offers online learning for the material handling industry at www.skdaifuku.com/training, starting with the course Nine Steps to Dynamic Distribution. Businesses will learn how to analyze current processes and...

Tuning in and turning on: automatic tuning mechanisms simplify the integration of servo drives and motors and minimize manual tweaking.
September 1, 2003... As control systems expand into networks of axes regulating complex motions, meeting specifications is a growing challenge. If the only requirement is to get from A to B, simple step input is usually sufficient. But for motion systems that...

Star performer: a new operable roof takes center stage at an outdoor theater.
September 1, 2003... Usually when you go to the theater, the only stars you see are the ones on stage. Not so at Rock Valley College's Starlight Theatre in Rockford, Ill., where theater-goers sit under the stars in the sky. The open theater has been a landmark...

Locking devices: curious how to keep locking devices working to their full potential? The editors of Motion System Design asked industry experts for application tips and guidelines. Here are the responses we believe you'll find most useful.(Productivity Forum)
September 1, 2003... Challenges What applications present the biggest challenge in terms of machine productivity? Carl/Ringfeder: Industrial applications, such as highly corrosive environments requiring special stainless steels, are the biggest...

Testing ... testing: so your motor is already installed--what tests can be performed in-field to determine its condition?(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Today, many processes require continuous operation of motors. Failure--because of the expense of production loss--is not an option. Luckily, proper maintenance, monitoring, and testing can extend motor life and eliminate unplanned downtime. ...

Lunch & learn: industry's answer to challenges facing design engineers.(Motion System Technology Fair)
September 1, 2003... Attendees Network with colleagues. Gain valuable knowledge and walk away with practical new resources. Learn the latest technology in just a few short hours. In depth, personal support will keep you up on what's new in the motion systems...

MEMS the word in accurate inclinometers.(Sensor Tips)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The SCA61T Series of inclinometers from VTI Technologies Inc., Dearborn, Mich., features internal temperature measurement and compensation, along with a long-term stability, better than 0.25 mg. This combination gives the devices high accuracy...

Measure fluid drive torque directly.(Sensor Tips)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Take the guesswork out of relating hose pressure to drive torque using a new sensor that accurately measures torque in hydraulic motor/pump-load adaptor systems The reaction torque sensor from Sensor Developments Inc., Lake Orion, Mich.,...

Chip helps sensor smarts.(Sensor Tips)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A built-in memory chip from Lebow Products Inc., Troy, Mich., stores information in the form of a transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) on its force and torque sensors. The company has also joined forces with National Instruments as a...

Fill 'er up: coupling absorbs vibration to keep auger on schedule.(Design by objective: precision & accuracy)
September 1, 2003... Auger systems using direct drive servomotors for blending and filling food pouches and packages are an improvement over stepper motor and traditional clutch/brake systems, resulting in increased speed, repeatable filling accuracy, and reduced...

Sound off.(Brushing Up)
September 1, 2003... Cats, they say, can move without making a sound, but not so for the average motion system component. Gears, bearings, ballscrews, even power supplies produce a certain amount of noise as they perform their duties. Understanding and controlling...

A package deal.(Control)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Reduced hardware costs, robustness, and a variety of connectivity options are some of the benefits the ServoWire Motion & Logic Controller (SMLC) has to offer. The SMLC, from Rochester-based ORMEC, combines ServoWire Soft Motion technology with...

It's all in the cords.(e-motion)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Koiled Kords from Whitney Blake Co., Bellows Falls, Vt., work with computers, bar-code readers, and material-handling equipment, as well as a variety of instrumentation and testing devices. The cords' retractile properties offer a range of...

DAQ for the thrifty.(Communication)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... If you need a data-acquisition board with numerous features but without a high price, try RCP 1014 Series PCI A/D boards from CyberResearch Inc., Branford, Conn. The boards offer 16 single-ended or eight differential channels, 14-bit...

Bye-bye guesstimates.(online)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Being able to configure actuators online eliminates the guesswork when specifying motion components to meet application requirements. That's why Ultra Motion, Mattituck, N.Y., a manufacturer of custom high-precision linear actuators, launched a...

What if we could rewind the tape and start over?(Idea Exchange)(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... The threat of imports to our manufacturing base became more and more apparent in the 1970s, and most of the concern was focused on the automobile industry. At the time, however, economists assured us that imports were no threat to our economy....

Legislating the law of gravity.(Idea Exchange)(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... Some 15 years ago, our publishing company installed its first word processing system. Like all capital equipment, we couldn't charge the cost against in come in the year we installed the system. The expense had to be amortized. But technology...

Surprise! Manufacturing is important.(Idea Exchange)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A new study commissioned by the Council of Manufacturing Associations, an independently-funded division of the National Association of Manufacturers, concludes that the continuing erosion of manufacturing is a threat to the nation's long-term...

Servo control trims cost, improves speed.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Amps: 3, 6, 9 continuous Input: single-source or 3-phase 115-230 Vac FEATURES * Single-axis brushless drive * Can be configured as torque or velocity package * Includes software setup and auto-tuning * May...

Drive facilities soft motion.(Servo/Steppers Warehouse)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Supply: 80 Vdc to 460 Vac Output: 15 to 100 A FEATURES * Use with brush, brushless, rotary, linear servomotors * Built-in third-order interpolation * 5-kHz position loop * Windows-based configuration,...

Position with servo.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 0.044 oz-in. (continuous); 0.19 oz-in. (stall) Ratio: 4:1 to 4,096:1 Speed: to 44,400 rpm FEATURES * 64-pulse absolute encoder * Low power consumption * Weighs 10 gm MicroMo Electronics Inc....

Integrated stepmotor, driver.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Holding torque: 85 0z-in, Shaft size: 0.94-in. long; 0.1968-in. diameter FEATURES * Built-in microstepping driver * D8-9 male connector for power, control * Step resolution from full step to 8X [micro] steps ...

Intelligence in a microstep.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Step range: high-torque full step to 1/8 [micro] step FEATURES * Compatible with many PLCs * CW, CCW limit inputs * Removable RS-232 adapter * Encoder option converts step, direction signals to quadrature...

Servo drives pack a punch.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Bandwidth: 4O0-Hz velocity loop Output: 480 Vac FEATURES * Antiresonance filters * Windows-based software program * Connections accessible from front panel * Compatible with European voltage requirements...

It's the right angle.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Speed: to 500 rpm Ratings: 175 lb-in. FEATURES * Externally replaceable brushes * Bronze alloy gears * Antifriction bearings * Lifetime lubrication RAE Corp. (815) 385-3500 www.raemotors.com...

Servo for harsh environments.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Frame size: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 in. FEATURES * IP66 sealed motors * Withstands chlorine-based, high-pressure washdowns * Aluminum oxide coating with PTFE polymer * Finless housing * Stainless-steel shaft,...

Smart to think small.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Operating voltage: 12 to 48 Vdc Drive: onboard half/full step FEATURES * Weighs 5 oz * NEMA size 14 high-torque * Accepts 5- to 24-Vdc signals * Change settings on-the-fly * Available in multiple...

Actuator features higher torque.(Servos/Steppers Warehouse)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: to 2,600 N-m Gear ratio: 110:1, 220:1 FEATURES * Brushless ac servomotor, planetary gearhead, encoder, optional holding brake * Less than 1-arc/min backlash * Tapered roller bearings in output stage ...

Digital servo drive.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Connection: 24 Vdc Output current: to 6 A FEATURES * Single power supply module includes axis control * Small dc bridge connectors eliminate backplanes * Supply module includes mains filter * Complies with...

Mini sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Sensing range: 0.5 in. Tolerance: [+ or -] 0.08 in. Frequency: FEATURES * Identifies, sorts, checks objects on basis of color * Detects color at high throughput rates * Vertical light position *...

Linear actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Frame size: 2, 3, 4, 7 in. Armature speed: to 5,000 rpm FEATURES * Roller screw converts electric motor power into linear motion * Sealed; requires minimal lubrication * Units are single, fully integrated...

Brushless motors.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 3.55-in. square Output: 1/7 to 1/2 hp Stator stack: 20 to 60 mm FEATURES * Aluminum frame with ball bearing construction * Class F insulation * Options include custom winding designs shafts flanges...

Multi-axis controller.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Supply: 110-380 Vac, 24-375 Vdc FEATURES * 1, 2, or 3 internal digital drives * Communicates via RS-232/422/485; 10/100 BaseT Ethernet * Combines multi axis motion controller integrated digital servo amplifiers ...

Ring sensors.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 50, 65 mm Size: 114 x 80 x 40 mm FEATURES * Equipped with static output * CE approval * Easy to mount Turck Inc. (800) 544-7769 www.turck.com Circle 176 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Brushless pancake combo.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 7 oz/in. @ 5,000 rpm Input: 12, 24 V FEATURES * 2-phase motor * Compact 3.2-in. diameter by 1.68 in. deep * External drive circuitry available Tetra Electronics Inc. (650) 964-5795 Circle...

Enclosed encoders.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Accuracy: 2.5 arc-min Data rate: to 100 kHz FEATURES * Measures W motor speed and shaft rotation * Functions integrated into an opto-ASIC chip * Operates up to 5,000 rpm to 70[degrees]C * O-ring seal *...

Partnership capabilities brochure.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... FEATURES * Applications include commercial, industrial, factory automation, aviation, military * Emphasizes partnership quality with customers * Focuses on use of in-line production testing, screening * Products include...

Networking modules for PLCs.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... FEATURES * H0-ECOM module provides 10 MB Ethernet link for PLC systems * D0-DEVNETS slave module transforms any DL05 or DL06 into smart node on DeviceNet controller network * H0-PSCM module connects DL05 or DL06 to Profibus DP...

Stainless steel motors.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Rating: 1/2 to 10 hp Speed: 1,140 to 3,450 rpm FEATURES * Pre-lubricated double-sealed bearings * Hydrophobic breathers * IRIS insulation for inverter-duty operation * Withstand caustic lye, bleach, acids,...

Small motor-ready stages.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Loads: 8 to 60 lb Accuracy: 0.00001 in. per in. of straight-line travel Diameter: 0,188, 0.250 in. FEATURES * 1-, 2-, 3-axis configuration * Suitable for NEMA 14, 17 frame sizes * Variety of leads, pitches...

Rod ends.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 10/32 to 1/2 in. FEATURES * Includes polymer clevis joint, connecting rods, snap rings * High resistance to extreme temperatures, wear * Corrosion free * High tensile strength Ingus Inc. ...

Advanced motion controller.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... * Controls up to 30 axes of motion simultaneously * Can run 8 programs concurrently * Single cables connect individual servo amplifiers in daisy chain * Servo configuration is done from MCH Omron Electronics LLC (800)...

Radial shaft seal manual.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... * 53-page technical manual details engineering data * 329-page specification manual lists more than 40,000 styles, sizes * Information on sealing behavior, material interaction, housing finishes, installation recommendations *...

Digital inverters selection guide.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... FEATURES * KBE2 Series (IP-20 NEMA-4): 1/4-3 hp; 115, 230, 460 Vac line input * KBN2 Series(NEMA]): 1/2-30 hp; 230 and 460 Vac line input * KBV2 Series(NEMA-1):1-30 hp; 230 and 460 Vac line input * For 3-phase ac induction...

Multi-directional guide.(Motion Marketplace)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... FEATURES * Provides endless linear and curved motion for flexibility * Combines linear guides with rotary slides * Travels in straight and curved directions * Reduces time and cost associated with straight corners and pallet...

Motor catalog.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... FEATURES * 71 new permanent-magnet dc motors * 31 new ac motors * 18 new Pacesetter ac variable frequency drives * 21 new Integramotor brushless dc motors * 12 pages of details, specifications on custom solutions for OEMs...

Machine vision camera.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... * Direct 1:1 conversion of digitized image * For use with MVS-8100D frame grabber * Accommodates mixed-resolution applications * Delivery rate: 1280x1024 up to 26 fps; 640x48 up to 100 fps; 320x240 p to 340 fps Cognex Corp....

Anti-backlash leadscrew.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Capacity: 200 lb Material: 303 stainless with TFE coating FEATURES * For multiple load applications * Simple, compact design * Easy modification for custom applications demanding precision and value *...

Encoder catalog.(Motion Marketplace)
September 1, 2003... SPECS Types: four incremental, two absolute versions FEATURES * Includes selected cable assemblies, accessory items, and signal conditioners * Models H25 (shafted) and HS35 (hollow shaft) * Model H20 shafted incremental...

Problem 272//scratch match.(Fun With Fundamentals)
September 1, 2003... This one will have you on spins and needles. Bobby Ray thinks he's got the right moves to mix and scratch with the best of them. Practicing for weeks, the Ray-man is planning to enter the Greater Northcoast Regional Turntablist Competition...