Motion System Design articles from September 2005

Motion System Design archives from September 2005

Web contents.(online services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Click on Current Issue for in-depth information on motors, bearings, linear motion, controllers, and sensors. Click on Issue Archive to browse past features; classic issues of the popular department Brushing Up are also warehoused to pass on to...

The power of Ethernet Powerlink.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... The use of high-speed serial communication networks in factories is becoming commonplace, making it easy to integrate electronic motion control into the automation process. One generic high-speed communication platform receiving significant...

Not in my house.(In the LOOP)
September 1, 2005... For the past 17 years, I've lived in the same house in a suburban development about 20 miles west of Cleveland. Like neighboring developments, ours was built with white concrete streets and matching sidewalks and driveways. Over the years,...

Outsourcing truths resound.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I just read the "In the Loop: The truth about outsourcing" in the May 2005 edition of Motion System Design. I must comment on the outsourcing we do in my company. I am a Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineer for a steel fabrication company. We...

A logical explanation.(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... My name is Angelo from Tower Isles Frozen Foods. Congrats on the article for explaining what a chip's bit is in reality. Also thanks for the brush-up in logic--a lesson severely needed in high school and college. I really never understood what...

What do we know?(In RESPONSE)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Great article called "Getting to know you." It just shows America the kind of people we are dealing with. Don Bartz, Engineering Designer, Kusel Equipment Co. Watertown, Wis.

No false veneer: Zero-Max CD couplings handle high torque, heavy loads.(What's NEW)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Incorporating several CD couplings from Zero-Max Inc., Plymouth, Minn. into its high-speed veneer slicers, Merritt Plywood Machinery. Inc., Lockport, N.Y. successfully developed a machine that produces up to 90 sheets of high quality wood...

Nord Gear Corp.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Nord Gear Corp., Waunakee, Wisc., celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with the opening of a newly-built high-bay racking warehouse at the company's European headquarters. Nord began producing gears, gear cases, shafts, and flanges in...

Omron Electronics LLC.(Company news)
September 1, 2005... Omron Electronics LLC, Schaumburg, III., named Allen Vail vice president of finance. His responsibilities include overseeing all financial activities of the company and advising executive management on business strategy development. He has held...

Just say "Y.E.S.".(What's NEW)
September 1, 2005... Igus Inc., East Providence, R.I., has given a resounding "yes" to students by being a sponsor of the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics Competition through its Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program. Supported...

Mod hus-IDA.(Company news)
September 1, 2005... * Modbus-IDA, North Grafton, Mass., expanded its board of directors with the election of two new members, Serge Bassem, CEO of ACT'L sa, and Komal Mehta, senior product manager of Industrial Communications and Power Network Division of Harting...

The Power Transmission Distributors Associations (PTDA).(Company news)
September 1, 2005... * The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) welcomed six new distributors to its membership roster: AR Thomson Group, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Carolina Belting Co., Taylors, S.C.; McCarty Equipment Co., Abilene, Texas; MEP...

Custom magnetization for many applications.(What's NEW)
September 1, 2005... The Electrodyne Co. Inc., Cincinnati, offers Plastalloy, which can be magnetized using various methods including conventional, two-poles each side, multiple poles, or custom patterns to suit many industrial and commercial applications. ...

Controlling virtual reality.(What's NEW)
September 1, 2005... Virtual reality is not just a thing of the future for control engineers who can design, simulate, and validate automated systems in a virtual, 3D environment with Delmia VSR15 Automation. This new product by Dassault Systemes is a complete...

Packaging machinery demand grows in China.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... As one of the fastest growing markets for packaging machinery worldwide, equipment demand in China will climb 8.6% annually through 2009 to 35.9 billion yuan (approximately $4.4 billion). This growth will put China ahead of Japan, making it the...

New range of power UL/CSA connectors by Lapp.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Lapp USA has announced the launch of a brand new range of EPIC[R] Pin & Sleeve IEC60309 Connectors, which are designed to meet the power connectivity needs and safety requirements of North American industrial applications. The North American...

Custom populated cable carriers and assemblies by Lapp Systems USA.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Lapp Systems USA specializes in custom populated cable carriers and assemblies for use in automation and control systems. Focused efforts have led to the development of "turn-key" solutions which include everything from cables and strain...

European portable cordage & hook-up wire manufactured to the <HAR> standard for worldwide use.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Lapp offers a flexible cable cord with a PVC jacket and insulation or rubber insulations and a neoprene jacket, built to the European standard for harmonized cable. Also suitable for industrial areas exposed to water, dampness and dry...

Lapp launches the EPIC[R] HBE Series "Quick 48" Program.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Lapp USA introduces its new HBE Series "Quick 48" Program. We have increased our "on the shelf" inventory of our most popular EPIC[R] HBE Series bases, hoods, and inserts. A selection of parts are now available from stock typically in 48 hours...

SKINTOP[R] cord connectors designed for durability.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... SKINTOP[R] liquid-tight, strain relief connectors are available in PG, NPT, and Metric thread size with international approvals such as UL, CSA, VDE, and SE. The SKINTOP[R] is recognized around the world as an excellent way of securing a cable...

Get in synch: permanent-magnet synchronous motors outrun ac induction motors in many variable-speed applications. Find out how to make their precision, bandwidth, and efficiency work for you.(Variable-speed motors AND DRIVES)
September 1, 2005... permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) provide a viable alternative to ac induction motors in many variable-speed applications. Advertised as "ac servo" or "dc brushless," PMSM motors are traditionally found in positioning applications like...

Clamp your style: traditional connections used to mount components onto a shaft fall into three general categories: shrink and press fit, material fit, and keys and splines. Keyless clamping devices are another option.(Locking DEVICES)
September 1, 2005... During design, engineers must decide how to connect each involved power transmission component (and other items) to shafting. Traditional connection methods fall into the three categories mentioned. A shrink fit requires the mounted component...

Brakes and clutches.(Peak PRODUCTIVITY)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Productivity of a system is characterized by uptime and output. Designers, component makers, and endusers all affect it. In this report, the editors of Motion System Design polled brake and clutch experts for their advice on optimizing...

Universal joints.(Design by objective: PRECISION & ACCURACY)
September 1, 2005... Needle bearing universal joints are equipped with sealed lubricated needle bearings for precise positioning and extended operation at high speeds. FEATURES & BENEFITS * O.D. of 3/4 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2, and 2 1/2 in.; 40 mm *...

Bi-directional encoder interface.(Design by objective: PRECISION & ACCURACY)
September 1, 2005... EnDat 2.2 digital bi-directional interface can output absolute position values, as well as request or update information in an encoder. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Digital transmission via four lines * Prevents disturbance and...

Motion analysis software.(Design by objective: PRECISION & ACCURACY)
September 1, 2005... QuickView software package enables real-time, high-resolution motion analysis for accuracy, velocity, or acceleration. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Simple, graphic interface for flexible point and measure operation * Resolution to 1 nm...

High-speed actuators.(Design by objective: PRECISION & ACCURACY)
September 1, 2005... KLM actuators achieve high accuracy by incorporating an optic linear encoder and motor. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Positioning accuracy of 10/500 mm [micro]m; positioning repeatability of [+ or -] 0.3 [micro]m * Speeds to 2 m/sec and...

Linear actuators.(Design by objective: PRECISION & ACCURACY)
September 1, 2005... EL series explosion-proof linear actuators are rated for Class 1, div. 1, groups B, C, and D hazardous environments, and provide reliable for operation for thousands of hours. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Speeds to 25 ips * Eight-pole...

Operation: printing: lessons and solutions for all motion engineers.(Motion IN PACKAGING)
September 1, 2005... How does a typical printing machine work? Today's most common printing machines use a flexographic process. Flexography is a direct rotary printing method that uses a raised image surface to print on a variety of substrates. The printed...

Making waves.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
September 1, 2005... Thomson Electrak linear marine actuators provide boat and marine manufacturers with push-pull power for opening, closing, raising, lowering, and holding operations. Compact size, broad load capabilities, and 12 or 24-Vdc operation ensure power...

Starring on stage.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
September 1, 2005... The SQ-2115 is an ultra-thin, closed-loop nanopositioning stage that exerts 5 N force without heating. Contained in the 17 mm profile is an integral optical encoder and piezoelectric Squiggle motor, which supports vertical loads to 0.5 kg. It...

Reaching a new level.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
September 1, 2005... SRU series of rotary actuators sets a new benchmark in actuation with high load capacities and technological advances. Piston guidance comes from sleeves in the aluminum housing, while radial clamped end-stop adjustments allow for easy access...

Spreading good news.(Systems & SUBSYSTEMS)
September 1, 2005... CarrySmart spreader-converger conveyors offer efficient repositioning of products, including fragile ones. These simple, positively driven transport conveyors use narrow-width stainless steel belt. They gently move products along a...

Rotary indexing system.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
September 1, 2005... Non-servo rotary indexing system consists of a pneumatic drive unit with multi-station turrets and grippers in various configurations and sizes. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Indexing in 10[degrees] increments with on/off control to solenoid...

ISO-mounting cylinders.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
September 1, 2005... C85 series cylinders feature stainless steel bodies and conform to ISO standard 6432. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 8-, 10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, and 25-mm bore sizes * 10 to 350-mm stroke lengths * Corrosion-resistant anodized covers,...

Pneumatic grippers.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
September 1, 2005... Range of grippers offers smooth accurate movement, long, uninterrupted service life, maximum machine uptime, low weight, and compact size. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Gripping accuracy of [+ or -] 0.01 mm * Use with compressed air...

Non-contacting transducer.(Pneumatic SOLUTIONS)
September 1, 2005... TMI non-contacting transducers are readily integrated into pneumatic cylinders, and offer unlimited mechanical life expectancy. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Direct, precise, absolute measurements of 100 to 4,500 mm with single or multiple...

Plastic bearings.(Spotlight BEARINGS)
September 1, 2005... Iglide self-lubricating bearings are well-suited for low to medium load applications, replacing sintered bronze bearings. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Impact, dirt, and chemical resistant; vibration damping 250 times better than steel *...

High-temperature bearings.(Spotlight BEARINGS)
September 1, 2005... Deep groove ball bearings operate reliably in extreme conditions and eliminate the need for expensive special bearings or lubricants. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 10-to 100-mm bore diameter; available with cylindrical bores for mounting ...

Support bearings.(Spotlight BEARINGS)
September 1, 2005... Fafnir ballscrew support bearings offer smooth and accurate positioning with new single-row metric sizes and sealed double-row bearings. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Precision-ground width tolerance five times tighter than ABEC 9/ISO P2...

Self-clinching, self-aligning bearings.(Spotlight BEARINGS)
September 1, 2005... Self-clinching, self-aligning bearings are designed for constant or intermittent high temperatures. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sizes of 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 in. * Available in graphite or Teflon bronze * Operating temperatures...

Miniature bearings.(Spotlight BEARINGS)
September 1, 2005... Miniature bearings are less than 1 in. in size and are designed for demanding, high-speed applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Metric and inch series, bores from 1 to 12.7 mm; open and shielded designs * Components manufactured to...

Step motors.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The IP65 rated series is protected against dust and withstands sprayed water up to three meters away from multi-directions. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sustains water pressure of up to 30 kPa at 12.5 1/min for three min * Sizes 17 and...

Heavy-duty couplings.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Steel couplings manufactured from solid pieces of 17-4PH stainless offer fatigue resistance and double the torque capacity of similarly sized couplings of 303 stainless and 7075-T6 A1. FEATURES & BENEFITS * H and W Series suitable for...

Digital drives.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... All-digital DC 104 drive helps OEMs create custom embedded motor drives by accepting commercially available plug-in PC/104 processors, I/0 and networking cards from PC/104 vendors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * PC/104 bus eliminates analog...

Stainless dc motors.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... 300-Series steel suitable for pharmaceutical and food-processing environments where washdown is required but paint or coating contamination is unacceptable. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Viton seals, double-lip shaft seals on TEFC versions ...

Two megapixel vision sensor.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... In-sight 5403 vision sensors capture full-frame 1,600 x 1,200 pixel images at up to 15 frames per second. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Provides images of larger and multiple parts simultaneously, eliminating several sensors * Increased...

Linear actuators.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Size 8 21000-series linear actuators occupy 21 [mm.sup.2] for high performance and endurance in a small package. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Captive, non-captive, and external linear versions * Resolutions of 0.0015 to 0.04 mm/step ...

Four-axis controller.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... NPMC6045A-4104 four-axis, PC-1040-bus motion control card lets users control stepper motors and/or digital servo motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Uses PCL6045A ASIC motion control chip * Maximum output of 6.5 Mpps * Available...

Square flange encoder.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... H25 square flange incremental encoder is a general-purpose, rotary motion encoder for simple speed, direction, and/or position monitoring. FEATURES & BENEFITS * H25 NEMA footprint, 3/8 in. shaft * Speeds to 10,000 rpm; delivers up...

Magnetostrictive sensor.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Temposonics C-Series is smallest magnetostrictive linear-position sensor available. FEATURES & BENEFITS * 1.4 x 0.91-in. cylindrical package * ASICs for compactness, modular C-Series allows for IP67 housing * 0 to 5-Vdc or PWM...

Motion controller.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The MN400 dual processor communicates through RS232 or RS485 ports and utilizes DSP for high-speed operation. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Continuous-contouring algorithm minimizes decel/stop/accel between motion vectors, thus maximizing...

Encoder cable.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The MR121 Zapfree cable solves encoder communication problems caused by EMI, RFI, and ground loops in industrial environments. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Fiber optic technology avoids redesign by disconnecting existing controller and...

Micro drives.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Series 1024 micro drives employ ironless rotor motors with Neodymium magnets, reaching speeds of up to 14,700 rpm and stall torque of 2.89 mNm. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Low contact resistance permits low starting voltage * Achieves...

Parallel shaft gears.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... HDP (heavy duty parallel shaft) series speed reducers offer a compact design and record torque density. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Four of 12 sizes with ratings of 41,150, 57,960, 101,775, and 146,500 lb-in. * Two or three stages with...

Scanner and I/O.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Allen-Bradley's DeviceNet scanner and I/O integrates standard and safety PLCs on a single network for easier data sharing. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Assures fail-safe communication * Connects up to 63 DeviceNet devices of which 32 can...

Cam followers.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Self-lubricating Graphalloy cam followers are available in stainless steel and metric sizes from 16 to 90 mm O.D. for use with corrosives, washdowns, and wet applications. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Operating temperature of -450[degrees] to...

Controller for micropositioning.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Nano C-Series of controllers enables multi-axis stages to move in nm increments with stability. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Dual DSPs operating at 20 kHz for quick corrections; high, low, and notch filters for quick step and settle moves ...

Photoelectric sensors.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Side and end sensing are achieved through diffused, retro-reflective, and thru-beam mode sensors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Sensing range extends from 8 in. to 11.5 ft * Adjacent devices unaffected by crosstalk * Light-immune,...

Large bore shaft collars.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Large bore shaft collars are designed for use in large conveyor systems and oversize conveyors, machinery, and equipment. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze one and two-piece clamp-type configurations * Up...

Motion processor developer's kit.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Magellan integrated hardware and software package delivers multi-axis motion control for dc brush, brushless dc, microstepping, and pulse and direction motors. FEATURES & BENEFITS * User-selectable profiling modes include S-curve,...

Integral wheels.(New PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... DualVee integral wheels feature a one-piece design that grinds the bearing inner raceway into the bushing or stud shaft. FEATURES & BENEFITS * Low profile and increased rigidity for up to 84% deflection * Large-diameter fasteners...

Introducing QuickTrak[R] linear guide from BishopWisecarver.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... QuickTrak is an off-the-shelf solution that reduces design and installation costs by easily integrating into machine configurations. The belt or screw driven QuickTrak is ideal for light industrial use in laboratory, medical and packaging...

New: integral stud and bushing wheels.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... BishopWisecarver announces Integral studs and bushings that eliminate tolerance stack up and improve durability and stability. DualVee[R]' wheels with integral bushings and studded shafts provide higher load capabilities and reduce installation...

Precision mechanical components.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... Comprehensive, easy-to-use format for over 50,000 components: bearings, belts & pulleys, shafts, couplers, gears, hardware, slides, lead screws & nuts, positioning tables, linear motion systems and more. Call for application engineering...

New miniature slide system with high load capabilities.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... MinVee[TM] is a low profile, miniature slide system consisting of a 4-wheel carriage riding a double edge hardened steel track. The 2"x2" carriage plate features our new integral bushing and stud shaft wheels, available in steel or polymer. The...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... Intech Power-Core[TM] Track Rollers and Cam Followers feature quiet, easy motion, high resistance to flat development, no rail wear, high load and shock capacity. Suitable for wash down and harsh environments. Proprietary thermal bearing...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... 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 or metal gears. Metal Core...

Compact rugged I/O station.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... With TURCK's FDN20 I/O station, you now have a fast, easy and exceptionally flexible solution to connect every pushbutton to a DeviceNet[TM] network. This 6 page color brochure contains all the detailed dimension drawing and application...

Precision encoders.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... EPC's 104-page catalog features the full line of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide variety of industrial positioning, counting, motion and motor control needs. Expert cross...

CGI Inc. gearheads.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... Offering the widest range of standard gearhead ratios available in the industry. Providing custom solutions for motion control and automation applications. CGI is focused on engineering expertise and knowledgeable, customer service. CGI Inc.,...

Spiral retaining rings & wave springs.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... Smalley's complete product line is now available in one easy to navigate catalog. The new catalog includes over 7,000 standard wave springs, spiral retaining rings and snap rings. Smalley's new catalog offers simplified part selection, special...

Customized motor test systems.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... 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...

Motors, gearmotors and drives.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... LEESON's Catalog 1050 offers detailed information and specifications on thousands of ratings of industrial-duty motors, gearmotors and drives--available from stock warehouses throughout the United States, North America and the world. Products...

Extensive clutch/brake catalog.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... Our comprehensive clutch and brake catalog combines all individual product guides in one convenient 80-page publication. It includes complete technical data on Electromagnetic Friction Clutches and Brakes, Spring Applied Brakes, Wrap Spring...

3000 lb capacity linear electric actuators!(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... New brochure features Burr's high performance A-Series acme screw actuators, which handle load capacities up to 3000 lbs. and static loads to 5000 lbs. for your most demanding applications. Line offers 34:1 and 110:1 gear ratios, and is AC or...

BiSlide[R] positioning system.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... BiSlides are a modular system that enables you to quickly and easily create complete single or multi-axis, high accuracy positioning systems. Travel range: 5"-80". Size: 3.4"W x 2.6"H. Durable, low cost motorized and manual, B/Slides are...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
September 1, 2005... 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...

Flattery will get you nowhere; don't let this problem tip you over the edge.(Fun WITH FUNDAMENTALS)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... It's the 87th annual alumni pancake breakfast at Ida-Ore University and Finnagle J. Wurme is on the schedule for kitchen duty. Through a series of events not entirely his fault, however, Wurme sleeps in and arrives just 15 minutes before a...