Motion System Design articles from September 2006

Motion System Design archives from September 2006

Semiconductor device physics.(Brushing up)
September 1, 2006... Successfully designing diodes and other semiconductor circuits depends on an understanding of the physical processes taking place at the atomic level. Chip designers are especially concerned with electron movements in crystals and the "holes"...

Plastics are a natural: spider couplings with thermoplastic hubs are giving part-metal varieties a run for their money.(Servocouplings)
September 1, 2006... 90% of the time, elastomer-insert or spider couplings are employed to connect drive motors and pump units to systems. Their puncture resistance and vibration damping make them suitable for even severe conditions. Several industries benefit from...

Ease of use.(Design by objective)
September 1, 2006... There are two kinds of systems that are easy to use: Inherently simple equipment, and more highly engineered "total solution" systems. Here, we'll discuss the latter--and how to make sense of the myriad of options and features available to...

Taste test.(Problem 291)
September 1, 2006... Fred and Frank, two of Manhattan's best table waiters, decided the time had come to launch out on their own. Along with the entire dishwashing crew, and in their honor, they opened DW's, a low-budget eatery with an upscale look specializing in...

Times they are a'changing.(In Response)
September 1, 2006... Thank you for the insightful, well laid-out thoughts of your May editorial. I agree with everything you said in principle. I have seen in my lifetime: * The installation of a generator going from requiring an engineer, to an electrician,...

Live and direct.(In the loop)
September 1, 2006... The new motionsystemdesign.com is live. What does this mean to you? We hope this means that you, our readers, will come to find it a welcoming environment, a new and pleasant place to visit regularly for well-organized information on all...

Lifting off friction: design rotating equipment? Chances are good that you've heard of magnetic bearings. The technology is suited for increasingly diverse applications.(Magnetic bearings)
September 1, 2006... Many designers know about magnetic bearings and have some understanding of how they work. Still, most have never specified them; except for special applications, magnetic bearings usually aren't considered. But now magnetic bearing use is on...

Interfacing linear feedback.(MSD 101)
September 1, 2006... Linear feedback devices are often mounted to critical axes, directly related to part production, so they must be robust. Magnetostrictive sensors fit the bill: They utilize sonic wave pulses to determine position, so they're immune to shock and...

Get it, and go: your motion system is tuned and ready to sprint. Can your sensors keep up?(Need for speed)
September 1, 2006... Closed-loop motion systems can only run as fast as their sensors let them. And there are many factors that go into sensor speed. We asked the experts to explain what makes sensors fast, and slow, and how sensors can help or hurt motion system...

An attractive alternative: magnetic levitation propels transportation vehicles on a guideway.(What's new)
September 1, 2006... Imagine the hundreds of science fiction movies you've seen, where sleek-looking trains float high above the ground, moving people from destination to destination. These hightech railways may seem futuristic, but one company has brought them...

New tech center targets motion challenges.(What's new)(Motion Competency Center)
September 1, 2006... Most industrial automation challenges are motion problems at the core level. That's why many automation companies, including Schneider Electric, are consolidating their resources to help engineers better apply motion technology. In...

One step closer to precise ac voltage measurement.(alternating current)
September 1, 2006... Following 10 years of research, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) unveiled its first precision instrument for directly measuring alternating-current voltages. The instrument is being tested for use in NIST's low-voltage...

Handbook offers basic overview of power transmission.(What's new)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The fourth edition of the Power Transmission Handbook from the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), Chicago, is written for the entry-level individual and serves as a comprehensive training tool for power transmission and motion...

Pneumatic cylinders bounce back: seals and air cushions eliminate jarring inside cylinders by decelerating pistons in a controlled manner.(Pneumatic cylinders)
September 1, 2006... Pneumatic cylinders perform an array of functions in electronics, automotive, and packaging industries. Their basic function is always the same--linear advancement of loads by attachment to a metal piston, pushed to and fro by columns of air....

Locking air cylinders.(Pneumatic solutions)
September 1, 2006... CNA series locking cylinders use an integral, compact lock unit unaffected by the quality of supply air. Features & benefits * Available in five bore sizes from 40 to 100 mm * Manual override lock release is standard * Tapered...

Parallel actuators.(Pneumatic solutions)
September 1, 2006... PHM-120 and PHM-A 20 actuators are designed for raising and lowering loads within conveyor systems, providing parallel, right angle, or directional load transfer. Features & benefits * Operating pressure to 90 psi; mechanical linkages...

SBD Sealed Belt Drive system.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... The new HepcoMotion[R] SBC linear system introduces a new sealing method that keeps away dirt and debris. A stainless steel band, held in place by a magnetic strip and running the length of an aluminum beam, effectively encloses the unit. SBD...

HDRT stands up to heavy loads.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... The new HepcoMotion[R] HDRT Heavy Duty Ring and Track system is capable of supporting loads up to 8,992 lbs. HDRT is low maintenance, easy to install, fully adjustable and tolerant of debris. It offers a broad range of single edge rings and...

Edmund Optics expands catalog offerings.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... Edmund Optics expands its optics, components and imaging product lines with over 8,000 products and more than 700 new product solutions including EO[TM] designed High Resolution HVO Line Scan Lenses, ReflX[TM] Reflective Microscope Objectives,...

Shock absorbers.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... New ACE Controls catalog on its full line of industrial and safety shock absorbers, as well as feed controllers. Products include: award winning Magnum Group and SC2 Heavyweight Series and new SC High-Cycle Series for decelerating loads,...

Quick reference guide.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... LEESON Electric offers a full line of electric motors, gearmotors, and drives. The full color Bulletin 1055 Stock Products Quick Reference gives an overview of the more than eight thousand stock products available. Products cover the range from...

Compact rugged I/O station.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... 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...

Efficiency motors.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... 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...

Belt-drive DB actuators.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... Belt-drive DB actuators operate at 5.1 meters per second (MPS). No lubrication or maintenance. They are ideal for applications where speed is critical such as pick-and-place mechanisms on high speed automation equipment. Travel up to 6 meters,...

Updated motor catalog.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... The 2006/07 Maxon motor catalog comes as a 316-page book or interactive CD-ROM that features new products, including three brushless EC motors with 10 and 15-mm diameters, EC-max 16 2-wire, EC-powermax 22, sterilizable planetary gearhead GP 16...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... 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...

Catalog CD.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... AutomationDirect's complimentary catalog CD offers over 5500 industrial automation products for a wide range of applications. Also available in print, the 1750-page catalog and addendum feature product descriptions, technical data, and photos...

Miniature turntable bearings save weight and space.(Media MART)
September 1, 2006... Miniature Reali-Slim[R] TT Series turntable bearings from Kaydon save weight, reduce product envelope size and increase design flexibility for turntable applications--including robotics, radar antennae, and factory positioning and inspection...

Rotary stages.(Products)
September 1, 2006... ABRS air-bearing rotary stages provide high angular positioning, velocity stability, and error motion. Features & benefits * Low profile minimizes stack-up related errors * Optical encoder, feedback multipliers, and controls...

Universal joints.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Military certified MS 271 universal joints are designed for high lift actuation and control mechanisms that require low deflection rates, high strength to weight ratios, and long service life. Features & benefits * Meet or exceed...

Rotary unions.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Unions feature electrical slip ring to transfer fluids, gasses, and electricity from a stationary source to a rotating structure within one assembly. Features & benefits * Many sizes available with up to 12 passages * Electrical...

Spherical plain bearings.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Bearings are ready-to-mount and self-aligning to accommodate misalignment and oscillating movements. Features & benefits * Metric and inch versions come with or without seals * Inner ring with sphered convex O.D. and outer ring...

Linear position sensors.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Magnetostrictive linear position sensors for extreme shock and vibration environments are more durable than older models. Features & benefits * High electromagnetic interference immunity and environmental ingress protection *...

Jaw couplings.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Zero-backlash jaw couplings feature spider elements for greater shock absorption. Features & benefits * Hardness levels include 85, 92, and 98 shore * Three-piece design made of two hubs, with curved jaws and elastic element ...

Motion controllers.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Guidance 2400 series vision-guided motion controllers use distributed network architecture to locate them at point of use. Features & benefits * 24 to 90 Vdc version produces up to 2,000 W motor power * 225 mm x 138 x 61 mm *...

Belt drive components.(Products)
September 1, 2006... New line of sheaves includes fractional horsepower (FHP) and variable pitch (VP) models available in a variety of diameters. Features & benefits * FHP available in AK and BK sizes in single and double-groove with bored-to-size or MST...

Sanitary conveyor.(Products)
September 1, 2006... The AquaPruf 7600 series is available in straight and curved models and is fitted with a urethane encased belt that does not absorb water or fray. Features & benefits * Tooless design disassembles for cleaning in 30 sec; tip-up pulley...

Ethernet microcontroller.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Nine-member PIC18F97J60 family offers first eight-bit, single-chip Ethernet microcontroller for accessing embedded applications remotely. Features & benefits * Includes on-chip 10BASE-T Ethernet transceiver (medium-access controller...

Intelligent drives.(Products)
September 1, 2006... MCD EPOS compact drives are aluminum-cased and provide dynamic, maintenance-free positioning along with a fieldbus connection and 60 W output. Features & benefits * Combine brushless EC motor, digital encoder, and digital EPOS...

Brushless dc servomotor.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Brushless dc servomotor with integrated motion controller uses skewed winding with a rotor made of Neodymium rare-earth magnets. * Speeds to 12,000 rpm; continuous torque rating of 50 mNm * Interfaces with RS232 or CAN utilizing CANopen...

Industrial rod ends.(Products)
September 1, 2006... VibraLink rod ends provide flexibility and extra vibration dampening. Features & benefits * Low-carbon steel and zinc-plated ball and body offer extended corrosion resistance * Case-hardened, precisely swaged ball allows extended...

Continuous-flex cables.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Chainflex CF.INI cables with over-molded connectors are designed for use on cable carrier systems on automated machinery. Features & benefits * Flexible, anti-abrasive thermoplastic polyester insulation and jacket; nonporous TPE outer...

Programmable logic controller.(Products)
September 1, 2006... Jazz PLC provides more power for smart relays, and includes on-board I/O plus a full-function operator panel with numeric keypad. Features & benefits * 24K (virtual) Ladder programming software, math, store/load, compare, clock, and...

Ac and dc gearmotors.(Product spotlight: Gearmotors)
September 1, 2006... Line of ac and dc gearmotors include single and three-phase right angle ac, parallel shaft ac, permanent magnet dc, right angle permanent magnet dc, and parallel shaft permanent magnet dc gear motors. Features & benefits * Dynamically...

High-precision gearmotor.(Product spotlight: Gearmotors)
September 1, 2006... TPM gearmotor is based on an ac servomotor and high-precision planetary gearing for simple and reliable commissioning. Features & benefits * Dynamic response of 500 Nm at mass moment of inertia of 2.9 kgcm * 186 mm long * 50%...

Dc gearmotors.(Product spotlight: Gearmotors)
September 1, 2006... MMP-S28-400A GP81-046 BR-015 gearmotors accept any 24 V dc source, including battery power. Features & benefits * 3.2 in. diameter, 13.3 in. long, and keyed output shaft of 19 mm diameter by 49 mm long * Mounts with four...

Hollow shaft gearmotors.(Product spotlight: Gearmotors)
September 1, 2006... Series 562 hollow-shaft gearmotors feature increased low speed center distance and greater clearance for wider faced gears. Features & benefits * Continuous torque of 1100 lb-in. * Optional fourth-stage gear reduction provides...