Drives for stepper motors can have inputs that are either ac or dc. What happens inside the drive is that the input signal is converted to a series of square wave pulses that are applied to the motor’s windings to power the motor and produce motion. However, stepper motors themselves function as ac motors (they […]
Joral debuts non-contact rotary encoder for harsh environments
Joral LLC introduces the PE18 ProxEncoder non-contact rotary encoder product line. Modeled in a threaded proximity switch housing, the 18-mm true non-contact encoder is designed to capture rotary motion where conventional sensors fail. Two USPTO patents enable the PE18 ProxEncoder to detect on-axis rotation with up to 0.5-in. (12 mm) air gap between the application […]
Economical brushless dc motors for large quantity production from Nanotec
With the DBL36, Nanotec now offers a brushless dc motor that is designed for large quantities. The DBL36 is available in three lengths with a rated power of 7.5 W in size S, 18 W in size M and 33 W in size L. These electronically commuted 3-phase motors are equipped with three Hall sensors […]
What are IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen?
The IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international standards organization that publishes electrical and electronic standards. Hundreds of them, in fact; standardizing everything from letter symbols in electronics to medical equipment and railroad communication and signaling. Specifically, IEC 61131-3 is the standard for “Industrial-process measurement and control – programmable controllers.” It sets standards for […]
PTDA Foundation now accepting nominations for 2018 Wendy B. McDonald Award
The PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Award recognizes a woman who has established herself as an integral contributor to her company’s success and brought positive change to the power transmission/motion control industry. The PTDA Foundation established the award in 2014 to honor the memory of Wendy B. McDonald, one of the power transmission/motion control industry’s […]
IDEC releases iOS and Android apps for PLC access
IDEC Corporation announces the release of its WindEDIT Lite app for iOS and Android devices, providing two-way access to its family of MicroSmart FC6A PLCs. The app provides much quicker, simpler and easier connection as compared to browser-based access. With the WindEDIT Lite app, users can monitor any PLC parameter, and change set points and […]
Marathon stainless steel and jet pump motors from AutomationDirect
New Marathon Powerwash SXT washdown duty motors are designed for use in food and beverage processing and other washdown environments. The all stainless-steel totally enclosed motors are available in single and three-phase models. C-face with rigid base (footed) and C-face footless mounting options are also available. Marathon stainless steel motor prices start at $309.00. Jet […]
What is a rotary indexing table?
Rotary indexing is a process where repeated angular displacement during a machine cycle is followed by motionless dwell. A rotary indexing table is specifically designed to make repetitive moves around a platform. Essentially, they are highly precise work-positioning devices that index parts to be worked or machined in multiple operations. A rotary indexing table is an […]
PI expands digital piezo nanopositioning controller family
PI (Physik Instrumente) has expanded its E-709 family of low-cost digital piezo nanopositioning controllers with a new plug-in module for the C-885 PIMotionMaster modular controller system. The PIMotionMaster system allows the combination of different drive technologies, controlled through one interface via one software package. For example, stepper motor stages, closed-loop servo motor positioners, and fast […]
What kind of feedback do piezo motors use?
Piezo motors are known for their extremely small size and high size-to-torque ratio, as well as high-resolution movements (micrometer and even nanometer-level resolution.) The high resolution is attributable to the inherent design of piezo motors themselves, but feedback also helps to ensure highly accurate movement on the order of nanometers. As a general rule, piezo […]