Rotalink and Van Erp International have closely worked on the modular dosing control for the Blue Lagoon range, which is utilized in various products in multiple or single use. The design brief featured performance, compactness, fast time to market, low cost and reliability. To ensure the most efficient and reliable pump system, a number of ovoid gearbox and AC synchronous motor combinations were tested at Rotalink using its production and test facilities as well as its in-house design. The product development process featured simulated pumping trials with several dosing pumps provided by Van Erp International, expediting development timescales and reducing its own development burden. In this stage, Rotalink offered specific design advice to the engineers of Van Erp International that effectively optimized costs while enhancing the MTBF rating and overall pump performance.

Rotalink has also worked with Van Erp International in the development of other projects such as motorized valve mechanism for diverting spa and pool water for filtration as well as filter cleaning processes.

“Our working relationship with Rotalink is an important part of our philosophy to combine high quality and large scale production techniques with close contact to the World’s best suppliers,” said Ms. Dami Leifkins, Director of Sales at Van Erp International.

“Rotalink have helped us at every stage of product development and continue to add value with excellent support in the production phase.”

Motion Control Tips

The feature-rich MicroFlex e150 drive is expected to be popular among OEM machine builders as it offers a remarkably flexible platform for making new machinery designs.

“Machinery OEMs need versatile products, and these new drives have versatility in abundance – without needing to add hardware or choose configuration options,” said David Greensmith of ABB.

“The multi-protocol Ethernet capability and local intelligence mean that the applications potential is truly broad. And the processing performance is spectacular too – offering some 20 times the speed of one of our popular existing generations of smart drives – making it ideal for performance intensive applications such as high-speed labeling.”

ABB said that the new MicroFlex e150 drives are ideally suited for numerous machine automation applications, such as grinding or glue laying, metal cutting machinery (plasma/waterjet) and various common packaging automations that include form/fill/seal. The drives also feature multi-tasking programmability and two high speed registration inputs, making it suitable for speed-intensive applications like labeling.

In addition, the drives can also be fitted with a scalable PLC platform for automation applications, the AC500 PLC. The PLC communicates using a wide range of standard fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, which is an Ethernet based protocol.

Motion Control Tips

Dubbed as the Hawk Evolution, the new machine features the industry’s smallest footprint for the bag size that it will manufacture. Designed to operate for hundreds of millions of cycles, its maintenance free stepper motor enables the packaging system to make a bag measuring up to 18-inch long and 12-inch wide.

Its jaw drive mechanism is run by the double stack Kollmorgen stepper motor, which is used in various industries and best known for its reliability and long service life.

Since the drive mechanism for the jaws have very limited moving parts, only a small number of parts could wear out. The only part that would need routine replacement is the high speed bearings that are easy to change. All parts of the Hawk Evolution are off the shelf, which means they are available through various distributors.

The packaging system also features a motorized unwind — a DC motor turns the spindle where the roll sits. The motor helps reduce stress on the pull belts, feed the film off the roll and maintain a constant tension on the film, enabling a smoother movement of the film in the system.

Motion Control Tips

The axis’ main head moves left to right and up and down on the cross beam to make the table turn front to rear. All of the axes are driven by double-nut ball screws of high precision to stop thermal increase while machining. Offering an outstanding repeatability and positioning, the double pretension design also provides practically no thermal increase. Reducing any backlash, all ball screws are directly linked to the servo drive motors avoiding the need for belts or gears.

The linear motion guideways help achieve fast axis movement trimming on machining time and non-cutting time. The spindle traverse for the A/C axes is 70/150 rpm while for the X/Y/Z axes is 50/50/50 m/min.

Hi-Mold VMC’s main spindle is engineered for precision machining delivering 24,000 rpm, geared with precision-class angular bearings offering fast acceleration or deceleration. Even at the greatest rotation levels, the spindle maintains low vibration, reducing thermal transmission to the main spindle and therefore, promoting stability.

An optional 40,000-rpm main spindle is offered for high-quality machining of mold cavities and bases. To ensure that oil temperature remains constant and to reduce the growth in the spindle caused by heat distortion, it also gets a spindle oil chiller that can control the spindle temperature.

Motion Control Tips

This new range of motors provides high reliability and performance to power applications that range from medical and data storage equipment to automation and semiconductor processing machinery.

Offered in three different lengths – 2.070 inches, 2.195 inches and 2.445 inches – the motors have the ability to deliver up to 16.8 oz-in peak torque and up to 9020 RPM of speed at continuous torque and rated voltages for standard motors. In addition, the motors’ voltage, speed, torque and current can be varied to meet the specific needs of various applications.

The standard features of the models include heavy gauge steel housing, neodymium magnets, two-pole stator, copper graphite brushes and silicon steel laminations. To promote long brush life as well as optimum concentricity, the motors’ commutators have been diamond turned after armature assembly. The windings are also resin-impregnated to provide increased reliability in incremental motion applications.

Meanwhile, the modular construction of the motors allow the assemblies to be customised with optical encoders, alternative brush materials, timing belt pulleys, cables, brakes, modified shafts, connectors and RFI suppression to satisfy various application demands. The motors can also be fitted with spur or planetary gearboxes as specified.

Motion Control Tips

Ideal for HVAC plant maintenance departments and service contractors, the Split uKIT is designed to accommodate shaft shoulders, slingers and other end bell protrusions. The halves of its split AEGIS ring are held together by a unique hinge, which permits the split AEGIS ring to be easily opened on one side. It is then closed and fastened together with an integrated adhesive-backed aluminium tabs, offering rigidity to the assembled ring.

The kit, which is ordered based on the frame size of the motor, includes the correct size split AEGIS grounding ring as well as the mounting hardware, such as washers, screws, four kinds of brackets and Allen wrenches, for use in various combinations for easy mounting of the ring on any IEC or NEMA motor faceplate.

AEGIS® rings prevent costly motor replacements/repairs, downtime and electrical bearing damage by channelling VFD-induced bearing currents safely to the ground. Its conductive microfibers are securely embedded in continuous circumferential rows in the ring’s patented AEGIS FiberLock channel, surrounding the motor shaft completely while providing harmful shaft currents with numerous discharge points. Creating the path of least resistance, this unique design effectively redirects the currents away from the bearings to the ground. To prevent breakage and minimize wear, the microfibers have been specially developed for exceptional flexibility and conductivity.

Motion Control Tips

Using the newest advancements in manufacturing and materials technology, the 8540 Series provide significant improvement compared to the company’s similar sized, previous generation motors, making it perfect for high-tech applications in lab instrumentation, medical devices, precision automation machinery and data storage.

Measuring 1.18 inches (30 mm) in diameter, the 8540 Series are available in three different lengths — 2.114 inches (53.69 mm), 2.585 inches (65.66 mm) and 3.057 inches (77.65 mm). It provides double the torque rating offered by Pittman’s older generation motors.

The new motors are offered in eight standard windings that range between 9.55V and 48V. The company also offers customised windings to optimise the performance of a specific application.

The motors have been fitted with standard pre-loaded ball bearings to allow high speed, axial and radial shaft loading as well as higher temperatures. Equipped with a seven slot armature, the 8540 Series motors employs improved manufacturing techniques to enable it to deliver more balanced armatures that results to remarkably low vibration and audible noise characteristics. When operating at low speeds, the motors deliver low cogging, attributed to its optimised magnetic circuit design, making it suitable for position control in various servo applications.

Motion Control Tips

“The beauty of this limited angle torque is that it has absolutely zero cogging or detent which makes it ideal for stabilisation applications,” said Jim McNamara, Senior Applications Engineer at BEI Kimco.

“To have that kind of torque without cogging is quite unique to the market.”

A limited angle torque motor, the LAT40-48 motor features a rotor that has no preferred position. This feature helps the motor eliminate cogging, resulting to extremely smooth and consistent performance and making the motor ideally suited for applications that rely on uninterrupted operation, such as scanning, beam steering and stabilization platforms.

With a single phase winding, the new motor offers easy control, allowing a 30 degree excursion with no commutation. Featuring +/- 15 degree stroke and a peak torque of 21.5 Nm, the LAT40-48 motor utilises rare earth, high energy magnets to create 10.08 oz-in Watt power density.

Measuring only 100.0 mm in diameter and 100.0 mm in stack length, this Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) comes with fixed magnets and delivers all the advantages over brushed DC motors, which includes increased reliability, more torque per weight and watt (increased efficiency), longer lifetime, reduced noise as well as overall reduction of electromagnetic interference.

Motion Control Tips

“VLM servomotors deliver exceptional value to machine builders who need good servomotor performance at the best possible price,” said Gene Matthews, Product Manager at Kollmorgen.

“These motors deliver high-torque-per-dollar by leveraging specially selected components and flying leads that help eliminate the need for intermediate cables, and by utilizing low cost feedback options,” he added.

“VLM motors complement Kollmorgen’s high-performance and high-flexibility global AKM(TM) servomotor product line by providing a lower priced solution built around a focused set of options.”

With 12 standard windings, VLM servomotors are offered in the most famous motor sizes and come in NEMA 23 and NEMA 34 as well as Metric mounting standards. The ROHS compliant servomotors also feature multiple shaft configurations to allow for seamless integration into almost any system.

Offering a rated speed of up to 6000 rpm, the VLM servomotors delivers up to 16 Nm peak torque and around five Nm continuous torque, while operating at 160/320 VDC or 120/240 VAC. The cable and multiple feedback options provide machine builders system configuration flexibility at no added cost.

Motion Control Tips

“UL recognition on high-performance step motors is a relative rarity, so machine builders who might otherwise benefit from this technology are sometimes faced with choosing between moderate performance steppers or other motor options that are less than ideal for the application. So UL recognition of Kollmorgen’s POWERMAX II step motors is significant in that it enables OEMs whose machines need to be UL-certified to improve machine operation with high-performance steppers, without having to re-submit their equipment to UL for re-certification,” explains Josh Inman, Product Manager.

Kollmorgen
www.kollmorgen.com

Motion Control Tips

The DynaMax 25 devices, which will be available in the UK from Mclennan Servo Supplies, will feature a low inertia copper foil rotor along with a rare earth neodymium magnet system. They will be offering a nominal torque of 35mNm, a starting torque rating of 400mNm, a nominal speed of 7700rpm and an acceleration response of 4ms.

Measuring 25mm in diameter, the motors will be available in either 12 or 24VDC. They are fit for applications where rapid start-stop, compact size and smooth speed performance are required.

Allied said that the DynaMax may also come with the optional OE22 2000ppr encoder –– a good match for high accuracy and high throughput positioning and robotics including electronic, semiconductor or medical equipment fabrication.

Encoder-less versions, which are efficient for precision pumps and valves, miniature actuators and specialised hand tools, are also available.

The motors are intended for long life operation, as their coreless design that provides zero motor cogging for speed regulation, high efficiency and low weight.

A range of planetary gearboxes yielding output torques to 4.5 Nm is also available for the series. Other options are custom winding and built-in spark suppression, customised shafts and mounting configuration, and alternative leads and connector interfacing.

Motion Control Tips

The hollow-shaft direct drive wing motor has two swinging stator halves that feature a mounting concept for unique integration and operating scenarios where axial installation and removal in or from a machine are not possible. The split stator contains two parallel, three-phase systems which allow for the stator to be joined together in a controlled way. Each stator half contains a water-cooling pipe system made from stainless steel. It prevents damage to the drive due to intense heat stemming from the roll. It can be retrofitted or dismantled at any time for maintenance, and is designed to withstand the harshest of operating environments.

This motor operates the same way as a classic, one-piece direct drive with impressive performance.

For more information, visit www.wittenstein-us.com.

Motion Control Tips

Whether a system needs special mechanical requirements, special sealing, Autoclave heat cycles, or the ability to withstand a harsh environment, Applimotion can create a solution with one of its frameless motor kits. Applimotion engineers will guide you through the selection of feedback, bearings and precision mechanical attributes.

Direct drive motors are finding their way into many new applications as designers see the advantages in reliability, precision and performance compared to traditional solutions. If you know it is the right solution, but do not have the resources in house, Applimotion can create an affordable direct drive solution that fits your application.

For more information, visit www.applimotion.com.

Motion Control Tips

Unlike other competitive servo driven hydraulics, the machine’s two-platen clamp design allows it to directly apply pressure to the mold’s center rather than the corners, resulting to more consistent parts.

In a release, Milacro’s Hydraulic Platform Product Manager Brian Bish noted that the new Maxima Servo line combine the energy savings of various all-electric presses with its small footprint and two-platen’s center tonnage cylinder. The company also revealed that the energy savings offer a return on the initial cost premium for at least six months.

Instead of utilizing an induction motor that operates at a fixed speed, Maxima’s servomotors runs at varying speeds of zero to 3000 rpm in both directions and respond to work load with remarkably high resolution. This is attributed to its ability to control rotation by a fraction of an angle.

Moreover, the electro-hydraulic pump is replaced by an internal gear pump, which offers the advantage of running only when needed and requires less maintenance.

The Maxima directly provides clamping force behind the mold by centrally positioning the tonnage cylinder at the back of the moving platen, effectively concentrating uniform force at the mold surface and reducing platen deflection. Aside from reducing mold wear, this also enables superior force distribution across the parting lines of the mold for cleaner parts.

Offered globally from 310 tons to 4400 tons, the Milacron Maxima Servo is also available in hybrid version.

Motion Control Tips

Delivering over twice the power of standard servomotors, the new HW series liquid-cooled servomotors also offer optimized dynamic performance. The Kent-based company has included the cooling jacket without significantly increasing the motor housing’s size, while improving the 190 frame models’ output power to 29 kW and the stall torque to 134 Nm. This means that the company has increased the power density by almost three-fold as compared to standard air-cooled servomotors with similar flange-size.

“In developing these liquid-cooled servomotors we have addressed a number of issues that were being raised by customers,” said Steve Jackson, Sales and Marketing Manager at SEM.

“In particular, where motors are used in precision applications, such as machine tools, they may wish to limit the heat that the motor generates and, in turn, maintain a steady ambient temperature. This will help to overcome problems associated with temperature fluctuations during operation of machines that may be working to micron tolerances.”

Compatible with the company’s current motors, the newest range of liquid-cooled servomotors are offered with standard flanges. In addition, customers can select various feedback devices, including precision encoders and resolvers.

The motor’s dynamic performance makes it ideally suited for use in high-speed positioning and packaging systems, punch presses and servo pump drives.

Motion Control Tips

HM series hybrid stepper motors, as drop-in replacements in most industrial and medical hybrid applications, allow machine builders to reduce the ownership cost of their machine with no noticeable sacrifice in performance.  As a result, these RoHS-compliant hybrid step motors are an ideal solution in life sciences, fluid handling, industrial automation equipment, medical devices and vending/ticketing applications.

For more information, email sales.america@portescap.com or visit www.portescap.com.

Motion Control Tips

Completing the platform’s power range, the PCM7539X allows the IDEA system to be utilized with any stepper motor product offered by the company. In particular, the PCM7539X programmable stepper motor is designed to control the bigger size 23 stepper motor units as well as size 34 stepper motor units.

Similar to all Haydon IDEA Drives, the compact PCM7539X is a fully programmable control unit that is easy to use. Featuring a patent-pending graphic user interface, the stepper motor drive can be programmed using on-screen buttons instead of other proprietary programming languages or complex command sets. The software enables the system designer to troubleshoot programs that use multiple line or line-by-line program execution through interactive debug feature. The software also has the ability to simulate inputs and outputs prior to connecting in actual I/O hardware.

The PCM7539X IDEA programmable stepper motor drive’s technical specifications include 12VDC to 75VDC input voltage, programmable current control, eight digital I/O points, memory for up to 75 stored motion control programs and drive current per phase of 3.85A RMS plus a 30 percent “current boost” function that can be used during ramping.

Motion Control Tips

Offered in different variants, the new EC 22 HD are developed for operation in use in air or submerged in oil. Its assigned power rating relies on the surrounding medium and averages 240 Watts in oil and 80 Watts in air. Designed to cope with ambient temperature of over 200°C (390°F), the servo motor can also withstand atmospheric pressures of up to 1’700 bar (25’000 psi).

Its 22 mm diameter motors can withstand impact and impulse of up to 100 G and vibration of up to 25 grms. Featuring high efficiency — that is up to 88 percent in air and more than 70 percent in oil — the motors provide the best prerequisite for battery-based applications. The motor possess excellent regulation behavior as it offers a detent-free running characteristics, making it ideally suited for high-precision positioning tasks, even at low speeds.

The new EC 22 HD unveils new possibilities in various applications that demand for equally high requirements. Thus, the motor is not only well-prepared for use in space technology, but in power plants, aircraft industry, vehicle manufacturing and in mining as well.

Motion Control Tips

The QLX controller works with the armature controller to deliver the required field control functions including field reversal. With currents ranging between 12 Amps and 2250 Amps, the new product utilizes three phase power supply to offer a controlled DC field current. Featuring full digital control and the usual communications facilities, QLX is ideally suited for use in various applications such as in steel handling and hot rolling mill.

With digital functions similar to the company’s PLX range of DC drives, the QLX 3 phase field controller comprise five frame sizes, with up to 2250 Amps current capability. It also offers Field Reversal as well as Auto Field Weakening for high power fields. It also features an integrated Standby Field mode. The QLX interfaces directly with the main armature controller for start and stop functions. The controller cost-effectively includes reversing to big DC motors where the facility exists only with contractors, or when it no longer exists.

Offering a vast array of DC motor control, Sprint Electric has more than 150 models covering both three phase and one phase, non-regenerative and regenerative DC motor applications, which come with digital slip ring motor controllers.

Motion Control Tips

With 8 gear ratios available (16:1 to 643:1), the brushed DC MG16B gear motor series develops a range of rated torques from 1.42 oz-in. at 800 rpm to 42.5 oz-in. at 17 rpm.  Using the same gearboxes, the brushless DC LB16MG gear motor series (with integrated driver) generates 1.42 oz-in. at 710 rpm to 42.5 oz-in. at 18 rpm.

Available input voltages for the MG16B include 6, 12 and 24 VDC and 6 and 12 VDC for the brushless LB16MG version. Nidec Copal also provides a lower cost HG16 series of 16mm gear motors using resin planetary gears.

For more information, email info@nidec-copal-usa.com or visit www.nidec-copal-usa.com.

Motion Control Tips

Maximum permissible torque is increased by up to two times the level of conventional AC motor gearheads. If the load condition changes, the gearhead’s strength can easily accommodate it and there is no need to increase the size of the motor or gearhead. Specific torque is dependent on frame size.

The motor’s strength is due to its rigid case, a proprietary side-panel construction and an optimized gear design. The larger diameter bearing serves to extend its useful life.

For more information about the V-Series, visit: http://www.orientalmotor.com/products/ac-motors/v-series.html

Motion Control Tips

This feature-rich integrated motor-drive comes with both +/-10VDC or four to 20 mA command inputs. It can also be controlled through optional Modbus or CANopen, enabling flexibility with system interfacing. EnduraMax 75i motor-drive is offered in three frame lengths as well as in voltages of 48, 24 and 12VDC for up to 1Nm continuous rated torque and up to 39000 rpm speeds.

The neatly packaged solution for speed, torque and/or position control can be used as an alternative for similar sized brushed DC servo motors with longer service life, much higher dynamic performance, quieter operation and reduced maintenance.

The EnduraMax 75i’s set up for motor tuning, position loop or velocity and current is made straightforward with its integrated RS232 communications port as well as the supplied PC-based IN Control HMI software. Suitable for direct position indexing, the port can also be utilized for indexing through optional Modbus or CANopen. It is complemented by six programmable inputs and three outputs for drive fault, limited switches, drive enable and others.

EnduraMax 75i provides full drive electronics protection over short circuit, voltage and reverse voltage with Class F (155c) and I2T rated motor windings. The durable and robust anodized motor and drive housing features IP50 protection with independent D-type connectors and heavy duty bearings for encoder, motor power and I/O, and with a third connector for its optional fieldbus interface.

Motion Control Tips

Such systems are said to offer greater reliability mainly because there are fewer parts to connect together. Also, fewer external connections means less cabling and wiring. Less cabling and wiring reduces costs, as does the fact that the components that one would usually purchase separately such as the motion controller and the drive are integrated into one package.

These integrated servomotors are also designed to be programmed easily and quickly, which can help reduce development times. Communication options range from simple serial communication links such as RS232 or RS485 to more advanced network topologies suited to complex motion control tasks such as CANopen, DeviceNet, or Ethernet protocols.

As with any motor, when selecting an integrated servomotor for an application, the most important step is determining the characteristics of the load. This is why properly calculating the load torque is such an important part of selecting the right motor and designing it into the application. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to try and keep the actual operating conditions below the published limits of the motor in order to ensure reliable and long-life operation.

Motor sizing parameters are usually based on the torque curve and moment of inertia of the load. These two factors can help determine the motor’s operating bandwidth. Sets of torque curves depict limits of both continuous and peak torque for the given motor over their full range speed.

There are different types of torque curves, dealing with peak torque and continuous torque as well. Peak torque curves can be derived from dyno testing and represent the point at which peak current limit hardware settings of the drive prevent further torque in an effort to protect drive stage components.

For any mechanical system, if the motor is operating in its optimum range, then the system will be performing at its best. Beyond the motor itself, depending on the specifics of the application it may be necessary to adjust mechanical components such as gear reducers, belts, lead screw pitch or pinion gears in order to achieve optimal system performance.

Motion Control Tips

All servomotors have essentially three components; an electric motor, a feedback device, and some type of electronic control.

The electric motor itself can be either an ac or a dc motor. Under the dc heading, brushed dc servomotors are generally less expensive than brushless servos, but do require more maintenance due to the brushes needed for motor commutation.

Brushless servomotors are more expensive than brushed dc motors. Generally, these are used in applications requiring higher torque. Brushless dc servomotors are highly reliable and virtually maintenance free. However, the drives for brushless dc servomotors are more complex because the commutation is done electronically rather than mechanically as in the brushed dc motor.

Another way to classify servomotors can be as either single-phase or three-phase motors. Motors of the single-phase variety can range from the simple and inexpensive brushed dc motors mentioned above to voice coils for small micro- and nano-positioning applications.

Servomotors also require a form of feedback, often with the feedback device, such as an encoder, built right into the motor frame. The feedback signal is needed by the control circuitry to close the control loop. It is this closed-loop control that gives servomotors their precise positioning ability.

Lastly, the control circuitry typically involves a motion controller, which generates the motion profile for the motor, and a motor drive which supplies power to the motor based on the commands from the motion controller.

Servomotors are used in many different industrial applications from machine tools, packaging machinery, communications and robotics applications to newer applications such as solar panel control and a broad range of automation control applications. The diversity of applications means that servomotors are designed for general-purpose indoor environments but also for specialized situations requiring them to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures outdoors as well as the special demands of food processing industries in washdown environments.

Motion Control Tips

A servo controller is the heart of a servo system. A typical servo system consists of a motor, feedback device, and the controller. The control circuitry typically involves a motion controller, which generates the motion profile for the motor, and a motor drive which supplies power to the motor based on the commands from the motion controller. Servo systems are closed-loop systems which have some benefits over open-loop systems including the fact that they improve transient response times, reduce steady state errors and reduce system sensitivity to load parameters.

Servo controllers perform two types of tasks; tracking some commanded input and improving a system’s disturbance rejection. One of the most powerful methods of control is PID control, which stands for proportional-integral-derivative control. PID control is a combination of proportional control, integral control and derivative control. A PID control method works on the error signal which is the difference between a commanded value and the actual value of an output variable, and driving the error to zero. The proportional value can be thought of as a simple gain value. The integral value integrates the error over a period of time and helps to drive the error to zero. The derivative value helps to stabilize a system that uses an integral and proportional term only.

There are a few important factors to consider when selecting a servo controller for an application. The first thing is knowing which type of motor is to be controlled. Is the servomotor an ac or dc motor? If dc, is it brushless or brushed? This will help in determining the kind of commutation the motor needs and if the controller can accommodate it.

How many axes of motion does the application have? Is it a single axis of control or are there multiple axes? Servo controllers are available to control simple single axis applications as well as more complex motion such as robotics applications involving multiple axes.

Next, how many channels of I/O are needed? Are special input types needed beyond inputs for feedback signals such as speed and position? Be sure that the controller can accommodate the appropriate feedback device, such as incremental encoder signals, resolver signals, SSI, Hall sensor signals, or tachometer inputs.

Another important factor that is sometimes overlooked is the controller set up. Is the controller easy to set up and program? Is programming done via keypad or can it be programmed from a computer screen? Also consider the available communication links. Are there basic RS232 or RS485 links? Does the controller include bus interfaces for common networks such as CAN, DeviceNet, Sercos or Ethernet?

Motion Control Tips

Steppers are generally classified by the number of allowable steps they can be commanded to move. For instance, a 1.8 degree step motor is capable of 200 steps/revolution (1.8 x 200 = 360 degrees, or one full revolution) in full-step mode. If operated in half-step mode, each step becomes 0.9 degrees and the motor can then turn 400 steps/revolution. Another mode called microstepping subdivides the degrees per step even further, allowing for extremely precise movements.

There are several different stepper motor technologies including permanent magnet motors, variable reluctance, and hybrid types. The principle of operation for stepper motors is fairly straightforward. Traditional variable reluctance stepper motors have a large number of electromagnets arranged around a central gear-shaped piece of iron. When any individual electromagnet is energized, the geared iron tooth closest to that electromagnet will align with it. This makes them slightly offset from the next electromagnet so when it is turned on and the other switched off, the gear moves slightly to realign. This continues with the energizing and de-energizing of individual electromagnets, thus creating the individual steps of motion.

Hybrid stepper motors are more expensive than permanent magnet stepper motors but provide better performance with respect to step resolution, torque and speed. Hybrid steppers combine the best features of both the permanent magnet and variable reluctance type stepper motors. The rotor is multi-toothed like the variable reluctance motor and contains an axially magnetized concentric magnet around its shaft. The teeth on the rotor provide a path to help guide the magnetic flux to preferred locations in the airgap. This further increases the detent, holding and dynamic torque characteristics of the motor when compared with both the variable reluctance and permanent magnet motor.

Stepper motors are relatively inexpensive and can be run open loop, requiring no feedback devices. Also, because the speed is proportional to the frequency of the input pulses, a wide range of speeds is attainable. However, while stepper motors are capable of producing high torque at low speeds, they generally are well suited for lower power applications not for applications requiring lots of torque to move heavier loads. They are best for applications requiring the control of rotation angle, speed, and position.

A few drawbacks are that not properly controlling the motor can produce undesired resonance in the system. Also, stepper motors are generally not easy to operate at extremely high speeds. And as the motor speed increases, torque decreases.

For two-phase stepper motors, there are two basic kinds of winding structures; unipolor and bipolar. A unipolar arrangement uses 6 wires but current can only flow in one direction. These types of motors also require a unipolar driver. A bipolar winding uses 4 wires and current can flow in 2 directions and it requires a bipolar drive. Bipolar motors are generally more efficient and can provide more torque than unipolar models, although they can heat up faster than unipolar motors.

A stepper motor’s low-speed torque varies directly with current. How quickly the torque falls off at higher speeds depends on a number of factors such as the winding inductance and drive circuitry including the drive voltage. Steppers are generally sized according to torque curves, which are typically specified by the manufacturer.

Motion Control Tips

Because ac motors have no commutators or brushes, they require less maintenance than brushed dc motors.

With dc motors, control is done by varying voltage and current, while on ac motors the voltage and frequency (along with the number of magnetic poles) are used to control the motor.

There is one common way to break down ac motors that is based on the magnetic principle that produces rotation. So there are two fundamental types of ac motors; induction motors and synchronous motors.

In induction motors, the key idea is the rotating magnetic field. The most common source of this in ac motors is the squirrel cage configuration. This is essentially two rings, one at each end of the motor, with bars of aluminum or copper connecting the two ends.

Induction motors have properties that make them especially well suited to a number of industrial as well as home appliance applications. For starters, they are simple and rugged motors that are easy to maintain. They also run at constant speed across a wide range of load settings, from zero to full-load. The only drawback is that induction motors are generally not amenable to speed control, although the availability of sophisticated variable-frequency drives means that even induction motors, usually three-phase induction motors, can now be speed controlled as well.

The other type of ac motor is a synchronous motor. Synchronous motors are so named because they run synchronously with whatever the frequency of the source is. The motor speed is fixed and doesn’t change with changes to the load or voltage. These motors are primarily used where the requirement is precise and constant speed. Most synchronous motors are used in heavy industrial applications, with horsepower ratings ranging from the low hundreds up to thousands of hp.

Synchronous motors can be used in motion control applications, but there are some down sides to using these motors. Because of the rotor size, the motor’s response in incrementing applications is typically not good. Also, because acceleration of inertial loads may not be as high as other motor types, these motors may operate at irregular speeds and produce undesirable noise. And generally, synchronous motors are larger and more costly than other motors with the same horsepower rating.

Motion Control Tips

All dc motors generate a magnetic field, either via electromagnetic windings or permanent magnets. An armature, which is often a coil of wires, is placed between the north and south poles of a magnet. When current flows through the armature, the field produced by the armature interacts with the magnetic field from the magnets and eventually generates a torque and thereby motion.

For motion control applications, the most common dc motor types are the basic brushed dc motor, brushless motors, and permanent magnet motors.

In a brushed dc motor, the magnet acts as the stator. The armature is integrated onto the rotor and a commutator switches the current flow. The commutator’s function is to transfer current from a fixed point to the rotating shaft. Brushed dc motors generate torque straight from the dc power supplied to the motor by using internal commutation, fixed permanent magnets, and rotating electromagnets.

Brushed dc motors have the advantage of generally low initial cost and simple control of the motor speed. However, there are some drawbacks. At certain periods during the dc motor rotation, the commutator must reverse the current, causing reduced motor life due to arcing and friction. Consequently, brushed dc motors require more maintenance such as frequently replacing the springs and brushes which carry the electrical current, as well as replacing or cleaning the commutator. These components are important for transferring electrical power from outside the motor to the spinning coil windings of the rotor inside the motor.

BLDC motors, on the other hand, do away with mechanical commutation in favor of electronic commutation, which eliminates the mechanical wear and tear involved with brushed dc motors. In BLDC motors, the permanent magnet is housed in the rotor and the coils are placed in the stator. The coil windings produce a rotating magnetic field because they’re separated from each other electrically, which enables them to be turned on and off. The BLDC’s commutator does not bring the current to the rotor. Instead, the rotor’s permanent magnet field trails the rotating stator field, producing the rotor field.

For successful commutation, it’s important to have precise rotor position data, which is often achieved via magnetic sensing with a Hall Effect sensor, which also allows for tracking of speed and torque.

BLDC motors have quite a few advantages over their brushed counterparts. Compared to brushed dc motors, BLDC motors are more efficient due mainly to the elimination of the friction from the brushes. They’re also more reliable and typically have longer life spans as well. Getting rid of the brushes also means a decrease in EMI (electromagnetic interference) noise and no sparking from the brushes making contact with the commutator.

Some servomotor systems use brushless dc motors instead of other types of motors (either a brushed dc motor or an ac motor such as an induction motor.)

BLDC motors are used in everything from low-power applications such as consumer products to high power applications in electric vehicles and industrial equipment.

Motion Control Tips

The STM line has been specifically designed to control a maximum of 127 motors across a bus length of 5000 meter (16,400 ft) using the integral CANopen interface of the motor with one economic, off-the-shelf PLC that features a solar tracking function block. The brushless dc motors can also be utilized with industrial PCs as well as Modbus and Profibus networks. The integral control’s embedded intelligence offers up to 650,000 hour MTTF, significantly reducing bus traffic by performing complex routines on board, such as closing and homing the position loop with a connected inclinometer or absolute encoder. Meanwhile, the embedded intelligence of the motors can take over mission critical functions, such as reverting back to a safe position, whenever the network is down.

Offered in frame sizes 45, 65 and 75, with powers up to 0.7 HP (530W), the low voltage brushless dc STM motors can be integrated with current design slew drives, linear actuators as well as pan and tilt mechanisms utilized in the solar industry. When added gear reduction is needed, the brushless motors can also be mated with the company’s modular worm or planetary reducers that provide up to 678 Nm (6000 in-lb) peak torques.

Rated IP65 environmental protection, the STM motors are maintenance free for live as its integral control features torque and speed regulation that prevent mechanical damage.

Motion Control Tips

The company’s BLDC design offers low radio interference and long service life, making it ideal for low-noise as well as demanding applications. The dynamics of the motor are optimized using an eight-pole rotor that features a plastic-bonded neodymium (NdFeB) magnets, while three hall sensors are utilized to accurately position the rotor within the motor. Ensuring smooth operation, the motor’s precision ball bearings also delivers an operating life of 20,000 hours. The new 40 millimeter brushless motor features segmented stators that permit for maximum copper fill and translates to the highest motor performance.

“With the new 40-millimeter design, Buehler Motor is expanding its BLDC motor family to offer a technically superior product that also provides the greatest flexibility and adaptability,” remarked Bob Riedford, President and General Manager of Buehler Motor, Inc.

“Buehler will also offer a wide range of shaft designs and drive elements to customize the motor to meet customer specifications and their product development challenges.”

The new motor is highly customizable with thread, flat or cross bore shaft designs, as well as drive elements such as pulleys, pinions and worm gears that are optimized and tested to complement the design of the motor.

Motion Control Tips

The product’s design should feature a motor that delivers 62 in lbs (7.0 Nm) of peak torque and 44 in lbs (five Nm) at 2000 rpm on a continuous basis, while surviving pressures of 30,000 PSI and ambient temperatures around 200 degrees. The product should also feature Hall effect sensors for commutation.

BEI Kimco’s Model DII36-125-000A, which comes with a motor measuring 12.5 inches in overall length and 3.6 inches in diameter, met these requirements for a robust and highly reliable design. DII36-125-000A’s high energy samarium cobalt magnets allowed it to ensure high efficiency operations, offer improved corrosion resistance while surviving extreme temperatures. Its advanced cable strain relief system and proprietary hall sensor support structure helped it achieve exceptional reliability under extreme conditions. Meanwhile, the product’s housing design compensated high pressures by allowing the motor to be filled with oil.

“Over the past few years BEI has developed a reputation for highly reliable motor solutions,” said Walter Smith, Senior Applications Engineer/Project Manager for Motors at BEI Kimco.

“We are constantly designing products to meet the unique needs of each individual application. Our customers have come to rely on this expertise in a wide range of industries.”

The company’s products have been successfully utilized in numerous applications, such as in Medical, Industrial as well as in Military and Aerospace applications. Its ability to deliver high performance solutions designed to meet the specific needs of the customer has enabled the company to fulfill various challenging requirements.

Motion Control Tips

This reversible gear motor delivers an output that is rated for 15.3 Nm (136 lb. in.) torque, at 35 rpm. Although it comes in a compact package — weighing only around four pounds — the efficient design of the gear motor requires only 7.2 Amps at 12 Volts DC to produce its Full Load Torque, and translate into remarkably low noise operation, long life battery charge and reduced costs for related drive electronics. The company also offers motor windings for 24 Volts, 28 Volts, 36 Volts, 42 Volts, 48 Volts, 60 Volts and 90 Volts.

The gear motor’s innovative design is rated “IP 54” protection level, making it suitable for operation in harsh environments. Variable speed control can be achieved with the company’s fully compatible Speed Controls, Model MMP 20A-12V-RSP or MMP 25A-12V.

Typical options offered by the company include Failsafe Brakes, Servo Motors with integral Optical Encoders, Analog Tachometers and various Planetary Gearheads.

Motion Control Tips

The motors are ideal for many applications in self-contained drive systems as well as industrial automation applications. Designed as internal or external rotor motors, they are often the ideal solution when space is limited.

For more information, visit www.maxonmotorusa.com or email info@maxonmotorusa.com.

Motion Control Tips

The DRV8301 also reduces system complexity and bill of materials while optimizing reliability. Aside from offering a three-phase brushless gate driver that is fully protected, it also features two current-sense amplifiers with feedback resistors and integrated input for current measurements, SPI interface for device configuration from the MCU, and a 1.5-A step-down voltage regulator to propel the system microcontroller (MCU), including the C2000(TM) Piccolo(TM).

A three-phase brushless gate driver allows the DRV8301 to adjust dead-time and slew rate to optimize performance. Its two bi-directional current-sense amplifiers includes output offset, adjustable gain and DC calibration circuitry to effectively reduce board space as well as system cost. The DRV8301 improves motor performance by minimizing the DC calibration circuitry’s DC offset and drift over temperature.

With two-thermal cycle-by-cycle over current protection, this new product also reduces design complexity while improving system reliability.

Motion Control Tips

The new STM line is designed to enable the control of up to 127 motors over a 5,000 meter (16,400 feet) bus length using the motors’ integral CANopen interface with a single economic, off-the-shelf PLC having a solar tracking function block. The STM integral control brushless motors can also be used with industrial PCs as well as Profibus and Modbus networks. The embedded intelligence of the STM motors’ integral controls, which are designed with up to 650,000 hour MTTF, dramatically reduces bus traffic by running complex routines onboard, such as homing and closing the position loop with an attached absolute encoder or inclinometer. In addition, the motors’ embedded intelligence can also take over mission critical functions, like returning to a safe position, when the network is down.

The low-voltage brushless dc STM motors are available in three millimeter frame sizes (45, 65, 75) with powers up to 530W (0.7 hp) and can be easily integrated with existing design slew drives, pan and tilt mechanisms and linear actuators used in the solar industry. Where additional gear reduction is required, the STM motors can be mated to Dunkermotor’s own modular planetary or worm reducers offering up to 678 Nm (6,000 in-lb) peak torques.

The standard STM motors are designed to be maintenance free for life. They are rated for IP65 environmental protection, employ special venting devices to prevent condensation, as well as proprietary lubrication techniques for the low speed, high torque and wide temperature ranges found in solar applications. The STM’s integral control also features speed and torque regulation capability to prevent mechanical damage.

http://www.dunkermotor.com

Motion Control Tips

Integrating a pneumatic drive motor and servo package, the PSD offers accurate flow control, consistent bead profiles and precise metered volumes. It features a lightweight positive displacement meter and pneumatic cylinder that are assembled in a compact metering module for robot, pedestal or floor mounting. A robot with a built-in PSD system delivers precise dispensing of fluids with outstanding response time for dispensing extruded beads.

The PSD has been specifically designed to provide maximum uptime and longer service life. Its components are easy to maintain and readily accessible. It is operated by automation integrated controls or by its own PSD Control Panel with dispensing software for a limited footprint, reduced system cost as well as a one-stop operator control of the whole robotic dispensing system.

The Pneumatic Servo Dispenser is ideally suited for dispensing application such as casting, adhesive bonding, molding, gasketing and sealing. It is also suitable for various designed dispense adhesives and sealants, which include mastics, 1-part epoxies, urethanes, abrasive materials and silicones. A complete PSD meter system comes with supply pumps and a dispense valve that is available in No-Drip, Tip-Seal and Snuf-Bak variants for precise start-stop of material flow for dispensing shots, beads or dots in streaming, extruding, high-speed stitching and spray applications.

Motion Control Tips

At 2.0 rpm, this reversible gearmotor delivers an output of 443 lb. in. (50 Nm) torque. Although it weighs only 4.5 pounds, this compact gearmotor offers an efficient design that requires only 3.6 Amps at 24 V DC to produce its Full Load Torque. This translates into very low noise operation, long life battery charge and lower costs for related drive electronics.

Rated with IP 54 protection level, the gearmotor’s unique design makes it suitable for operation in harsh environments. Its fully compatible speed controls — Model MMP 20A-24V-RSP or MMP 25A-24V help the gearmotor accomplish variable speeds.

The company’s typical options include Failsafe Brakes, Servo Motors with integral Optical Encoders, Analog Tachometers and Planetary Gearheads that comes with standard ratios ranging between 3:1 and 2653:1 as well as standard or low backlash precision gearing. It also offers various Motor Winding Options that include 28V, 12V, 48V, 36V, 90V and 60 Volts DC.

Midwest also offers standard ancillary equipment such as DC Servomotors, DC power supplies, Motor Speed Controls, PWM Servo Amplifiers, Linear Actuators and a vast array of DC gear-motors.

Motion Control Tips

The first in the group of high current, dual channel brushless motor controllers, HBL2350 can be utilized to control automatic guided vehicles, two-wheel driven small electric vehicles, balancing scooters and other applications that require high power brushless motors.

The controller receives commands either through an analog pedal or a joystick. Its standard R/C radio allows for easy robotic applications by means of remote control through USB or RS232 interface.

The controller can execute over 50,000 basic instructions in 1s through an integrated basic language interpreter. This feature is particularly helpful for adding custom functions through scripts without needing an external PLC or microcomputer.

The motors can operate in an open or closed loop position with an update rate of one kHz. Meanwhile, optical encoders can be used to measure the speed and travelled distance with high accuracy. The controller’s smart current sensing capability narrows down the highest power output to 75A under all load forms.

The controller can also hold up to 11 analogue inputs, six pulse and 19 digital and deliver up to eight 1A digital outputs, which can be utilized for activating brakes, valves, lights and other instruments. Housed in a strong aluminum case, the controller measures 228 mm x 140 mm x 40 mm.

Motion Control Tips

Delivering optimum servo performance, Junma eliminates time consuming setup while accepting pulse reference input from the PLC or host controller. After connection, users can then choose the reference pulse switch settings on the amplifier that will match the controller’s reference output. Connecting the feedback and power cables enables the motor to run and deliver a maximum torque of 4,500 rpm.

With system parameters set on system power up, Junma’s machine load inertia is automatically calculated, while its tuning gains are dynamically adjusted, even during load changes, enabling the system to adjust to varying conditions.

Featuring advanced control functionality, Junma’s vibration suppression and adaptive tuning functions simplify the commissioning of the machine while maintaining optimum efficiency and high-precision positioning. Junma also features other functions such as homing to marker pulse, jogging, torque limiting and electronic gearing.

Customers can select from Junma’s four different servo motor and amplifier sets, which feature rated output ranging between 100W and 750W capable of both 200V and 100V input voltages. It also offers servo motor feedback with a 16-bit incremental encoder, offering resolution of 65,536 pulses per revolution.

Motion Control Tips

The direct drive technology eliminates belts, down-gearing and unnecessary linkages, while offering the shortest distance of transmission to maximize torque distribution. The servo presses feature Point-On-Demand (P.O.D.) controller with eight preset stroke profiles such as multiple hits in one stroke, pendulum strokes, free-hand programmability and extended dwell time. SEYI eliminates the issue of power surges and higher power requirements through its innovative energy-saving storage system.

The ribbed frame construction of the servos effectively reduces deflection and provides more rigidity, particularly during longer dwells. With the hydraulic overload replaced with a programmable electronic overload, the servos offer more stable protection when operating closer to rated tonnage for longer periods.

SEYI’s servo presses seamlessly combined the advantages of the programmable slide of hydraulic press with mechanical press speed. This provides manufacturers greater control in speed, tonnage and dwell at any stage of the entire stroke, allowing them to better utilize exotic materials, form more complicated geometric parts, and eliminate various secondary operations. The dwell profiles enable stampers to prevent materials from springing back and produce higher quality parts.

Programming slow ram velocity during the single stroke’s working portion, and fast ram speeds at die-opening and die-closing segments generates increased production rates while lowering reverse load, vibration and stamping noise, and prolonging die maintenance cycle.

Motion Control Tips

With strokes lengths up to 40mm, the S040 Linear Shaft Motor provides up to 0.98N of continuous force, 0.6 Arms of continuous current, 3.8N of acceleration force, and an acceleration current of 2.2Arms. Regardless of the winding size, the S040 has a width of 10mm and has a forcer length of up to 79mm.

The S040 Linear Shaft Motor is currently used in nanoscale manufacturing, processing, and metrology in the biomedical, life sciences, pharmaceutical, and education industries.

The Linear Shaft Motor is the first linear motor designed for the ultra high precision market. The motor generates less heat, uses all magnetic flux, is up to 100 stiffer than traditional linear motors, and has no cogging. These features allow it to achieve sub-micron resolution without the use of an external heat sink. These features, along with others, also make the Linear Shaft Motor 50 percent more energy efficient than competing linear motors. Sizes of the Linear Shaft Motor range from a 4mm shaft diameter (S040) to a 60.5mm diameter (S605) with forces ranging from 0.29N to 780N.

Nippon Pulse America, Inc.
www.nipponpulse.com

Motion Control Tips

Its 180-degree rotating pallet table remains stationary during operation to allow the workpieces to be placed on one side of the VMC, while parts are machined on the other side. Every pallet’s side measures 28 inches x 18.7 inches with a load capacity of 660 lbs. Meanwhile, table indexing time, including unclamp and clamp, stands at five seconds.

The spindle is directly mounted to the Fanuc spindle motor for reduced vibration and rapid acceleration/deceleration during high speed operation. The tools are contained in a double-arm, 40-station magazine with tool-to-tool times of 1.3 seconds. The bi-directional magazine of ATC automatically chooses the shortest path to reduce out-of-cut times. To increase precision, rigidity and tool life, the device features a dual-contact tool-mounting system that offers direct contact between the toolholder flange face and machine spindle face.

The VMC has been designed with a single-piece of heavily ribbed Meehanite casting, which enables it to withstand the forces and heat related with heavy cutting conditions. The design also gives the VMC a uniform load to the ballscrews, guideways and motors. High speed servomotors and linear-motion guideways allow high rapid-axis movements, featuring traverses measuring 1,259 ipm along the Z axis and 1,574 ipm on the X and Y axes.

A 66-gallon coolant tank has been isolated from the machine bed to prevent potential thermal distortion and heat transfer. Featuring flood cooling, the VMC also offers optional coolant chiller and through-the-spindle cooling. Automatic lubrication to all ballscrews and guideways is provided by piston distributors that measures the lubricant volume.

Motion Control Tips

With a unipolar winding, the PF55 stepper offers a holding torque of 120N, while a bipolar winding provides 150N of holding torque. In a full-step (2-2) excitation mode, the PF55 has 48 steps per revolution, a rated voltage of 5 and 12V, inductance between 12 and 37mH, and resistance between 5 and 36 ohms.

The PF55 stepper motor also comes in a gearhead model with 20 different ratio options, ranging from 6/25 to 1/300. These gearhead motors provide maximum torques of 400, 700, and 1000mN·m. All variations of the PF55 motor are also available with a connector.

Nippon Pulse PF55 motors are ideally suited for liquid dispensing devices, valve control machines, torque metrology instruments, printing machines, and medical diagnostic systems.

For more information, visit www.nipponpulse.com

www.nipponpulse.com

Motion Control Tips

The High Performance Servo Motors have all the necessary characteristics to optimize productivity and efficiency for your processes. With a compact design and reduced inertia for high dynamic performance, these servo motors offer unexcelled efficiency with high continuous power.

High Performance Servo Motor frame sizes and corresponding lengths are:

Servo Motor MRSH049A (available in lengths of 15mm, 30mm, 45mm, 60mm)

Servo Motor MRSH064A (available in lengths of 15mm, 30mm, 45mm, 60mm)

Servo Motor MRSH130A (available in lengths of 30mm, 60mm, 120mm, 230mm)

Servo Motor MRSH178A (available in lengths of 135mm, 195mm)

Servo Motor MRSH178C (available in lengths of 135mm, 195mm)

www.wittenstein-us.com

Motion Control Tips

Offered in six standard, off-the-shelf versions, the new gearmotors employs 1/20 PS (37.3 W) AC motors that can be easily operated from either 230V or 115V, 50Hz or 60Hz power sources. Delivering gear ratios ranging between 10:1 and 494:1, the gearmotors provide output speeds between 181 and four RPM, and maximum continuous torque ratings of 50 in. lbs (5.65 Nm).

The integral gear reducers and totally enclosed non ventilated (TENV) permanent split capacitor (PSC) AC motors are reversible, and also feature all-position face mounting with an overhung load capacity of 50 pound (22.7 kg.).

“These Bison drop-in replacements for VW14 AC gearmotors feature permanent split capacitor four-pole motors that operate at half the speed of the competitive units they replace. With corresponding gear ratio changes, this result in a quieter, longer life gearmotor,” Bison Gear Application Engineering Supervisor Clayton Hinkle said.

“An engineered resin first-stage gear further contributes to quiet operation which makes these gearmotors ideal in such applications as foodservice equipment, automated displays, peristaltic pumps, business machines, ticket dispensers and even pellet stoves.”

Available with CSA and U.L. recognition as standard, the new VWDIR14 AC parallel shaft gearmotors can be also provided to OEM’s with CE recognition.

Motion Control Tips

Specifically developed to meet the demand of the market for a new module that features EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP, the EtherCAT Industrial Ethernet Module supplements the current modules offered by the company that includes Profibus, CANopen, NanoPLC, Devicenet, WLAN and BlueTooth.

EtherCAT, or Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is the leading and fastest growing industrial Ethernet bus inEurope. Originally developed by Beckhoff, this technology overcomes the system limitations of various Ethernet solutions as its Ethernet frame is now processed on the fly. With the telegram sent to the next device, the slave node’s new FMMU (fieldbus memory management unit) reads the data addressed to it.

With the FMMU and DMA access to the master’s network card, the complete protocol processing is independent of the run-time of protocol stacks, software implementation or CPU performance since it now occurs within the hardware. Featuring 30 µs update time for 1,000 distributed I/Os, the new module can also exchange a maximum of 1,486 bytes of process data, which is equivalent to around 12,000 digital inputs and outputs, with a single Ethernet frame at only 300 µs.

The new module is fitted with smaller and more cost effective central PC, with one Ethernet interface adequate for the periphery’s complete communication.

Motion Control Tips

The new EC 16 is available with up to five winding types as well as with hall sensors or sensorless. Four high-power motors are available; 30W or 60W and sterilizable or non-sterilizable.

The new design features a torque/speed gradient reduced by approximately 60% and maximum continuous torque increased approximately by 80%. Other key improvements include higher stability, quiet running, larger bearings, higher forces, improved performance and higher torque. Coupled with gearheads that are also sterilizable, this drive is ideally suited for the most demanding medical and hand tool applications.

Visit www.maxonmotorusa.com for more information.

Motion Control Tips

The new brushless motors are offered in two lengths of 68 or 42 mm and in 24 or 12 V windings. To demonstrate its excellent linearity with an outstanding torque-to-volume ratio, the BX4 delivers a continuous output torque of 97 or 56 mNm.

The BX4 series is also designed with a built-in Motion Controller (CS) version, a typical +/- terminal (SCDC) version, as well as an integrated Motion Controller (CS) version. To provide added protection to the motor and electronics, all products with integrated electronics have been fitted with current limiting capabilities.

The BX4’s SCDC variant features an integrated reverse polarity protection and a two-terminal power supply connection at the back of its motor, which enables it to conveniently replace brushed type motors in applications requiring greater longetivity.

Meanwhile, its CS variant offers compact dimension ideal for space constrained applications. It has a RS232 serial interface that can be configured with FAULHABER’s Motion Manager software. Its higher thermal limits and increased temperature range from -20 to +100 °C allows for a continuous maximum current of 2.6A and effectively increasing BX4’s versatility.

The motor versions with built-in encoder are fitted in robust housing and are offered in four factory programmable resolutions with pulses ranging between 32 and 256, including an index channel. A line driver version featuring a differential signal output is also offered upon request.

Motion Control Tips

Continuous torque for the smaller size 17 brushless PM motor starts at 35 oz-in at 900RPM (3W) duty up to 700 oz-in at 1500RPM (770W) for the size 34 brushless servo motor. Maximum speeds are 4000RPM. The SilverDust controls product line has RS232, RS435 and CANopen protocols with Ethernet and Modbus TCP as an option. Currents range from 3.5A in the smaller size 17 and 23 SilverDust drives and up to 10A in the larger size 34. Typical input voltages are 12 to 48VDC.

The SilverDust controller uses sophisticated motion control algorithms to maximize the high torque capability and properly handle very high load inertias reaching a 100:1 inertia mismatch.

For more information contact QuickSilver Controls Inc. at www.quicksilvercontrols.com.

Motion Control Tips

Specifically designed to allow OEMs and specialty machine builders to quickly and easily incorporate motion control in their applications, the ServoNOW motion control system effectively reduces cost, installation time and wiring complexity as it offers a closed loop brushless servo motor with an integrated driver, feedback device, controller and 110/220VAC universal power supply in one compact package.

With a standard PC, the new motion control system can be easily monitored and programmed via a built-in USB port. ServoNOW’s QuickLaunch software control program enables it to easily integrate up to 32 index motion profiles in positioning or velocity. It also offers 4096 counts position resolution, four programmable digital inputs and outputs as well as analog I/O (4 to 20MA or 0 to 10VDC, 12 bit).

“Bison is committed to expanding its presence in the motion control market with truly differentiated products,” remarked John Morehead, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Marketing at Bison Gear.

“The Bison ServoNOW systems align with that objective and are a nice complement to our recently introduced AUTONOmotor sensorless brushless product line, as well as our acquisition of the Von Weise of Canada low voltage brushless DC business. We will continue to introduce such innovative, market-driven products this year as part of Bison’s celebration of 50 years of excellence with thanks to our valued customers, suppliers, channel partners and associates who have contributed so much to this achievement.”

The five new ServoNOW integrated brushless servo systems are suitable for various specialty machinery applications that include packaging equipment and factory automation.

Motion Control Tips