Roller chains are one of the most common types of transport media for conveying systems. And while they're available in many designs and variations to meet different application requirements, they all have one thing in common: To specify a roller chain, you need three basic dimensions: chain pitch, roller diameter, and width between inner link … [Read More...]
FROM THE EDITORS
Today on Motion Control Tips
- Variable frequency drive with integrated functions for roll-to-roll applications
- New four-quadrant PWM regenerative drive from American Control Electronics
- High-torque synchronous belt for industrial applications
- Integrated servo motor offers design benefits for mobile robotic applications
- What is pitch in the context of conveyors?
- PTDA Foundation accepting nominations for 2019 Wendy B. McDonald Award
- When do tubular linear motors outperform traditional iron core and ironless designs?

Variable frequency drive with integrated functions for roll-to-roll applications
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has released the FR- A800-R2R Series of variable frequency drives (VFD), ideal for end users and machine … [Read More...]

New four-quadrant PWM regenerative drive from American Control Electronics
American Control Electronics (ACE) has introduced its next generation of PWM controls. Using a 115 or 230 Vac power source, the PMB Series is designed … [Read More...]

High-torque synchronous belt for industrial applications
Gates has introduced the PowerGrip GT4 belt, a newly designed ethylene elastomer (EE) high-torque synchronous belt for industrial markets. The … [Read More...]

Integrated servo motor offers design benefits for mobile robotic applications
Applied Motion Products’ new series of integrated servo motors combine a high torque density, low inertia servo motor with an on-board drive and … [Read More...]

What is pitch in the context of conveyors?
Roller chains are one of the most common types of transport media for conveying systems. And while they're available in many designs and variations to … [Read More...]

PTDA Foundation accepting nominations for 2019 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 … [Read More...]

When do tubular linear motors outperform traditional iron core and ironless designs?
In a recent post, we looked at traditional iron core and ironless linear motors, both of which have a flat-type construction. But another type of … [Read More...]

PTDA forecasting slowing growth trend for 2019
The fourth quarter 2018 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) indicates the … [Read More...]

Kevin Barker selected as new president of Beckhoff Automation LLC
Barker to manage operations of US Beckhoff subsidiary Beckhoff Automation is pleased to announce that Kevin Barker has been appointed the new … [Read More...]

What are capacitive proximity sensors?
A basic proximity sensor is used to sense the presence of objects or materials. What differentiates them from other sensors is that they don’t make … [Read More...]

Motion Industries to acquire automation and robotics company
Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts … [Read More...]

What is an IK rating, and how does it apply to motion control products?
If you deal with electrical components, including electrical enclosures such as control cabinets, you're probably familiar with IP (International … [Read More...]

Keeping the elements at bay
Keep these five key factors in mind when selecting mechanical components for harsh environments. Chad Carlberg Product Line Manager for Industrial … [Read More...]

PTDA Foundation vanguard campaign propels PT WORK Force Initiative
In 2018, the PTDA Foundation launched PT WORK Force — an initiative to specifically support the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry … [Read More...]

3 things to consider when choosing a linear servo motor
Direct drive linear servo motors have seen a measurable increase in adoption over the past several years, thanks in part to end users’ demands for … [Read More...]

Beckhoff to premier new EtherCAT solutions, compact embedded controllers at ProMat 2019
Beckhoff Automation will show multiple new technologies that bolster material handling and logistics operations at ProMat 2019 in Chicago. The North … [Read More...]

New flexible coupling from SDP/SI features vibration damping technology
Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI) has debuted several new series of high-gain couplings. These Antivibration Flexible Couplings are … [Read More...]

New low-profile, direct-drive motor from Mitsubishi Electric
The new TM-RG2M/TM-RU2M low-profile direct- drive motors from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. are designed to let machine designers have direct … [Read More...]

What are proximity sensors?
Proximity sensors are used across a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications. They’re used to sense the presence of objects or … [Read More...]

New industrial grade optical encoder for harsh environments
The new QDH20 encoder from Quantum Devices, Inc. provides an improved feedback solution in applications typically using a standard size 20 package. … [Read More...]

What are magnetoelastic sensors for torque measurement?
When a ferromagnetic material is subjected to a mechanical stress — caused by an applied force or torque — it experiences a change in magnetic flux. … [Read More...]

Yaskawa America debuts new high-performance drive
The Drives & Motion division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has released the new GA800 Variable Speed Drive for sale and shipment immediately. The … [Read More...]

Don’t forget these two things when selecting an amplifier for a servo-motion application
Using software to size motion designs is rewarding because engineers can efficiently predict which products are suitable for the application at hand. … [Read More...]

Get your motor running… efficiently
A few tips for design and selection of induction and permanent magnet ac electric motor systems will make them more energy efficient. Gabriel … [Read More...]

New RH-N gearbox kits from Nabtesco Motion Control are pre-engineered offering
Nabtesco Motion Control now offers pre-engineered RH-N gearbox kits. RH-N kits use the manufacturer’s newest RV-N series of gearboxes … to 20% smaller … [Read More...]

B&R X20-series stepper motor module to boost efficiency
The new X20SM1436-1 module from B&R is a new X20 module for direct control of stepper motors. The module runs stepper motors with operating … [Read More...]

Elmo’s miniature servo drive tested successfully under extreme underwater pressure
Elmo Motion Control (Elmo) now sells a unique solution for typical underwater applications such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous … [Read More...]

FAQ: What are mechanical, fluid-power, and elastomeric material dampers?
Vibration in industrial machinery often originates from imbalances inherent to motors, gearboxes, and other turning component that excites natural … [Read More...]

Drive and logic in new mini servo drive from Elmo Motion Control use single power source
Elmo Motion Control (Elmo) now offers a new enhanced Gold-Twitter version with single source up to 95 Vdc. This allows users to use a single source … [Read More...]

See it at ATX West: Applied Motion Technology’s latest motors and integrated drives
Applied Motion Products will give personal demonstrations of its latest motor, stepper drive, and servo drive technology at ATX West … at the Anaheim … [Read More...]