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Danielle Collins

How do manufacturers address cogging in linear motors?

November 6, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

linear motor

Iron core linear motors are known for their high continuous and peak force capabilities, good thermal management, and excellent force-to-size ratio. But they’re also known to produce cogging forces, which lead to force ripple, or variation in output force. But how much of a problem is cogging for iron core linear motors, and what are […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Motors, Servo Motors

What are recipes in the context of HMIs?

October 22, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Many companies offer a range of products that are variations of a “base” model, using many of the same components, manufacturing methods, and processing steps to keep inventory and manufacturing costs under control while still providing customers with a range of choices to fit their exact needs. Automobiles are an excellent example. Take the Ford […]

Filed Under: Controls, FAQs + basics, Featured, HMIs, PC-Based Controllers, PLCs + PACs

ATEX and IECEx classifications and markings explained

October 15, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

ATEX and IECEx Marking Example

When electrical equipment is used in a potentially hazardous location — one that contains flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers — it’s important that the potential for fire or explosion be minimized. One way to do this is to use equipment that has been certified as suitable for that environment and not likely to […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Industrial Automation, Motors

What are harmonics and how do they affect motion control systems?

October 11, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

harmonic waveform

Harmonics are voltages or currents caused by non-linear loads on a power supply. Harmonic frequencies occur at integer multiples of a fundamental frequency and are superimposed on the fundamental voltage or current waveform, creating a distorted waveform. Harmonics are classified first by their order, or the integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, for […]

Filed Under: AC Motors, Drives + Supplies, FAQs + basics, Featured

Classifying hazardous locations: What’s the difference between Class, Division, and Zone?

October 1, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

hazardous locations

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a hazardous location is an area where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to electrical equipment operating in the presence of flammable or ignitable gases, liquids, or vapors, or in the presence of combustible dust, fibers, or flyings. But even within this definition, the risk of fire or […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Industrial Automation

How do Hall effect sensors work and where are they used in motion applications?

September 21, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Hall effect

The Hall effect is an outcome of the Lorentz force at work. When a thin conductor (or semiconductor) has a steady flow of current running through it and a magnet is placed so that its magnetic field runs perpendicular to this current, the magnetic field of the current reacts to the magnetic field of the […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Incremental Encoders, Rotary Encoders, Sensors + Vision

What to consider when choosing a rotary encoder

September 20, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

rotary encoder

Controlled servo drives are used in many areas of automation technology, converting, printing, handling, and robotics, including production machines and machine tools. The selection of a rotary encoder or encoder technology for use within the system depends on the accuracy requirements of the application and whether the application will use position control, velocity control, or both. […]

Filed Under: Encoders, Featured, Rotary Encoders Tagged With: HEIDENHAIN

Why do servo drives use PWM and how does it work?

September 13, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

PWM generator signals

The basic function of a servo drive is to convert, or amplify, low-power signals from the controller into higher-power signals to be delivered to the motor windings. Servo drives (also referred to as servo amplifiers) can be either linear or switching types, depending on how power is delivered to the motor from the switching devices […]

Filed Under: FAQs + basics, Featured, Servo Drives

When is dither helpful in motion control systems?

September 3, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

dither signal

Dither is one of several terms used to describe small, rapid, back-and-forth movements of an object. Depending on the context, when the term “dither” is used in motion control systems, it can refer to purposeful, commanded movements or to unintended, unwanted motion. In some motion systems, dither is purposely induced to reduce the effects of […]

Filed Under: Encoders, FAQs + basics, Featured, Piezo Motors, Servo Drives, Servo Motors

What is an observer in motion control and how does it affect performance?

August 27, 2021 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

observer diagram

A servo control loop uses sensor feedback to determine whether the system’s actual state (position, velocity, or torque) matches the commanded state. But sensors feedback isn’t perfect — even high-quality encoders and sensors can introduce noise, phase lag, and other errors in measurement. One way to improve the feedback of a servo control system is […]

Filed Under: Controls, FAQs + basics, Featured, Servo Drives

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