Here, we detail what causes skidding in rotary systems. Then we analyze single and double-roller cam follower designs. By Georg Bartosh • President | Intech Power-Core For production machinery with moving subsystems, wear can be a major headache. That’s especially true for those featuring traditional metal cam followers, bearings, and other mechanical elements. As we’ll […]
STF stepper drives and SSDC StepSERVO drives now UL certified
The Applied Motion Products STF stepper drives and SSDC StepSERVO drives are now UL certified by Underwriters Laboratories. The drives now meet stringent safety standards with certification, reducing risks of electrical hazards, fire, or component failures. The STF Stepper Drives are DC-powered microstepping drives that control two-phase, bipolar step motors. They feature advanced current control […]
Several markets are spurring new innovation in motion systems
Over the last year, Design World has tracked several persistent and emerging trends that build on the last decade’s innovations. With some notable exceptions, many of the core technologies employed in motion systems and automation are familiar. Yet, propelled by the radically increased capabilities of electronics and software, these core technologies have catapulted the design-engineering […]
Tour of HEIDENHAIN technologies displayed in Anaheim
HEIDENHAIN is best known for extremely high-end ultra-precision motion feedback and control technologies delivering industry-leading accuracy. These include optical, inductive, and magnetic encoders as well as linear scales, controls, drives, and even integrated motion systems. The solutions are widely used in high-precision machinery in CNC machining as well as aerospace, semiconductor, and medical applications. So, […]
Precision and miniature technologies at MD&M ATX West
The annual MD&M ATX West show in Anaheim, Calif. is a great place to see how far the industry has advanced precision and miniature technologies over the previous year. Micro-springs, 2-mm linear guides, and slotless motors thinner than chopsticks were just some of the miniature components on display. Our esteemed colleague Rachael Pasini has posted […]
Drives boost manufacturing-automation efficiency
Nidec Drives has led motor-control innovation for decades from its UK headquarters in Newtown, Mid Wales. Recently, the company updated its own manufacturing operations from Industry 3.0 operations dominated by manual tasks to Industry 5.0. For example, raw materials were once manually transported by operators from a warehouse to a module assembly plant via forklift […]
Bishop-Wisecarver acquires Symation Inc. to offer more automation solutions
Bishop-Wisecarver, a provider of innovative linear and rotary motion solutions, has acquired Symation, a leader in motion control system integration. This strategic acquisition aligns with Bishop-Wisecarver’s mission to deliver diversity in mechatronic solutions. The integration of Symation’s extensive capabilities into Bishop-Wisecarver’s portfolio introduces Wisecarver Automation — a new level of expertise in mechanical, electrical, controls, […]
Realtime communications with TSN hit the big time
Smart manufacturing, battery production, and the packaging industry all benefit from realtime and deterministic communications. Lisa Eitel • Executive editor | Design World Thomas Burke • Global Strategic Advisor | CC Link Partner Association (CLPA) Realtime and deterministic communications based on Ethernet have become essential to modern-day discrete automation. Now, all major industrial network protocols […]
Remembering Renishaw cofounder Sir David McMurtry
Recently passed Sir David McMurtry founded Renishaw in 1973 with John Deer, a fellow Rolls-Royce engineer, to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe for co-ordinate measuring machines. He had invented the probe the previous year to solve measurement problems faced in the manufacture of the Olympus engines that powered the Concorde supersonic aircraft. A brilliant engineer, […]
A practical guide to selecting the right pallet conveyor
Efficient material handling is crucial in optimizing factory automation. Choosing the right pallet conveyor can maximize productivity, maintainability, and overall ROI. By Dan Toynton | Motion Automation Intelligence Because conveyor types abound — especially small asynchronous conveyors— choosing the optimal solution for a specific application can be challenging. Informed decisions depend on well-defined design requirements and […]
