In one recent machine redesign, Florida-based machine builder Hine Automation added precision engineered pulley-bushing assemblies to their SL-200C Vacuum Cassette-to-Cassette-Wafer Handling System for a boost in performance. This machine’s function is to transfer silicon wafers from a wafer cassette to a wafer process module under vacuum. The moves are commanded by computer controls. Hine Automation […]
Feedback on stepper motors for better positioning and holding (and less ringing)
Feedback-equipped stepper motors are not a complete substitute for servomotors, but they can provide a reliable alternative for many real-world applications. These motion-design solutions improve machine performance without breaking the bank. By Jim Stevens • Product Specialist | POSITAL Inc. Stepper motors are a top choice for many motion and position control applications. They’re available […]
Pallet-handling conveyors: Harnessing the power and safety of all-electric peripheral components
Pallet-handling conveyors optimize manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes by conveying product on workpiece pallets. The workpiece pallet provides consistent and stable conveying — regardless of the product’s current shape and future evolution down the line. By Kate Nadeau • mk North America Pallet-handling conveyor systems are reliable, durable, and highly intelligent systems that integrate and […]
How to size an electric-motor-driven chain-and-sprocket system
In previous motion-sizing articles, we reviewed how to properly specify (using software) a ballscrew-driven motion axis. Then we reviewed how engineering teams can use a similar software-based approach for sizing rack-and-pinion-based servomotor-driven axes on the same five-axis gantry. Now we’ll explore the process for sizing the components (using that same software) for an electric-motor-powered axis […]
Podcast: Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action (addressing COVID and more)
In a recent podcast interview, we got the chance to talk with Jeff Johnson of Beckhoff Automation about linear-motor conveyors (also called intelligent transport systems) as well as the planar-motor system from Beckhoff called the XPlanar. Listen in: Design World · Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action! Beckhoff engineer Jeff Johnson explains […]
More about what it means for servo brakes to have functional-safety certification
In the article What are functional safety standards for servo drives? we review how functional safety is quantified. Now consider one example of a spring-set pneumatically released friction servomotor brake now having a third-party safety rating (from Intertek Group) certifying compliance with international safety standard ISO 13849-1. Intertek is an international London-headquartered inspection, assurance, product […]
Inductive proximity and magneto resistive sensors enhance IoT4.0 connectivity for Nexen brake families
Nexen Group, Nexen Servo, Rail, and ZSE brake lines now have Industry 4.0 connectivity sensor options to enhance machine efficiency. Multiple sensors integrated into the brake families provide information about brake operation and health to the control system network. The sensors used in the spring-operated air-released ZSE brakes provide operation information such as brake engagement […]
Podcast: Dave Hein of Nexen Group on brakes having functional safety certification
In our most recent Technology Tuesdays podcast, Dave Hein — senior vice president and engineering and chief technology officer at Nexen Group — chatted with us about three brake options that now have Functional Safety certification. Listen in: Design World · Brakes with Functional Safety certification: Update from Nexen Group engineer Dave Hein According […]
Maple Systems Inc. now offers new line of PC2300B Series industrial panel PCs
Maple Systems Inc. now offers new line of PC2300B Series industrial panel PCs — controllers with a built-in HMI screen. The industrial PCs are designed to resolve the toughest automation challenges in manufacturing, processing, and fabrication environments … … including those in automobile assembly plants as well as the food-processing industry. All Maple Systems PCs […]
New AllMotion EZ4Axis17XR-ST four-axis stepper motor controller driver
AllMotion now offers a new EZ4Axis17XR-ST highly compact controller driver measuring only 1.65 x 1.65 in. with six encoder inputs and 16 I/O connections. This 1/32nd step device operates from 8V to 30V and allows adjustment of the motor current up to 0.5A per motor. The compact board-level controller + driver was designed to allow […]
