Integrated automation and motion control simulation software provides simple and quick virtual commissioning for machine builders. By Kevin Wu and Colm Gavin | Siemens Digital Industries In the development of any new machine or plant, faults are almost inevitable. Failure during commissioning is especially problematic, because it’s likely to significantly increase costs and delay the […]
Electric motors from maxon help Emirates Team New Zealand win 36th America’s Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand has won the historical 36th America’s Cup that endured extra challenges — including COVID-19, race cancellations, and delays that caused interruptions and last-minute tactical changes. The Kiwis have retained the oldest trophy in international sporting history. Creating a boat from simulation and the use of AI technology were big risks for Emirates […]
ctrlX HMI from Bosch Rexroth offers an optimized user-experience combination
Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX HMI offers machine manufacturers optimum freedom when it comes to implementing the user experience with intuitive user guidance. The portfolio includes small operating panels, tablets, panel PCs, or large stationary displays with a screen diagonal of up to 24 inches. Anti-glare and chemically hardened front glass make display and operating panels ideal […]
Columbus McKinnon to acquire conveyor maker Dorner Mfg.
Columbus McKinnon Corp., manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions, products, technologies and services for material handling, has agreed to acquire Dorner Mfg. Corp. “The acquisition of Dorner provides a catalyst for growth in extremely attractive markets and begins the process of reimagining the future of Columbus McKinnon. Dorner advances our strategy to broaden expertise […]
Ultra-efficient motors improving cordless consumer-appliance performance
25 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity are consumed globally per year — of which 53% is consumed by electric motors. So replacing traditional electric motors with ultra-high-efficiency electric motors in all sorts of industries could significantly reduce energy wasted to noise and heat — and increase the performance and cost effectiveness of motor-driven designs in […]
Wafer-handling machine maximizes performance with specially clamping belt-pulley and bushing assembly
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 […]
