Eric Reiner, Industrial PC Product Specialist | Beckhoff Automation System performance hangs heavy on the minds of every machine builder when commissioning new projects — particularly when it comes to the control platform. That’s with good reason, as the controller is arguably the most important facet of a machine … and often the first place […]
How do brushless-motor drives eliminate motor power-supply setup?
In a recent video recorded at the Design World studios, I teamed up with my colleague Paul Heney to review the features of a brushless-motor drive from Koford Engineering in Winchester, Ohio. Consider some examples from Koford Engineering, which sells a full line of compact 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40-A brushless motor drives. […]
Short-length inductive proximity sensors allow detection in tight spaces
When working with applications in spindles, grippers, and robotics, space is typically very tight. Unfortunately, that fact doesn’t eliminate the need for automation. If anything, it increases it. These ever-shrinking spaces can create enormous stresses on standard proximity sensors. As a result, manufacturers and users of automated machinery are always requesting greater miniaturization and higher […]
Hollow-bore absolute encoder from Encoder Products Co. (EPC) and technical help on options
The Model MA58H absolute encoder from Encoder Products Co. (EPC) is heavy duty, rugged and reliable. This multi-turn hollow-bore absolute encoder is designed for harsh factory and plant floor environments … and is especially suited to applications where you need an encoder with the capability of output even in power-off scenarios. The Model MA58H has […]
PLC called Do-more! controller leverages AutomationDirect programming software (with embedded help)
With the launch of the newest Do-more! controller, the BRX PLC, AutomationDirect released an enhanced version of the Do-more! Designer programming software. Do-more! Designer 2.0 has many new features added to improve programming efficiency. A new dashboard allows easy navigation to important features and functions … … but one of the more popular additions is […]
Traction motors and steering motors and drives for electric vehicles — Custom ABM Drives designs
ABM traction drive systems for electric vehicles are available as bevel gearboxes, helical gearboxes and hub wheel drives. All drive types have outstanding efficiencies and quietness. High static wheel loads are possible with compact design gearboxes. Typical applications include forklifts, pallet trucks and sweeper-scrubbers that need sophisticated drive technology with high output at low energy consumption. ABM motor […]
Precision limit switches — new line from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a new line of high precision limit/position switches from Metrol. Traditional limit switches and even electronic proximity sensors are limited in terms of accuracy and repeatability. These cost-effective, ultra-precise mechanical limit switches have repeatability down to 10, 5, 3, and even 0.5µm (µm) depending on the specific model. Along with their high […]
Miniature servo controller from maxon survives extreme conditions
The Swiss drive specialist maxon motor is expanding its range of miniature servo controllers by adding the ESCON Module 50/8 HE (Harsh Environment). This compact plug-in module with a nominal current of 8 A is a true powerhouse, designed for brushed and brushless DC motors with a peak power of up to 750 W. However, […]
High-torque EC brushless dc motors from maxon
The EC-i 52-mm motor is one from a family of EC brushless dc motors from maxon. It’s an iron-wound internal rotor motor redesigned from 7 pole pairs to 8 pole pairs. This significantly reduces the vibration and noise output of the dc motor. Available in three voltage outputs, 18, 24 and 48 V, the 52-mm […]
Slotless brushless motor designs offer three advantages: Details on linear behavior and more
In a recent video recorded at the Design World studios, I teamed up with my colleague Paul Heney to review the features of three motors (including slotless brushless motor options) from Koford Engineering in Winchester, Ohio. Related article: What are the differences between slotted and slotless motors? Brushless motors are like brush motors but use electronic […]