By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Please refer to part one and part two of this three-part series for background information on the functions and types of regenerative resistors for servo applications. Let’s now consider the worst-case deceleration of an axis needing to reach a zero velocity for a p-stop […]
Part two of three: Servo-system regenerative resistor types and accessories
In the first installment of this series, we explained the regenerative-power requirements for the controlled motion of servomotor systems. Here we detail common electrical protection circuitry. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Designing a machine with servomotors, drives, and regenerative resistors requires consideration of numerous design factors. These components affect […]
Part one of three: Selecting regenerative resistors to harvest servomotor energy
Here we explain the data required for determining regenerative-power requirements and regen-resistor selection for the controlled motion of servomotor systems. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Electric AC servomotors are either synchronous or asynchronous motors used in a closed-loop (servo) configurations for precise output control. Control over motion outputs — […]
Automated foodservice with EtherCAT to disrupt restaurant industry
Now an industrial-appliance-sized design called the Makeline from food services company Hyphen is leveraging software, rugged automation, and networked controls to help labor-strapped restaurants meet modern business demands. “We founded the business in July 2018 to leverage automation technology in modern restaurants,” says Daniel Fukuba, Co-Founder and CTO of Hyphen. “Shortly thereafter, we built the […]
Part 1 of 2: Electric actuators as an alternative to hydraulic cylinders
Here we compare these two linear-motion technologies — and hint at a common sizing error when converting to electric actuation. By Ryan Klemetson • Business Development Manager | Tolomatic, Inc. Hydraulics offer a long service life, but they’re not as efficient as electric systems. Electric systems also provide precise position, velocity, and speed control with […]
Conveyors support the shift to just-in-case manufacturing
New investments in industrial and manufacturing conveying technologies could reach $65.1B by 2026. That’s according to a new report from researchandmarkets.com. Continued push to automate material handling, assembly, and distribution operations are key drivers. Another is the pressure from regulatory changes forcing adoption of conveyors sporting gearless and other energy-efficient motor designs. Still another is […]
Motion Plus now distributing MICRONIX USA products
Motion Plus is now in partnership with MICRONIX USA, LLC. This partnership provides a wide array of MICRONIX USA miniature precision piezo stages and motion components available for purchase online through the easy-to-use Motion Plus website at buy.motionplusmore.com. “With the high quality, miniature precision products of MICRONX USA in-stock with our storefront, customers can now […]
Omron opens new Advanced Motion Research and Development Center
Industry-leading automation solution provider, Omron Automation Americas, continues to demonstrate its commitment to research and development opening the new Omron Advanced Motion Research and Development Center. This state-of-the-art facility enables top-talent engineers, led by Curt Wilson, Senior Director Engineering, Advanced Motion, to continue the innovative work pioneered by Delta Tau Data Systems. The center delivers to […]
Five ways to drive ROI from personnel and cobot investments
In this article, we detail how assembly, packaging, and machine-tool OEMs can keep senior plant personnel in charge of the most demanding and intricate tasks — and relegate everything else to pre-programmed work routines and automated workcells. Such approaches make copious use of cobots and augmented reality (AR) tools. By Tim LeCrone • Director of […]
Selecting the right motor-battery combinations for battery-powered commercial equipment
Battery-powered motor applications need careful design work to match motor performance and power-consumption profiles to the battery type. Optimal motor and battery pairing relies on the selection of an efficient motor as well as a battery with the appropriate capacity, cost, size, maintainability, and discharge duration and curve. By Scott McMillan • Senior Applications Engineer […]