Now, Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division sells a new XFC Series electric cylinder. It extends the performance range and (with the ETH product line) creates one of the most feature-rich and application-optimized liner-motion product lines available. The XFC has an integrated roller screw with planetary rollers instead of the ball bearings used in ball-screw actuators. Planetary rollers provide more contact between the […]
Online Elmo software gives engineers remote machine control
Building sophisticated motion-control systems is now simpler with Elmo Motion Control’s new free Remote Practice System (RPS). The online software lets users configure, tune and run a motion control solution … quickly and easily. New RPS users register and then setup advanced motion control and servo technology (with EtherCAT or CANopen networking) for any of […]
Two motion groups become Motion Control & Motor Association
The Motion Control Association (MCA) and SMMA (the Motor & Motion Association) have completed a merger that combines the two trade groups serving the global motion control and motor industry. The new organization name is the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA). MCMA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) based in Ann […]
How to change a servomotor’s inertia ratio to boost efficiency
By Hurley Gill • Senior Systems and Application Engineer | Kollmorgen Servomotor-inertia ratios impact overall machine efficiency, and their use has evolved with servo-drive technology. So now, the newest digital servo-drive and feedback technologies can get higher inertia ratios while maintaining stable control to target velocities and positions. That can boost design efficiency, especially for […]
FAQ: What are piezo elements and piezo motors?
Piezo elements are ceramics that change shape when subject to electricity or (when subject to mechanical loading) output electricity. Manufacturers process and press plumbum, zirconate, titanate (PZT) powder together and fire it into a quartz. Then they integrate the ceramic with ferroelectric material to make electrodes. Finally, manufacturers apply electromagnetic fields to the piezo elements […]
Brother Gearmotors partners with Applied Mechatronics in California
Brother Gearmotors of Brother International Corp. (which sells sub-fractional AC gearmotors and reducers for the food & beverage, packaging and material handling industries) is now partnered with Applied Mechatronics (a California-based manufacturers’ representative). Applied Mechatronics now services much of Brother Gearmotors’ customer base in California. As part of the agreement, Applied Mechatronics will serve as a liaison between Brother Gearmotors and […]
Hall-effect position sensors withstand off-highway use
The new Model 9970 Hall-effect position sensor from BEI Sensors ships within two weeks and features a 50-mm mounting hole spacing for drop-in compatibility with existing installations. It’s IP67 and IP69K rated non-contacting technology, so the sensor withstands harsh environments. A 1.5 Series AMP Superseal connector is standard. With life to 35 million cycles and a temperature rating from -40° to […]
FAQ: Where do brush dc motors still make sense?
Brush dc motors are a mature technology that’s been around for more than a century. So with brushless motors and an ever-increasing array of controls for all motor types, why do engineers still use brush motors? After all, it’s common knowledge that brush motors exhibit wear at their brush-and-commutator interface. The truth is that brush […]
Yaskawa U1000 industrial matrix drive … the greenest ever
Yaskawa America’s new U1000 Industrial Matrix Drive comes in two versions: A 240-V Class matrix drive delivers 10 to 100 hp under normal duty (or 7.5 to 75 hp heavy duty) A 480-V Class matrix drive delivers 7.5 to 350 hp under normal duty (or 5 to 300 hp heavy duty) Unlike conventional drives, the […]
PTDA sees growth in 2015 continue
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) sees slowing but continued growth in 2015. The organization’s 1Q2015 Business Index reading is 67.7 … higher than the 4Q2014 reading of 66.4. That’s a slight increase in growth. The index reading indicates the rate of change compared with the previous period. For example, a reading of 50 indicates no change […]