Recently, I got the chance to attend the 2014 Automation Fair in Anaheim, California. One of the big topics was the convergence of information technologies and operational technologies – IT and OT. The idea? Integrated platforms that connect enterprises (and their IT and OT) can boost productivity and product quality, especially for manufacturing and industrial […]
Tiny voice-coil actuators stay cool in tight spaces
A compact LAH04-10-000A linear voice-coil actuator (VCA) from BEI Kimco Magnetics uses moving-magnet operation to deliver sort but powerful stroke lengths. With this new model, the line includes actuators from 0.375 to 2.4-in. (outside diameter) in myriad stroke lengths, peak force, and custom features. The 0.375-in.diameter actuators deliver force to 0.5 lb … and with a […]
New Moog slip rings: What they mean for packaging engineers
At the recent PackExpo in Chicago, I saw several dozen new motion-control products of note … including a new slip ring from Moog Components Group, a division of Moog Inc. Moog Inc. is a manufacturer of control systems for military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, wind energy, […]
Basics of conveyors: Technical summary of industrial material-handling options
Updated August 2019 || Conveyors are automated tracks that move bulk material or discrete products from one area to another. They’re the backbone of myriad material-handling applications to improve efficiency and throughput. Recent advances in materials, controls, and modular subcomponents have spurred new large conveyors for bulk material transport, miniature conveyors for discrete sorting, and […]
How to size and select gearboxes: A Motion Engineer’s Guide
Updated May 2016. || Application-tailored and custom gearboxes are increasingly common, mainly because they’re easier than ever to manufacture to specification. That’s not to say that the design work isn’t challenging. However, modern manufacturing lets some suppliers make gearboxes and components to meet specific application requirements. New supplier approaches to giving engineering support as well […]
How to select a pneumatic actuator: An engineer’s guide
Updated April 2015. || Driving linear-motion applications with pneumatic actuators (or air cylinders) is a relatively easy and inexpensive approach. The actuator technology has existed for more than 50 years, but better piston seals and rod wiper seals (of modern materials) make pneumatic actuators more resilient and efficient than ever. These seals reduce leakage and […]
How to size and select belts and pulleys: An Engineer’s Guide
Updated May 2016 || Industrial belt drives consist of rubber belts that wrap around drive pulleys, in turn driven by electric motors. In a typical setup, the belt also wraps around one or more idler pulleys that keep the belt taut and on track. More after the jump. The main reasons that engineers pick drives […]
What are gears for power transmission? Technical summary for design engineers
Updated February 2020 || The function of a gear is to mesh with other gears to transmit altered torque and rotation. In fact, gearing can change the speed, torque and direction of motion from a drive source. Geometry & general gear design When two gears with an unequal number of teeth engage, the mechanical advantage […]
What are dc motors and how do definitions vary? Technical summary for engineers
Updated May 2019. || Dc motors are motion components that take electrical power in the form of direct current (or some manipulated form of direct current) and convert it into mechanical rotation. The motors do this through the use of magnetic fields that arise from the electric currents to spur rotation of a rotor fixed […]
