PLCs have long been an industry standard in machine control. They range in size and function from the simplest of controllers with the most basic ladder logic instruction set to multi-function complex units that can provide multiple control modes from basic control functions to process control and even motion control functions. (Programmable automation controllers, or […]
Large hollow-shaft gear units from Harmonic Drive
The new FBS-2UH gear unit series from Harmonic Drive features a large hollow shaft with a compact outer diameter. The extra large hollow shaft is suitable for robots and machines requiring complex cabling to pass through the axis of rotation. The new gear unit design features Harmonic Drive’s “S” tooth profile for optimal tooth engagement […]
Smart controller provides performance, wear monitoring for clutches and brakes in IoT systems
Regent Controls, a Carlyle Johnson Company, has introduced the SmartSense(IoT), a sensorless controller for clutches and brakes in industrial Internet of Things systems. The SmartSense(IoT) provides real-time information and insights on a clutch or brake’s functional health and operation, with data that allows users to optimize maintenance, lifespan, power consumption and performance. “Our SmartSense product […]
Universal Robots takes the gold in 2020 LEAP Awards in Industrial Automation category
The winners of the 2020 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced yesterday in a digital ceremony, with products across 12 categories, including Industrial Automation. Critical to LEAP’s success is the involvement of the engineering community. No one at WTWH Media was involved in selecting the winners. Instead, our editorial team assembled a […]
New online encoder selection tool targets MRO needs
Sensor manufacturer POSITAL has released its intuitive online tool EncoderMatch.com. This new web platform, which combines a search engine, product configurator and ordering tool, is aimed at the MRO/spare parts business. With a few mouse clicks, maintenance staff and technical buyers can quickly find cost-effective replacements for encoders in existing machines or systems – regardless […]
Washdown-ready smooth body gear units from NORD feature patented sealed surface conversion
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has developed modular, cost-effective smooth body gear units for washdown applications. This complete solution can tackle extreme, highly regulated environments, such as those within the food & beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, chemical, car wash, wastewater, and marine industries. NORD smooth body gear units are available with IE3 efficiency motors in powers from 0.16 to […]
Allied Electronics & Automation expands online selection of motion control and power transmission products
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance product availability in high-demand categories, Allied Electronics and Automation has further expanded its ready-to-ship inventory of motion control and power transmission solutions to more than 2,000 SKUs – helping engineers, purchasers, maintainers, fleet and facility managers, and inventors build, maintain and renew their machinery. The newly expanded […]
Regal announces new sizes in stainless steel right-angle gear drive line
Regal Beloit Corporation announces a line extension of the Hub City SS (stainless steel) HERA High Efficiency Right Angle Gear Drive. Regal has added two new sizes to the IP69K certified SS version of this helical-hypodial gear drive to this product suite with the stainless steel 55 and 75, taking the torque range to 8,500 […]
Extra thin emergency and holding brakes for compact automated systems
Miki Pulley’s unique BXR power-off engaged brake can serve as an emergency brake, as well as a holding brake, important for protecting compact designed automated systems. These BXR spring applied brakes provide versatility in space and weight savings. Their unique, low-profile design is 2/3 the thickness of other brakes in the Miki lineup. The brakes […]
How do vibration sensors measure acceleration to track machine health?
Condition monitoring of machines is intimately linked with the larger program of predictive maintenance. The goal of predictive maintenance is to reduce or eliminate entirely sudden and catastrophic machine failure by actively monitoring those components that are critical to machine function. By monitoring components such as motors, fans, pumps and other constituent components such as […]
