The Electromechanical and Drives Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation has expanded LINKnet capability to the AC890 series of variable speed drives. LINKnet is an Ethernet-based version of the SSD LINK system that has been successfully used in coordinated drive systems for over 25 years. LINKnet is a peer-to-peer network designed to integrate AC and DC […]
US Digital expands its miniature optical encoder line
US Digital introduced the new E8T miniature optical encoder at ATX West 2017. Combining small form factor and resolutions up to 720 CPR, the E8T is well suited for medical and other space sensitive applications that require reliable position and velocity feedback. The E8T’s small package footprint fits motors as small as NEMA size 11 […]
FAQ: When to pick ac gearmotors, and when to pick dc?
Gearmotors can be built around either an ac or dc electric motor. The choice of motor type depends on a number of factors. In general, dc gearmotors, particularly brushless dc motors, have really good speed regulation properties, so they’re usually preferred in applications requiring tight variable speed control. However, over the years, ac gearmotors have […]
Global motion control shipments grow 10.3% in 2016
Global shipments for motion control products increased by 10.3% to $3.3 billion in 2016, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), the industry’s trade group. “New opportunities in automation for motion control and motors help drive this growth,” said Dana Whalls, Vice President of MCMA. “Automation technologies are enabling […]
AutomationDirect adds more premium efficiency IronHorse AC motors
AutomationDirect’s IronHorse line of general-purpose three-phase motors now includes the MTRP-series 56HC-frame premium efficiency motors available from 1 to 3 hp. The rolled steel motors are available in 1,800 and 3,600 rpm models and feature 4:1 constant torque and 10:1 variable torque speed ranges, TEFC frames, cast aluminum end bells and removable mounting bases. MTRP-series […]
FAQ: What is CoDeSys software?
CoDeSyS stands for controller development system. It’s a development environment for programming controller applications in line with the IEC 61131-3 standard. It was developed and is still maintained by the 3S (Smart Software Solutions) Company in Germany. The platform-independent development environment is compatible with the PLCs and automation components of over 250 companies. For starters, […]
Integrated motors in motion-control applications
Article updated November 2019 ⚙️ Integrated motors include a motor rotor and stator (in a brushless dc, servomotor or stepper motor form) paired with other motion components. About half of all integrated motors incorporate a brushless motor with permanent magnets on the rotors, though other formats exist. The most basic integrated motors consist of just […]
FAQ: What are the benefits of networking for motion control?
The old way of connecting components in a motion control system was to make individual wire connections between components, which was time consuming and tedious. So when networks for motion control came along it was a relief, simplifying design and saving time and money. Here are four of the biggest benefits of using networks in […]
Motion system applications: encoders in aerospace and manufacturing
THERE ARE AS MANY ENCODER CHOICES as there are design objectives. When encoders provide position feedback, it’s common to specify encoder resolution exceeding what the application requires as a way to address the partial count uncertainty of digital measurements. Heavy industrial equipment for metal stamping, wind turbines, printing, and steel processing often uses high-speed rotary […]
New hollow-shaft encoders from HEIDENHAIN provide functional machine safety
HEIDENHAIN’s new series of functionally safe hollow-shaft connection rotary encoders, the ECN/EQN/ERN 400 series, are especially useful in applications where quick machine shut-off is required in dangerous situations. Featuring a new shaft coupling which provides mechanical fault exclusion for connection to the customer’s machine shaft, these new encoders are of particular use in safety-related applications […]