This piece was published in Design World’s 10th Anniversary special issue for October 2016. Is technology our friend or foe? Is it here to save us or to help finish us off? The questions seem urgent given that there is growing anxiety over some recent directions in technological development, particularly the rise of automation. Automation, […]
Encoder Products launches new rugged programmable encoder Model 25SP
Encoder Products Company (EPC) has introduced the new Model 25SP, a programmable encoder in the industry-standard Size 25 package (2.5 in. x 2.5 in., or 63.5 mm). Contained within the rugged, industrial housing of the Model 25SP is an advanced set of electronics that allow the encoder to be programmed for exact application needs. Using […]
New Turck EtherNet/IP encoders for high-speed applications
Turck’s EtherNet/IP enabled encoders provide an optical-based encoder solution with electronic multiturn capabilities for position applications requiring feedback for designs using the EtherNet/IP and CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) interface. Common applications for the ODVA-certified encoder include automotive production, logistics, metal processing, textile applications, as well as printing and packaging machines. The new EtherNet/IP encoders are […]
Hengstler adds to its series of ATEX-rated absolute rotary encoders
Hengstler’s new ACURO AX73 optical encoders offer attributes such as ease of installation, high precision and compact dimensions. The AX73 completes the company’s comprehensive family of ATEX-rated absolute rotary encoders, both optical and magnetic. The new AX73 and AX65 offer a special mounting system, while also available are the AX70 and AX71 absolute encoders, as […]
Sealed rotary encoders for high loads offered globally by HEIDENHAIN
HEIDENHAIN has expanded its range of incremental sealed rotary encoders for high loads with the new ROD 620 and 630 models of the ROD 600 series. The sturdy design of these encoders’ mechanics opens up broad fields of application in machine tool, plant construction, and in position feedback systems for controlling asynchronous motors. The ROD […]
Custom voice-coil actuator heads to asteroid Bennu
BEI Kimco, a brand of Sensata Technologies, is a part of NASA’s first asteroid sampling mission that could revolutionize understanding of the early solar system. BEI Kimco designed a customized moving magnet voice coil actuator (VCA) to meet the harsh requirements for a spectrometer moving mirror application on the Origins-Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith […]
FAQ: What are PLC function blocks and how does IEC 61131-3 classify them?
According to the IEC 61131-3 standard, there is a difference between a function and a function block in PLC programming. The main difference involves internal memory. So for instance, a function can be described as something like an equation or formula that accepts inputs and calculates an output value. Moreover, it always returns the same […]
Ultrasonic piezo linear motor drives compact linear positioning stage
With the U-521, PI (Physik Instrumente), has now added a compact linear stage to its portfolio with dimensions of 35 × 35 × 15 mm, similar to the size of a matchbox. The compact design allows easy integration, even when space is limited. In addition to the high speed up to 200 mm/sec, the low […]
X-Y piezo nanopositioning stages from PI offer sub-nanometer resolution
PI (Physik Instrumente) has introduced its newest X-Y piezomotor positioners to the existing PIHera family of over 60 compact, direct metrology stages available in a large variety of travel ranges up to 1800 µm with resolution of less than 1nm. PIHera precision closed-loop XY-stages are equipped with absolute-measuring direct-metrology capacitance sensors and provide resolution down […]
New TMB+ series torque motor from ETEL
ETEL has unveiled the newest advancement of their torque motor family, the TMB+. In order to keep up with the high demands of the machine tool market, ETEL has taken its existing TMB line of torque motors and redefined it to increase its overall torque, size selection, and winding options to expand upon its series […]