New FN5060 dv/dt filters from Schaffner protect AC motors from destructive effects of peak voltages and inrush currents, increasing service life and system reliability. This patented technology protects motors and adjacent equipment without capacitors or resistors, making them simple to install. They efficiently reduce high output dv/dt from IGBT motor drives and eliminate over-voltages caused […]
Latest direct-drive rotary servo motor from Parker
Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division has released the P Series direct-drive rotary servo motor (PM-DD). Paired with the P Series drive, the PM-DD provides a competitively priced solution delivering high performance for demanding OEM and end-user applications. PM-DD series standard features include: 13 models covering 5 frame sizes of 135, 175, 230, 290, and 360 mm […]
FAQ: What is the Department of Energy’s new Small Motor Rule?
Large motors have been subject to energy efficiency regulations for quite some time. The U.S. began regulating energy efficiency of integral horsepower motors back in 1992 with the passage of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct). Subsequent updates to this original legislation include the EPAct in 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of […]
National Instruments celebrates 40 years of innovation
National Instruments (NI) will recognize four decades of innovation in 2016. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the company’s founding, the City of Austin has proclaimed May 14, 2016 to be NI Day. To celebrate, NI invites the Austin community to enjoy a free day at the Thinkery, where the next generation of engineers and […]
Beckhoff debuts EtherCAT Plug-in I/O modules with compact drive technology
EJ-series EtherCAT plug-in I/O modules provide an efficient wiring solution for machines built in large and medium-sized production runs. With new EJ7xxx motion modules, space-saving compact drive technology from Beckhoff is seamlessly integrated into a plug-in module concept, enabling extremely compact I/O and motion solutions. These include modules for servo, stepper and DC motor types. […]
Beckhoff Azure™ certified I/O modules provide direct connectivity to Microsoft cloud
The new EK9160 IoT Bus Coupler from Beckhoff connects EtherCAT I/Os with the Microsoft Azure cloud directly and without the need for a specific control program. The coupler enables simple and standardized integration of I/O data with cloud-based communication and data services. The “Azure Certified” status of the device fulfils an important requirement in this […]
Improving safety design for machines
Safety design tools help optimize the design process to get machines safety-compliant and operational faster. George Schuster Rockwell Automation When it comes to specifying and designing machine safety systems, manufacturers and machine builders face a long list of challenges. They’re responsible for conducting risk assessments, determining which safety devices to use and which standards to […]
FAQ: What are common gearmotor types and variations?
Updated May 2018 || A gearmotor is a single component that integrates a gear reducer with either an ac or dc electric motor. Gearmotors can deliver high torque at low horsepower or low speed. This is because the gearhead functions as a torque multiplier and can allow small motors to generate higher torque. Gearmotors can […]
ABB announcements at Hannover Messe spotlight IoT, remote monitoring
Several announcements from ABB at this week’s Hannover Messe industrial trade fair in Hannover, Germany showcase the future of IoT, connectivity and remote monitoring. Two announcements in particular illustrate how these trends are shaping the development of Industry 4.0. The first is that ABB has extended its discrete automation offering to deliver more connectivity and […]
HARTING Technology Group wins Hermes Award at Hannover Messe
The HARTING Technology Group has won the coveted Hermes Award for the second time, garnering the prize on Sunday evening at the Hannover Messe trade fair in Hannover, Germany. The company beat four other competitors with its HARTING MICA (Modular Industry Computing Architecture), the company’s mini-industrial computer. The family-owned company had previously picked up the […]