Paul Heney - Motion Control Tips

MDBL Series of controls for brushless dc motors

January 17, 2019 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Minarik Drives has introduced the MDBL Series, a new family of versatile, feature-rich, configurable controls for brushless dc motors. MDBL drives control motors ranging from 90 to 280 Vdc, up to 5 amps/1.5 hp, using either 115 Vac or 230 Vac line sources. On-board trim pots allow operators to quickly set minimum/maximum speeds, acceleration/deceleration rates, motoring and regening current limits, as well as the proportional and integral feedback gains.

An onboard microprocessor allows for custom programming the MDBL Series — for tasks as simple as changing the purpose of a jumper or trim pot, or as complex as programming an entire application-specific routine. The MDBL also seamlessly integrates PLC-like functionality into operations, eliminating the need for a separate PLC altogether or enhancing systems without PLCs. These controls are positioning-application capable, with feedback sampling rates of 16Khz. Each drive is designed for feedback from 120° hall effect sensors and can be commanded with a wide range of analog inputs with Minarik Drives’ built-in isolation.

Minarik MDBL series highlights:
• UL 61800-5-1 listed (Note: this standard will obsolete UL 508C in 2020)
• NEMA 4X packages available in both steel and plastic
• Doubler mode: Able to convert 115 Vac input into 280 Vdc output.
• Isolated inputs: Accepts floating or grounded signals 0 ± 5 Vdc, 0 ± 10 Vdc or 4-20 mA
• Diagnostic LEDs for power and status (e.g. undervoltage, overvoltage, short circuit/current trip, overheating warning/trip)
• Thermally-protected – recognizes when overheated as a result of overload
• Hall effect sensors: 120°, 5 Vdc, 75 mA combined
• Separate current limits for operation and regen braking
• 16-bit microcontroller on board, ready for mission-specific configurations

Minarik Drives
www.minarikdrives.com

Dana acquires SME Group, enhances electromobility capabilities

January 15, 2019 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Dana Incorporated announced that it has completed the acquisition of the SME Group, headquartered in Arzignano, Italy. The global SME Group designs, engineers, and manufactures low-voltage ac induction and synchronous reluctance motors, inverters, and controls for a wide range of off-highway electric vehicle applications, including material handling, agriculture, construction, and automated-guided vehicles.

The addition of SME’s low-voltage motors and inverters, which are primarily designed to meet the evolution of electrification in off-highway equipment, significantly expands Dana’s electrified product portfolio.

“Dana’s acquisition of SME enhances our ability to address the electrification and hybridization needs of our customers, while also increasing the potential for incremental content per vehicle,” said Jim Kamsickas, president and CEO of Dana. “SME’s exceptional electric motor and inverter products, which largely support off-highway applications, are highly complementary to the technologies we acquired with TM4, which are predominately focused on light- and commercial-vehicle applications.”

“Dana is equipped to provide complete e-Propulsion systems that balance the demands for performance, power density, and weight,” said Christophe Dominiak, CTO for Dana. “The addition of SME’s low-voltage induction motors rounds out our already robust offering of high-voltage permanent magnet motors and enables us to deliver a complete range of electrified solutions for our customers.”

Dana’s existing portfolio of Spicer Electrified with TM4 motors and inverters combined with SME’s low-voltage motors will expand the company’s capabilities to applications ranging up to 250kW.

The privately held SME Group employs more than 100 people and operates in China, Germany, Canada, and Italy.

Dana’s electrification capabilities will be further strengthened by the anticipated acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of the Oerlikon group, enabling Dana to provide products for a broad range of hybrid and electric-vehicle configurations. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.

Dana Inc.
www.dana.com

Measurement, Control & Automation Association announces 2019 Board of Directors

December 24, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

The Measurement, Control & Automation Association (MCAA) announced its 2019 Board of Directors. MCAA President, Teresa Sebring, said, “I am pleased to welcome our newest Officers and Directors. The MCAA Board is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and industry experiences that make them an asset to the organization.”

Mike Waters, President & CEO of SOR Controls Group, Ltd. was elected Chairman. SOR Controls Group, Ltd. (SCG) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of measurement and control devices under the brands of SOR Inc., Smart Sensors Incorporated, SETEX Products, and Sensor Sampling. SOR Controls Group actively serves all sectors of the process industry with particular strengths in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Power segments. SOR is headquartered in Lenexa, Kan. and has regional offices in Beijing, London, Houston, Chennai and Dubai, and manufacturing locations in Lenexa and Houston.

Prior to joining SOR, Waters served in several senior leadership positions at CIRCOR International from 2006 to 2012, including VP & General Manager of Sagebrush Pipeline Equipment and Pipeline Engineering. Previously, Mike was the President of Flow-Zone LLC, a Gulf Coast-based oilfield supply company. He began his career with Emerson Electric Corp. as a member of the Rosemount Measurement & Control (now Emerson Process Automation) organization.

In addition to leading the MCAA Board, Waters currently serves on the Boards of Milbank Manufacturing, Inc., and Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC. Mike is a former Advisory Board member of the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association. He holds a BS in Engineering Technology/Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, and a MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Waters served as Vice Chairman in 2018 and has been on the MCAA Board since 2016.

Scott Saunders, President, Moore Industries International Inc. will serve as Vice Chairman. He joined Moore Industries in 1999 and has held various leadership roles with the company until assuming the role of President/CEO in 2014.

Acquisitions of Powers Process Controllers in 2000 and Hawke Fieldbus in 2005 have continued Moore Industries’ position as a world leader in the design and manufacture of interface instruments for industrial process control, system integration, and the factory automation industries. Moore Industries is an international company headquartered in North Hills, Calif. with direct sales and support offices in strategic worldwide locations including the U.S., Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, the People’s Republic of China and the United Kingdom. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Winthrop University. He has been on the MCAA Board since 2016.

2019 newly elected Directors-at-Large include:
• Deryl Bell, President, Carotek Inc.
• Russ Graybill, Director Product Marketing, Yokogawa Corporation of America
• Stephen Santangelo, President, Palmer Wahl Instruments Inc.
• Colin Sheridan, President, Tel-Tru Manufacturing Co.

The remainder of the Board is comprised of:
• Immediate Past Chairman: Bharat Naik, President of Reotemp Instruments
Directors-at-Large:
• Mike DeLacluyse, President, Lesman Instrument Company
• Bill Edinger, General Manager Process Instrumentation, Siemens Industry
• Gary Johnson, President, Azbil North America Inc.
• Jim Winter, Director of Global Process Business, Rockwell Automation

Founded in the early 1940s, MCAA has been serving leading industry organizations for 75 years. It is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of instrumentation and systems associated with the Measurement, Control & Automation Industry. MCAA provides resources for business effectiveness and growth through unsurpassed market and business insights, unique networking opportunities, and unbiased, affordable market data.

The association is headquartered in Poquoson, Va. For more information about MCAA, visit TheMCAA.org.

Allied Motion acquires TCI, LLC

December 7, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Allied Motion Technologies Inc. has acquired TCI, LLC, a leading developer and manufacturer of active (electronic) and passive (magnetic) products to resolve power quality and harmonic issues associated with industrial power conversion for $64.1 million. The purchase price was funded with existing cash plus borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

“TCI broadens and strengthens our position as a leading global diversified solutions provider in the controlled motion market,” said Dick Warzala, Chairman and CEO. “Their adjacent technologies and capabilities enable more efficient and longer life solutions for motion devices in a wide variety of demanding applications. We believe TCI’s technology and products will be a valuable addition to our expanding suite of solution offerings to further enhance the value creation opportunity that Allied brings to its customers. Additionally, TCI is expected to improve Allied’s overall margin profile and to be immediately accretive.”

Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Germantown, Wis., TCI designs and manufactures products that monitor and improve power quality and extend motor life by reducing harmonic distortion associated with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other power conversion equipment. With approximately 165 employees, TCI’s manufacturing capabilities include magnetic and electronic product assembly expertise to support a broad suite of power quality solutions that are used in oil and gas, HVAC, water and wastewater, and general industrial end markets primarily in the U.S. TCI expects 2018 revenue of approximately $45 million and has achieved above-market growth with a compound annual growth rate in the high single digits over the last three years.

“There is tremendous opportunity for growth potential with this acquisition as TCI has built longstanding relationships with blue-chip machinery OEMs, system integrators, consulting engineers and distributors. We believe their well-established North America distributor network can aid in our ongoing expansion of that channel and, equally important, we expect to leverage the Allied international footprint to further TCI’s global market penetration,” said Warzala.

Allied Motion Technologies Inc.
www.alliedmotion.com

Jim Halverson and Sandy Sullivan to lead PTDA in 2019

November 6, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) elected its 2019 Board of Directors and Manufacturer Council at the annual business meeting during the recent PTDA Industry Summit in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Jim Halverson, manager power products, Van Meter Inc. (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) will become PTDA’s president in 2019. Halverson has been active in PTDA since 2009 when he joined the Membership Committee and subsequently served as its chair. Jim has served on the PTDA Board of Directors since 2014.

Following his election, Halverson said, “Accepting the nomination to serve as President of PTDA was a proud and humbling experience. The focus for 2019 will not change; we will continue to work with the PTDA staff and dedicated volunteers on the execution of our strategic plan, ensuring our continued success.”

Joining Halverson on the 2019 PTDA Board of Directors will be:

· First Vice President Brian Davis, executive vice president/COO, B & D Industrial (Norcross, Ga.)
· Second Vice President JP Bouchard, vice president, General Bearing Service Inc. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
· Treasurer Mike McLain, vice president, Allied Bearing & Supply, Inc. (Harahan, La.)
· Immediate Past President Jim Williams, vice president purchasing & supplier relations, Motion Industries Inc. (Birmingham)
· Manufacturer Council Chair Sandy Sullivan, national accounts director, Nidec Motor Corporation/U.S. Motors (St. Louis)
· Manufacturer Council Vice Chair Jeffrey W. Moore, senior vice president mechanical power transmission, ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.(Greenville, S.C.)
· PTDA Foundation President Brian Short, global strategic account manager, Regal Power Transmission Solutions (Florence, Ky.)
· EPTDA President Zoltan Arkovics, managing director, BDI Europe LTD (Budapest, Hungary)

Directors:

· Michael Cinquemani, president and CEO, Master Power Transmission, Inc. (Greenville, S.C.)
· Jeff Cloud, president, IBT Solutions (Merriam, Kan.)
· Cameron DeBorde, business development, Bearing Distributors, Inc. (Columbia, S.C.)
· Steven W. DuComb, operations manager, W.C. DuComb Co., Inc. (Detroit)
· Bill Shepard, VP, BDI (Cleveland)
· Tom Weihsmann, SVP & GM, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp. (Bloomfield, Conn.)

Sandy Sullivan, national accounts director, Nidec Motor Corporation/U.S. Motors (St. Louis) assumes the duties of the PTDA Manufacturer Council chair in 2019. Sullivan has been active in PTDA governance since 2010 when she joined the Industry Relations Committee. Since then, Sandy has served on several committees and task forces and chaired the Communications Committee. She joined the Manufacturer Council in 2015.

“I am honored to lead the Manufacturer Council in 2019. PTDA has been an excellent way for me to learn more about the PT industry and network with U.S. Motor distributors. During my term I would like to continue promoting the PTDA Women in the Industry group to both distributors and manufacturers,” Sullivan said.

Joining Sullivan on the Manufacturer Council for 2019 will be:

· Manufacturer Council Vice Chair Jeffrey W. Moore, SVP mechanical power transmission, ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.(Greenville, S.C.)
· Immediate Past Chair Chris Curran, president, Climax Metal Products Company (Mentor, Ohio) and vice president, industrial business development, RBC Bearings (Oxford, Conn.)

Council Members:

· Tammy Balogh, VP human resources, Flexco (Downers Grove, Ill.)
· Andrew A.O. Brown, VP, Whittet-Higgins Company (Providence, R.I.)
· Chester Collier, SVP, Walter Service Technologies (Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada)
· Randy Disharoon, national accounts director, Rexnord Industries, LLC (Milwaukee)
· Maxine Gomez, new business development sales representative, Belden Universal (Hillside, Ill.)
· Michael Nisenbaum, director industrial sales & marketing, Carlisle Belts by Timken (Franklin, Tenn.)
· Jos Sueters, VP, Tsubaki of Canada Limited (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $16 billion in sales and span over 2,500 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.

PTDA
ptda.org

Posital upgrades family of analog programmable rotary encoders

October 19, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Encoder specialist Posital has announced a new generation of analog rotary encoders for position control. Compared to the company’s earlier analog encoders, these new models feature improved accuracy, faster dynamic response and new programming options. They also accept a wider range of supply voltages, an advantage for mobile machinery applications.

Posital’s analog encoders are designed for positioning tasks that use analog control systems. Outputs are either voltage (0-5 V, 0.5-4.5 V, 0-10 V or 0.5-9.5 V) or current (0-20 mA or 4-20 mA). The magnetic measurement mechanism is wear-free and extremely durable so that these devices offer much better accuracy, reliability and service life than conventional potentiometers.

An important feature of the analog encoders is that they are programmable with measurement characteristics that can be customized to meet specific application requirements, (This feature is also available with Posital’s digital encoders with SSI and incremental interfaces.) Programming can be carried out at the factory, in a distributor’s warehouse or at the customer’s job site, thanks to the company’s easy-to-use UBIFAST programming tool.

Programmable characteristics include direction of rotation (CW or CCW), zero set and the encoder output range. Measurement range programming allows the full range of electrical outputs (voltage or current) to be set to match a user-defined range of mechanical motion, resulting in significant improvements to control system accuracy.

For single-turn models, the measurement range can be set to 90°, 180°, 270° or 360°. For multi-turn models, the range can be set anywhere between 1 and 65,536 complete rotations. Analog encoders are available with push-buttons on the housing that enable the user to easily specify the upper and lower limits of the mechanical motion, with the electrical output fully spanning this range.

Posital
www.posital.com

FH-Series vision system introduces unique lighting solution for defect detection

October 17, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Omron Automation Americas has developed a unique technology that can automatically detect small defects and subtle changes in color with great sensitivity. It can also simultaneously detect defects with different characteristics.

One of the key technologies in this powerful vision solution is an advanced lighting technology that changes illumination angles, directions, and colors depending on the specific characteristics of the object under inspection. Known as “Multi-Direction Multi-Color” (MDMC) Light, this innovation takes the automation of quality inspections to a whole new level.

The new vision system is designed to meet the growing demands for exceptional quality that are putting pressure on manufacturers to detect all scratches and other defects on products, no matter how small. Furthermore, today’s labor shortages are making it especially difficult to recruit enough visual inspectors to successfully complete all the necessary inspections without automating at least part of the process.

While conventional vision systems have typically been unable to match the capability of the human eye for certain defect detection tasks, the FH series has surpassed this performance threshold with the MDMC Light technology and Photometric Stereo Illumination. Manufacturers can take advantage of these solutions to see small and subtle defects and maintain a high level of inspection quality.

The illumination pattern of the MDMC Light is flexible using the “Scene Switch” functionality incorporated into the software. Even if inspection items are added or modified to meet changes in demand, there is no need to add or adjust illumination. All that is required is a simple change to the illumination pattern.

In addition to the introduction of the MDMC Light, controllers and cameras in the FH series have been upgraded to quantitatively detect and measure minute variances while managing the inspection results. The enhanced controller’s processing speeds are twice as fast as conventional models.

To help with regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical and other industries, the FH-series vision system can store all inspection results without hampering productivity thanks to its fast processing speed and high degree of synchronization with automation systems via a communications network. The results can be stored directly to a database using the machine automation controller over EtherCAT and can be output in combination with inspection image data and key inspection information.

Omron Automation
omron247.com

Danfoss acquires Finnish manufacturer of large electric motors

September 12, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Danfoss has expanded its electrification capability with acquisition of world-leading expert in large electric motors and generators, AXCO-Motors. AXCO-Motors is a technology leader in large electric solutions (from 250 kW and up to 6 MW) for applications like maritime vessels and off-highway vehicles. Danfoss said it is responding to the growing customer demand for electric solutions to reduce emissions and benefit from the efficiency and productivity gains that these solutions bring.

“Electrification is a global megatrend and holds very strong potential in fighting pollution and climate change. This acquisition is another commitment to broaden our mobile electrification capability as a core competency for Danfoss. It gives us the total package for serving our global markets with optimal solutions, and fully supports our customers’ needs — regardless of the chosen technologies. This will enable further growth in the markets we serve, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming the highly experienced and knowledgeable team from AXCO-Motors,” said Eric Alström, President, Danfoss Power Solutions.

AXCO-Motors, headquartered in Lappeenranta, Finland, will be integrated into Danfoss Editron — a business within the Danfoss Power Solutions segment.

Kimmo Rauma, VP, Danfoss Editron, said, “Several of our markets, such as off-highway, marine and distribution, are being challenged to reduce emissions and pollution. Mobile electric solutions are a highly relevant technology to this challenge, and AXCO-Motors is the leading expert in the large-scale power range up to 6 MW and thus an important and complementary technology to our current product range, and our mission to end pollution.”

“We have a passion for quality and for customer-focused products that fully meet the needs and requirements of each particular client, so joining Danfoss is great for us, because we have the same focus,” said Juhana Ylikojola, CEO at AXCO-Motors. “Being part of Danfoss means bigger capacity, a broader client base and possibilities for investment in innovation and market opportunities.”

Danfoss
www.danfoss.com

PTDA: Growth in 1Q18, index remains above 5-year average

August 27, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

The first quarter 2018 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) indicates the average PTDA distributors’ index for total sales during 1Q18 was up 5.5% from the year-ago level and is growing at an accelerating pace. PTDA manufacturers’ average index for total sales had an even better result, up 8.4% from a year ago.

The 2Q2018PTDA Business Index ticked down slightly to a reading of 70.3 compared to the first quarter 2018 reading of 72.6 but still remains above ISM’s U.S. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of 58.1. ThePTDA Business Indexand the PMI are both above their five-year averages (58.6 and 54.6, respectively) illustrating the robust growth among PTDA members and within the industrial sector.

PTDA members participating inSHOR receive the results and forecasts through 2020 at no charge approximately 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter. For more specifics on the forecast for power transmission/motion control sales through distribution as well as forecasts for manufacturer sales, purchase the 1Q2018 SHORat ptda.org/SHOR.

ThePTDA Business Indexis modeled after the widely respected PMI and tracks change in business activity, new orders, employment, supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and backlog in the PT/MC industry to arrive at an overall index. The entire 2Q2018PTDA Business Index report is available through PTDA’s website at ptda.org/Index.

Low inertia, high precision, hollow core voice coil motor

August 17, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

A low inertia hollow core voice coil or moving coil linear motor from Moticont, the HVCM-051-025-019-01, features high acceleration, precise positioning to less than one micron (0.00004 in.), high reliability, and low cost. This cleanroom friendly, non-commutated motor is available off-the-shelf. The HVCM-051-025-019-01 hollow core voice coil linear motor has an open apertures of 0.750 in. (19.05 mm). The hollow core allows for optics, illumination, laser beams, or cables to pass through.

With a 0.50 in. (12.7 mm) stroke length, a continuous force rating of 4.8 lbs (21.3 N) and a peak force of 15.15 lbs (67.4 N) at a 10% duty cycle, this compact voice coil motor measuring just 2.000 in. (50.8 mm) dia. X 1.00 in. (25.4 mm) housing length, is suitable for applications such as: Positioning, medical diagnostics and testing, laser beam steering, dynamic vibration absorption, optical focusing, laser cutting & welding, scanning, assembly, and wafer handling.

Two 10-32 UNF-2B x 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) deep threaded mounting holes on 1.000 in. (25.4 mm) centers in the housing and coil makes for flexible and easy integration into new and existing applications. Low inertia, high acceleration, high speed, and zero cogging are benefits of this moving coil or voice coil linear motor. When used in closed loop applications with an optional position sensor, resolutions of less then 1 micron are achievable for millions of cycles. If a longer stroke, higher force, a smaller foot print, or customized mounting is required consult Moticont’s team of engineers. All of Moticont’s voice coil motors are available as complete plug-and-play systems, including, position sensor, controller, amplifier, power supply, and if required with a linear slide.

Moticont
www.moticont.com