The global motion control and motor market experienced record growth in 2018, with $3.827 billion in shipments, up 8% over 2017. According to the Motion Control & Motor Association, part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), shipments were up 3% in the last quarter of the year, at $946 million, contributing to the overall […]
New ABB drives bring enhanced control to DC installations
ABB’s new series of dc variable speed drives (VSDs) allow users with a large installed base to get better performance from their existing systems. With the new DCS880 VSDs, customers who are heavily invested in a dc system have the option to continue using dc technology while better aligning with modern ac advancements. The dc […]
ATI hosting Automation Expo at expanded HQ in North Carolina
ATI Industrial Automation will host an Automation Expo on May 9, 2019 at its recently expanded and renovated headquarters in Apex, N.C. For the first time ever, current and prospective customers, industry partners and special guests will get a glimpse into the heart of ATI’s main operation and tour the new facility. The one-day event […]
Applied Motion to exhibit integrated servo motors, servo drives, stepper drives at Automate
Applied Motion Products will demonstrate a selection of new integrated motors and drives for both servo and stepper motors in Booth #8147 at the Automate Show to be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, from April 8-11, 2019 Products on display will include the following: • MDX Integrated Servo Motors that combine high torque density, low […]
High-torque synchronous belt for industrial applications
Gates has introduced the PowerGrip GT4 belt, a newly designed ethylene elastomer (EE) high-torque synchronous belt for industrial markets. The PowerGrip GT4 reflects Gates’ dedication to innovation in materials science and process engineering.Many of the elastomer synchronous belts in the market today are made using chloroprene, a material that has performance limitations. The new Gates PowerGrip […]
PTDA Foundation accepting nominations for 2019 Wendy B. McDonald Award
The PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Award recognizes a woman who has established herself as an integral contributor to her company’s success and brought positive change to the power transmission/motion control industry. The PTDA Foundation established the award in 2014 to honor the memory of Wendy B. McDonald, one of the power transmission/motion control industry’s […]
PTDA forecasting slowing growth trend for 2019
The fourth 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 4Q18 was 5.4 percent higher compared to 2017. PTDA manufacturers’ index annual average was also strong, up 7.3 percent year over year in December. Leading indicators suggest the Index […]
MDBL Series of controls for brushless dc motors
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, […]
Dana acquires SME Group, enhances electromobility capabilities
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 […]
Measurement, Control & Automation Association announces 2019 Board of Directors
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 […]