When choosing a motor for an application, consider key differences between each motor’s operation. Stepper motors: Performance positioning Stepper motors work for precise positioning and control with torque. Intermittent moves is what steppers output best. Tip: Don’t use stepper motors for continuous operation. When applications need motors to operate nonstop, steppers exhibit dwindling efficiency and […]
New compact drives from Fuji Electric
Fuji Electric Corp. of America announced today that they have expanded their portfolio of low-voltage inverters in the North American market with their next generation FRENIC-Mini Drive (C2), which is now available for shipment to customers. As a replacement model for the existing FRENIC-Mini, these new compact inverters offer customers additional features and improved functionality […]
Smaller, more flexible stepper motors from Kollmorgen
Kollmorgen introduces its new generation of stepper motors, the PMX series, adding smaller 08, 11, and 14 frame sizes to the traditional 17, 23 and 34 frame size offering. Thanks to a wider range of sizes and options, OEMs now have added flexibility to meet multiple performance and application needs from a single motion source. […]
FAQ: What’s the difference between variable-reluctance linear and hybrid linear steppers?
Linear motors come in different mechanical and electromechanical arrangements to satisfy the requirements of different applications. For example, brushless linear motors (capable of forces to 2,600 N or more) work well in heavy robotics or material-handing applications. Linear ac-induction motors output 2,000 N to satisfy heavy-conveyor parameters. In contrast, iron-core brushless linear motors deliver a […]
FAQ: How do linear stepper motors compare to familiar rotary types?
Stepper motors go into linear actuators in two different ways: Stepper motors that are traditional rotary motors couple to mechanical rotary-to-linear motion devices (often in the form of a threaded shaft that mates with traversing nut or carriage) to produce linear motion. In this actuator setup, the motor output shaft usually couples to the screw […]
Schunk SRM universal rotary unit offers shock absorbency, high performance
The Schunk SRM universal rotary unit ensures high performance for production automation. It significantly stands out when compared to existing rotary modules on the market. Compact and cost-effective, the SRM features up to 25% higher torque and internal performance shock absorbers to provide impressively higher moment of inertia capacity, as well as faster swivel times […]
High-speed picker with safety functionality from Schunk
The Schunk EGP Safety is the world’s first performance level d/SIL3-certified electric small component gripper on the market with omnidirectional gripping force safety. In combination with a special safety module it enables SOS and STO functions. If the assembly process is interrupted as a result of an emergency shutdown, the module automatically switches to safe […]
Maximum torque in minimum space with maxon Spiroid gears
maxon precision motors introduces right angle gearheads designed to be configured with maxon’s 22 and 32 mm DC motors. These compact, lightweight and high torque gearheads were developed to transmit power at 90° in the smallest possible form factor. The Spiroid technology incorporated in the gearhead design offers a number of performance benefits: Extremely high […]
FAQ: What is the difference between absolute and incremental encoders?
Rotary encoders track speed and position. Absolute and incremental encoders both do this, but operate differently and have different methods of implementation. Rotary incremental encoders work by generating a series of pulses during movement. The encoder disc (sporting marks or slots) attaches to a power-transmission shaft, and a stationary pickup device mounts nearby. When the […]
FAQ: What are ways to wire an incremental encoder into a motion system?
There are two ways to wire an incremental encoder into a system. One is single-ended wiring and the other is differential wiring. In single-ended wiring, each channel needs only one wire. Channels are any data streams that the encoder produces. For example, a common quadrature encoder has two channels—A and B—to track speed as well […]
