The new LiftWalker from medical manufacturer Ideomotion is a stainless-steel frame with 12 V actuators that run off two rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries. Made in the U.S., the walker assists people from 3 ft 6 in. to 6 ft 6 in. tall and up to 300 lb with juvenile, preschool, and X large models. An easy-adjust […]
Actuators
Integration: The key to staying successful in today’s growing automation market
by Michelle DiFrangia, Assistant Editor, @wtwh_michelle According to research by MarketsandMarkets, the global market for industry control and factory automation will grow at a CAGR of 8.53% through 2020—so that all industries combined will spend $301.9 billion on automation by 2020. In addition, many research organizations estimate that there will be about 50 billion devices […]
Electric actuators: More choices for more applications
Updated May 2015 by Lisa Eitel || Faster controls, easier integration, lower drive prices and the Ethernet have all helped electric actuators, also known as electric linear drives, move into new applications. “Except for better efficiency,” noted Ernst Blumer, director, Worldwide Sales & Marketing, LinMot, “the performance of electric actuators has not undergone big changes or […]
New LA25 compact linear actuator from LINAK
The LINAK TECHLINE LA25 compact linear actuator is reliable, even in extreme conditions. Thanks to an aluminum housing and other features, the actuator is rated to IP66 and IP69k. More specifically, the actuator is rated IP66 for outdoor use and withstands high-pressure washdown to IP69k. Integrated actuator controller Some versions include iFLEX integrated intelligent control and an integrated H bridge, […]
Leadscrews lead in 3D printing, manufacturing, and medical designs
Leadscrews are a staple of motion designs, driving axes on machines big and small. They usually sport higher ratings than comparable ballscrews thanks to more contact between the nut and screw load surfaces. Now, innovations in materials and helix geometry address old issues associated with leadscrew friction, bringing it down to better than 0.10 in […]
Trends in chains and sprockets
Modern chains and sprockets have driven machinery for more than 100 years, but recent innovations have taken the technology into the 21st century. Recently, we asked two industry experts—Michael Hogan, senior design and applications engineer at U.S. Tsubaki’s Roller Chain Division, and Derek Glugosh, sprocket product manager at Tsubaki—for their input on what the future […]
Electric slide actuates Cartesian robots, designer picks motor
PHD Plus Series ESFX electric linear-actuator slides are made for fast moves under heavy loads and moments. The saddle-type slides (as with other electric and pneumatic setups) combine to create myriad systems, including Cartesian robots. The slides also let design engineers pick their own motors and controls, making this linear slide the optimal solution for demanding automation tasks. Other benefits of the electric […]
Tiny voice-coil actuators stay cool in tight spaces
A compact LAH04-10-000A linear voice-coil actuator (VCA) from BEI Kimco Magnetics uses moving-magnet operation to deliver sort but powerful stroke lengths. With this new model, the line includes actuators from 0.375 to 2.4-in. (outside diameter) in myriad stroke lengths, peak force, and custom features. The 0.375-in.diameter actuators deliver force to 0.5 lb … and with a […]
Integrated Actuators – The CSR-17
The CSR-17 integrated actuator is an excellent choice for automating 3D printing and scanning, actuating values in hot runners, accurate placing cutting tools in labeling equipment, and as a replacement for pneumatics in general assembly. Combining a lead screw stepper motor with a networkable intellgent drive, the CSR-17 can operate independantly or be dynamically controlled […]
New Voice Coil Actuator Developer’s Kit from BEI Kimco
To help designers get started with voice coil actuators (VCA) and the sometimes confusing electronics needed for building a system, BEI Kimco Magnetics has introduced the VCA Developer’s Kit. The completely self-contained kit includes a VCA with a built-in feedback sensor and a programmable controller with MotionLab Software that runs on the user’s local PC. […]
