The old way of connecting components in a motion control system was to make individual wire connections between components, which was time consuming and tedious. So when networks for motion control came along it was a relief, simplifying design and saving time and money. Here are four of the biggest benefits of using networks in […]
FAQs + basics
Motion system applications: encoders in aerospace and manufacturing
THERE ARE AS MANY ENCODER CHOICES as there are design objectives. When encoders provide position feedback, it’s common to specify encoder resolution exceeding what the application requires as a way to address the partial count uncertainty of digital measurements. Heavy industrial equipment for metal stamping, wind turbines, printing, and steel processing often uses high-speed rotary […]
What are functional safety standards for servo drives?
Safety is a serious concern for machine builders, system integrators, and end users. Not only do they have a responsibility to provide a safe production environment, they must also meet regulatory requirements for machine safety. And of course, all of this should occur with minimal impact on operational efficiency and productivity. Fortunately, functional safety features […]
VFD Troubleshooting 101 — with no-power checks
Before you rip that variable frequency drive (VFD) off the wall and send it in for a rebuild, stop. Some simple checks diagnose a VFD in moments. Here’s how to make the necessary inspections with a multimeter. By Daniel Schubert • Yaskawa Product Training Engineer Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are a staple component of many industrial […]
What’s the difference between a tachometer and an encoder?
What’s the difference between a tachometer and an encoder? Basically, the short answer is that a tachometer gives speed information only — how fast a piece of machinery is rotating — while an encoder gives position information about some piece of machinery … in other words, where it is in space at some given time). […]
FAQ: What are Hall effect sensors and what is their role in DC motors?
DC motors can be either brushed type, which are mechanically commutated, or brushless, which are commutated electrically. In brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Hall effect sensors are used in place of a mechanical commutator and brushes. Hall effect sensors are solid-state, magnetic field sensors. They work on the principle that when a conductor with current flowing through […]
What’s the difference between single-axis and multi-axis (rack or cabinet) controls?
By Craig Dahlquist • Application Engineer at Lenze Americas || As with most applications, the requirements of the application can determine what type of drive architecture is selected. The single-axis control means that the DC power supply is internal to each drive. The multi-axis control utilizes a central DC power supply that a number of axes share through the […]
How to use servo drives with asynchronous (induction) motors?
With high construction costs of rare earth permanent magnet synchronous servo motors, asynchronous (induction) motors are more acceptable, when possible. By Craig Dahlquist • Application Engineer at Lenze Americas One way to get servo control of an asynchronous motor (on 400 to 480 Vac supply voltage) is to use a conventional 230/400 or 230/460 Vac (delta/wye connection) […]
Latest motion applications: Controllers in new designs
Motion controllers range from single-axis smarts to programmable automation controllers (PACs) that synchronize hundreds of axes and plant data communications. These precision command centers are central to today’s motion-system innovation. Consider how last year, the Composite Material Laboratory at Inholland University in the Netherlands installed a Moog Portable Test Controller for analysis of composite materials. […]
Latest motion applications: Belts and pulleys in new designs
Updated November 2018 || Common where efficiency (or accuracy) are objectives are synchronous or high-torque drive belts. Applications from consumer-grade home printers to heavy industrial conveyors use these synchronous belts, because unlike V belts with trapezoidal cross-sections, they don’t slip. Motion applications often need customized belts and sprockets in urethane, double-sided, mini-pitch, and made-to-order (MTO) […]