ACS Motion Control – part of the Physik Instrumente (PI) Group – has launched the first in a new line of Economical Control Module (ECM) products. The ECMsm is a compact, all-in-one, 2- or 4-axis motion controller with internal drives. Designed for OEMs with cost-sensitive motion control applications, it provides up to 5/10 A per […]
Controls
What is friction compensation in servo control?
Friction, which is the resistance to relative motion between two bodies, occurs in all sliding and rolling motions. In components that use lubrication to separate rolling or sliding surfaces — such as bearings and gears — there are typically two types of friction: static friction and dynamic friction. Static friction — also referred to as “stiction” […]
What is dual-loop control for servo systems and when is it used?
In servo-driven systems, feedback for position, velocity, and/or torque control is typically provided by a rotary encoder or resolver mounted to the motor. But mechanical components and connections in the drivetrain — such as gearboxes, ball screws, and couplings — are not perfectly rigid and introduce backlash, compliance, and windup into the system. This lack […]
How to size an electric-motor-driven chain-and-sprocket system
In previous motion-sizing articles, we reviewed how to properly specify (using software) a ballscrew-driven motion axis. Then we reviewed how engineering teams can use a similar software-based approach for sizing rack-and-pinion-based servomotor-driven axes on the same five-axis gantry. Now we’ll explore the process for sizing the components (using that same software) for an electric-motor-powered axis […]
Podcast: Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action (addressing COVID and more)
In a recent podcast interview, we got the chance to talk with Jeff Johnson of Beckhoff Automation about linear-motor conveyors (also called intelligent transport systems) as well as the planar-motor system from Beckhoff called the XPlanar. Listen in: Design World · Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action! Beckhoff engineer Jeff Johnson explains […]
New module, software from Control Techniques boosts motion performance
Control Techniques, part of the Nidec group, has launched the next generation of its Motion Made Easy servo control suite. The new PTi210 module, and accompanying software, are designed for use with Control Techniques’ Unidrive M and Digitax HD servo drive platforms. Integrating PTi210 enables designers to access the comprehensive, easy-to-use PowerTools Studio software interface. […]
What is a flying shear application in motion control?
The term “motion control” spans a wide range of applications that involve controlling the movement of a linear or rotary axis to achieve a goal such as moving to a specified position or precisely following a defined path. And although there are numerous variations, at their core, many of these applications can be grouped into […]
Maple Systems Inc. now offers new line of PC2300B Series industrial panel PCs
Maple Systems Inc. now offers new line of PC2300B Series industrial panel PCs — controllers with a built-in HMI screen. The industrial PCs are designed to resolve the toughest automation challenges in manufacturing, processing, and fabrication environments … … including those in automobile assembly plants as well as the food-processing industry. All Maple Systems PCs […]
New AllMotion EZ4Axis17XR-ST four-axis stepper motor controller driver
AllMotion now offers a new EZ4Axis17XR-ST highly compact controller driver measuring only 1.65 x 1.65 in. with six encoder inputs and 16 I/O connections. This 1/32nd step device operates from 8V to 30V and allows adjustment of the motor current up to 0.5A per motor. The compact board-level controller + driver was designed to allow […]
Contactless energy transfer, cable-free communication open up new possibilities for machine builders
One of the more promising recent developments in connection technology is contactless energy and data transfer and its use in the industrial world. Such technology can replace wiring and cables and cable carriers, lowering costs and streamlining designs. For instance, robotic systems are sometimes limited by constraints in automation and drive technology. However, consider the […]
