Planetary gearsets offer applications advantages over other gearsets, including multiple kinematic combinations, power density, big reductions from compact setups, and pure torsional reactions. Planetary gearboxes also boost overall design efficiency. Losses never exceed 3% per stage, so the sets transmit most energy for productive motion output. In applications driven by servo systems, gearboxes also reduce […]
Controls
What are HMI-PLC combination units and where do they make sense?
PLCs have long been an industry standard in machine control. They range in size and function from the simplest of controllers with the most basic ladder logic instruction set to multi-function complex units that can provide multiple control modes from basic control functions to process control and even motion control functions. (Programmable automation controllers, or […]
Smart controller provides performance, wear monitoring for clutches and brakes in IoT systems
Regent Controls, a Carlyle Johnson Company, has introduced the SmartSense(IoT), a sensorless controller for clutches and brakes in industrial Internet of Things systems. The SmartSense(IoT) provides real-time information and insights on a clutch or brake’s functional health and operation, with data that allows users to optimize maintenance, lifespan, power consumption and performance. “Our SmartSense product […]
IDEC introduces HG1P handheld human-machine interface
IDEC Corporation introduces the new 4.3” LCD screen size HG1P handheld human-machine interface (HMI). This lightweight and robust HMI is the right-sized way to enhance operator interactions for automated machine tending and robotics applications, and it is the most cost-effective device of its type. User-First Design At only 500g and with contoured handgrips, a hand strap, […]
ACE Controls now supplies SOL-28 solar dampers
ACE Controls now supplies SOL-28 solar dampers for solar-panel motion designs needing compression and extension forces of 14 to 2,252 lb and strokes of 1.97 to 15.00 in. The main purpose of SOL-28 solar dampers is to protect photovoltaic (PV) solar tracking systems from damage caused by the negative effects of harsh weather conditions. The dampers […]
Multi-axis servo system features oversampling technology
The AX8000 multi-axis servo system from Beckhoff now offers oversampling technology in addition to extremely high dynamics and μsec cycle times. Oversampling technology via EtherCAT enables process data scans several times within a communication cycle. This significantly boosts performance for precision processing machines and other systems that require evaluation of high-resolution measured values. With the […]
Breaking the old rules of inertia matching for servo applications
Modern servo drives with advanced tuning capabilities — when paired with performance servo motors having high-resolution feedback — can eliminate load-to-motor inertia-mismatch concerns. By the Kollmorgen engineering staff The accepted principle of matching motor to load inertia is no longer pertinent with today’s faster motion-control processors and advanced control algorithms. This outdated inertia-matching method of […]
How custom BLDC motors boost performance and lower costs
From packaging to communications, BLDC servomotors are gaining market share in a variety of industries — and for good reason. They deliver high torque and smooth rotation (with minimal torque ripple) and lend themselves well to cost-saving customization. By Ralph Adams • President | Orbex Group Design engineers typically rely on off-the-shelf brushless dc (BLDC) […]
Micro PLCs now with EtherNet/IP
IDEC Corporation has added EtherNet/IP communications to its MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLC. This update provides more options for end users, designers, and OEMs to integrate the FC6A Plus with many types of I/O systems and intelligent automation devices. The FC6A Plus is already expandable to support up to 2,060 I/O, making it suitable for controlling […]
EtherCAT sets record with 3,000 vendor IDs
The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) issued its 3,000th EtherCAT vendor ID in July 2020. Beckhoff introduced the EtherCAT real-time Ethernet system to the market in 2003 and disclosed its details within the ETG the same year. This recent milestone underscores how the ultra-fast communication system has taken the automation world by storm since its release, […]
