Soon, a new “motion insights and diagnostics” service from Swiss precision-drive specialist maxon called maxon MIND will help machine builders and plant engineers add condition monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to their equipment. Electric motors are often the best sensor in a machine. After all, the motor signals a controller already reads reflect the condition of […]
Controls
Emerson automates data center infrastructure for AI workloads
Emerson’s DeltaV Automation Platform for Data Centers is an automation portfolio designed for data centers supporting AI workloads. It provides monitoring and control for critical infrastructure by connecting thermal, mechanical and electrical subsystems within a scalable automation architecture. AI-related data center growth is shortening project timelines and increasing coordination requirements across supply chains, engineering teams, […]
Applied Motion Products adds motion and I/O systems
Applied Motion Products has introduced several automation technologies, including the MCA6 Motion PLC, MET2 Remote I/O System, and AK Series StepSERVO Motors and Drives. The products are designed to support machine control, motion coordination and system integration for machine builders and automation engineers. The additions address common machine design requirements, including multi-axis coordination, distributed I/O […]
Beckhoff marks 30 years of TwinCAT automation software
Beckhoff introduced its TwinCAT automation software in 1996 as part of its PC-based control platform. The software moved from DOS to the Windows operating system, supported PLC programming in accordance with IEC 61131-3 and combined engineering tools in one environment. The platform was built around separating hardware and software functions. Today, TwinCAT includes PLC, motion […]
Yaskawa releases Compass 2 CNC software solution
The Drives & Motion division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has announced the release of Compass 2, a CNC software solution for iCube Control. Compass 2 combines the scalability of an industrial PC for the user interface and path planning with the real-time motion and logic control of Yaskawa’s iC9200 machine controller, providing machine tool builders […]
Back to basics: The motion-system design process
In this back-to-basics primer, we outline the essential elements of an automated motion system … whether it’s a piece of robotics or machine design dedicated to a specific routine. All motion systems are electric-motor-driven designs built around two kinds of components: Mechanical power-transmission components — including gears and gearsets, kinematic linkages, belt and pulley sets, […]
How is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) used in motion microcontrollers?
When it comes to communications in motion systems, there are a range of options depending on the specific type of use case. For instance, connecting together a series of drives and motors with controllers can be done with a number of different network protocols such as Ethernet, EtherCAT, CAN, or others. On a different scale, […]
Part 4: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here’s how a focus on system integration can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation This series has focused on high-precision motion control. In such applications, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators […]
Part 3: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here’s how a focus on drives and controls can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation In high-precision motion control, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators are typically sorted by a standard […]
Software, Stäubli, and Beckhoff technologies form a new CNC solution
Machine-tool provider CNC Solutions found that traditional teach-in methods, effective for simple pick-and-place tasks, could not handle the complexity of today’s CNC-class workloads. Milling, sanding, and laser or plasma cutting need managing millions of motion points, far beyond the capacity of manual teaching. For these processes, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is essential. Over the decades, CNC […]
