Rather than traditional standalone systems, modern motion systems are integrated into the overall machine environment, making for easier connectivity and IoT implementations. Here, Daymon Thompson, U.S. Software Product Manager and Sree Swarna Gutta, U.S. I/O Product Manager, Beckhoff Automation LLC, weigh in on how their technologies are enabling this transition. 1. What edge devices do you […]
Controls
Miniature controllers from FAULHABER control a range of dc motors
The new MC 3001 are unhoused versions of the FAULHABER motion controllers and, by means of the integrated output stage with optimized current measurement, can control dc micromotors, linear dc servomotors or brushless dc motors from the company’s product line from 6 to 30 mm. With an overall height from 2.6 mm and a format […]
New ultra-compact motion controller from Performance Motion Devices
Performance Motion Devices, Inc. (PMD) debuts their new ION/CME N-Series Digital Drives, new members of the ION Digital Drive family that provide high-performance motion control, network connectivity and amplification. N-Series ION digital drives feature a patented, ultra-rugged PCB-mountable package with three power output levels – 75, 300, and 1,000 W. All ION/CME N-Series Digital Drives […]
IoT connectivity enhances controller performance
The controllers available today to design engineers have more built-in functions, are more powerful, and are being used in a wide array of diverse applications. We asked some of the top controls manufacturers what trends they’re seeing in the industry. Here’s what they told us. Do you see automation controllers in any new uses? Where […]
Controller provides multi-axis motion control to packaging systems
Developed by Servotronix with an EtherNet/IP interface from STXI Motion, the softMC compact microcontroller lets any major OEM programmable logic controller (PLC) seamlessly control any motion control component, including robots, drives, and motors to add innovation and modularity to packaging systems. “The softMC motion controller provides packaging equipment suppliers the flexibility and controls they need […]
ctrlX HMI from Bosch Rexroth offers an optimized user-experience combination
Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX HMI offers machine manufacturers optimum freedom when it comes to implementing the user experience with intuitive user guidance. The portfolio includes small operating panels, tablets, panel PCs, or large stationary displays with a screen diagonal of up to 24 inches. Anti-glare and chemically hardened front glass make display and operating panels ideal […]
Building IoT into new machines
With IoT-capable hardware and software readily available, engineers are seeing the benefits of including IoT functionality into new machine designs by default. Rich Carpenter Silvia Gonzalez Emerson Rapid developments in the consumer electronics realm have become a general expectation of users everywhere, with vendor releases each year predictably topping previous iterations for performance, features, and […]
Ultra-efficient motors improving cordless consumer-appliance performance
25 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity are consumed globally per year — of which 53% is consumed by electric motors. So replacing traditional electric motors with ultra-high-efficiency electric motors in all sorts of industries could significantly reduce energy wasted to noise and heat — and increase the performance and cost effectiveness of motor-driven designs in […]
TwinCAT/BSD offers alternative operating system for Beckhoff Industrial PCs
TwinCAT/BSD provides an alternative operating system for all of the latest Beckhoff Industrial PC (IPC) platforms. TwinCAT/BSD combines the TwinCAT runtime with FreeBSD, an industrial-proven and reliable open-source operating system. FreeBSD is Unix-compatible and is continually being further developed, improved and optimized as an open-source project by a large group of developers. The FreeBSD system […]
All-in-one controller with integrated drives for OEM machine builders
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 […]
