As we close out the year of 2022, the staff of Motion Control Tips would like to present our most-read articles of this year. (5th) most read: Electric actuators — an alternative to hydraulic cylinders This article details how as electric rod-style actuators have become capable of outputting forces comparable to those of high-end hydraulics, […]
Controls
New single-axis motion controller from Galil
The DMC-3x01x Motion Controller Series is Galil’s latest generation single-axis motion controller. It uses a 32-bit RISC processor to provide higher speed than older models. Like all Galil controllers, programming the DMC-3x01x is simplified with two-letter, intuitive commands and a full set of software tools for servo tuning and analysis. The DMC-3x01x Motion Controller Series feature: Available as a compact card-level or box-level unit […]
Improved controllers, design software simplify smart machine development
Machine builders can save engineering time and costs with the enhanced Allen-Bradley Micro850 and Micro870 2080-Lx0E controllers using the latest Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation. The improved 2080-Lx0E controllers offer greater connectivity and design efficiency through the new Class 1 implicit messaging capability with up to eight EtherNet/IP devices support. The 2080-Lx0E controllers […]
Yaskawa America to introduce i3 Control at Pack Expo
Yaskawa America, Inc. will introduce i3 Control (“iCube” Control), their new single control technology, during Pack Expo 2022. Pack Expo is the biggest packaging and processing show in North America. Yaskawa will be exhibiting at booth #S-2776. iCube Control debuted in the European market earlier this year and is now being introduced in North America. […]
Compact controllers sport built-in security, open protocols
The new PACSystems RSTi-EP CPE 200 programmable automation controllers (PAC) from Emerson are a family of compact PACs to help OEMs successfully meet customer requirements by minimizing the need for specialized software engineering talent. CPE 200 controllers deliver large programmable logic controller (PLC) capability in a small, cost-effective, IIoT-ready form factor so machine manufacturers don’t […]
Mitsubishi Electric Automation at Automate 2022
Mitsubishi Electric Automation will exhibit at Automate 2022 in Detroit to highlight solutions for a wide variety of applications and industries. The theme of the exhibit is “better together”, which shows creative solutions developed by a number of companies based on Mitsubishi Electric automation products. The “better together” approach includes an in-booth experience centered on […]
Part three of three: Example of a rotary axis needing a regenerative resistor
By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Please refer to part one and part two of this three-part series for background information on the functions and types of regenerative resistors for servo applications. Let’s now consider the worst-case deceleration of an axis needing to reach a zero velocity for a p-stop […]
Part two of three: Servo-system regenerative resistor types and accessories
In the first installment of this series, we explained the regenerative-power requirements for the controlled motion of servomotor systems. Here we detail common electrical protection circuitry. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Designing a machine with servomotors, drives, and regenerative resistors requires consideration of numerous design factors. These components affect […]
Low-cost motion control offered with CLICK PLUS PLCs from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has released the new CLICK PLC programming software version 3.30, which allows any CLICK PLUS CPU to be configured as a 3-axis PTO/PWM motion controller. 100-kHz high-speed inputs and outputs are offered with any dc option slot I/O module placed in slot 0 of the CPU. With this module, CLICK PLUS PLCs can easily […]
Compact 4-axis controller for highly dynamic applications
The CM-CPB3-44 EtherCAT controller from Nanotec controls four brushless dc or stepper motors with a rated power of up to 150 W per axis. Feedback on the motor position is provided by Hall sensors or incremental or SSI encoders. Each axis is equipped with four digital inputs, two outputs, one analog input and one output […]