Schneider Electric recently launched SpecLive Collaborate, a first-of-its-kind platform, to modernize and streamline product specification and content integration for professionals. Developed in partnership with RIB Software, SpecLive Collaborate represents the next generation of collaborative, prescriptive solutions and is the latest offer in the Schneider Electric Specifier toolkit. Developing specifications is often a disjointed, manual process […]
Software
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 […]
Five ways to drive ROI from personnel and cobot investments
In this article, we detail how assembly, packaging, and machine-tool OEMs can keep senior plant personnel in charge of the most demanding and intricate tasks — and relegate everything else to pre-programmed work routines and automated workcells. Such approaches make copious use of cobots and augmented reality (AR) tools. By Tim LeCrone • Director of […]
Warner Electric launches “MBrain” factory intelligence system
Warner Electric, a brand of Altra Industrial Motion Corp. has chosen MTEK’s MBrain, a method-centric software tool, to digitize its high-volume/high-mix manufacturing operations at its plant in Columbia City, Indiana. The goal was to connect a diverse array of machines, including CNCs, hydro presses, delta robots, and testers, to read, visualize and analyze machine and […]
Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX store offers automation and control apps
Bosch Rexroth offers designers the option to quickly and easily obtain access to automation solutions or create apps themselves with ctrlX AUTOMATION. The open automation platform adopts an approach similar to that of smartphones. Customers can now purchase apps in the ctrlX Store, manage software licenses through the Bosch Rexroth Licensing Center and assign them […]
Motor-drive simulation expands virtual commissioning
Integrated automation and motion control simulation software provides simple and quick virtual commissioning for machine builders. By Kevin Wu and Colm Gavin | Siemens Digital Industries In the development of any new machine or plant, faults are almost inevitable. Failure during commissioning is especially problematic, because it’s likely to significantly increase costs and delay the […]
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” […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
