The fundamental mode of operation for gearing and its transmission of mechanical power remains unchanged — as has that for the electric motors with which they pair. But innovative variations have become increasingly common and include more custom gearing, compact designs, and better gearboxes and servogear sets (including helical gearing) for efficiency. Gearing and gearmotors […]
What are rotate and transfer modules for conveyors?
Pallet conveyors — conveyors that move products on individual carriers, or pallets — offer significant flexibility for assembly, automation, and inspection processes, with the ability to move products asynchronously in virtually any configuration imaginable, including curves, turns, and small elevation changes. And beyond these basic movements, special modules for pallet conveyors can transfer products horizontally […]
Specialized conveyors and intelligent transport systems are growing technologies
Conveyors and their subsystems such as in-line weigh stations and complementary inspection systems are seeing increased use. Many of these are run by motors that are more efficient than ever. The latest designs also include new forms of wiring and connectivity that satisfy the latest standards. Motor-driven roller or MDR conveying systems remain crucial in […]
Trends 2020: Feature-rich controllers tackle new applications
Controllers are central to motion control systems. They’re often referred to as the brains of the system, evaluating feedback from the environment and responding in accordance with a control program to complete an assigned task. Today’s controllers have more built-in functions, are more powerful, and are being used in diverse applications. We asked some of […]
Beckhoff helps develop the CoronaVent ventilator
Researchers at the Czech Technical University in Prague have developed a prototype of the cost-effective CoronaVent lung ventilator. The team — called the Nonconventional Ventilatory Team (NVT) — is led by Prof. Karel Roubík. Roubík is a member of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the university. The CoronaVent intended to help prevent the collapse of […]
AS-Interface: What is it and when is it used?
Sensors and actuators have traditionally been connected to PLCs or other controllers via discrete wires and cable harnesses. But the introduction of actuator-sensor interface, also known as AS-Interface, or AS-I, in the 1990’s offered users and integrators a reliable, cost-effective replacement for the bulky, time-consuming method of parallel wiring. A new version of actuator-sensor interface, […]
Trends 2020: Drives propel robotics and IoT applications
The overall trend in drives is for more powerful, capable, and feature-rich products to handle the challenges of automation and control over a range of industries and applications. We asked some top drive manufacturers what they’re seeing and here’s what they told us. In what industries has your company seen increased activity? Mike Wolfe, Business […]
Motion-control systems help automate COVID-19 testing
Automated biochemical analyzers vastly accelerate the testing of patient samples in laboratories, which has become critical now that the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe. Advanced automation with motor-based motion systems will help in the fight to hasten diagnosis. Just consider the cobas 6800 and 8800 machines from Roche that automate testing of nasopharyngeal […]
Types of industrial springs: compression, extension, and torsion
Typically mounted deep inside an assembly of moving parts, industrial springs often go unnoticed, despite their importance to motion control and industrial equipment. In fact, they’re found in everything from door closing mechanisms on machine tools to mechanical seals in rotary unions. While springs are readily available in custom designs and variations, there are three primary types […]
What are current and future MEPS for electric motors?
Minimum efficiency performance standards, or MEPS, specify the required efficiency levels for electric motors used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The goals of implementing MEPS are to increase energy efficiency, promote energy savings, and reduce operating costs for electric motors. And although work is being done to harmonize electric motor efficiency classifications, MEPS vary […]
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