Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. There are two types of servomotors commonly used for positioning motion control applications — the dc brush motor (which uses mechanical brushes to commutate the […]
Editor Blogs
New motor could spur new applications
It often happens than new technologies enable new forms of automation — or makes them more practical. One new electric-motor design recognized by this year’s R&D 100 Awards could prove one such technology. Lisa Eitel | Executive editor Most electric vehicle or EV motors use permanent-magnet synchronous motors or PMSMs with the magnets on their rotors, and […]
Day 1: New technologies at Automate 2025
In addition to presentations and technical sessions, several dozen companies have announced new technologies at this year’s Automate Show. Some of these have been released in announcements: Festo Didactic to showcase workforce development at Automate Columbus McKinnon showcases conveyance systems at Automate 2025 Festo showing multi-axis positioning systems at Automate Automate 2025 builds on years […]
Several markets are spurring new innovation in motion systems
Over the last year, Design World has tracked several persistent and emerging trends that build on the last decade’s innovations. With some notable exceptions, many of the core technologies employed in motion systems and automation are familiar. Yet, propelled by the radically increased capabilities of electronics and software, these core technologies have catapulted the design-engineering […]
Precision and miniature technologies at MD&M ATX West
The annual MD&M ATX West show in Anaheim, Calif. is a great place to see how far the industry has advanced precision and miniature technologies over the previous year. Micro-springs, 2-mm linear guides, and slotless motors thinner than chopsticks were just some of the miniature components on display. Our esteemed colleague Rachael Pasini has posted […]
Partnership between ECM PCB Stator Tech and East West Manufacturing for motor production
Design and software company ECM PCB Stator Tech and global engineering and manufacturing services firm East West Manufacturing have announced a strategic partnership to advance adoption of next-generation products incorporating PCB Stator electric motors. The arrangement enables ECM to leverage East West’s extensive production capabilities while allowing East West to extend the benefits of ECM’s […]
2023 Design World LEAP Awards winners in Motion Control
The sixth annual LEAP Awards — celebrating leading engineering achievements in product design — was the largest yet. 2023 LEAP categories were divided across four the WTWH Media brands of Design World, Fluid Power World, Fastener Engineering, and EE World. These 12 categories include Additive Manufacturing • Connectivity • Embedded Computing • Hydraulics • Industrial […]
Packaging automation in perspective
To satisfy today’s market design objectives, packaging machinery over the last decade has become increasingly adaptive. That’s been evident in a range of motion components and fully integrated designs at recent Pack Expo events. More specifically, the newest adaptive machines are: Modular (so they can be reprogrammed if not physically reconfigured on the fly) Fitted […]
Tour: One fast way to design and buy low-cost automation
Performance-plastics component and system manufacturer igus Inc. recently brought their mobile-exhibition roadshow to Cleveland where we Design World editors got the chance to rendezvous with some of their engineers and sales team. igus has used mobile exbits for several years but temporarily halted them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently igus resurrected its roadshow program to […]
Gearmotors driving the timber industry
Rugged innovative gears and gearmotors along with other drive technologies rise to the challenge in demanding wood-processing applications. By Oscar Lopez • Service manager — industrial gearing | SEW Eurodrive Applications in the timber industry are varied and demanding — consisting of debarking, sawing, drilling, milling, and grinding operations. The machines used in these processes […]
