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, […]
Editor Blogs
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 […]
Sizing a dynamic brake resistor
Dynamic brakes in electric motor drives divert rising DC bus voltage seen during load deceleration. Here we explain how to size the resistors that process that voltage. By Lawrence Kren | Contributing writer Dynamic brakes divert rising DC bus voltage to an appropriately sized resistor where that voltage is then dissipated as heat. This process […]
Pertinent operating conditions for ac gearmotors and motors
Nameplate values stipulate the limits at which a motor or gearmotor can safely operate. To operate the motor either over or under the nameplate rated limit can degrade motor performance and safety. Let’s now review some of these restrictions and the consequences of ignoring them. Tim Oliver, V.P. of Engineering • Bodine Electric Co. Operating […]
Best practices for designing automated production lines
The newest generation of factory automation technologies is transforming production lines in every major industry — from consumer-packaged goods and electronics manufacturing to electric vehicles and battery production. As automation technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and connected, manufacturers are exploring new ways to add flexibility, achieve higher productivity, and capture real-time insight across operations. But not […]
Absolute rotary encoders make omnidirectional motion a VR reality
Encoders are critical motion control components that provide feedback on a system’s position and speed. They are used in almost every industry — such as aerospace, robotics, packaging, and textiles — and are building traction in virtual reality (VR) treadmills. VR treadmills let users physically move in real-life space while navigating virtual environments. But unlike […]
Basics of wave and cycloidal gearing for robotics and servo designs
Many of today’s precision applications necessitate gears capable of dramatic speed reductions, power densities, and transmission accuracies. Leading choices in these designs include trochoidal and cycloidal gearing as well as gearsets relying on wave-inducing subcomponents having an elliptical or Reuleaux or other polygonal shape. Trochoidal and cycloidal gearing includes elements that rotate and trace curves around […]
Conveyors support the shift to just-in-case manufacturing
New investments in industrial and manufacturing conveying technologies could reach $65.1B by 2026. That’s according to a new report from researchandmarkets.com. Continued push to automate material handling, assembly, and distribution operations are key drivers. Another is the pressure from regulatory changes forcing adoption of conveyors sporting gearless and other energy-efficient motor designs. Still another is […]
Three torque-limiter options compared (and trip torque explained)
Industrial robots, conveyors, wind turbines, machine tools, packaging machines and pumps are just some of the places you’ll find torque limiters. By Lawrence Kren • Contributing writer Torque limiters actuate on the order of milliseconds to prevent overload, shock, and torque spikes that could otherwise damage components or shorten operating life. They also serve in […]
Moog Focal relocates slip-ring production for expansion into renewable energy
Moog Focal, an international ocean technology company based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, is undertaking further expansion into the renewable energy sector. As a result, the company is hiring to fill different roles that will support their expected growth in renewable energy and other business areas. Moog is relocating the production of a specialized slip […]
