One common, modern method for controlling three-phase induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors (aka BLAC or PMAC motors) is field oriented control, which independently controls the magnetizing and torque-producing components of the stator current. This allows the torque-producing component to be kept orthogonal to the rotor flux, maximizing torque production. Space vector pulse width […]
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Dorner Latin America Now Manufacturing at New Facility in Mexico
Dorner’s new manufacturing facility in Guadalajara, Mexico (Dorner Latin America) enables the company to build and deliver belt and flexible chain conveyor systems more quickly and efficiently for customers throughout Latin America. Dorner is an industry leader in the design, application, manufacturing and integration of precision industrial and sanitary conveyor systems. The new facility, staffed […]
What are pallet conveyors? (Not to be confused with pallet-moving conveyors)
Pallet conveyors transfer discrete products on carriers referred to as pallets typically transported by belt, roller chain, flat-top chain, or for extremely high loads, powered rollers. Pallet sizes are for the most part standardized among manufacturers in metric dimensions (240 x 240 mm, for example), although some manufacturers offer pallets in inch or non-standard metric […]
An apocalypse that wasn’t – The rare earth mineral shortage
Leland Teschler, Executive Editor lteschler@wtwhmedia.com On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler Scan the news pages from about eight years ago and you will likely notice a lot of hand-wringing about shortages of “critical materials” crucial for high-tech motors. The materials in question were rare-earth metals used for, among other things, making magnets with a super-high energy density. […]
Torque motor from ETEL now with integrated cooling system
In order to simplify the implementation of liquid cooling with torque motors and ease the mounting into direct-drive machine applications, ETEL announces that their TMB+ torque motor can now be ordered with a closed cooling jacket pre-built around it. For over a decade, ETEL has been producing high quality frameless torque motors that are used […]
CC-Link IE TSN and motion-control applications: Technical update for engineers
Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is not a protocol but an update to improve the IEEE Ethernet standard … and let engineers use general-purpose Ethernet for increasingly fast and sophisticated control and automation. It includes IEEE802.1AS defining its time-synchronization scheme and IEEE802.1Qbv defining its timesharing scheme. These make for punctual and reliable data and signal transmission to […]
mk North America introduces CAD360! conveyor modeling tool
Leading conveyor system designer and manufacturer mk North America has announced the official release of a new online conveyor modeling tool — CAD360! — that makes it faster and easier than ever to design and share custom designed conveyor systems. The latest release (which replaces QuickDesigner) adds industry-leading speed to the modeling process. Users […]
Mach III Clutch Inc. supplies mechanical friction torque limiter for fish-barrier hoist
Reclamation District 108 is a 150-year-old water district located in the Sacramento Valley that provides irrigation, drainage, and flood protection to farms and rural communities in the area. But drainage and flood-control canals in this region pose a risk to adult salmon who return from the sea through the San Francisco Bay to make their […]
What is plugging for electric motors?
There are generally three types of electrical braking for motors: regenerative braking, dynamic braking, and plugging. Of the three methods, plugging provides the fastest stop, but it can be harsh on both the electrical and mechanical components. Because of this, it’s the least commonly used method of braking, but it is appropriate for some applications. […]
What is pitch in the context of conveyors?
Roller chains are one of the most common types of transport media for conveying systems. While they’re available in many designs and variations to meet different application requirements, they all have one thing in common. To specify a roller chain, you need three basic dimensions: The chain pitch … the roller diameter … and the width […]