A typical brushed DC motor consists of an outer stator, typically made of either a permanent magnet or electromagnetic windings, and an inner rotor made of iron laminations with coil windings. A segmented commutator and brushes control the sequence in which the rotor windings are energized, to produce continuous rotation. Coreless DC motors do away […]
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Ogura explains how permanent-magnet brake work with new animation
Ogura Industrial Corp. has created a new animation showing how permanent magnet brakes work. The animation shows an exploded view of the component parts and how they interact with each other. In permanent magnet brakes, holding force is created by permanent magnets and released by energizing the magnetic field. Permanent magnet brakes are higher torque […]
Coordination of motion automation with robotics — with unifying software and hardware
Automated installations feature more robots than ever. But unless it’s a custom or Cartesian setup, robot controls are traditionally segregated from those for automated motion axes. So connectivity between robot and system controller or PLC is via a network — usually based on Ethernet. Then a control system coordinates the machine functions of nearby conveyors or […]
New functions in B&R SafeDESIGNER 3.1 include expanded numeric ranges for functions
The latest version of B&R’s SafeDESIGNER tool now makes it possible to process and compare safe INT and DINT signals in addition to linking them mathematically using basic arithmetic operations. Safety-oriented function blocks are also available for converting INT and DINT values in either direction. This expansion now rounds off the full range of numeric […]
Integrated “all-in-one” stepper motor + drive + controllers from AMCI now smaller
Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) has added a smaller size-17 option to their lineup of PLC-based SMD Series “all-in-one” stepper motor + drive + controllers to satisfy a wide variety of applications with varying torque requirements. The SMD Series offers many sophisticated features at a budget friendly price point, and integration eliminates the need to […]
What are leading methods for VFD control of AC motors?
AC motors are often used in equipment that runs at constant speed regardless of load, such as fans, pumps, and conveyors. But when speed control is required, an AC motor is paired with a variable frequency drive (VFD), which regulates the motor’s speed by using one of two control methods — scalar control or vector […]
Heavy-duty absolute encoders — now with EtherCAT communications
New EPC Model A58HE and Model A58SE are EtherCAT-ready, multi-turn absolute encoders for harsh factory and plant environments. They work in applications where fieldbus connectivity is required, and the encoder must retain absolute position information after power-off events. The Model A58HE is a 58-mm encoder in a hollow-bore construction, and the Model A58SE is a […]
October 1st — Conveyor manufacturer mk North America celebrates 30 years
Leading conveyor system designer and manufacturer mk North America is celebrating 30 years in business. Check out the company’s new video detailing the company’s products and services to commemorate the occasion. As the U.S. subsidiary of the German machine builder Maschinenbau Kitz, mk began in 1988 when Andreas Tietje established the U.S. location in […]
What are rotary unions and how are they used in motion applications?
Rotating components are common in motion applications — robot arms, winders, spools, spindles, and rotary tables are just a few examples. And while creating rotary motion is easy, when air or liquids need to be transferred from a stationary supply to a rotating component for cooling, heating, lubricating, or transmitting fluid power, the task becomes […]
NORD launches next generation two-stage bevel gear motors
NORD’s new SK 920072.1 two-stage helical bevel gear motor (mounted with a NORD motor) is a drive solution for a wide range of light duty conveying, processing and manufacturing applications. Identified by its high-strength and light-weight design, NORD’s newest aluminum gear motor is a cost-effective replacement for cast iron units. Two housing styles offer options […]