Seals, chains, cable carriers, springs, retaining rings, and general power-transmission (PT) components continue to see new materials at critical surfaces; proliferation of application-specific versions (especially for compression and wave springs); and increasingly practical online purchasing for both off-the-shelf components and customized orders. Here we explore some of these trends. Online B2B ordering of very specific […]
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Which drive-based safety functions can I use for a controlled stop?
Safe Torque Off (STO) is the most basic of the drive-based safety functions, producing an uncontrolled stop, in accordance with the standard EN/IEC 60204-1. The STO function is suitable for systems with low inertia or high friction that will stop in a relatively short amount of time when power is removed from the motor, and when […]
How do STO inputs affect SIL3/PLe conformity for AC drives?
Safe Torque Off, or STO, is a drive-based safety function that stops the drive from providing power to the motor, without interrupting power to the drive. Activating the STO function produces an uncontrolled stop, meaning the motor coasts to a stop based on the system’s inertia and friction. The STO function also prevents an unexpected […]
Thermal time constants and managing PMAC servo motor overloads
When high intermittent power density is required, using classic RMS calculations and speed-torque performance curves as the sole selection methods may be problematic. That’s because such approaches might cause motor or drive undersizing. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Using classic performance curves with RMS calculations is perfectly acceptable for […]
Custom ABM Drives for extreme-environment motors, drives, and hoists
ABM Drives has extensive experience in developing and producing gearmotors for demanding applications — including dockside crane hoists, trolleys, and bridge drives. The gearmotors are engineered to last years even under severe duty cycles that demand minimum maintenance and enduring reliability. In fact, ABM hoist drives can withstand exposure to extreme ambient conditions. Drives must […]
SERAPID supplies Meridian Lift for XXIII Olympic Winter games opening ceremony
The SERAPID solution has once again been chosen to provide dynamic stage action for the opening ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. SERAPID had previously provided an extensive stage lift system for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China. The opening ceremony took place in the Pyeongchang Olympic main stadium, […]
What is state space control?
If you design, install, or troubleshoot motion control systems, you’re probably familiar with PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control, which uses feedback to detect errors between the desired position and the actual position and applies corrective commands to compensate for those errors. Although PID control is the most common type of industrial controller, it does have limitations. First, […]
MD&M West (ATX West) 2018 — First day of motion technologies
One full day down, and MD&M West and the collocated ATX — also known as the Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show — are in full swing in Anaheim. New motion-control and power-transmission products and applications abound — with a lot of cross-pollination to other industries from the medical-device and semiconductor-manufacturing industries. Here’s just a smattering […]
Rockwell Automation to Show Intelligent Motion Systems at ATX West
Attendees at the Automation Technology Expo West (ATX West) in Anaheim, Calif. Feb. 6 to 8 can learn how to enhance productivity using intelligent motion systems from Rockwell Automation. The systems that will be demonstrated use independent cart technology to help manufacturers reach new levels of throughput and process optimization. Rockwell Automation will be exhibiting […]
Siemens introduces new servo drive system
With its Sinamics S210 converter designed specifically for use with the newly developed Simotics S-1FK2 motors, Siemens is offering a new and innovative servo drive system in an initial offering from 50 to 750 W. The converters come with integrated safety functions and enable rapid engineering via motion technology objects in Simatic S7-1500 controllers. They […]