Encoder manufacturers are making sure that their offerings keep pace with broader technological changes and the demands of the market. For example, more powerful motion controllers and drives have spurred a rise in more sophisticated automation systems across a range of industries and applications. Robotics in particular is one area that continues to see growth, […]
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Kollmorgen debuts new generation of robot-ready frameless servo motors
Kollmorgen has introduced the new TBM2G series of frameless servo motors, introducing features that simplify the design of collaborative, surgical, aerospace and defense and other robots while delivering optimal performance in a lighter, more compact package. These new motors will complement Kollmorgen’s existing TBM and KBM series of frameless motors. Resulting from several years of […]
What are biquad and other filter types for servo tuning?
One way to improve servo system performance is to increase the gains in the control loop, allowing the system to respond faster to commands and to settle more quickly, with less oscillation. But increasing the servo gains means that any resonances in the system — typically due to mechanical compliance — are further amplified, which can […]
New plastic bevel gears from igus offer lubrication-free motion
igus has expanded its gear offering with bevel gears made of its iguform S270 and igutek P360 high-performance plastics. These abrasion-resistant, self-lubricating gears are a lightweight and maintenance-free alternative to traditional metallic gears. Gears are widely used as drive elements in a range of applications, from e-bikes to locking systems to actuators. However, when forces […]
Automated foodservice with EtherCAT to disrupt restaurant industry
Now an industrial-appliance-sized design called the Makeline from food services company Hyphen is leveraging software, rugged automation, and networked controls to help labor-strapped restaurants meet modern business demands. “We founded the business in July 2018 to leverage automation technology in modern restaurants,” says Daniel Fukuba, Co-Founder and CTO of Hyphen. “Shortly thereafter, we built the […]
What is external device monitoring and how does it relate to machine safety?
According to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, technical protective measures should be used to reduce risks that cannot be avoided through safe design measures. These technical protective measures include safety devices such as door locks, covers, light curtains, and other equipment that monitors the machine movements. When the safety device controls and external device, such as […]
Controllers, drives keep pace with automation demands
With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a surge in interest in automation across many industries. As demand for automation has increased, suppliers of automation components such as motors, drives, and controllers are seeing increased demand as well. Controllers and drives on offer today are more powerful and offer better performance than […]
What machine safety functions address speed, and when are they used?
The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC states that when a machine manufacturer is unable to eliminate the risks of potential hazardous situations (for example, mechanical hazards such as crushing or cutting) through safe design methods, the next step is to reduce the risks through technical protective measures. These technical measures include protective devices, such as door locks […]
POSITAL’s explosion-proof rotary encoders earn ATEX/IECEx Certification
POSITAL’s explosion-proof IXARC rotary encoders have been certified to comply with ATEX/IECEx directives for Category 3 electrical products. These devices are suitable for use in Zone 2 and Zone 22 conditions (potential exposure to hazardous levels of explosive gases and flammable dust) and are ideal for oil and gas installations, chemical plants, woodworking operations, and […]
What is Machine as a Service (MaaS) and what are its benefits?
Most of us are familiar with the software as a service (SaaS) business model, in which users pay a fee to access software over the internet, without requiring an application or download to a local machine. The software as a service model made complex software, such as CRM (customer relationship management) systems, more accessible to […]