A torque motor is a direct-drive electric motor — usually of relatively large diameter — that applies torque to a driven shaft directly without intervening mechanics. Torque motors usually have higher pole-counts and run at lower speeds than servo motors – but they deliver much higher torque than standard servo motors. Some in industry liken […]
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Combination motion drive controllers basics video: Definitions and integration variations
Combination motion drive controllers are components or subcomponent groupings that perform both electric and electronic functions in motion designs to command precision motion tasks from one or more motion axes. Combination motion-drive controllers first command the movements of an electric-motor axis (to follow a prescribed output) and second supply the electrical power to the electric […]
Frameless motor basics video: Operation, integration, and application
Frameless motors are rotor-and-stator subcomponent sets that aren’t prefixed in a traditional motor housing. They don’t include an output shaft (or shaft-support bearings) either. Instead, the OEM or design engineer works with the supplier to tightly integrate the frameless motor stator and rotor directly into the machine and framing. Watch this video for more: However, […]
Planetary gearbox basics video: Benefits, mechanical fatigue, and torque capacity
A planetary gearbox is a contained geartrain that takes the form of a mechanical component containing gear series. In fact, planetary gear sets may be the most common arrangement in integrated gearboxes. The planetary gearbox connects directly to a precision motor either through a coupling or (in an increasing number of cases) direct integration by […]
Motion controller basics video: Electronics, automation tasks, and networking
Motion controllers are pieces of electronics (and in an increasing number of integrated cases, electrical supplies) that run software to command movements on automated pieces of machinery. For more information on this, visit motioncontroltips.com/motion-controller. Motion controllers are designed to regulate the specific actuator type on the axes they’re commanding. That means these controllers include intelligence […]
What You Need to Know About Plastic Gears
Plastic gears are primarily recognized for their quiet operation and resistance to rust – attributes that are important in the food processing, medical equipment, and chemical processing industries, as well as in consumer applications. But plastic gears offer many other benefits, and advances in materials and manufacturing processes are helping to close the remaining performance […]
Gearmotors on the move: Driving AGVs
When someone uses the term “driverless vehicle,” what probably comes to mind is some iteration of the driverless cars that auto manufacturers and technology companies have been testing for the past few years. But driverless vehicles have been around since the 1950s, when wire-guided vehicles, now known as “AGVs,” were first used for industrial applications. […]
New SRP direct drive from HEIDENHAIN with integrated motor and sensing delivers smooth motion
Now SRP series integrated direct drives from HEIDENHAIN integrate MRP series angle-encoder modules with ETEL torque motors having very low detent torque. These direct drives deliver smooth motion control for exacting positioning and measuring tasks.Precision rotary axes are complex, which is why integrated designs with tested and specified properties (instead of those made by machine […]
What’s unique about worm gear lubrication?
Worm gears are used in various types of applications for their ability to provide very high reduction ratios and, in many cases, for their self-locking properties. But choosing the right worm gear lubrication involves more than just selecting the right viscosity. Most gear types, such as helical, bevel and spur, experience both sliding and rolling […]
What are the best methods for gearbox lubrication?
Like other types of rotating equipment, gearboxes rely on lubrication to reduce friction and provide cooling for optimal operation and life. Gearbox manufacturers provide recommendations for the type of lubrication to be used and the typical lubrication intervals, but the actual gearbox lubrication requirements depend on the environmental conditions the gearbox is exposed to, whether […]