Portescap has expanded their new Ultra EC range of brushless motors with the introduction of the 22ECP35 two pole brushless DC motor. As part of the Ultra EC platform of brushless slotless mini motion solutions, these motors offer 30% more continuous torque and 100% more power over similar comparative motors without compromising the smooth operation […]
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Gearbox with near-full contact of meshing gears increases riveting rate for robotic fuselage assembly
The newest high-torque gearbox offering from WITTENSTEIN offers extreme torsional rigidity and the world’s first zero-backlash operation for applications that need superior precision in output motion. In contrast with other gear offerings that transmit power over lines of contact on gear teeth, meshing gears in the Galaxie make almost full-surface contact. This allows for tooth […]
When are worm gears self-locking, and where is this useful?
Worm gears are often used for their ability to provide large speed reduction and high torque multiplication. But their self-locking properties can also be beneficial in many applications. In a worm gear assembly, the worm is typically the driving component. Self-locking means that the gear cannot drive the worm. In other words, back driving is […]
Video: ElectroCraft LRPX 22 and 32 gearmotors have operating ranges optimized to the subcomponents
In a recent video on new ElectroCraft motors, my colleague Paul Heney and I got to review integrated offerings that let designers get higher torque even while maintaining efficiency. The LRPX units are sold as gear motors — not as motor with added gearboxes. This means motor performance is optimized for gear input limitations. An eight-pole […]
New TKU 2040 indexing chain conveyor from mk North America
mk North America, a leading manufacturer of conveyor systems and other material handling setups, is announcing the introduction of a new addition to its product line, the TKU 2040 indexing chain conveyor. Intended to expand on mk’s KTF-P 2010 chain conveyor, the TKU 2040 is specially designed for indexing applications and boasts twin roller chains […]
Absolute type AZ Series stepper motor driver with EtherCAT from Oriental Motor
Oriental Motor now sells a DC-input AZ Series Multi-Axis Drivers with built-in EtherCAT communications. These are based on closed-loop absolute-type AZ Series driver. The AZ Series Multi-Axis Drivers with EtherCAT is a space saving, DC input, multi-axes controller and driver designed for applications demanding 2 or more axis of control and integrating EtherCAT communications from […]
Helical gears: What are they and where are they used?
Helical gears and spur gears are two of the most common gear types and can be used in many of the same applications. Spur gears are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but helical gears offer some important advantages over spur gears. The teeth of a helical gear are set at an angle (relative to axis […]
What are the drawbacks to using a planetary gearbox?
One type of gearbox meets all the design criteria of servo applications while providing relatively long operating life with low maintenance requirements — the planetary gearbox. That’s because planetary gearboxes offer high torque transmission with good stiffness and low noise in a footprint that’s more compact than that of other gearbox types. Read more about how […]
Lenze celebrates 70 years of easy machine automation
Lenze, a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technologies, recently marked 70 years of being in business. In mid-October, more than 400 international experts from the industry, along with journalists, came together at the company’s German headquarters in Gross Berkel (near Hamelin) for the Future Day of Machine Manufacturing. They […]
PLC basics video: Processor types, I/O modules, and programming
Programmable logic controllers — or PLCs — are microprocessor-based electronic components that serve as the programmable smarts for simple or isolated applications. Now they’re also finding increased use on integrated machines and more involved automation setups … PLCs came to being in the 1960s to replace relay-based controls — whole cabinets of relays and impressive […]