By Steve Meyer || Data logging (and use of that data later) was once a complicated venture possible only through specialty hardware and applications — often in the form of standalone supervisory control and data acquisition or SCADA systems. Even new software and PC-based systems come at significant cost. In contrast, many of today’s programmable […]
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Washdown-ready Raptor SS planetary gearhead from CGI
The new Raptor SS precision planetary gearhead from CGI Inc. offers stainless-steel construction and IP65-rated sealing for a washdown-ready design that is suitable in food and beverage and other sanitary applications. The planetary gearhead also has high stiffness to withstand high loading — as well as gear geometry to transmit high torque. Components are made of advanced […]
IDEC releases line of stepper motion-control products
IDEC Corp. now sells a line of motion-control stepper products in conjunction with Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI), an established developer of motion control systems. This AMCI by IDEC product line includes controllers, stepper motors, an integrated controller/drive, an integrated drive/stepper motor, and an integrated controller/drive/stepper motor. When combined with an IDEC FC6A PLC and its […]
Kit encoders using magnetic operation — now for closed-loop position and speed feedback
Christian Fell • POSITAL FRABA | Magnetic rotary-encoder technology is a staple for incremental and absolute motion tracking. Now some manufacturers are offering new encoder geometries based on the technology to give OEMs and machine builders flexibility in the way they incorporate measurement capabilities into products. The encoders don’t require the extreme cleanliness and assembly precision […]
What are DCS, RTU, PLC, and PC functions on programmable automation controllers?
By Steve Meyer || Distributed control systems (DCSs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are control systems with hardware and programming designed to meet the requirements of specific applications. Today’s programmable automation controller (PAC) hardware runs DCS, RTU, PLC, and PC functions as software to replicate the legacy hardware that’s operated in […]
Top electric-actuator trend — integration
If there is one overarching trend for electric actuators, it has to be integration. That is, integrating more components such as feedback devices, controllers and drives, and functions into the actuator itself. Designers are looking for reliable actuators that can be quickly and easily installed, powered up and operational. Here’s what some top actuator manufacturers told […]
New gearmotors from Yaskawa Drives & Motion work in high-torque applications
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. announces the release of a full line of gearmotors based on its Sigma-7 servo motors. The new line brings precise Yaskawa servo motion to a wider variety of automation applications than ever before, especially to uses which require high torque at low output speeds. More after […]
Parker Hannifin Corp. launches Parker Automation Manager 1.3 — an IDE for PAC programming
Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division – North America has just released the Parker Automation Manager (PAM) 1.3 — an update that significantly expands Parker Automation Controller (PAC) features and functionality, allowing users to integrate complex robotics into their machine controller in an easy-to-use, graphical environment. While the PAC is Parker’s all-in-one machine controls solution that combines PLC, HMI, […]
What stepper motor type is best for high torque?
Stepper motors are commonly recognized for their holding torque, which allows them to hold a load at standstill. But for dynamic movements, it’s the motor’s pull-out torque that is important. Pull-out torque is the amount of torque that a stepper motor can produce while it is rotating, without causing it to lose steps. A stepper motor’s ability to generate […]
Power-transmission components and mechanical systems see three new trends
Power-transmission (PT) components include essentials such as chain, springs, seals, and retaining devices, to name a few. There are three main trends that have dominated recent innovation in their design and application. New materials in mechanical parts continue to expand the applications in which all components operate effectively. Compression and wave springs are specified in […]