Industrial robots, conveyors, wind turbines, machine tools, packaging machines and pumps are just some of the places you’ll find torque limiters. By Lawrence Kren • Contributing writer Torque limiters actuate on the order of milliseconds to prevent overload, shock, and torque spikes that could otherwise damage components or shorten operating life. They also serve in […]
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How do manufacturers address cogging in linear motors?
Iron core linear motors are known for their high continuous and peak force capabilities, good thermal management, and excellent force-to-size ratio. But they’re also known to produce cogging forces, which lead to force ripple, or variation in output force. But how much of a problem is cogging for iron core linear motors, and what are […]
What are recipes in the context of HMIs?
Many companies offer a range of products that are variations of a “base” model, using many of the same components, manufacturing methods, and processing steps to keep inventory and manufacturing costs under control while still providing customers with a range of choices to fit their exact needs. Automobiles are an excellent example. Take the Ford […]
List of winners in the fourth annual LEAP Awards — Industrial Automation category
The fourth annual LEAP Awards — celebrating leading engineering achievements in product design — was the largest yet. 2021 LEAP categories were divided across four the WTWH Media brands of Design World, Fluid Power World, Fastener Engineering, and EE World. These 12 categories include Additive Manufacturing • Connectivity • Embedded Computing • Hydraulics • Industrial […]
ATEX and IECEx classifications and markings explained
When electrical equipment is used in a potentially hazardous location — one that contains flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers — it’s important that the potential for fire or explosion be minimized. One way to do this is to use equipment that has been certified as suitable for that environment and not likely to […]
Beckhoff Automation takes the gold in 2021 LEAP Awards Motion Control category
The winners of the 2021 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced today in a digital ceremony, with products across 12 categories, including Motion Control. Critical to LEAP’s success is the involvement of the engineering community. The Design World editorial team assembled a top-notch independent judging panel, comprised of a cross-section of OEM […]
What are harmonics and how do they affect motion control systems?
Harmonics are voltages or currents caused by non-linear loads on a power supply. Harmonic frequencies occur at integer multiples of a fundamental frequency and are superimposed on the fundamental voltage or current waveform, creating a distorted waveform. Harmonics are classified first by their order, or the integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, for […]
Moog Focal relocates slip-ring production for expansion into renewable energy
Moog Focal, an international ocean technology company based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, is undertaking further expansion into the renewable energy sector. As a result, the company is hiring to fill different roles that will support their expected growth in renewable energy and other business areas. Moog is relocating the production of a specialized slip […]
Classifying hazardous locations: What’s the difference between Class, Division, and Zone?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a hazardous location is an area where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to electrical equipment operating in the presence of flammable or ignitable gases, liquids, or vapors, or in the presence of combustible dust, fibers, or flyings. But even within this definition, the risk of fire or […]
Celera Motion debuts ultra-lightweight inductive angle encoder
Celera Motion has released an innovative new device for precise angle measurement; a compact, ultra-lightweight inductive angle encoder, ideal for a variety of surgical, medical and industrial robotics. The new IncOder CORE is a non-contact device featuring the robust and reliable position sensing technology of IncOder — all fully contained in a stacked printed circuit board […]