Let’s face it — when designing a motion control or automation system, engineers don’t immediately think of enclosures and component mounting. They’re instead concerned with selecting the right type of controllers, motors, actuators, feedback, and networking all of these pieces together. Not top of mind (usually) is how a controller will fit inside of an […]
Industrial Automation
Drives and controls for robotics: See them at the 2019 Robotics Summit
In a couple weeks, the 2019 Robotics Summit (focused on the design, development, manufacture, and delivery of commercial robotics) will take place in Boston. It will be co-located with the DeviceTalks event at the Seaport World Trade Center. One display will be an array of precision processing and powering technologies for robotics. Elmo Motion Control […]
Using mechanical torque limiters to protect servo-driven machinery
Servomotor-driven machinery abounds in today’s automated applications. These designs typically require high speeds for top throughput, dynamic operation for nimble positioning, and (in many cases) quick reversals for indexing. So it’s key to have some means to: Protect the servomotor from damage by sudden load changes, over-torque conditions, or shock due to machine issues. The […]
Available May 2019: Trinamic six-channel stepper-motor controller module for improved performance
TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG now sells the TMCM-6214, a highly integrated module capable of driving up to six two-phase stepper motors, drawing up to 1.9A RMS each at supply voltages of up to +24 V. Thanks to its three integrated encoder inputs for incremental A/B/N encoders, it can support high-precision position feedback […]
Beckhoff expands compact industrial PC line with C6032
To boost connectivity options in ultra-compact PC Control hardware, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new C6032 Industrial PC (IPC). With dimensions of only 129 x 133 x 104 mm, the C6032 IPC enhances the scalability of the PC-based controller portfolio from Beckhoff. A high-performance device in a modular design, the C6032 adds two slots for […]
What’s the difference between PL and SIL machine safety standards?
Machine safety is governed by two standards: EN/ISO 13849-1 and EN/IEC 62061. Both standards are harmonized to the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which defines the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) for machinery. Although their methods for performing risk assessment are different, both standards — EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 — when correctly applied, […]
CC-Link IE TSN and motion-control applications: Technical update for engineers
Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is not a protocol but an update to improve the IEEE Ethernet standard … and let engineers use general-purpose Ethernet for increasingly fast and sophisticated control and automation. It includes IEEE802.1AS defining its time-synchronization scheme and IEEE802.1Qbv defining its timesharing scheme. These make for punctual and reliable data and signal transmission to […]
Kevin Barker selected as new president of Beckhoff Automation LLC
Barker to manage operations of US Beckhoff subsidiary Beckhoff Automation is pleased to announce that Kevin Barker has been appointed the new president of Beckhoff Automation LLC to manage Beckhoff business operations across the US. Barker takes over the leadership role that Aurelio Banda has held for four years. Banda led Beckhoff Automation LLC revenue […]
B&R X20-series stepper motor module to boost efficiency
The new X20SM1436-1 module from B&R is a new X20 module for direct control of stepper motors. The module runs stepper motors with operating voltages from 18 to 60 Vdc at currents to 2.5 A. Plus integrated current reduction function increases performance and reduces energy consumption. With the current reduction function, B&R has integrated sensorless […]
See it at ATX West: Applied Motion Technology’s latest motors and integrated drives
Applied Motion Products will give personal demonstrations of its latest motor, stepper drive, and servo drive technology at ATX West … at the Anaheim Convention Center Feb. 5 to 7, 2019. Visit Booth 4264 to check out the following technology: MDX Integrated Servo Motors that combine high torque density, low inertia servo motors with on-board drives […]