There are key differences between fixed-position indexing tables and closed-loop position indexing tables. Here we review them and how to control for maximum accuracy. By Ken Pfahl, Sales Manager | Motion Index Drives Indexing tables come in an array of versions with different speed and dwell settings to satisfy tasks in machine-tool handling, stamping, medical-device […]
Industry News
Scott Jordan Named Head of Photonics by PI
PI (Physik Instrumente), a leading provider of photonics alignment, nanopositioning, and precision motion control systems has appointed Scott Jordan as Head of the Photonics Market Segment. Jordan, a PI Fellow, holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree, both in Physics, from University of California, Irvine and an MBA in Finance and […]
New marine propulsion turning, locking & braking system video from Twiflex
Twiflex Ltd., a leader in advanced industrial braking technologies, has introduced a new video that highlights its innovative turning, locking, and braking system (TLB) for marine propulsion shaft applications. The new multi-function TLB solution reduces costs, dimensional space, and installation and maintenance time. The video can be viewed on the Twiflex website at twiflex.com (select […]
Global motion control shipments increase 5% in the first nine months of 2016
Global shipments for motion control products increased by five percent to $2.4 billion in the first nine months of 2016, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), the industry’s trade group. “After a contraction in 2015, it is encouraging to see a return to growth for the motion control […]
Dorner launches latest 3200 series conveyor, highlights others at PackExpo
The newest product line from Dorner — the 3200 series conveyor with Intralox Activated Roller Belt (ARB) Technology — was on display at PackExpo earlier this month, along with several other key technologies from the conveyor manufacturer. The 3200 series is ideal for moving boxes and packages in applications that require merging, diverting and alignment. […]
Applied Motion launches EtherCAT-enabled closed-loop stepper system
At PackExpo earlier this month, Applied Motion Products introduced its newest closed-loop stepper system, which comes with EtherCAT functionality. Its StepServo closed-loop motor and drive system for industrial Ethernet will be available soon. According to Eric Rice, Applied Motion Marketing Manager, the StepServo with EtherCAT “offers up to 50% more torque than traditional step motors […]
FactoryTalk TeamONE App from Rockwell Automation speeds plant diagnostics, collaboration with zero friction
When production experiences a glitch, there is not time for a lengthy process of discovery and finding colleagues. In many industrial operations today, plant-floor workers must deal with downtime events by connecting to the server, hopscotching between devices and data sources, running back and forth between information portals, and hunting down colleagues who have expertise […]
Continental plant in Ohio honored with ambassador of energy efficiency award
Continental’s St. Marys, Ohio, plant, its premier North American manufacturing facility for engineered products, recently received the Ambassador of Energy Efficiency award from Efficiency Smart, a Columbus-based company that assists companies with implementing energy-efficient products and services. “We are proud to receive this award,” said Frank Smith, St. Marys’ plant engineering manager. “We had a […]
Sercos TSN Demonstrator – Sercos over TSN makes its debut at this year’s SPS IPC Drives show in Nuremberg, Germany
Sercos International, provider of the Sercos automation bus, will demonstrate for the first time the transmission of the Sercos III real-time protocol via Ethernet standard IEEE 802.1 TSN (Time-Sensitive Networks) at the 2016 SPS IPC Drives show. The Sercos TSN Demonstrator was created by the Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW, University […]
Rockwell Automation recognizes safety excellence at Dana and OCME
Rockwell Automation named three organizations as recipients of its fourth annual Manufacturing Safety Excellence Awards. The recipients are Dana Incorporated, a global supplier of powertrain technology; MESNAC, an equipment builder in China; and OCME, a global equipment builder in Italy. “This awards program celebrates the world’s safest manufacturing companies for their leadership in making workplace […]