Electric motors are the engines of motion control and automation. A vast range of motion applications makes use of all kinds of motors, from stepper and servo motors to traditional brushed dc motors. Manufacturers are seeing a number of trends in motor design, based on changing industry demands. Below you’ll find what some of the […]
Industry News
New spring-loaded pivot arm for wheel-encoder assemblies
POSITAL has introduced a new spring-loaded pivot arm mounting system for wheel-encoder assemblies. Like earlier spring-loaded mounting brackets, this device is designed to minimize slippage by maintaining a steady contact pressure between the wheel and the moving surface. However, the pivot arm can accommodate larger lateral movements of the moving surface. Spring tension can be […]
Safety, increased connectivity top drive trends
Drives continue to evolve, responding to broader industry trends in automation with new features. Some of those drivers include rising interest in IoT functionality, the integration of safety features into drives, as well as some newer application areas that are seeing drive manufacturers respond in new and innovative ways. Some advancements are clearly visible in […]
Programmability is a key encoder design trend
Encoders are central to motion control applications, providing feedback in order to increase system accuracy and reliability. As other components in motion systems evolve, encoder manufacturers are making sure that their offerings keep pace with these broader technological changes. For instance, the rise in high-performance networks for motion control is in part driven by the […]
Gears and gearmotor trends — more customized designs
Gearing and mechanical power transmission, in its fundamentals, remains virtually unchanged. However, innovative variations are becoming increasingly common and include more custom gearing, compact designs, and better gearboxes and servo-gear sets. Manufacturers are offering designers more customized solutions via more in-house engineering resources, simplifying the design process. More custom solutions also means greater integration with […]
EtherCAT Technology Group celebrates successful defense of America’s Cup with Emirates Team New Zealand
In an exciting finale off Auckland, New Zealand, EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) member Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) claimed its 7th victory over challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, successfully defending the world’s oldest sporting trophy, the America’s Cup. The races featured a spectacular new class of boat that can reach over 100 kph on or […]
Swiss precision motors handle valuable Mars soil samples
Was there once life on Mars? This is the question that one of the most complex robotic systems ever built by humankind has set out to answer. Several of maxon’s electric drives are used for handling the soil samples — and to control the first Mars helicopter. The rover named Perseverance entered the atmosphere of […]
New white paper explores the potential of TSN to improve manufacturing
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has announced the immediate availability of a white paper on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) at eu.cc-link.org. “Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) –The Case For Action Now” provides an in-depth analysis of what the technology is and why it is crucial to create Smart Factories. Authored by the CLPA and its board member company Analog […]
Lee Spring acquires M & S Spring, advancing rapid prototype spring capabilities
Lee Spring has acquired Michigan-based M & S Spring. M & S Spring, located in Fraser, Michigan, specializes in rapid prototype custom springs that require quick turnaround with quantities ranging from a single piece to higher volume pilot runs. Steve Kempf, CEO of Lee Spring, commented that “the acquisition of M & S Spring expands […]
New distribution partnership between Nidec Motion Control and SDP/SI
Nidec Motion Control is pleased to announce a newly formed Distribution Partnership with Designatronics. Nidec Motion Control specializes in the development and manufacturing of power-dense, standard and custom servo motors, fractional and subfractional gearmotors, as well as a wide array of motor controllers. Designatronics, through its SDP/SI brand is a one-stop source for mechanical components, […]
