HEIDENHAIN’s new absolute modular magnetic angle encoder is for applications needing contamination-resistant encoders with functional safety (FS) for machine feedback. This new ECM 2400 encoder supplements HEIDENHAIN’s portfolio of absolute angle encoders and is designed for machine tool applications that require a sturdy encoder with medium accuracy. The ECM 2400 is suitable for applications with […]
Industry News
IoT connectivity enhances controller performance
The controllers available today to design engineers have more built-in functions, are more powerful, and are being used in a wide array of diverse applications. We asked some of the top controls manufacturers what trends they’re seeing in the industry. Here’s what they told us. Do you see automation controllers in any new uses? Where […]
Motors – the heart of motion control systems
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 […]
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 […]