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 […]
Industry News
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, […]
Wafer-handling machine maximizes performance with specially clamping belt-pulley and bushing assembly
In one recent machine redesign, Florida-based machine builder Hine Automation added precision engineered pulley-bushing assemblies to their SL-200C Vacuum Cassette-to-Cassette-Wafer Handling System for a boost in performance. This machine’s function is to transfer silicon wafers from a wafer cassette to a wafer process module under vacuum. The moves are commanded by computer controls. Hine Automation […]
More about what it means for servo brakes to have functional-safety certification
In the article What are functional safety standards for servo drives? we review how functional safety is quantified. Now consider one example of a spring-set pneumatically released friction servomotor brake now having a third-party safety rating (from Intertek Group) certifying compliance with international safety standard ISO 13849-1. Intertek is an international London-headquartered inspection, assurance, product […]
