A piezo element is a ceramic that expands or contracts when an electrical charge is applied, generating linear movement and force. Multiple piezo elements can be layered on top of each other, creating what is known as a stacked piezo actuator. These devices take advantage of the combined effect of each element’s expansion to produce a useful […]
Actuators
Catalyst Motion Group develops Z-theta system
Catalyst Motion Group, a Haydon Kerk motion system integrator, has created a Z-Theta system capability utilizing in-house branded products. Z-Theta systems offer a compact and effective package to achieve a rotary axis and a linear axis in a single unit, that when operated in coordinated motion can effectively create a helical motion path. Z-Theta systems […]
Virtual display of ITT shocks, actuators at Pack Expo
ITT Corp. is showing an array of motion-control products at Pack Expo 2015 next week (Sept. 28 through 30) in Las Vegas — including shock absorbers, rotary actuators and custom cylinders with interactive 3D virtual display of the products, components and processes. The 3D imagery technology will help attendees visualize the products’ motion and function. ITT’s product innovations offer reliability with extended service life. ITT […]
Empire Magnetics offers additional frame sizes for waterproof AC induction motors
Empire Magnetics offers stainless steel AC induction motors for frequent wetting and washdown environments. These stainless steel waterproof motors are available in horsepower ranging from .5 to 20 HP, and nine frame sizes: 56, 143, 145, 182, 184, 213, 215, 254 and 256. Typical applications include food processing, chemical and drug manufacturing, machine tools, paper […]
High moment rodless linear actuator series
Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division is pleased to announce the domestic manufacturing for the complete line of High Moment Rodless (HMR) electromechanical linear actuator series. “This move will serve to greatly improve product lead times as well as offering greater levels of customer support and customization options,” says Jeremy Miller, Parker’s Linear Mechanics Product Manager. New […]
Customizable low-voltage DCH Series Actuator Control resolves common issues for superior flexibility and cost savings
American Control Electronics (ACE) announces the DCH Series Actuator Control, combining an AC to DC switching power supply with a regenerative PWM drive to create an all-in-one solution that saves space, reduces setup time and lowers costs. The DCH Series is ideal for applications requiring control of 12 or 24 VDC motors when only 115 […]
FAQ: What are lead-lag stepper motor controls?
Lead-lag controls or compensators are pieces of programming in control systems that improve frequency response. A lead control can increase a system’s stability or its response speed. A lag control can reduce steady-state errors. Different combinations change output in different ways. A note on terminology: The terms controller and compensator have several different meanings. Some […]
FAQ: What’s the difference between variable-reluctance linear and hybrid linear steppers?
Linear motors come in different mechanical and electromechanical arrangements to satisfy the requirements of different applications. For example, brushless linear motors (capable of forces to 2,600 N or more) work well in heavy robotics or material-handing applications. Linear ac-induction motors output 2,000 N to satisfy heavy-conveyor parameters. In contrast, iron-core brushless linear motors deliver a […]
FAQ: How do linear stepper motors compare to familiar rotary types?
Stepper motors go into linear actuators in two different ways: Stepper motors that are traditional rotary motors couple to mechanical rotary-to-linear motion devices (often in the form of a threaded shaft that mates with traversing nut or carriage) to produce linear motion. In this actuator setup, the motor output shaft usually couples to the screw […]
Electric (and roller-screw) cylinder outputs extremely high force
Now, Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division sells a new XFC Series electric cylinder. It extends the performance range and (with the ETH product line) creates one of the most feature-rich and application-optimized liner-motion product lines available. The XFC has an integrated roller screw with planetary rollers instead of the ball bearings used in ball-screw actuators. Planetary rollers provide more contact between the […]
