Modern chains and sprockets have driven machinery for more than 100 years, but recent innovations have taken the technology into the 21st century. Recently, we asked two industry experts—Michael Hogan, senior design and applications engineer at U.S. Tsubaki’s Roller Chain Division, and Derek Glugosh, sprocket product manager at Tsubaki—for their input on what the future […]
Actuators
Electric slide actuates Cartesian robots, designer picks motor
PHD Plus Series ESFX electric linear-actuator slides are made for fast moves under heavy loads and moments. The saddle-type slides (as with other electric and pneumatic setups) combine to create myriad systems, including Cartesian robots. The slides also let design engineers pick their own motors and controls, making this linear slide the optimal solution for demanding automation tasks. Other benefits of the electric […]
Tiny voice-coil actuators stay cool in tight spaces
A compact LAH04-10-000A linear voice-coil actuator (VCA) from BEI Kimco Magnetics uses moving-magnet operation to deliver sort but powerful stroke lengths. With this new model, the line includes actuators from 0.375 to 2.4-in. (outside diameter) in myriad stroke lengths, peak force, and custom features. The 0.375-in.diameter actuators deliver force to 0.5 lb … and with a […]
Integrated Actuators – The CSR-17
The CSR-17 integrated actuator is an excellent choice for automating 3D printing and scanning, actuating values in hot runners, accurate placing cutting tools in labeling equipment, and as a replacement for pneumatics in general assembly. Combining a lead screw stepper motor with a networkable intellgent drive, the CSR-17 can operate independantly or be dynamically controlled […]
New Voice Coil Actuator Developer’s Kit from BEI Kimco
To help designers get started with voice coil actuators (VCA) and the sometimes confusing electronics needed for building a system, BEI Kimco Magnetics has introduced the VCA Developer’s Kit. The completely self-contained kit includes a VCA with a built-in feedback sensor and a programmable controller with MotionLab Software that runs on the user’s local PC. […]
Wichita Clutch Launches Updated Website
Wichita Clutch has announced the launch of their updated corporate website which provides information about their full line of heavy-duty industrial pneumatic and hydraulically actuated clutches and brakes including water cooled solutions and fluid couplings. The updated website, www.wichitaclutch.com, is easy to navigate, allowing visitors to quickly search by product type, application or industry. The […]
Tolomatic Single-axis Drive/Controller for Electric Actuators
The new actuator control solution (ACS) from Tolomatic is an easy-to-use, low-cost servo or stepper drive and controller developed specifically for use with electric actuators, providing infinite positioning, precise control and longer life. Originally offered as a stepper system, the newly released ACS with servo drive and control provides over 10 times the power of […]
Piezoelectric Positioners offer Precise Control in Nanopositioning Applications
By Stefan Vorndran and Scott Jordan, PI, Physik Instrumente L.P. Ever-increasing requirements for more precise motion control has forced manufacturers of piezoelectric positioners to find ways to overcome their limitations, such as travel range and linearity, while preserving the unmatched speed, reliability and resolution capabilities of piezoelectric devices. Precision motion control in general, and nanopositioning […]
Simplifying Machine Design with Plug-and-play Motion Subsystems
by Tom Maccianti, President, Bell Everman Embedding mechanical motion subsystems into machines improves performance and reduces cost. If you build machines, you probably work with actuators and positioning stages every day. But do you truly get the best performance or lowest cost of ownership from these motion devices? The answer may not be what you […]
Exlar Expands SL Series Rotary Actuator Family
Exlar Corporation, a Curtiss-Wright company, announces the expansion of its SL Series rotary motors and gearmotors with a new 75 mm frame size. With torque to 36 lbf/in. continuous and 73 lbf/in. peak, the 75 mm delivers a small package with high power. Exlar’s SL Series brushless servomotor and gearmotor line offers the highest torque-to-size […]