The new patented SDLM-019-070-01-01 direct-drive linear motor with integrated position and temperature sensors is the latest addition to the series of zero backlash, zero cogging, high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, long life motors from Moticont. Also known as an electric cylinder, this compact direct-drive linear motor is just 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) in diameter […]
When do tubular linear motors outperform traditional iron core and ironless designs?
In a recent post, we looked at traditional iron core and ironless linear motors, both of which have a flat-type construction. But another type of linear motor, often referred to as a “tubular linear motor,” is also gaining traction in industrial applications. This is especially true in the packaging and medical industries, where tubular linear motors […]
3 things to consider when choosing a linear servo motor
Direct drive linear servo motors have seen a measurable increase in adoption over the past several years, thanks in part to end users’ demands for higher throughput and better precision. And although linear motors are most often recognized for their ability to provide a combination of high speeds, long strokes, and excellent positioning accuracy that […]
How to specify motion components for cleanroom environments: Part 2
In this two-part article, we cover the products, materials, and features that designers and engineers should specify when choosing motion components for cleanroom environments. In part 1, we looked at how to reduce particle generation due to friction between moving components. In this second part, we’ll look at another source of contamination — outgassing — […]
How to specify motion components for cleanroom environments: Part 1
In this two-part article, we cover the products, materials, and features that designers and engineers should specify when choosing motion components for cleanroom environments. In part 1, we look at how to reduce particle generation due to friction between moving components. Designers of automation systems are tasked with many competing demands, such as balancing cost and performance, […]
Hybrid linear stepper motors: Operation and applications
Like servo motors, stepper motors are available in both rotary and linear designs. When an application requires force (rather than torque) output and can operate in open loop control, a linear stepper motor is often the preferred solution. Although linear stepper motors are available in both variable reluctance and hybrid designs, the more common version is […]
Five key electrical design concepts for mechanical engineers
Edited by: Paul J. Heney, Editorial Director Mechanical engineers often overlook important electrical issues when specifying their respective parts of an electromechanical system. This targeted advice will help you design your next electromechanical system. Mechatronic systems are the state-of-the-art technology in automation systems, intelligently integrating mechanical and electrical elements to perform increasingly complex and demanding […]
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 […]
New trends in electric motors: Efficiency, power density, torque
If there’s one trend that’s prevalent in motors of all kinds, it’s the theme of increasing performance, more specifically a trio of highers: higher efficiency, higher power density and higher torque density. These are incremental improvements in motor performance that are at least partly driven by the Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency requirements, said […]
