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 […]
Linear Motion
What are capacitive encoders and where are they suitable?
Two types of encoders dominate the general industrial market—optical and magnetic. But capacitive encoders, a relatively new introduction, offer resolution comparable to optical devices, with the ruggedness of magnetic encoders. Currently, there are only a handful of vendors for capacitive encoders, but their suitability for applications requiring high precision and durability make them a good […]
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 […]
FAQ: What do X1, X2, and X4 position encoding mean for incremental encoders?
An encoder is a device that measures position, and in some configurations, can also measure direction. Rotary encoders measure rotation of a shaft, while linear encoders measure distance traveled. For both types of encoder, the position measurement can be either incremental or absolute. An incremental encoder measures change in position, but does not keep track of […]
Linear encoder types — and parameters for selection
Linear encoders monitor linear movement and provide position feedback in the form of electrical signals. In servo driven systems, linear encoders supply the precise position of the load, typically in addition to the speed and direction feedback provided by the motor’s rotary encoder. For stepper driven systems, which typically operate in open-loop mode with no position […]
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 […]
Lenze brings robot programming module to gantry pick-and-place applications
Lenze is paving the way for easy configuration of pick-and-place robotics used in the areas of intralogistics, packaging technology, assembly and material handling systems. Robotic motion for gantry systems and automatic stackers is designed more easily with the robotics module in the Lenze FAST application software. “Most gantry robots operate on a single axis using […]
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 […]
Compact screw-slide carriage and screw for linear motion
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions now sells WGS Wide screw-slide Guide Screws. Made from the same quality components used in the RGS Linear Rail Series, the WGS Linear Slide utilizes a screw-driven carriage that offers reliable, continuous linear speed, while maintaining accurate positioning. Length and speed of the WGS are not limited by critical screw speed, allowing […]
