In motion control systems, gears are used to change the torque and speed delivered by a motor to a driven component. Depending on how the gears are arranged, they can either increase the delivered torque and decrease the output speed (the most common arrangement in motion control applications) or decrease the delivered torque and increase […]
Mechanical PT
What are multi-stage gearboxes and when are they used?
Gearboxes are commonly used in motion control applications to change the output speed and torque from a motor to a driven component. By using a smaller gear with fewer teeth (commonly referred to as a pinion) to drive a larger gear with a higher number of teeth, the torque delivered to the load is increased while […]
Screw trends — better performance, new applications
A number of trends continue to drive developments in screw actuators. For instance, developments in screw materials and manufacturing methods have boosted ball screw performance, leading to greater load densities with higher load capacities. On the design front, more designers/engineers are looking for customized designs, but screw manufacturers are also offering more integrated designs, which […]
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 […]
How to calculate crossed roller bearing life (with various load types)
A crossed roller bearing is a type of rotary bearing that uses cylindrical rollers arranged in a crisscross pattern, with each roller oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to the one adjacent to it. This arrangement allows crossed roller bearings to withstand radial, axial, and moment loads, so they can often replace dual-bearing arrangements, for […]
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 […]
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 […]
Power-off engaged brakes for conveyor applications
Miki Pulley’s latest model BXW power-off engaged brakes are designed to halt a motorized conveyor roller when system power is disengaged. These new BXW brakes are spring-actuated electromagnetic brakes. They provide reliable dynamic braking when conveyor power is disengaged and excellent performance for longer-term holding requirements for staging, loading and unloading conveyor operations. BXW brakes […]
Inductive proximity and magneto resistive sensors enhance IoT4.0 connectivity for Nexen brake families
Nexen Group, Nexen Servo, Rail, and ZSE brake lines now have Industry 4.0 connectivity sensor options to enhance machine efficiency. Multiple sensors integrated into the brake families provide information about brake operation and health to the control system network. The sensors used in the spring-operated air-released ZSE brakes provide operation information such as brake engagement […]
