With each discrete step that a stepper motor makes, the inertia of the system causes the motor to slightly overshoot (or undershoot) the intended step angle. The motor then oscillates, or “rings,” until it finally settles at the commanded position. If the frequency of these step-by-step oscillations is at or near the motor’s natural frequency, […]
Motors
When is the application of overvoltage safe (and common) for stepper motors?
For most types of motors, operating with a supply voltage that is higher than the rated voltage — referred to as overvoltage — can cause an increase in current, and heat, high enough to damage the coils and other motor components. But in some cases, a stepper motor can be operated at a voltage higher than rated […]
Selecting the right motor-battery combinations for battery-powered commercial equipment
Battery-powered motor applications need careful design work to match motor performance and power-consumption profiles to the battery type. Optimal motor and battery pairing relies on the selection of an efficient motor as well as a battery with the appropriate capacity, cost, size, maintainability, and discharge duration and curve. By Scott McMillan • Senior Applications Engineer […]
Which types of DC motors can be used as servo motors? (And a refresher on DC motor technologies)
Servo motors are used in applications where precise control of position, speed, or torque is required. But many different types of motors can be considered servo motors — the defining feature of a servo motor is that it incorporates or reads feedback in a closed-loop system. In fact, although many servo applications use synchronous AC motors, […]
Open-aperture voice-coil motor features 2.25-in. stroke, sub-micron accuracy
Moticont has introduced an open aperture linear motor featuring a 2.250 in. (57.2 mm) stroke. The HVCM-051-038-019-01 DC Voice Coil Servo Motor has a continuous force rating of 4.2 lb (18.8 N) and a peak force of 13.4 lb (59.5 N) at a 10% duty cycle. Capable of high acceleration, deceleration, high speed, and zero […]
New general-purpose, harsh-duty ac motors from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a host of new motors from Regal Rexnord to its existing portfolio, including two new series of Marathon motors and Leeson specialty motors. The new Marathon Globetrotter motors are high-quality 3-phase general-purpose motors that can be controlled by an inverter and are rated up to 200 hp. Globetrotter motors are offered in […]
Why is RMS current important in stepper motor applications?
Most precision stepper motor applications — especially those in automation and motion control — use a control method referred to as microstepping, which creates a sinusoidal (or nearly sinusoidal) current waveform, rather than the square wave of current produced with typical full-step control. The current rating of a stepper motor depends on the amount of […]
AutomationDirect adds new servo systems for motion control applications
AutomationDirect has added LS Electric servo systems that provide extremely accurate motion control and include the most requested features — setup wizards, auto-tuning, built-in indexer, and more — in an extremely cost-effective package. The L7S family of brushless servo systems is fully digital and capable of covering a broad range of motion control applications. There […]
How do manufacturers address cogging in linear motors?
Iron core linear motors are known for their high continuous and peak force capabilities, good thermal management, and excellent force-to-size ratio. But they’re also known to produce cogging forces, which lead to force ripple, or variation in output force. But how much of a problem is cogging for iron core linear motors, and what are […]
ABB introduces the third generation of Baldor-Reliance RPM AC motors
Baldor-Reliance Generation 3 RPM AC motors deliver 1 to 1,750 hp, with customizable speed ranges in nearly any enclosure type. The motors are designed to handle the most demanding applications in industries such as chemical, oil and gas; plastics; HVAC; energy; forest products; metals and industrial automation. RPM AC motors are optimized for adjustable frequency […]
