Sensors for motion control range across many applications and uses; from object and position detection in manufacturing processes to remote condition monitoring for predictive maintenance purposes. Overall, the sensors are the vital link between the physical systems themselves. They collect data from various machine processes and use communication links to transmit that data to the […]
Networking + IoT
Automation putting faster in the fast-food industry
To the relief of those who are indecisive at the drive through, McDonald’s Corp. will soon be ramping up its use of voice-activated order taking. That’s according to a Wall Street Journal report last year — which also details how designs coming to the restaurant also include automatic systems to operate the deep fryers for […]
Motion-control systems help automate COVID-19 testing
Automated biochemical analyzers vastly accelerate the testing of patient samples in laboratories, which has become critical now that the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe. Advanced automation with motor-based motion systems will help in the fight to hasten diagnosis. Just consider the cobas 6800 and 8800 machines from Roche that automate testing of nasopharyngeal […]
What are EtherCAT G and G10 and when are they used in motion control applications?
Since its launch in 2003, the EtherCAT protocol, with “processing on the fly” and data transmission speeds up to 100 Mbit/s, has been widely adopted for automation and process control applications. In 2018, Beckhoff (the developer of EtherCAT), introduced a major performance boost to EtherCAT, in the form of EtherCAT G and EtherCAT G10 — […]
NK Technologies releases 2020 product catalog
NK Technologies released its new 2020 product catalog, featuring performance data, sizes, specifications, and technical references for the company’s extensive portfolio of current sensing switches, transducers, transformers, and ground fault protection products. The new catalog includes recently introduced products such as: DT-BB DC current transducer: Allows a split-core transducer to be installed over existing bus […]
POSITAL offers encoders, sensors with IP69K environmental protection
POSITAL has expanded its portfolio of rotary encoders and inclinometers (tilt sensors) to include more devices with IP69K level environmental protection. These sensors, which are designed to stand up to repeated exposure to the hot, high-temperature water jets used in pressure washing systems, are now available with a wider range of mechanical options and communications […]
What function do thermistors and KTY sensors serve in motors and gearmotors?
One of the most important operating parameters of motor and gearmotor operation is the temperature of the motor windings. Motor heating is caused by mechanical, electrical, and copper losses, as well as heat transferred to the motor from external sources, including the ambient temperature and surrounding equipment. If the temperature of the motor windings surpasses the […]
Dunkermotoren becomes part of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance
The digitalization of factories and plants as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) promise ever new possibilities for the automation industry. In this development, a wide variety of technologies from the field level to the cloud and also across different stages of the value chain must be combined across manufacturers to create tangible added […]
Bosch Rexroth SafeMotion achieves CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP certification from ODVA
Bosch Rexroth’s drive-integrated SafeMotion machine safety platform has received the ODVA’s CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP certification, adding to the company’s capabilities to support major safety automation buses, including CIP Safety on Sercos, PROFIsafe on PROFINET and FailSafe over EtherCAT. SafeMotion technology is available on Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive intelligent servo drives. With this latest certification, SafeMotion […]
NK Technologies releases tech guide for motor and pump monitoring
NK Technologies’ new Motors and Pumps Tech Guide is now available online. The handbook is great resource for learning the basics about current sensing theory, current transducers and switches, and choosing the right solution for an application. Guide highlights include: Techniques for determining motor/pump conditions Consolidated selection guide for ac and dc sensors Application examples […]
