Small Business Resources, Business Advice and Forms from AllBusiness.com

Motion Control/Power Transmission

By Staff
Publication: Design News
Date: Monday, October 11 2004
ELECTRIC ACTUATORS

Engineered for customer convenience

Featuring a 120 or 220V ac single phase permanent split-capacitor reversible induction motor, the Series 73 R5 rectangular electric actuator for rotary valves delivers reliable service. The R5 is waterproof and

available in three on-off models with 100, 300, or 600 lb- inch output torque. The actuator reduces the time required for field start-up and installation and also delivers high torque in a compact design. Designed to replace burdensome internal component wiring, the R5 has a heavy-duty printed circuit board as well. Bray Controls http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-633

NEW BALL SCREW SIZES

Greater flexibility in applying precision

Eight new sizes have recently been added to the Series 24xx Quiet Ball Screw from Steinmeyer. The ball screws were specifically engineered for smooth super-quiet motion, possible because plastic was used in the manufacturing process instead of metal. The new additions are available with or without backlash and with a choice of two accuracy grades. The ball nut is fitted with the Steinmeyer Combination Wiper system, consisting of labyrinth seals and felt wipers to guard against contamination. The Series 24xx Quiet Ball Screw can be used in semiconductor production machines, inspection equipment, medical devices, pick and place machines, automation equipment, and robotic mechanisms. Steinmeyer Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-634

HARMONIC GEAR TECHNOLOGY

Built-in feedback devices

The AlphaStep series of motors has utilized harmonic gearheads because they offer precise, zero backlash performance while also providing extremely high torque. Featuring a built-in feedback device that constantly monitors the motor shaft to detect and correct for loss of synchronism, the AlphaStep uses microstep control, which translates to up to 10,000 steps per revolution for smooth, low-speed operation. The HG gearhead and motor models produce a maximum holding torque between 22 lb-inch to 35 lb-inch. Oriental Motor USA Corp. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-635

TOOLKIT

Made for Modbus devices

The newly developed Modbus, designed to help maintain and test Modbus TCP devices using the most current specifications and testing tools, contains relevant specifications, implementation guides, and sample source code. The makers of the toolkit are working on a policy aimed at making it available for free to developers building open-source Modbus applications and drivers. Testing and diagnostic tools are included in the toolkit. Modbus-IDA http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-636

HIGH SPEED SENSOR SYSTEM

Fast measurement and inspection

The F210 high-speed vision sensor combines image acquisition as fast as 1.4 msec with advanced measurement algorithms. The system, from Omron, also features the company's QUEST algorithm for advanced OCR/OCV capability and its Edge Code technology, which detects defects. Available with two cameras for multi-angle inspections, the F210 system can be used for packaging inspection applications and in auto assembly line part inspection. The system also features productivity tools, including the Intelligent Light Source (ILS), which controls the light source intensity and direction, and can also save the settings internally. Omron Electronics LLC http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-637

ENCODER CABLE

Fiber-optic technology

Designed to solve ground loop and interference problems in motion control systems, the MR121 Encoder Cable looks and functions like a standard electric encoder cable but uses ZapFree technology. This technology provides transport of all controller-encoder signals from cable end-to-end via industry standard 12-pole M23 electrical connectors found on popular encoders. The use of fiber-optic cable gives the MR121 very low loss over distance, which allows for the controller and remote sensor to be up to 1,000m (3,280 ft) The cable can be used in many heavy-duty industrial and other harsh environment applications, and can be ordered from any length between 3m (10 ft) and 1,000m (3,280 ft). Micronor http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-638

SUPPORT FOR IMAGING SOFTWARE

High-speed industrial inspection

The Global Lab Image/2 3.6 (GLI/2 3.6), imaging software developed by Data Translation, has recently gained DirectShow support. The software is now easier to use when building applications using FireWare and USB cameras. The software is also designed for measurement, analysis, and image processing in the scientific image analysis industry as well as general-purpose industry markets. The GLI/2 3.6 is useful in many medical applications, such as cell and tissue analysis. Data Translation Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-639

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LINEAR MOTOR

Up to 20 percent more continuous force

Combining the features of traditional brushless technology with the less expensive features of stepper technology, the HyCore linear motor provides peak performance in a small package (5 × 4 × 14 inches). The motor has several benefits: no backlash, unlimited travel, improved accuracy, fast velocities and high accelerations—over 60 inches/ sec (1.5 m/sec) and up to 3g. Baldor, HyCore's maker, also offers controls to power the motor. Baldor Motors, Drives, & Generators http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-640

SHAFT LOCKING BUSHINGS

New sizes available

There are six new sizes available for the ETP Stainless Steel shaft locking bushings. The ETP express bushings are designed for use in food, beverage, and dairy-processing equipment. In addition, they resist debris collection as they are completely sealed and are easily cleaned. They can handle temperature ranges from -22 to 180F. The unique design of the ETP express makes it superior to mechanical locking bushings as it has single adjusting screws. It can handle torque ranges from 40 to 1,500 lb-inch. and provide concentricity to 0.001 inch T.I.R. Zero-Max http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-641

BRUSH DC MOTORS

Minimizes magnetic cogging

Featuring 11-slot skewed armatures, the PITTMAN® Series 1400 brush-commutated dc motors and gearmotors can be customized for each user with brush materials, encoders, timing belt pulleys, brakes, cables, connectors, modified shafts, and RFI suppression. The motors, offered in seven sizes, can achieve torques up to 410 oz-inch and speeds up to 4,230 rpm. The gearmotors, offered in seven sizes, can achieve torques up to 175 oz-inch or 500 oz-inch with high torque wide face gears. PennEngineering Motion Technologies http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-642

AMPLIFIER

Eliminates servo algorithms

The model AB5 amplifier reportedly "linearizes" the voltage to velocity profile at the amplifier level in the company's motors, which eliminates the need for custom servo algorithms. The model also allows the user to turn off, or on, the motor static holding force, presenting the benefit of manually moving the rotary or linear mechanism, and then applying the holding force. Nanomotion http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-643

ROTARY BORING SYSTEM

Available in flexible and fixed diameters

Designed to reduce horsepower requirements and tp cut time, the system's patented clamping mechanism allows a quick change out of cutting inserts. The system is available in a fixed or variable diameter. The fixed diameter has one tooth offset to the outside and the second offset to the inside, while the variable diameter can provide up to three different diameter settings. Outside diameters range from 1.18 to 3.15 inches with an assortment of shanks available. Zinner USA http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-644

EMBEDDED CONTROL PC

High performance

The model AEC-6810 Embedded Control PC, a small, high-performance, multi-functional controller, has many features similar to industrial PCs. It can withstand high-frequency vibrations, and a hard drive can be installed. The compact design offers alternatives for mounting and system integration. It supports Windows CE .NET 4.2, Windows XP Embedded, and commercial Windows OS. Aaeon Electronics Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-645

BEVEL GEARS

Fast delivery available

The company's line, consisting of 57 combinations of ground tooth spiral bevel gears, can be customized to fit the customers' needs and applications. Because the gears are offered from stock, delivery reportedly takes only a matter of days. The gears, with both carburized and hardened parts, are offered in sizes up to 16 inches in diameter with quality levels up to Q13. Arrow Gear Co. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-646

MOUNTING SYSTEM

Mounts to nearly any motor

The Thomson Piloted RediMount reportedly allows Thomson slides to mount horizontally, vertically, inclined, or inverted to nearly any motor with guaranteed alignment. The RediMount design features intermediate housing placed between a shortened slide-end block and the motor. When ordered, simplified housings and couplings are created from common blanks to fit the customer's motor. Danaher Motion http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-647

PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR

Small in size

The ST Series Piezoelectric Motor, reportedly the smallest motor of its kind, reduces the overall length of the previous motor by 9 mm. The ST Series, ideal for motion in the nanometer range, features high resolution motion control for rotary or linear mechanisms in a smaller space than traditional devices. At operating speeds up to 250 mm/sec, the ST model delivers 1.5N of force and comes in vacuum compatible and standard configurations. Nanomotion http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-648

MOTION CONTROL CHIPS

Low cost

The company introduces three new motion control chips, the PCL61x3 Series. The chips create pulse and direction signals to provide motion control for stepper and digital servo drivers. All three chips feature output speeds up to 15M pps, linear interpolation, operation status confirmation, various homing modes, and "look ahead" buffers. The PCL61x3 chips are applicable to lab automation equipment and medical/bio-tech stages. Nippon Pulse Motor http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-649

MICROSTEPPING DRIVERS

Low-cost, high-resolution, high-current

Source Engineering introduces two microstepping drivers, both featuring status indicator lights, over-heat, over-current, over-voltage protection, constant current control, automatic idle current control, and a high (200K pps) step rate. The bipolar drivers are opto-isolated to protect the system and motor. They are intended for use in graphics equipment, scanners, robotics, toys, circuit board testing, and many other operations. Source Engineering http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-650

VOLUMETRIC SCREW FEEDER

Space-saving design

Featuring only two or three moving parts, O-ring seals for dust-free operation, and a Teflon rear seal, the Metatech direct drive volumetric screw feeder reportedly provides maximum operating efficiency with minimal maintenance. The interchangeable screw/tube combinations from 1 to 6 inches allow feed rates from 0.3 to 550 ft3 /hr. Metalfab http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-651

LOW-POWER PC

Functions in harsh environments

The PC/104-Plus single-board computer brings the processing abilities of the PowerPC to industrial automation and control applications in harsh environments. Designed specifically for the automotive/telematics market, the PC/104-Plus functions in a temperature range of -40 to 85C. The model features 32 Mbytes of SDRAM, 8 MBytes of Flash and 64 kbyte of non-volatile static memory. MEN Micro Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-652

PRE-DRIVER IC

Flexible

The model ZXBM1004's design allows flexible variable speed control of single-phase brushless dc fans and blowers. Adjustable minimum speed settings keep the fan from running too slowly and prevent starting problems, while an external resistor protects the speed control circuit from changes in supply voltage. The SXBM1004 offers two diagnostic outputs: a pulsed rotor speed output and a locked rotor alarm output. Zetex http://rbi.ims.ca/3856-653

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