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Motion Control/Power Transmission

By Staff
Publication: Design News
Date: Monday, September 13 2004
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, designed 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/3854-659

MICROSTEPPING DRIVERS

Low cost, high resolution, high current

The company 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 designed for use in graphics equipment, scanners, robotics, toys, circuit board testing, and many other operations. Source Engineering http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-660

ROTARY BORING SYSTEM

Available in flexible and fixed diameters

Designed to reduce horsepower requirements and cutting 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/3854-661

EMBEDDED CONTROL PC

High-performance, small in size

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 in this model. The compact design offers alternatives for mounting and system integration. It supports Windows CE .NET 4.2, Windows XP Embedded, and commercial Windows OS operating systems. Aaeon Electronics Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-662

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/3854-663

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 coupling are created from common blanks to fit the customer's motor. Danaher Motion http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-664

MOTION CONTROL CHIPS

Low in 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 15 Mpps, linear interpolation, operation status confirmation, various homing modes, and "look ahead" buffers. The PCL61x3 chips are designed for lab automation equipment and medical/biotech stages. Nippon Pulse Motor http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-665

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 KBytes of non-volatile static memory. MEN Micro Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-666

GROUND TOOTH SPIRAL BEVEL GEARS

Quick delivery available

The company's gear line, which consists of 57 combinations of ground tooth spiral bevel gears, can be customized to fit the customers' needs and applications. Such an option is available because the gears are offered from stock, and, according to the company, delivery 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/3854-667

PRE-DRIVER IC

Flexible speed control

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/3854-668

NITROGEN GAS SPRINGS

Force and diameter options

Designed with a larger piston rod for greater tonnage in a compact height, the model T3 nitrogen gas springs offer a hardened, corrosion-resistant rod finish, safety guide, holes for easy mounting, and an oil-retaining pipe for improved lubrication. The company offers nine T3 models, with forces ranging from 785 to 21,400 lbs and diameters from 1.25 to 6 inches. Hyson Products http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-669

LIFTING RINGS

Eliminates ring spreading

With a maximum capacity of 800 to 5,000 lbs and a strength factor of 5:1, the Forged Center Pull style lifting rings feature a solid center brace lift bail to eradicate the possibility of spreading the ring if misapplied. Each ring pivots 180 degrees and can swivel 360 degrees, allowing items to be raised, turned, or flipped. Produced in alloy steel, the rings are available in metric and inch versions. Jergens http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-670

TWO-PHASE STEPPING MOTORS

High-torque and compact-size

With a frame size of 50 mm2 , the PK25 series of miniature two-phase stepping motors offers high torque at a compact size. The motors come in lengths of 51.5 and 81 mm, and produce holding torques of 119 and 220 oz-inch. Oriental Motor USA Corp. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-671

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/3854-672

DC POWER SUPPLIES

Low-noise, high-power

The Model VSP6020 High Power Switching dc Power Supply features switch mode technology to produce a high-power, low-noise switching supply. With an output of 0-60V dc, the supplies work with automatic test equipment, R&D labs, and telecommunications. The Model VSP 6020 comes with a user manual and one-year warranty. B&K Precision Corp. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-673

MICRODRIVES

Compact, efficient, durable

The microdrive product range includes brush and brushless dc motors with diameters of 6-10 mm. The microdrives feature the absence of magnetic detent, rapid acceleration, low electromagnetic interference, and low inductance. The motor rotation contains no detent and reaches high speeds, even at low voltages. Maxon Motor http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-674

CONTINUOUS FLEX-CABLES

Longer life, better performance

Reportedly delivering longer life and better performance for automated mobile machinery, Chainflex continuous flex-cables are designed for flexing applications where a robust energy supply system is essential. By balancing pulling and compressing forces around the high-tensile center cord, the cable core remains stable, even under maximum bending stress. The flex-cables come in over 600 styles and sizes, ranging from power and control cables to air hoses, servo cables, fiber optic cables, and data cables. igus http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-675

ENERGY CHAINS

Compact in size

Designed to fit applications with tight space restrictions and small bending radii, the E2 micro series Energy Chains are recommended for use in medical engineering devices, electronic equipment, assembly robots, sensors, automatic doors, and plotters and printers. The chains' dimensions start with an inner height of 0.2 inch, an inner width of 0.203 inch, and a minimum bend radius of 0.39 inch. The zipper tops and molded cross bars allow for easy cable installation and removal while protecting against debris and contaminants. igus http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-676

HOST CONTROLLER BOARD

With high-speed USB ports

Designed to give embedded industrial designers up to eight additional high-speed USB ports to meet today's demand for more and faster peripherals, the PCM-2004 is a USB2.0 compliant host controller board with integrated hub that allows an additional five high-speed USB ports to be added to your system with one version and an additional four with another version through the PCI-104 interface. There are pin headers on-board to drive link and activity LEDs where they are wanted. To ensure compatibility with existing devices, PCI arbitration signals are all jumper selectable. AAEON Electronics Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-677

ACTUATOR

With high performance linear guides

The Heavy Duty Roller Guide electric actuator from Hoerbiger-Origa with integrated gear box offers unmatched handling and repeatability. Because of its clean line design with integrated guide, offering protection from water and dust, the actuator is fit for wash down applications . Reaching speeds up to 397 inch/sec and 4 G+ acceleration, the actuators have maintenance-free operation and no need for a protective bearing cover as the integrated guide eliminates the need for one. Hoerbiger-Origa Corp. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-678

CABLE/BEARING SAMPLES

Reduces errors and returns

The company offers samples of cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, and plastic bearings so that customers may perform preliminary tests and design reviews. Sampling the products reportedly reduces returned shipments and order errors. Virtually any product the company carries may be sampled. igus http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-679

LINEAR BEARINGS

Eliminate rust and contamination

DryLin linear bearings are manufactured from a patented polymer material that requires no lubrication or maintenance, making the bearings resistant to rust and contamination. The DryLin linear bearings are made for extreme dirt and underwater environments as well as food and wash down applications. Although they are dimensionally interchangeable with ball bearings, they can reach speeds more than four times faster. The DryLin design prevents debris from causing irreparable damage because channels enable the flow of dirt and dust. igus http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-680

FLASH ADAPTER

Connects to IDE port

The CFADPT7, which allows for connecting one or two compact flash drives to any system with an IDE port, is an IDE to compact flash adapter. Fitting a standard 2.5-inch hard drive footprint, the CFADPT7 can also have a 40-pin IDE connector in addition to the standard 44-pin, 2-mm IDE connector. The adapter has single and dual drive versions and can accept both type 1 and type 2 CF cards. It also works with newer DMA capable CF cards. Mesa Electronics http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-681

ANALOG OUTPUT BOARDS

High-speed with on-board reference

Eliminating the need for a separate A/D board, the two new PCI analog boards from CyberResearch Inc. provide feedback lines that help stabilize systems. The PCIAO 04F8 and PCIAO 08F4 both have output speeds of one Msample/sec and input speeds of 400 Ksample/sec. The boards offer four d/a lines with eight a/d channels for feedback, and eight d/a lines with four a/d channels for feedback respectively. Both boards also calibrate themselves on command with the choice of an on-board reference voltage or external reference. CyberResearch Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-682

SERVER

Designed for industrial applications

The isoLynx® device driver for Kepware Technologies' KEPServerEX OPC server provides a standardized method of allowing multiple industrial applications to share data in a robust manner. Designed to meet the requirements found in industrial applications, the server was written as a two-part program in which the primary component provides OPC/DDE connectivity and user interface functions while the second part is a package of plug-in communications drivers. Specifically designed to be used with Windows operating systems and in Intel microprocessor-based computers, the unique design provides a universal solution with multiple communications options. Dataforth http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-683

SPINDLE-LIFT TABLES

Compact in size

The DryLin® linear guides systems have two new additions to their family—the DryLin SLW and DryLin HTSP. The first spindle-lift table available as part of the DryLin W guide system, the DryLin SLW is good for applications that have tight space restrictions and delivers extreme torsional strength at a height of just over 1 1/8 inches. The lightweight, corrosion-free, and lubrication-free DryLin HTSP comes with plastic crossbars and slides, making it the first plastic spindle-lift table from igus. igus http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-684

PCI INTERFACE

Latest from ORTEC

The PCI Interface from ORTEC enables users to bring the power of the latest personal computers to ORTEC multi-channel pulse heigh analyzer by converting MCAs with the obsolete ISA-bus interface to the PCI-bus interface now used on new PCs. There are two versions available. The first is to upgrade existing ORTEC MCAs to the PCI interface that comes with the necessary drivers to update the existing MCA emulator software. The second is the PCI interface when a new MCA is purchased. ORTEC http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-685

MACHINE CONTROLLER

New capabilities available

The XtraDrive software Version 3.01 is easily implemented on small machine control applications. Improvements and new features from the last version of XtraDrive include electronic cam profiling, virtual master axis option, arithmetic and logic functions, a data logging feature, eight priority interrupts, and 10 user variables. The XtraDrive Version 3.01 includes the YET-patented Non-Linear Control algorithm for tight tracking control, auto-tuning, and a master encoder interface, like all YET servo drives. The software can be used in packaging, assembly, semiconductor and custom machines, and material handling. YET US Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-686

SINGLE-AXIS CONTROLLER

Pulse train function

The SRCD single-axis controller offers a wider application range, including use with drive shaft feedback because of its pulse train function. The pulse train function, which enhances ease of use, is an operation mode that is an addition to the three usual modes found on Yamaha Robotics equipment— program operation, operation by specifying points from a PLC, and operation by commanding from a PC. The controller offers mass storage memory of up to 1,000 points/100 programs and is capable of multitask execution of up to four tasks maximum. Yamaha Robotics http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-687

LINEAR ACTUATORS

Environmentally sealed

The new environmentally sealed linear actuators (ESLA) are the size of NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 actuators and can be washed down or autoclaved. This makes them applicable for medical, food handling, cleanroom, and wet applications. Both the ESLA-17 and ESLA-23 are available in 2, 4, and 8 stroke lengths and the motor end of the actuators are sealed with polyolefin shrink tubing and polyurethane adhesive sealant. The actuators have polished stainless steel shafts with a high tensile, low friction Buna-N U-Cup seal. Ultra Motion http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-688

AC-INDUCTION MOTOR

Longer life, higher quality

Built with a size 39 motor frame with an open frame housing and internal fan to prevent overheating in demanding operating cycles, the ac inverter duty induction motor from EADmotors has incorporated a higher quality into its design, creating a longer life expectancy. Operating at 230V ac with a standard three-phase ac inverter drive and speed operation from 550 to 4,400 rpm, the motor is good for applications such as air moving equipment and pumps, and other equipment that require variable speed performance. EADmotors http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-689

CONTROLLERS

Improves control performance

The Plus Series of controllers from Danaher Industrial Controls is reportedly an improved family of its controllers. Featuring an easy-to-use programming interface and a remote setpoint capability. This second feature allows for the controller to be used in a variety of ways and each Plus Series controller has a communications port that can receive setpoint changes from a remote operator, PLC, or factory control software. This line includes 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 DIN size models. Applications include use in temperature control in plastics extrusion, thermal forming, and industrial and lab ovens and furnaces. Danaher Industrial Controls http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-690

GEARMOTORS

Ac-induction and ac-reversible

Source Engineering has expanded its line of ac-induction gearmotors and ac-reversible gearmotors because of the increased need for them in the marketplace. These gearmotors and reversible gearmotors come in 4, 6, 10, 15, 25, 40, 60, 90, 120, and 140W motors. While the reversible induction motos can change direction on-the-fly, the ac-induction gearmotors are bi-directional after coming to a stop. These gearmotors are good for medical, aerospace, automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Source Engineering Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-691

VACUUM END-EFFECTORS

Custom built

Designed to bolt onto outdoor mobile cranes and boom extensions, these vacuum end-effectors can hold 10-× 40-ft panels that weigh up to 10,000 lbs. Featuring special foam vacuum pads that can handle large tile, concrete, and glass panels, the vacuum end-effectors speed the alignment and installation process as well as provide a safer work environment for those handling the machines. There are multiple power source options including the host equipment's hydraulic and electrical system or remote vacuum generators powered by electricity or air. Anver Corp. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-692

DRIVER/CONTROLLER

Easy to program

With the capability of producing up to 1.5A of current with a power supply of 12 to 40V dc and step resolutions from 1/2 to 1/64, the R164 Stand Alone Driver/Controller can store up to 16 different programs at one time. In addition, the R164 features fully programmable ramps and speeds and software selectable hold and move currents. Enabling the user to program the input and output channels, the driver/controller can be easily programmed with any PC that has the built-in Microsoft® Hyper Terminal via a serial port or it can also be used as a stand alone product. RMS Technologies Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-693

LINEAR STEPPER

Can replace old motors

Designed to improve accuracy and cycle time compared to existing technology used in wafer probes, the 20-mil pitch XY linear stepper from Baldor Electric Co. doesn't exhibit oscillations that make secondary operations like trimming, test, or inspection able to be carried out rapidly on a stable platform. The forcer can be purchased separately or with bases for 150, 200, 300 mm, or larger custom travels. The stepper is also fully backwards compatible with previous models and obsolete manufacturers. Baldor Electric Co. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-694

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

Features application and success stories

The report covers the technology of the motors and drives product program in the context of applications and consumer benefits. Technologies profiled in the report include: direct torque control, soft starters for high-voltage motors, and descriptions of design requirements. The report can be accessed in both print and online formats. ABB http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-695

ROBOTS

Multiple I/O communications

The makers of the SCARA, which stands for selective compliance assembly robot arm, robots have just introduced two new series of robots—the TMB200R and TMB300R. These robots are great for high-speed applications that need a large working area. This could include automated manufacturing environments, including conveyors and work cells. The robots, which are multi-jointed like a human arm, use digital servo controlled motors and ball screw transmission to ensure high repeatability. I&J Fisnar Inc. http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-696

PIEZOELECTRIC MOTORS

Large size range available

The HR Series piezoelectric motors for linear or rotary motion have a size range from a single element to an eight-element motor, providing between 0.45 kg of force to 3.6 kg of force. Suited to work in many applications including semiconductor, fiber optic, electronics, bio-medical/pharmaceutical, automotive, and general assembly, the HR Series motors have a wide dynamic range of speed and can easily mount to traditional low friction stages or other devices. Nanomotion http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-697

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