The increasing popularity of AC drives fosters rumors that DC drives are doomed. But at least one supplier of AC and DC technology sees a different trend. It suggests that keeping good DC motors in service longer makes sense, especially if a drive upgrade can improve system performance while avoiding new motor installation. They forecast a strong DC drive market and introduce an innovative drive they expect will dominate because of greater processing power and interfacing flexibility. It also touts a patent-pending galvanic isolation between power and control that protects far better than the impedance approach of other DC drives.

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Are you operating in high humidity, wet, salt water spray or other harsh environments without protection? TPA offers Corrosion Resistant Linear guide systems for the job. Several treatments are available that can provide protection beyond that of stainless steel. Email us at info@tpa-us.com to have an engineer review your application.

Littelfuse transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes are ideal for protecting semiconductor components from high-voltage transients. They can respond faster than most other types of protection, making them useful for protecting against very fast and often damaging voltage transients such as lightning, inductive load switching, and electrostatic discharge.

Buy TVS Diodes now!

A top level multi-axis motion controller — the ultimate solution for motion control networking. The Gold Maestro can control up to 100 motion axes and when networked with Elmo's advanced digital servo drives, you have a complete motion control solution for any application. Communications protocols: Ethernet, EtherCAT, CAN, and USB.

Steinmeyer now offers a new 28 mm diameter screw with a 12 mm pitch that is size compatible with the JIS standard. Normally our product line is guided by the DIN standard. The screw is offered with two nut styles: Single nut or double nut, both with flange. http://www.steinmeyer.com.

You've heard of smart motors, but how about "clever" encoders? This line of programmable optical encoders now offers solid or hollow shaft, 18-bit single-turn to 30-bit multi-turn options. "Clever" features like nickel code disks (vs glass or plastic) and wide bearing separation enhance durability, smoother operation, and higher radial load capability.

When deciphering the variables for encoder selection, engineers often give low priority to output types. That's despite the fact that mismatches can lead to nuisance-trips, reduced throughput, or diminished efficiency. This overview discusses cable length, amp output, and noise factors associated with open collectors, the 7272 chip, and other common devices.

Saddled with a gantry system that can't handle bigger loads? Check out these precision, ready-to-install linear feed modules. Their hybrid guide technology — featuring two hardened steel tracks and fixed carriages integrated into an aluminum housing — helps absorb pitch and roll moments, and channels the thrust rod with greater precision.

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Running in circles trying to find that distinct ring or curved shape? This supplier specializes in curves, bends, and ring slides for continuous motion control or rotary track systems. Its newest offering includes stainless steel as standard, and provides a keyway alignment to overcome minor inaccuracy when joining straight and curved segments.

The M.S. Kennedy Corporation is developing radiation hardened motor drives for use in space applications such as satellites, planetary exploration vehicles, and launch vehicles. These motor drives are constructed with rad hard components and utilize hybrid microcircuit assembly methods to minimize size and weight while offering very high performance and reliability. Learn more.

PBC Linear's Uni-Guide linear slide is the ideal choice to integrate linear motion and guidance into new and existing designs. The two-piece slide cuts assembly and alignment time in half versus multiple component profile rail systems. Plus, the Uni-guide thrives in both dirty and clean applications.

Software, not hardware, has produced the biggest impacts in recent robotic advancements. These demos highlight ABB's second-generation "what you program is what you get" software. The tool path stays the same at any speed — around cans or wine glasses. Projected ROI: to 20% higher payloads, 10% faster cycles, 35% greater accuracy.

This wheel tester applies forces in two axes simultaneously, a big advantage over traditional wheel testing. To create this machine — which simulates a lifetime of cornering and vertical stresses in 3½ days — Innkeeper engineers needed the right controller. "Right" for them was an electrohydraulic controller built specifically for closed-loop control.

When cutting tools ran hot in the 1980s, NSK designed a system to feed coolant through hollow-shaft ball screws. They've stepped up again, prompted by machine tools and plastics machinery customers who keep cranking speeds and tightening precision. The patent-pending development: a ball screw with a cooling mechanism in the nut.

Energy savings remained a hot topic at the recent Drives & Controls show in the UK. Product launches included this regenerative power supply unit with active front end for vector inverters. The modular units have harmonic distortion <5% and return current to the main power network to provide near-unity power factor.

Combinations of wide elastic belts can move heavier loads. Flat belts have much more surface contact area than round belts so slipping is virtually eliminated. Dura-belt flat belts do not need belt tensioners. Available in any width up to 12 in. (305 mm).

SGR planetary drives are an essential component in transmitting power from electric motors or hydraulic motors on equipment such as tower cranes, wind turbines, discharge facilities, excavation machines, and construction equipment. Visit us here for more information.

Submit your speaking proposal for GlobalSpec's upcoming 2011 Motion Control online conference and trade show events scheduled for June 8, 2011. Open to GlobalSpec's 5 million registered users, this is an opportunity for you and your company to be viewed by your target audience, competition, and peers as industry thought leaders. Increase brand awareness. Influence key decision-makers. Learn more or submit your proposal today. Deadline for the June 2011 event is Oct 30, 2010.

Can your engineering applicants describe the technical terms on their resumes? What routes do you take to test their technical abilities? This Machine Design editorial looks back at a proven tool from yesteryear — the technical interview — and checks to see who's still using it, or similar tools, to identify the competent candidates.

Solar Impulse has completed the first-ever night flight powered solely by solar energy. With 12,000 solar cells in its wings, the aircraft flew as long and as high as any solar-powered aircraft has ever gone, reaching 68 knots and an altitude of 8,564 m — and steps closer to its planned circumnavigation.

Straight to the Next Collider?

The largest motion control system ever built, the Large Hadron Collider, just saw its first use. Scientists now seek a longer, straighter accelerator. Should a new $12 billion project get the green light?