In bygone days, cutting contoured parts was controlled solely by interpolations from the machine tool's CNC. Even now, some curved-part machining is still controlled by isolated PLC, CNC, or robot programs. But demand for greater throughput, higher accuracy, and smoother final parts sent engineers seeking improved machine tool functionality. Of the emerging approaches, most center on integration of automation and motion control — and synchronizing multi-function, multi-axis activity. Solutions include software that executes dynamic multiple-pass cutting and constantly adjusts toolpaths based on position-velocity-time sweeps. But they also include embedding interpolation functions in hardware programs, and components like amplifiers with built-in vibration suppression.

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Designed with a universal 85-264 VAC input and standard output voltages from 5 V to 24 VDC; operating temperature -10 to +60 C. They are available off-the-shelf from Triad's extensive distribution network. The 100 pcs MSRP is approximately $0.30 to $0.40 per watt. The supplies are RoHS compliant, designed for worldwide use, and have been safety tested by UL/TUV.

Check out AST Bearings' brand new Web site and new online catalog with over 7,700 downloadable 3D CAD models including bearings for motion control — all at no charge!

New online catalog also includes:

•  Full specifications
•  Parametric search/filtering
•  2D schematics
•  Interactive 3D model viewing
•  18 CAD formats

LIS331 high-performance, digital output, 3-axis accelerometers have up to ±24g full scale, high resolution, smart embedded functionality, and advanced power-saving features. These sensors are suitable for applications such as motion user interfaces in gaming devices, free-fall detection for hard-disk data protection, and vibration monitoring and compensation in white goods. Buy now!

Complete portfolio of 32-bit MCUs plus RFID, low-power RF and ZigBee® solutions drives intelligence and advancing functionality for metering, home automation, and security.

Purchase a Stellaris kit today!

Do you need multiple position measures from a cramped machine environment? This absolute non-contact sensor is housed in a flexible plastic tube with fabric coating, permitting measurements around corners — and at distances to 20 m. It also can perform up to 30 independent displacement measurements with a single sensor.

If your system requires soft braking, this servo-pneumatic swivel can handle the job without shock absorbers. The module allows rapid, vibration-free positioning of more than 10 kg loads to an accuracy of 0.2 mm. Its maker claims the unit is 30% faster and uses 30% less air than pneumatic units.

This chain of bogie carriages engaging a durable plastic drive screw is among the "endless possibilities" engineers can create utilizing a build-your-own linear guidance system. Its "unrivaled choice" of carriages, slides, guides, bearings, tracks — with size and precision grade options — allows configuring virtually any track path for intermittent or continuous high-speed motion.

Based on magnetic synchronous motors, this modular track transport system has offered an alternative to belt- and chain-based conveyors for years. This fall, MagneMotion adds a "lite" version for payloads <2 kg. Besides high acceleration and 2 m/s speeds, the system can track the positions of hundreds of carriages to within 25 microns.

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Balluff Micropulse® magnetostrictive linear position transducers provide highly accurate and reliable position control signals. Don't delay projects and tie up working capital with long procurement cycles — we offer standard 5-day delivery on most Micropulse® linear position transducers at no extra charge. Watch video or request a competitor cross.

Cool Muscle integrated, closed loop, servo systems combine the motor, encoder, driver, controller, networking, I/O, and power supply into one unit. New interface options include DB9 RS-232, CANopen, DeviceNet, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, and USB. Learn more...

Cornerstone Automation Systems, Inc. announces the PickMaster 150Rx automated dispensing system.

Pickmaster 150Rx automatically dispenses product at over 100 units per minute. Typical systems include the ability to sort to order, label, and verify each product as it is dispensed and sorted to tote or carton.

Galil's RIO-471x0 Pocket PLC with Ethernet. It's smart, compact, and low-cost. 32 digital and 16 analog I/O in a 3.9 in. x 4.3 in. x 1.3 in. package. RISC processor for fast I/O handling. Just $295. Ladder Interface software available. Download specs and tutorial, or call Galil at 800-377-6329.

The controller is the latest catering to engineers who want ready-to-roll motion, fast, spending little time integrating or programming. With closed-loop brushless servo motor, built-in driver, controller, feedback, and 110/220V universal power, the package reduces installation time, wiring complexity, and cost. Any scant programming needs are simplified by 32 pre-coded motion profiles.

In today's commodity world, demand skyrockets for lower priced controllers that don't skimp on performance or flexibility. This controller fulfills that rising demand with many enhancements over earlier models in this maker's Econo line. Improvements include uncommitted analog inputs, accommodation of 15 MHz encoder frequencies, and double the memory for user programs.

Seeking more efficiency when converting from rotational to linear motion has some engineers turning to spindle drives. A Swiss manufacturer's offering can be matched to brush or brushless motors. With gear heads available in ratios starting at 1:1 and ranging to 850:1, the assemblies allow much higher linear loads than traditional output shafts.

When the objective is super smooth motion profiles as required for nanometer and microradian precision, this linear digital servo amplifier can step in where pulse-width modulation amps can't cut it. The amps are specified for 10A peak output and aimed at very high resolution applications such as non-destructive testing, MEMS, and vision systems.

Investigate our industry-leading new TechnoMod Gantry, a multi-axis motion platform complete with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure (fully assembled) which can be customized for more complex operations.

Techno Liner Motion now offers complimentary LabVIEW Drivers which are compatible with a variety of Techno controllers and machines. View these and all our featured products…

The Netzer DS-25 miniature, hollow shaft non-contact rotary sensor has angular resolution of <3 millidegrees. It has no internal bearings, a temperature rating of -55 to 125 C, a diameter of 25 mm, a height of 7 mm and weighs only 4 g. Netzer has larger (up to 170 mm ID) sensors with resolutions <1 millidegree.

The FMS GuidePak Web Guide Control System offers high-performance versatility for both OEM and upgrade applications. Included is a high-speed (1 ms cycle time) Digital Controller with Ethernet connectivity, a stepper motor, and ball screw actuator (650N thrust) for accuracy and durability, a microprocessor controlled ultrasonic material edge sensor, and cabling.

These linear actuators feature a thermal protected design, internal limited switch, and optional OEM heavy capacity. A wide range of mountings, gear ratios, and special designs is also provided. Specifications of our AC linear actuators include 800-1350 lb load capacity, 0.17 in.-0.27 in. per sec linear speed, and up to 24 in. stroke length.

Are your company leaders mentally tough enough? Check yourself against these six markers of toughness. Although borrowed from sports psychology, they apply well to business, and can help determine if your organization has enough competitiveness or the ability to keep going, even when the odds appear to be stacked against you.

Working in the field of programmable matter, Harvard and MIT engineers have demonstrated sheets that fold themselves into simple shapes, like boats and airplanes. They developed Nitinol shape-memory alloy sheet, creased into 32 triangular sections. Applying electricity triggers embedded actuators to fold the sheet into various shapes based on the pattern of electricity applied.

Space Tourism

The first few private space tourists paid millions to visit the International Space Station. Now Boeing is partnering in the space taxi business. If you had the money, would you fly to space?