Engineers usually think of integrated controllers as devices combining motor, controller, amplifier, and feedback. But those motion control devices are themselves being integrated into controllers that do much more. Desired advantages include reduced wiring, simpler commissioning, space saving, and now, inclusion of vital shop functions — especially safety. The latest controller from Siemens, for example, enables motion control, safety, and standard tasks from one device. It controls single-axis positioning or complex motion sequences, and also governs machine safety functions like brake control, speed monitoring, emergency stops, muting, and door monitoring — supporting standards like EN 954-1, IEC 62061, and EN ISO 13849-1.

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Overly complicated motion controllers can spoil nearly any project timeline, and make a mess of after sale support. You can solve these problems with the CX-1010 from Contrex. Requiring no programming, the CX-1010 is highly configurable, and capable of handling the most demanding speed and speed ratio projects.

This ground-breaking design of a re-circulating ballnut system minimizes reversal error. Field-base results indicate reduction from 10 microns to less than 5 microns across the entire ballscrew stroke. Available in sizes from 16 mm to 125 mm diameter, the JENA-TEC Plus Series provides improved accuracy and repeatability as compared to conventional ballscrew technology.

Parker's global drive offering delivers the solutions you need for demanding applications. Technologies: stepper, servo, AC variable speed, to high-current output DC. Available to over 2,000 HP.

Featured Product:

AC890PX High Power Modular AC Drive — Available to 500 HP, line voltages from 380 to 690VAC and feature a variety of operating modes.

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.

When suppliers revise high-reputation products, upping the performance delivery sufficiently can be iffy. There's little doubt, however, that these seventh generation rod-style analog transducers moved the needle enough: improved accuracy, higher shock and vibration ratings, immunity to electromagnetic interference, longer strokes. Backward compatibility to previous Micropulse products is also featured.

Tipping dump trucks or lifting garbage bins are among the arduous positioning jobs envisioned for these non-contact rotary sensors. The Hall-effect devices provide dual outputs, so while one signal controls function, the other is free for position monitoring or display purposes. They're among the thinnest available with a 6.5 mm profile.

These mini-slides with integrated electric drives were designed to give engineers a drop-in alternative to same-size pneumatic systems. They're suited for small pick-and-place applications with multi-point positioning requirements along travel lengths to 150 mm and loads to 5 kg. Basic axis-specific parameters have been pre-programmed, saving time and simplifying setup.

Trying to achieve positioning accuracies <100 nm? Consider using air to reduce pitch, yaw, and roll to near zero. This air bearing lift stage's servo motors and variable counterbalance helps provide true nanopositioning for applications like wafer inspection. There the stage's large open center helps accommodate required electrical and vacuum lines.

Learn how MTS Sensors helped elevate the Neumayer III Polar Research Station above the snow drifts in the harsh environment of Antarctica.

The magnetostrictive technology at the core of MTS' R-Series sensors provides the reliability and lifetime needed at sub-zero temperatures for a station designed to operate over 25 years.

ServoNOW™ motion control system includes closed loop brushless servomotor, driver, controller, feedback, and 110/220VAC power supply in a compact package ready to run in 5 minutes. Quick Launch software easily integrates velocity and positioning control using standard PC and USB port. Go here to view the 5 minute Plug and Play Demo.

Universal lead screw assemblies meet accuracies of 10 microinches/turn and 25 microinches/in. — the best in the industry. Standard lead screws offer accuracies of 50 microinches/turn, 100 microinches/in. Patented nut design maximizes repeatability. Custom lead screw applications using our lead screws welcomed. More details.

We are the world leader for Sprag and Ultra Precision oil well screen wire. Profiles will cold draw and cold roll a variety of metals into precision, geometric shapes with remarkably tight tolerances. We produce cost-effective precision parts that can be further processed with heat treating, annealing, and a variety of finishing operations with virtually no waste and a zero rejection rate.

This 2-axis digital controller is designed especially for closed-loop micropositioning systems equipped with piezo linear motor stages. They capitalize on the non-magnetic and self-locking nature of ultrasonic ceramic motors, which can position down to picometer levels. Thus, they offer better position stability than conventional motor/lead-screw drive combinations or magnetic linear motors.

As markets move toward variable speed motors for energy efficiency, Texas Instruments supports the change by providing controllers offering real time, field-oriented control of three-phase motors and adaptive tuning based on feedback. This video describes widening use of the 32-bit microcontrollers in solar inverters, white goods, and automotive applications.

A simple mechanical technology provides clog-free alternatives to screw-based linear motion. Rolling ring bearing drives — converting rotary motion from smooth, threadless shafts — are suited where you want zero backlash and automatic reversal without complex controls. Traverse is based on pitch, which is adjustable for speeds to 13 fps and independent of motor/shaft speed.

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A short-stroke electric cylinder constructed with a patented tubular linear motor and end-position controller is vying for attention as a possible replacement for solenoid actuators. The maker targets this sealed, IP65-rated component for processes like selective ejection of faulty parts from test stations, or other tasks requiring fast, controllable movement.

Made in the U.S., THK's new Actuator Type GL-N offers newly engineered enhancement to offer the best of all actuator features with the unique benefits of Caged Technology in one actuator. The new GL-N actuator is proven rigid, precise, available for quick delivery and is also an upgrade and direct...

The Infinity 1™ Roller Screw Actuator is an industry leading product that has reached 1,000,000+ cycles of continuous duty at 2500 lbs thrust and a travel rate of 10 in./sec. It's simply the highest performance, heavy-duty electromechanical actuator in its class.

Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems announces its new iMC-P1 multi-axis stepper controller. This single-to four-axis controller comes complete with drives, power supply, I/O, enclosure and software and is designed for a multitude of applications.

Additionally, we now offer complimentary LabVIEW Drivers which are compatible with a variety of Techno controllers and machines.

Wide resistance ranges, pulse power handling capabilities, and low inductance make PWR221T-30 series power resistors suitable for functions such as current limiting, current sensing, and capacitor discharge in uninterruptable power supplies, welding machines, automation, lighting, telecom power supplies, automotive, and railway equipment. View product details.

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•  Motion Control

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As busy career multi-taskers, we often credit ourselves as possessing skills like being perceptive or good at character judgment. Two psychology professors now write to say most people considerably overestimate their abilities. Their book tackles illusions that can negatively influence livelihoods, aiming to improve awareness of ourselves and our surroundings.

University researchers are giving new meaning to the 'pick me up' coffee provides. By filling a balloon with coffee granules, they've created a robotic gripper that can pick up items of varying sizes, shapes, and textures. The inspiration came from the thought that robots might be more functional if made softer.

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