Motion control systems offer untapped potential for automating life science laboratory research, and not just increased throughput, but testing consistency, and reduced errors. The motion needs seem simple — especially compared to applications like packaging lines with scores of highly-synchronized axes. Yet, complications arise from the scale required for DNA sampling. Some chips feature 60,000 separate DNA probes on substrates measuring just 1 cm². Whether continuous scan or step-and-image, the system demands sub-micron positioning accuracy and capturing images every 33 milliseconds. That means systems that can move and settle very fast, or supreme velocity control to minimize blur from vibration.

Souriau's JBX series has a durable latching mechanism and is available at Digi-Key. Its high mating cycle-count goes up to 1,000 cycles. The JBX series has high density layouts from two to 30. Contact terminations available include crimp and solder tails. Contact diameter ranges from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

The extended stroke 19000 series is the latest addition to the popular high output can-stack line offered by Haydon Kerk. The 1.22 in. (31 mm) stroke length allows a greater range of linear motion while at the same time, maintaining the small mechanical footprint for use in demanding applications requiring compact components.

'DZ' Servo Drives from Servo2Go.com are µ-sized servo drives capable of torque, velocity, and position modes for brushed, brushless, or voicecoil motors.

•  Networks include CANopen or RS-232/485 supporting PVT mode, or the DZ Series provides inputs for ±10V analog, Encoder Following, Step/Direction and PWM/Direction
•  Output range includes 10-80 Vdc to 20 Amps continuous(40 Amps peak)

Lika Electronic offers the wind generator industry a new series of incremental and absolute encoders expressly designed to guarantee reliability and toughness which are the basic qualities for the safe and cheap operation of wind turbines often sited in harsh working environments.

The trend toward slower-speed, higher-torque motors also ushered in large machines with giant shafts that begged for encoders that didn't exist. But the market is catching up, with products like these from Switzerland. Baumer's magnetic hollow shaft encoders, which mount right to the hub, offer inside diameters up to 740 mm.

The phrase is well recognized in London's Underground transit system, but it was Germany's Balluff that minded the gap to help solve encoder problems. The BML magnetic linear encoder tolerates a wider gap — up to 2 mm — between the sensor read-head and the magnetic tape without sacrificing its ±10 micron accuracy.

When designing systems to automate liquid dispensing, the default choice for assembly lines is typically indexing systems, where products start and stop at each station. Continuous motion offers advantages of smaller footprint, faster speed, even better quality — perhaps contrary to intuition — when production targets are 400+ parts per minute.

Sometimes industry demands innovation, sometimes R&D drives industry. It was the latter case when THK developed the RSR1, a new industry-smallest linear guide — with rail width just 1 mm — rather than wait for customers to ask for it. This video highlights the RSR guides, which offer minimal rolling resistance and four-way equal load ratings.

Enertrols EGS Gas Springs provide counterbalance lift assist and lowering motion control for panels, lids, guards, hoods, hatches, and more. Solid, long-life construction. Wide range of body sizes and stroke lengths. Fixed force and adjustable models, with push and pull type designs. Made in Farmington Hills, MI.

The newly redesigned E-Series includes the Model EH and Model EL sensors, the smallest industrial sensors ever offered by MTS Sensors — shown in the photo to the same scale as a bill.

Find out more about the benefits of magnetostriction in this new, small, cost-effective package!

Path Technologies, Inc. has aided in the design and manufacture of motion / load sensor components (and accessories) since 1995. The experience gained over the past 15 years allows for the production of these precision components to be done efficiently, passing those savings onto our customers.

These AC drives from Yaskawa America, Inc. — Drives Division incorporate the latest technological advancements in AC motor speed control, made possible by experience and dedication to quality in design and manufacturing. They offer the greatest selection of size and performance available, with power ranges from fractional HP to 1500 HP.

This controller offers usability with most brushless motors, big input voltage (48 V), plus operating in analog or digital mode. In analog mode, users can adjust speed and direction via an on-board potentiometer. In digital mode, communication can be via RS485, permitting use over longer distances and in electrically noisy environments.

Lenze went to the drawing board to design an all-new controller that would provide "motion-centric" automation of complex, multi-axis machines that require PLC logic and both rotary and linear movement. Some simplification comes from being a cool system, eliminating the need for a cooling fan, and a UPS function eliminating battery requirements.

Designed from scratch to seize share in the ultra precision market, this linear shaft motor consists of only a magnetic shaft and a forcer. Here's a look at how the device maximizes use of magnetic flux, attains super stiffness, reduces heat generation, and avoids cogging en route to sub-micron resolution performance.

Buying off-the-shelf drives saves time. But the ROI can be lost again with time spent understanding and matching controllers to the drives. Here's a look at drives that eliminate separate controllers — building in intelligence for acceleration and deceleration ramps and position counters — while also making them easily programmable.

Automate your linear motion system quickly and efficiently with Techno's new line of multi-axis motion controllers. Choose from stepper or servomotor options like the iMC-V Controller, programmable up to 6 axes.

Package any controller with one of Techno's compatible XYZ Gantry Tables to customize your specific automation application affordably.

Every actuator Myostat provides is available with an optional Cool Muscle integrated servo motor complete with all the features and benefits of an integrated servo system. With our wide range of Cool Muscle integrated actuators available, we are sure to have a solution for your machine.

Maxon's DEC module 50/5 controller is a digital amplifier with speed controller for controlling brushless DC motors with Hall sensors up to 250 W. This powerful plug-in module is seamlessly integrated into complex applications with minimum effort. Works with operating voltage of up-to 50 VDC and output current of 5A.

LEE LINEAR® uses quality raw materials to produce the best finished products. Our experience, quality, inventory, customer commitment, and outstanding service makes LEE the company we are today. We work harder and smarter to earn the privilege of being a supplier of choice for all precision linear motion components.

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A recent study from Google ranking most-valued traits in a boss is chock-full of expected characteristics. The surprise comes from the attributes that attain the highest spots. Employees seem to value people skills — coaching, empowering, and spending time with staff, communication — far more than technical expertise and corporate vision.

The Amazon's knifefish has inspired development of a robotic fish that can sense and move in all directions. Using a ribbon-like fin controlled by 32 robotic rays, GhostBot can change directions almost instantly. The technology has potential to improve maneuverability of ROVs like those that experienced trouble during the BP Oil disaster.

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