The industry has barely had time to grow accustomed to the Programmable Automation Controller. It is still working to arrive at a consensus on defining a PAC, other than some combination of PLC, PC-based control, machine vision, and motion control. But lack of consensus isn't slowing PAC evolution. The latest PAC, GE's RXi platform, was introduced this summer with another promise to "revolutionize control" while continuing support of such trends as standards-based open architectures, control at the machine level, integration into the industrial Internet, and cloud-based computing. It also raises an unexpected possibility — of maintainable control systems that could outlast manufacturing assets.

If you have been using US Digital kit encoders in the past, you've been using Avago Encoders all along. Avago has been making encoder modules previously used in US Digital encoders for over 25 years. Get your US Digital replacement kit encoder from the original source... Avago Technologies.

On-site mold making with no geometry limits and plastic injection molded parts including low volume and short run production utilizing all electric presses. We also provide rapid prototyping service as well as CNC machined parts. ISO 9001:2008 certified and ITAR compliant, providing quality precision parts to all industries.

Three years ago, Renishaw introduced the first absolute encoder capable of 1 nm resolution. Now, reconstructed with clean materials and adhesives, the same encoder delivers low concentration residual gas analyses and another world premiere — the first for ultra-high vacuum environments, such as semiconductor and scientific applications, requiring vacuum compatibility to 10^-10 Torr.

Dual mold construction produces this rugged position sensor IC, eliminating the need for a printed circuit board in the module. The sensor integrates a 12-bit resolution die with decoupling capacitors, meeting stringent automotive industry requirements for electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic compliance. The sensor's advanced Triaxis Hall technology measures flux densities in three planes.

When your long-travel linear system calls for moving large loads and doing it with precision, this stage may meet the need. It offers excellent straightness run-out accuracy for travel lengths 600 mm to 1500 mm, and positioning repeatability of ±1 µ. Size 25 precision profile rails push or pull loads as large as 500 kg.

Combining several linear low-profile stages, this gantry system is decked out for multi-axis applications that have to support heavier loads. Flex cables run neatly to three stepper motor controllers, keeping system movement reliable and uncluttered. The system supports loads to 18 kg and can reach speeds of 330 mm/s.

Exlar's Tritex II™ DC Powered line of actuators integrates power and control electronics with brushless servo motors and actuators in one compact package. Their next-generation design merges power with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Plus, offering a wide range of I/O capabilities, the Tritex II DC provides superior control and connectivity.

The Linear Cable Encoder (LCE) provides a low cost alternative for obtaining accurate linear measurements. As opposed to typical rotary shaft style encoders, the LCE has a retractable stainless steel cable, allowing for numerous and unusual measuring configurations. Learn more about Encoder Products Company.

In motion control, the saying "practice makes perfect" could apply to successive software versions. In v3, Motion Perfect at least more closely matches its moniker. Trio Motion claims the motion application development software boosts productivity by harnessing Microsoft's .NET and WPF technologies, enhancing programming and commissioning, and easing retrieval of previous project files.

Few motion components have 20-year market longevity. Those that do have seen their share of refinements. Early MR-J servo motors and controllers, for instance, were among the fastest servos of their time. The MR-J4 sustains the heritage with a blazing 2500 Hz frequency response speed time — which helps slash settling times to less than 2 msec.

Many OEMs custom grind ball screws to exacting requirements for automotive, medical, and machine parts. This video discusses reasons to buy instead of making your own. Advanced thread-rolling technology now rivals custom grinding in accuracy, but also dramatically lowers cost. Nook employs it in producing globally interchangeable parts that comply with international standards.

Although engineers often think of lead screws as low-cost alternatives, this video demonstrates how ball screws and lead screws are sometimes interchangeable. The presentation goes on to say that, while ball screws generally are more efficient and durable, advantages surface for both actuators. Watch and listen here for some apps that favor lead screws.

MSD-R offers an optimized and ready-to-use drive technology for either continuous rotation or accurate positioning of vertical lathe turntables. Driving the turntables crowns, these two speed gearboxes can be used as a single drive solution as well as a twin drive solution when cancelling the rotation backlash is required.

Visit us at IMTS booth N6035.

Rogan introduces a new generation of bondable liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Utilizing LSR's heat, chemical resistance, and ability to form a molecular bondable material allows designers to develop highly reliable components that meet demanding performance and cost requirements.

Rogan Corporation has been providing customers with quality, cost, and delivery for 75 years.

This part of IEC 61800, available now from IHS, specifies requirements for adjustable speed power drive systems, or their elements, with respect to electrical, thermal, and energy safety considerations. It does not cover the driven equipment except for interface requirements. It applies to adjustable speed electric drive systems which include the power conversion, drive control, and motor or motors.

This part of ISO 12090, available now from IHS, establishes the boundary dimensions and tolerances for series 1, 2, and 3 of linear motion rolling bearings, and profiled rail guides. These bearings consist of profiled rails with carriages, which can support forces from all perpendicular directions and moments around all axes and consist of recirculating rolling elements.

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