Progress today often presents itself as smaller and lighter devices that fit in other shrinking designs. The trend is nowhere more evident than in state-of-the-art drives. This Motion Control Online article reviews several factors driving the reduction in size and other influences in the evolution of the modern drive. Definite trends include a shift from analog to digital drives and greater use of pulse-width-modulated (PWM) amplifiers, and reliance on more efficient MOSFET switching. The arrival of smaller, higher-efficiency drives is not an end; it merely contributes to other trends. The new drives support the market shift away from stationary factory floor machines to mobile and portable equipment.

Triad's new WSU Plug-in Power Supplies meet or exceed EISA2007. They are available in a wide power range from 6.75 to 36 W. The input range is 90 to 264 Vac and output voltages are 4.5 to 24 V. They are UL listed making them suitable for use in a wide array of applications.

The AFBR-1644Z transmitter utilizes a 650 nm LED source with integrated optics and driver IC for efficient coupling into 1 mm Polymer Optical Fiber (POF). The 30° Tilted Package benefits cable routing by reducing cable/connector strain for systems that require cables to be bent upwards/downwards to route between boards/systems.

For more information visit us here.

Haydon Kerk Express offers a wide variety of linear motion products such as captive, non-captive, and external stepper motor linear actuators, stainless steel lead screws, anti-backlash nuts, and motorized/non-motorized linear rail systems. The Express product offering is a "sampling" of a much broader product line of motion components and systems.

This video demonstrates Yaskawa's ultra-high precision motion control using Sigma-5 servos and MP2000iec controllers connected on a MECHATROLINK network.

After introducing torque motors that provide positioning control from inside auto wheel hubs, this video also details Schaeffler's efforts to create more intelligent linear motion systems. Seeking better performance than available from magnetic tape scale encoders, Schaeffler builds inductive encoders into linear rails. The result: narrowed resolution from the 5-10 µ range to 0.5-2 µ.

Common in many industrial settings, scissor lifts help position platforms so workers or equipment are fixed at the ideal height for assembly operations. To meet varying requirements for economy, measurement lengths (up to 50 m), and durability, SICK has engineered three wire draw encoder models. All models are characterized by compact design and high precision.

Festo reports its new linear axis has the market's highest load capacity, for its size, due to a unique tubular arch design. The EGC-HD's rigid aluminum construction and two guide rails render it sufficiently sturdy for loads to 1300 kg and for replacing two-axis units. It is available in belt or ball screw versions.

A German maker of plastic and stainless chains has added magnetic flat-top chains to its lineup. The Flexon system, Iwis says, improves conveying of products by reducing "stick-slip" effect. It aligns magnetic fluxes across multiple tracks, minimizing pulsations and jerking typical in conveyance mechanisms, resulting in a smoother and quieter transport.

Connecting motors and drives for reliable performance and signal integrity is easier with Alpha Wire. Alpha's flagship Xtra-Guard® Flex line is ideal for all flexing applications. For servo motor applications, look to Alpha's rugged Industrial Series SF Flexible Servo cable. Request a complimentary sample today!

MINISCALE combines Minirail guideway with optical encoder. This combo greatly reduces engineering costs, mounting surface preparation, and encoder assembly hardware. Simple assembly. No extra alignment time required for encoder. Extra space requirements minimal. Only from Schneeberger.

•  100,000 hours MTTF = 10 years 24 h/day
•  Encoded lengths now up to 1,000 mm.

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.

Renbrandt Fleximite™ Couplings have Zero Backlash and Low Inertia making them ideal for precision equipment, encoder drives, robotics, optical/mechanical devices, and positioning systems. Available in four sizes and bores up to 1 in., metric sizes available at no extra cost. http://www.renbrandt.com.

One of the biggest time-saving advantages of today's integrated motion control packages is simplified installation. The latest drive-motor-controller package from Advanced Micro is no exception. The three-in-one package is a compact device using standard CAT5/6 cables and RJ45 connectors for simple connection to a host PAC or PLC controller (through Modbus-TCP or Ethernet/IP.)

A DOE mandate requires new product designs to help limit resource consumption. One device that supports the directive is an integrated motor from Crouzet that combines motor, valve body, plunger, and safety spring — in contrast to competitive products. It serves as a modulating device that dispenses gas in varying amounts, rather than by straight on-off control.

Servo drive solutions are often perceived as complex and expensive, especially for remote locations. Now, Nord offers an economical alternative for engineers to consider. The SK 200E frequency inverter features an integrated positioning control module and was designed for motor terminal box mounting. It is available with a performance range from 0.25 to 22 W.

Many actuator makers promote the energy-capture potential of their devices for sun-tracking cells. SKF went environmental with the math: They estimated their solar linear actuator increases energy production of a single solar panel by 5.8 MWh/year, equating to CO₂ emission reductions of over 4 tons. This video summarizes benefits of their Solar Hub and Solar Actuator.

IKO's Standard Type Cam Followers (CF) provide both high-accuracy and high-rigidity in linear motion applications. Widely used in machine tools, industrial robots, electronic devices, and office automation equipment, Hex Head cam followers come in a variety of styles and can be installed firmly and easily using a hexagonal wrench.

Myostat is pleased to introduce the new HY series Hyphoid right angle gearboxes. Suitable for input torques between 76 N-CM and 357 N-CM these high efficiency gearboxes offer a high gear ratio in a small footprint and are available in 5:1 and 10:1 ratios.

With demand for more intelligent motion control solutions increasing, LINAK® has developed both electric linear actuators with integrated BUS communication and actuators with direct PLC interface. You benefit from straight forward, cost-effective solutions that are easier to design, install, maintain, and increase your customer's productivity.

This rotary union aids in the transfer of argon to three separate passages for a welding application. This union had to fit over a 9.5 in. shaft. Scott Rotary Seals specializes in custom design rotating unions for many industrial processing needs, no matter the size.

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.

For more information on IHS standards, visit us here.

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.

For more information on IHS standards, visit us here.

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