Machine builders seek to "introduce new machines to new markets with faster lead times and lower costs," says this Control Design and Industrial Networking article, which offers a detailed look at integrated automation. The article reviews several machines on the market that feature integrated automation, including a machine that edge-bends flat sheetmetal. Its servo drive easily integrates since it's connected to EtherCAT, says Hand, rather than attaching to the controller using analog and digital signals — also improving diagnostics. Notes one industry engineer interviewed by Hand: "Now we can do sequencing or logic and motion control and HMI in one software package, on one PC, one controller."

Vibration Testers help effectively maintain equipment. The Fluke 810 generates a diagnostic report of your machinery to save time and money. Combine with Thermal Imaging and you can see into the heart of your machinery and immediately identify the root cause of mechanical failure. Intrigued? Learn more!

We're there when you need a precise solution and need it quickly! Shipment of select standard size/ratio gearheads in stock within 48 hours. See the gearhead compatibility reference guide with the specific manufacturers/models of motors. We do our best to accommodate rush situations. CGI gearheads are proudly made in the USA.

What do you get when you combine a high-performance X-Y gantry positioning stage with an advanced distributed motion-control system? How about a gantry system capable of multi-axis interpolated motion peaking at 5 m/sec., and positioning accuracy of less than 5 microns. Watch the gantry run through its paces in a 1 min. demonstration video.

Servo-actuated programmable cylinders are offering manufacturers a smoother approach to motion control than pneumatics. Case in point: a UK soup manufacturer seeking a flexible, high-speed, high-volume packaging system. As described in Automation World, the automated system, complete with servo drives and Ethernet/IP network, fills soup containers without spilling or splashing.

In a Technology Brief on packaging machine control trends, we learn of an Ethernet-based servo drive that can quickly change between EtherCAT and CANopen communication protocols. The Q&A-formatted article notes that smooth transitioning between bus types allows packaging machine designers to improve the efficiency of their bench testing and prototype work.

Growing use throughout Europe of predictive/preventive maintenance of electric drives is fueling a surge in the repair and refabrication market, finds a new Frost & Sullivan report. Revenues from drive repair and refab projects are predicted to rise by more than 50% over the next six years. The report notes several other trends within the repair and refab market.

The concept of a Digital DC Drive may be unfamiliar — a Digital DC Drive includes a micro-computer chip that controls speed regulation of the motor. It also provides closed loop regulation, a programmable display, and much more. Dart Controls is the only Digital DC Drive source on the market today.

When a standard, off-the-shelf drive will not meet your needs, try a custom motor drive from KB Electronics. KB, distributed by Kaman Industrial Technologies, will work with you to offer a custom AC or DC drive solution up to 5 HP that could last longer and consume less energy.

Using variable-speed drives to rotate pumps, compared to fixed-speed operation, can result in energy savings of 30% to 80%. So say the authors of this Machine Design article that includes a rundown of several such drives, for various applications including machine tools. Described is a high-end servopump drive for presses and plastics-processing equipment.

An Italian cookware manufacturer upgrades its production process by integrating brushless servo motors and outfitting the servo drives with absolute encoders to store axis positions in permanent memory. Result: quickened press-line setups and optimized productivty. Read on to learn about plug-in network modules for the drives, and the ability to select feedback signals based on the application.

Scheduled to make its debut at the SPS/IPC/Drives event in Nuremberg, Germany this November is this safety-equipped decentralized drive — use it as a smart drive or to create a smart motor. Included is a new Safe Torque Off function, available on two drive models rated 2 A or 15 A continuous and 6 A or 40 A peak.

Here's a servo drive developed for military service that weighs a meager 1.8 oz, yet produces a power burst in excess of 4000 W. Operating in either position, velocity or current mode, the 40 amp drive proves ideal for motion control in limited-space high-power applications.

Del-Tron's belt-driven DB series actuators operate at speeds up to 5.1 m per second (MPS) and do not require lubrication or maintenance under normal operating conditions. Del-Tron's DB series actuators are ideal for use in applications where speed is critical such as pick-and-place applications on high speed automation equipment.

Learn more about our PMDC Motor 80 Series and its compact design, low cost, and reliable operation. We are 2.U. Motor, one of the most experienced integrated manufacturers of motion control products in China. We are able to engineer our motion products to meet your exact requirements.

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GlobalSpec's Material Handling & Supply Chain Event — September 19, 2012

Join your peers for this free, informative, and interactive ONLINE conference and trade show — right from the convenience of your desktop. Meet with leading manufacturers eager to showcase their latest products, services and technology offerings. Participate in any or all of the educational sessions including: Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse: A Slotting Primer; Lean Manufacturing through Mobile Robotics, and more — all designed to meet your information needs. Don't miss out. Register today!

This part of IEC 61800, available now from IHS, specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for power drive systems (PDSs). These are adjustable speed AC or DC motor drives. Requirements are stated for PDSs with converter input and/or output voltages (line-to-line voltage), up to 35 kVac rms. PDSs covered by this standard are those installed in residential, commercial, and industrial locations.

For more information on IHS standards, visit us here.

The ISA 62382 standard, available now from IHS, defines procedures and specifications for loop check, which comprises the activities between the completion of the loop construction and the start-up of cold commissioning. This standard is applicable for the construction of new plants and for expansion/retrofits of electrical and instrument installations in existing plants.

For more information on IHS standards, visit us here.

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