Motion and Controls Reference Materials
Technical Articles
Reference Articles 101 - 200 of 2106
-
How to Maximize Fail-Safe Behavior
Description: Servo drive safety integrated functions: How to maximize fail-safe behavior. Maximize fail-safe behavior so that for any single fault, the system is transitioned to a safe state. When creating the ...
-
IP Ratings: Using Linear Actuators in Challenging Environments
Description: Breaking Down the IP Rating ...
-
The Engineer's Guide to Choosing Gearmotors for Dirty and Wet Environments
From: Bodine Electric CompanyDescription: This whitepaper is a guide for selecting gearmotors suitable for dirty and wet environments, emphasizing the importance of ingress protection. ...
-
Precision in Every Step: Hybrid Steppers for Life Sciences
From: PortescapDescription: Enabling Smarter Motion in Life Science Applications ...
-
A Technical Guide to Custom Versus Standard Servo Drives
From: ElectroCraftDescription: For most motion control applications, a standard servo drive isn't just adequate - it's the best solution. These off-the-shelf units offer a practical balance of proven performance, immediate ...
-
Motor Options for RC Blowers: Single-Phase, Three-Phase, and More
Description: Choosing the right motor for a regenerative (RC) blower is just as important as selecting the blower itself. The motor affects everything from performance and energy efficiency to compatibility with ...
-
Closed-Loop vs. Open-Loop Vector Control in VFDs
Description: Vector control (also called field-oriented control) is a powerful motor control method used in variable frequency drives (VFDs) to deliver precise torque and speed regulation. It comes in two main ...
-
Brush Friction, Heat, and Efficiency in Motor Selection
Description: Brushless motors remove brush friction, reducing heat and wear. Engineers should evaluate efficiency, torque control, thermal limits, and maintenance for industrial, automotive, and agricultural ...
-
Simplify Your Motor Control Center Configuration, Monitoring and Maintenance
Description: Your IntelliCENTER® dataset identifies the critical Ethernet/IP-enabled motor control components in your MCC - helping keep your equipment running profitably ...
-
Unified Process and Power Integration in Mining
Description: Mining companies today face a complex reality: operations involve multiple systems and processes spread across different areas within a site that must work together seamlessly. This complexity ...
-
How to Use C++, Datasets for Motion Control Programming
Description: As machine controllers take on more responsibility beyond traditional control tasks, systems are expected to handle motion control, data processing and decisions in one platform. How can control ...
-
Case Sealing Within Packaging Automation
From: parvalux by maxonDescription: The whole point of automation is to speed up all aspects of the packaging process ensuring products are out of the warehouse in the shortest time possible. The process has many key stages, including ...
-
Parvalux Basics: Gearboxes
From: parvalux by maxonDescription: Here at Parvalux we have over 75 years of expertise in designing and building geared motors. However, we appreciate that not everyone is as experienced and knowledgeable about this as we are, so we ...
-
Packaging Automation - Void Filling Machines
From: parvalux by maxonDescription: Packaging automation plays a crucial role in the protection of goods during transit ??" from pharmaceuticals, to consumables to electronic components. Void filling machines are key to the packaging ...
-
Efficient Brushed DC Motor Control for Industrial Applications
Description: Covers brushed DC motor control fundamentals, controller design, load handling, and speed regulation, enabling efficient, precise, and reliable operation in automotive, industrial, and consumer ...
-
Brushless Motor Encoders for Automotive Seat Position Control
Description: Explains how brushless motor encoders provide position feedback for automotive power seats, enabling precise motion control, smooth adjustment, and reliable stopping through closed-loop motor control ...
-
Meeting the Demands of Modern Logistics: The Role of Mounted Mobile Printing
From: AgozTech LLCDescription: Mounted mobile printers on forklifts and other material-handling equiment are reshaping how companies approach labeling. ...
-
AC Series Motor vs Universal Motor
Description: Compare AC series and universal motors to understand their efficiency, durability, speed characteristics, and best applications for appliances and industrial machinery. ...
-
High-Performance DC Brushless Motor Generator
Description: Discover a compact, efficient, and eco-friendly DC brushless generator with high-speed operation, low noise, durability, and versatile power applications. ...
-
Carbon Brushes in Single-Phase AC Motors
Description: Explore brush types, materials, contact performance, and spring structures critical for commutation efficiency and lifespan in universal motors. ...
-
Technical Overview of Stepper Motors
Description: Detailed analysis of stepping motor types, construction, key parameters, and precision control applications in automation, robotics, medical devices, and automotive systems. ...
-
Brushless DC Motor for Vehicle Air Pumps
Description: Technical overview of brushless DC motor design improvements, including high-efficiency permanent magnet structure, anodized aluminum housing for heat dissipation, and integrated drive control for ...
-
Gear Motors: Working Principles and Industrial Applications
Description: Understand gear motors' design, components, and types, including planetary, worm, spur, and helical, for precise torque control in automotive, automation, and industrial systems. ...
-
BLDC Motors: Principles and High-Precision Applications
Description: Explore brushless DC motors' design, inner- and outer-rotor types, electronic control, and advantages in efficiency, precision, low noise, and reliability across multiple industries. ...
-
Precision-Control Brushless Fan Motors for Engineering Applications
Description: High-efficiency, low-noise brushless fan motors with stepless speed regulation and long service life, designed for HVAC, medical, and industrial ventilation systems. ...
-
Synchronous vs. Induction Motors Explained
Description: A technical comparison of synchronous and induction motors, highlighting efficiency, torque, speed control, and application suitability for industrial and automotive systems. ...
-
Induction Motors: Principles and Applications
Description: Technical overview of single-phase and three-phase induction motors, explaining electromagnetic operation, torque generation, and suitability for industrial and consumer applications. ...
-
DC Motor Solution for Precision Valve Control
Description: Technical overview of low-voltage DC permanent magnet motors with integrated angle sensors and clutch-equipped gearboxes, enabling accurate, flexible, and space-efficient water valve adjustment. ...
-
How To Control Multiple Actuators Together
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: When your project requires four, six, or even ten linear actuators working together, the control strategy becomes more nuanced than simply wiring everything to a single switch. This guide will walk ...
-
Custom Micro Linear Actuators for Blister Rupture and Microfluidic Valve Control
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: A few years ago, a leading OEM developing a cartridge-based microfluidic analyzer approached Actuonix with a unique challenge. Their system needed precise blister activation and stable microfluidic ...
-
Hexapod Controllers and Simulation Software
Description: How Do Hexapods Work? ...
-
Operating Linear Stages under Force Control
Description: How Advanced Control Algorithms enable Precision Force Control, Connecting the Future to the Past - from Artificial Feel" to Haptics of Augmented Reality ...
-
Rethinking Microtome Motion Control: Why Precision Matters More Than Ever
Description: The Challenge with Conventional Microtome Designs ...
-
Servomotor Help: Demystify Servo Sizing
Description: Understand common mistakes when sizing. Review some common servomotor applications. See how selecting a gearbox assists in sizing selection. ...
-
Stepper Motor: Working Principle & Applications
Description: Explore stepper motors' discrete step operation, types (PM, VR, Hybrid), and precise control mechanisms, ideal for robotics, 3D printing, and automated systems. ...
-
Stepper Motor Output Power Explained
Description: Learn how stepper motor output power varies with speed, torque, and driving conditions, helping engineers estimate performance for precise motion control applications. ...
-
AC vs DC Motors: Key Differences Explained
Description: Discover the main differences in operation, speed control, efficiency, and maintenance between AC and DC motors to select the optimal motor for your application. ...
-
Four Key Electric Motors for EVs
Description: Explore permanent magnet, induction, switched reluctance, and brushless DC motors, their features, and how they power electric vehicles efficiently and reliably. ...
-
Why a Virtual Pivot Point Matters in Optical and Photonics Alignment
Description: What Is a Pivot Point? ...
-
From Paper To Digital: Supporting WMS Digitization With Reliable Forklift Tablet Mounts
From: AgozTech LLCDescription: Warehouse and distribution environments are accelerating toward full digital transformation, and for good reason. Manual, paper-based workflows slow down operations, increase the risk of errors, and ...
-
Applications of Gearbox Motors
Description: Explore the applications, benefits, and technical significance of AC and DC gearbox motors in robotics, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. ...
-
Optimizing Motors for Adjustable Standing Desks
Description: Learn about brushless motors, gear systems, and design strategies that enhance desk stability, user comfort, and long-term motor reliability. ...
-
Improve Micro-Hole Drilling with a Hybrid Motion Technology Approach
Description: Thanks to new generation of lasers offering features such as ultra-short, laser drilling is becoming the method of choice for creating small holes in a variety of materials. These advanc es make it is ...
-
Optimizing Power Seat Motors for Vehicles
Description: Learn about BLDC motors, gearboxes, and motor design strategies that improve comfort, precision, and durability in automotive power seat applications. ...
-
Optimizing Motors for Hair Dryer Efficiency
Description: Technical insights into AC, DC, and brushless motor designs to achieve lightweight, quiet, and energy-efficient hair dryers suitable for professional and consumer markets. ...
-
Comparing Actuator Controllers - Which One is Right for Your Project?
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: The performance of your actuator is tied to how you control it. The wrong controller can limit precision or even cause damage, while the right one unlocks smooth, reliable motion. The right controller ...
-
Pairing a Servomotor with the Right Gearhead
From: DieQua CorporationDescription: There is an explosion of servomotor integration into machine design in response to the demand to automate nearly every aspect of manufacturing. As factories strive to make their processes more ...
-
What to Consider When Mounting a Gearbox to a Machine and Why it Matters?
From: DieQua CorporationDescription: When it comes to building machines, every component plays an important role in the performance and function of the machine. Gearboxes are no exception to this rule, and how they are mounted on a ...
-
Choosing Between Single-Phase and Three-Phase Motors
Description: An engineer's guide to understanding performance differences, load handling, and cost implications for residential and industrial motor applications. ...
-
Optimizing AC Drive Systems for Variable Demand
Description: This article explores the strategies and best practices for optimizing AC drive systems to accommodate variable demand effectively. ...
-
How to Specify an AC Drive Based on Application
Description: Specifying the right AC drive (also called VFD - Variable Frequency Drive) for your application is critical to achieving reliable performance, energy efficiency, and motor protection. Here's a ...
-
Blender Motor Technologies for Kitchen Applications
Description: Overview of induction, universal, and DC motor designs for blenders, with focus on speed, torque, and durability considerations in household and commercial appliances. ...
-
Brushless Motors: Technical Advantages and Industry Applications
Description: A brushless DC (BLDC) motor eliminates brushes and commutators, using electronic controllers to manage current flow, resulting in higher efficiency, precise speed control, low noise, compact size, and ...
-
White Paper: Powering Aerospace and Defense Through Quality and Innovation
From: PortescapDescription: When you're operating in the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense, every part must earn its place. From the first drawing to the final flight, there is no margin for error - reliability isn't ...
-
White Paper: How Portescap Empowers Humanoid Robots
From: PortescapDescription: Modern humanoid robots are designed to navigate human environments, with Portescap enabling their lifelike motion through precision motor systems. ...
-
Driving Innovation in Laboratory Automation with Advanced Motion Solutions
From: PortescapDescription: The Evolution of Laboratory Automation ...
-
Motor Technologies at the Heart of Point-of-Care Diagnostics
From: PortescapDescription: What Do Miniature Motors Do in POC Devices? ...
-
Why You Should Use VFD's In Pumping Applications
Description: With a properly selected and configured VFD, customers can enjoy a better user experience while saving money on energy costs. ...
-
Advantages and Applications of Custom Direct Drive Motors
Description: Special Voice Coil, 3 Phase Linear & Torque Designs ...
-
Force & Position Control in Precision Automation
Description: A host of applications can benefit from fast actuation systems equipped with precise metrology for controlling both force and position accurately. ...
-
Precision Force Control via Motor Force Constant Calibration
Description: From "Artificial Feel" to Haptics of Augmented Reality-How Precision Motion is Connecting the Future to the Past through Force Control ...
-
BenchTop™ Vibration Control Enables Critical Improvements in Microscopy
From: Newport MKSDescription: High-resolution microscopy offers researchers and clinicians a powerful analytical tool to help uncover a variety of biological phenomena and processes. However, instruments of this type require a ...
-
Optical Table System Design
From: Newport MKSDescription: In optical tables, "noise" refers to three types of vibration: seismic, acoustic, and tabletop forces. Seismic vibrations come from the ground underneath the table and can be caused by foot and ...
-
Vacuum Cleaner Motors for Enhanced Suction and Efficiency
Description: A technical overview of universal and brushless DC motors in upright, stick, handheld, canister, and robotic vacuums, with key selection factors for optimal performance. ...
-
Electric Motors for Fans: AC vs. DC Solutions
Description: A technical guide to single-phase, three-phase, brushed, and brushless motors used in residential, commercial, and industrial fans, highlighting efficiency, performance, and selection factors. ...
-
Motors Used in Robots: Key Types and Selection
Description: A technical overview of brushed, brushless, geared, AC, servo, stepper, and linear motors in robotics, focusing on torque, speed, efficiency, and control for optimal performance. ...
-
Can Hexapods Provide Advantages in Micro-LED Production?
Description: Micro-LEDs represent one of the most exciting frontiers in display technology. With chip dimensions below 50µm, they promise unmatched brightness, power efficiency, and lifetime compared to OLED ...
-
Spring Applied Brakes Compared: Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Electromagnetic Brakes
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: When industrial equipment needs reliable stopping power, caliper disc brakes are a common solution. These brakes use calipers to apply pressure against a rotating disc, creating friction that slows or ...
-
Right-Angle Gearboxes 101: Solving Space and Power Transmission Challenges in Tight Quarters
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: Designing complex material handling and packaging systems is tough, especially when space is tight. Right-angle gearboxes provide a smart solution. They are space-efficient and offer several other ...
-
How to Determine Which Bevel Gear Design is Right for Your Application
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: When your machine needs to transfer power between shafts that intersect at odd angles—or don't intersect at all—standard gears won't cut it. You need a more sophisticated solution. That's ...
-
Understanding Foot Switch Stages: Single, Two-Stage, And Redundant Designs
Description: Most people don’t think twice about what’s going on inside a foot pedal, but if your application involves controlling multiple devices or inputs, the internal design matters. Whether ...
-
Automatic Door Motors for Modern Access Systems
Description: A technical insight into AC and DC automatic door motors, their roles in sliding, swinging, folding, revolving, and overhead doors, and key factors for motor selection. ...
-
The Engineer's Guide to Driving 3-Phase AC Induction Motors with Inverters
From: Bodine Electric CompanyDescription: This whitepaper provides background on three-phase AC motors and inverters, and what to consider when specifying a motor and inverter pair for optimal performance. ...
-
Advantages of Multi-Axis Servo Drives
Description: Selecting among technology options in a motion-control application often comes with levels of complexity, especially when dealing with multiple axes. Explore five automation advantages of multi-axis ...
-
Motors in Modern Industrial Automation
Description: Explore the roles of DC, AC, Servo, and Stepper motors in enhancing precision, energy efficiency, and operational reliability across diverse automation applications. ...
-
Fundamentals of Vibration Control
From: Newport MKSDescription: This technical note describes the fundamentals of vibration and how these concepts relate to measurable parameters such as compliance and maximum relative motion. ...
-
Selecting a Solid State Relay or a Solid State Contactor for Start/Stop Control of an AN Motor
From: Sensata TechnologiesDescription: Solid State Relays (SSRs) and Solid State Contactors (SSCs) are ideally suited for controlling dynamic loads such as motors, particularly where frequent or multiple start/stop cycles are required in ...
-
Three Phase Solid State Relays and Their Application in Three Phase Motor Circuits
From: Sensata TechnologiesDescription: The applications of Three Phase Solid State Relays ...
-
Leveraging Voice Coil Actuators in Fast-Steering Mirror Applications
From: Sensata TechnologiesDescription: Fast-steering mirrors (FSMs) have tremendous utility in a variety of sectors, including astronomy, laser communication, and military/defense applications. Motion control is a critical function of ...
-
Brushed vs Brushless Drill Motors Explained
Description: Discover the differences, benefits, and applications of brushed and brushless drill motors to choose the ideal solution for DIY or heavy-duty drilling projects. ...
-
Choosing the Right Motor for Coffee Grinders
Description: Explore how motor types impact grind quality, noise, and durability in coffee grinders for household and commercial use. ...
-
For an AC Drive to Control the Speed of an AC Induction Motor, What Harmonic Correction Method is Perfect for Industrial Facilities?
Description: To address harmonics introduced by AC drives in industrial facilities, the ideal harmonic correction method depends on the specific system requirements, facility load conditions, and compliance needs ...
-
What Is Pump Multiplexing & What Does It Have in Common With Moving?
Description: For those who are new to or have some knowledge of pump multiplexing, here is a different way of looking at it. When multiplexing pumps are controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), ...
-
How Actuonix Linear Actuators Are Used in Hydroponics and Greenhouse Automation
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: Automation is making modern agriculture smarter and more efficient. At Actuonix, our compact linear actuators provide growers with an option to automate physical tasks in greenhouses and hydroponic ...
-
Actuators for Drone Payload Systems: Why Precision Matters More Than Ever
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: As drone technology matures, payload systems have become mission-critical. A mistimed payload release can cause injury, violate airspace regulations, or destroy high-value cargo. Precision isn’t ...
-
Cheap Linear Actuators | How To Buy Inexpensive Actuators
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: At Actuonix, we take pride in producing inexpensive linear actuators built to a high standard of quality. Our low-cost line of micro linear actuators is the result of years of product development and ...
-
Animating Halloween Props: How to Make Decorations Move with Micro Linear Actuators
From: Actuonix Motion DevicesDescription: With Halloween approaching, many creators are thinking about ways to make their decorations more interactive. If you've ever wondered how to make a Halloween decoration move, micro linear actuators ...
-
Choosing the Right Motor for Food Processors
Description: Discover how AC and DC motors power food processors with performance, torque, and control for every kitchen application. ...
-
What are the Three Motor Controller Types: AC Drive, Soft Starter and Contactor?
Description: The three motor controller types—AC drive, soft starter, and contactor—are used to control electric motors but serve different purposes and operate differently. Here’s an overview of ...
-
Generating Uniaxial Vibration with an Electrodynamic Shaker and External Air Bearing
Description: Electrodynamic shakers are widely used in experimental investigations of vibrated fluids and granular materials. However, they are plagued by undesirable internal resonances that can significantly ...
-
Where 12V DC Motors Power Innovation
Description: Explore how 12V DC motors drive automotive, medical, and robotic systems across industries. ...
-
AC Motor Applications Across Industries
Description: Explore how AC motors power industrial, commercial, and home devices ...
-
How a California Company Perfected A Photonic Scanner
Description: A Director of Engineering at an industry leading precision stage manufacturer, was presented with a design problem. The linear stage for a client’s blood analyzing instrument was not perfect. It ...
-
A VFD User should Know These Induction Motor Calculations
Description: Understand more about alternating current motor specifications and calculations when using the motor with a variable frequency drive. ...
-
Benefits of Pancake Motor Design
Description: In today's fast-paced manufacturing landscape, industries are increasingly focused on improving precision, efficiency, and accuracy in their operations. As a result, the demand for advanced motion ...
-
How to Find a Trusted Motor Supplier Fast
Description: A 3-minute checklist to avoid low-quality blender motor vendors ...
-
Head-to-Head: 1 HP BLDC Motor vs 1 HP AC Induction Motor
From: Oriental Motor USADescription: For machine designers who typically specify 3-phase AC induction motors and VFDs to meet variable speed requirements, brushless DC (BLDC) motors can be a cheat code to designing smaller, lighter, and ...
-
7 Engineering Challenges That Make Precision Gantry Systems Hard to Get Right
Description: While multi-axis gantry systems are foundational to high-throughput automation - think semiconductor inspection, laser processing, and advanced metrology - the challenges behind making them precise, ...
-
Top 5 Blender Motor Specs Beyond Price
Description: Why performance, durability, and safety matter more than cost ...
-
AC Motor Controllers: Efficient Control Solutions
Description: Discover types, benefits, and selection tips for AC motor controllers ...