Motion and Controls Reference Materials
Technical Articles
Reference Articles 1501 - 1600 of 2118
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Progressive Automations Custom Actuators
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: At Progressive Automations, we have a wide variety of actuators in stock with a range of stroke sizes and forces to choose from. We also understand that every user’s application is unique. For ...
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What is a Voice Coil Actuator?
From: H2W TechnologiesDescription: A voice coil actuator, also known as a non-commutated DC linear actuator, is a type of direct drive linear motor. The name "voice coil" comes from one of its historically first applications: vibrating ...
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High Speed Linear Actuators
From: PortescapDescription: The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about linear actuators is a pneumatic cylinder with some control valves. They have been an indispensable part of the automation industry and still hold ...
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Miniature Motors for Biopsy Systems and Radiation Treatment
From: PortescapDescription: Miniature Motors for Biopsy Systems and Radiation Treatment Precision electric motors are spinning the way to improved developments in cancer management. ...
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Miniature Motors for Medical Devices and Dispensing Systems
From: PortescapDescription: Miniature Motors for Medical Devices and Dispensing Systems ...
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Understanding Speed-Torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 1 of 3)
From: PortescapDescription: Understanding Speed-Torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 1 of 3) ...
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Understanding Speed-Torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 2 of 3)
From: PortescapDescription: Understanding Speed-Torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 2 of 3) ...
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Understanding Speed-torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 3 of 3)
From: PortescapDescription: Understanding Speed-Torque Characteristics of Miniature DC Motors (Part 3 of 3) ...
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Common Mounting Methods for Linear Actuators
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: In this article, we will discuss a few common methods of mounting a linear actuator and what you need to pay attention to when installing them. ...
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Flight Simulator Success Story Using Linear Actuators
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: With the advancement of the technology used in augmented reality, no longer are simulators limited to training facilities and large companies. Makers all over the world are utilizing motion control ...
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Flowchart for Actuator Selection
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Selecting the right electric actuator for your application is a key part of bringing it to life. ...
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Fluid Power South Success Story Using Heavy Duty Linear Actuators
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Fluid Power South is a distributor and seller of automation components. They have been serving Georgia OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), machines users, and resellers for nearly four decades. ...
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A Low-Profile IPM with Optimized Heat Dissipation for Use in Restricted Environments
From: Infineon Technologies AGDescription: In space-constrained environments like a motor with an embedded PCB, there is no airflow and no room to apply additional cooling, such as a heatsink. In this article, we will introduce the ...
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Fluid Power vs. Electric Actuators - Comparison
From: CEF Industries LLCDescription: Comparison of actuators for applications in Aerospace. ...
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Advantages of Linear Motor Coupling
From: TecnotionDescription: Does your machine need a power upgrade or do you want to expand an existing design? Coupling two linear motors is an easy and effective way of increasing the available force. Herewith you are not just ...
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Application Note: Curved Magnet Track
From: TecnotionDescription: How does a linear motor move over a curved track? A seemingly complicated question with straight forward answers. Where traditionally different motion systems can be used to follow up on a linear ...
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Motor Application: Horizontal Panel Beam Saw
From: TecnotionDescription: Horizontal panel beam saws are used in the woodworking industry to cut large sheets, strips, or panels of wood or wood-based materials, such as oriented strand board (OSB), into various sizes. The ...
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Motor Application: Large Format Printing
From: TecnotionDescription: Large format printers are used to print all types of large artwork and signage, including banners, wallpaper, vehicle image wraps, architectural drawings, and electronic circuit schematics. ...
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Motor Application: Moving Magnet Systems
From: TecnotionDescription: For applications that require non-contact, particle-free transport, such as clean rooms, vacuums, or chemical environments, a moving magnet linear motor meets the most demanding process requirements. ...
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Motor Application: Packaging
From: TecnotionDescription: Machine throughput and production rate is a key factor for efficient manufacturing. It is well known that building machines that move back and forth result in lower efficiency than unidirectional ...
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What is Commutation?
From: TecnotionDescription: What is commutation? In order to generate motion in a three-phase linear motor there must be switching between the phases to energize appropriate windings. The process of switching between the phases ...
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Friction Guides: A Different Kind of Bold Movement
Description: The Basics of a Friction Guide - Friction guides are ideal for automated machinery in such environments as factories and laboratories. They provide an economical, long-lasting, and easy-to-install ...
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System Philosophy in Efficiency Optimization
From: Danfoss Drives A/SDescription: This article presents the concept of efficiency first, describing how energy saved can be regarded as an energy source in itself. Taking a systems approach to energy optimization pays off. ...
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ACME Screw vs. Ball Screw
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Comparing and contrasting Acme Screws vs. Ball Screws, advantages and disadvantages of both ...
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Linear Actuators in Recreational Vehicles
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: ...it's a great idea to make sure your RV is automated, so it can set up exactly the way you want and with minimum effort. At Progressive Automations, we offer a wide range of linear actuators and ...
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Load Simulation For Test Bench
From: Andantex USA, Inc.Description: When designing a test bench, Particle brakes made by Merobel™ provide an excellent solution, because of their ability to generate a torque load that is precise, variable and easy to control - at ...
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ACME Lead Screws vs. Ball Screws: How Do They Differ?
From: Venture Mfg. Co.Description: In today’s automated environment, the demand for effective linear motion control systems like lead screws is extremely high. Most lead screws initiate motion by turning either the nut or the ...
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How Actuators are Playing Vital Role in Agriculture?
From: Venture Mfg. Co.Description: Today modern day farming has become quite a precision work. They are relying on various advanced technologies to improve their services. Hence, the demand for actuator driven devices in agricultural ...
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How Do Linear Actuators and Conveyors Share a Strong Bond?
From: Venture Mfg. Co.Description: Material handling industries require different objects to be moved from one place to another. For this purpose, conveyor systems are used, which make the movement of work pieces, and finished goods ...
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How Electric Linear Actuators Improve Automation Results?
From: Venture Mfg. Co.Description: VenturemfgcoActuators for Agriculture, Actuators for Wheelchairs, Electric Linear Actuator, Hospital Bed Actuator, Medical Actuatorsagriculture, electric linear actuators, food and beverage, medical ...
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Voice Coil Motor Parameters
From: GEEPLUS Inc.Description: Voice Coils Motors are perfect for applications where excellent control for short stroke, bidirectional linear actuation is required, e.g. in medical or optical equipment. Learn the parameters and ...
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Selecting a Disc Coupling: Torque, Speed & Misalignment
From: jbj Techniques LimitedDescription: Disc coupling selection requires consideration of torque, shaft diameters, operating speed and shaft misalignment. This guide outlines how to calculate application torque, apply service factors and ...
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Adaptive Optics - the Next Generation. 11,000 Actuators to Aid Search for Exoplanets with the E-ELT
Description: PI and Fraunhofer IOF Cooperate on New Large Scale Adaptive Optics Project ...
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Advances in Precision Motorized Positioning Systems: Selection Criteria
Description: Motion drive and control technologies are advancing rapidly. This means engineers have access to an expanding spectrum of options to leverage previously unattainable performance and form factors. ...
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Self-Locking Actuator for Hexapod Applications Combines High Push-Pull Force with Picometer Resolution for Active Optical Alignment in Astronomy
Description: Astronomical telescopes usually employ active position control for primary mirror surfaces using motorized mechanical actuators. The motion needed is generally quasistatic, to compensate gravitational ...
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Ultra-High Precision Positioning Actuators to Align Mirror Segments in the ELT Telescope
Description: Hybrid Concept Using Piezo / Voice Coil and Screw Drives for the ELT Telescope ...
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Advances in Variable Speed Drives Ease Complications
Description: Conventional variable speed drives offer control for motor speeds. New advancements in their configuration look to simplify the process. ...
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Technical Article: Gate Driver Applications For Infineon's CoolSiC™ MOSFET
From: Infineon Technologies AGDescription: Even at reduced dv/dt of max. 5kV/µs the CoolSiC™ MOSFET features significantly lower losses than conventional IGBTs with the same current rating ...
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What is a Torque Motor?
From: TecnotionDescription: Rotational electric motors have been around for ages but a lot has changed since then. How did electric motors change? What innovations have been made? Torque motors have benefitted greatly from the ...
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Sleeve Coupling Installation Guide
From: Joyce/Dayton Corp.Description: Step-by-step guide to installing sleeve couplings. ...
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Smart Actuators - The Intelligent Choice
Description: Modern cars contain more than 130 motors to control everything from HVAC systems, coolant and refrigerant valves, headlights and seat adjustments to grille shutters, vehicle security and trunks. Most ...
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What is Tribology?
From: GGBDescription: Tribology is the science of wear, friction and lubrication, and encompasses how interacting surfaces and other tribo-elements behave in relative motion in natural and artificial systems.This includes ...
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Gear Types and Manufacturing
From: QTC METRIC GEARSDescription: Displays images and descriptions of different gear types including spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears and more. ...
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Planetary Gear Design
From: QTC METRIC GEARSDescription: A planetary gear system, also referred to as epicyclic gearing, consists of three elements - a sun gear, one or more planet gears, and a ring gear. The sun gear is located at the center, and transmits ...
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Avoiding Linear Bearing Failure Series
From: ROLLON CorporationDescription: When linear bearing systems fail prematurely, the reason almost always involves an overlooked application error. These errors fall into just five different categories and when left unchecked, can ...
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BLDC Motors: Flying High in the Aerospace Industry [Infographic]
From: SinotechDescription: The following infographic examines the aerospace industry, history of the aircraft engines and the role of BLDC motors. Brushless DC motors offer accuracy and vital characteristics needed in this ...
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Motion Control Basic Knowledge
From: CONTEC Co., Ltd.Description: Includes sections on motion control, stepper motors, sevo motors and encoders. ...
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Transconductance vs Voltage Amplifiers
From: GalilDescription: The purpose of an amplifier in a motion control system is to provide a controlled amount of current or voltage to a motor based on a command signal from the motion controller. This is done by a ...
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Boosting Efficiency, Reliability And Affordability Of EV Drivetrain Power Modules
From: Infineon Technologies AGDescription: This article describes how improvements in IGBT device design and module packaging design enable reductions in switching and conduction losses, greater ability to withstand thermal stresses, and use ...
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Multi-Point Automatic Lubrication System for Robotic 7th Axis
From: Andantex USA, Inc.Description: Manufacturing companies in every field have realized the best way to be competitive with price and quality is to automate their factories. ...
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What Is A Digital Controller?
From: WATTCODescription: Control panels are essential elements of any electrical device. Control panels are especially important on HVAC devices and heater elements. They enable you to control the temperature, voltage, and ...
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Automatic Commutation of Stepper Motors
From: PortescapDescription: Introduction, Principle of Autocommutation Stepper motors are mostly driven in open loop mode. Timing of the step pulses is defined by the controller, the motor is supposed to follow without loosing ...
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What Gearing Types are Typical of Fractional Horsepower Motors
From: Groschopp, Inc.Description: Originally, gears and the structure that houses them (called gearheads, gear reducers or gearboxes) were created for two main reasons: 1.To increase motor torque 2.To enable more adjustments to be ...
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Why Three Phase Induction Motors Are Popular for Industrial Applications
From: Groschopp, Inc.Description: Three phase induction motors have been a popular choice for many industrial applications for a number of reasons: *Non-complex construction - they don't require permanent magnets, brushes or windings ...
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Programming In Motion
Description: Automated Industrial Machinery (AIM Inc.) moved from an analog interface to servo amplifiers to a digital motion control network to reduce wiring and simplify programming. It used IEC 61131-3 ...
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Benefits of Using a VFD in Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Description: This is the first part of a series that discusses how VFD technology has become a common feature in compressors where the focus is on production efficiency and energy savings. ...
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Five Ways Servos Improve Packaging Machines
Description: Upgrade your next machine design with servo motors to decrease downtime, decrease footprint, increase throughput, make equipment last longer, and provide better diagnostics. ...
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How to Cut Costs and Maximize Production with Servo Automation
Description: Inside Machines: Lumber machine manufacturer's moves to servo control yields increased precision, productivity. ...
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Boost Capacity and Efficiency, While Minimizing Upgrade Costs in Water Treatment Plants
Description: Medium Voltage VFDs Provide an Ideal Solution for Many Facilities: White Paper Case Study of MV1000 Installation at Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) near Pittsburgh, PA ...
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How to Choose the Right Control Method for VFDs
Description: Motors account for at least half of the energy consumed in the U.S. Selecting the right control method for an application lets the motor run most efficiently while maximizing torque and overall ...
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Irrigation Station for High School Football Field
Description: Metro Irrigation Supply successfully installed a Gicon pump station at a local high school football field and reduced energy consumption by utilizing Yaskawa iQpump1000 variable speed drives. ...
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OEE is Key
Description: Today's CPG manufacturer is faced with a number of difficult challenges. The manufacturer's ability to drive the cost per packaged unit down while maintaining the flexibility to innovate and integrate ...
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OEM Expands Servo, Control Capabilities to Improve Accuracy
Description: All-Fill's servo-driven auger fillers continue to evolve with a more inclusive control platform. ...
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Redundant VFDs and Fan Arrays in Critical Operations
Description: Learning objectives Understand fan arrays. Learn how VFDs can operate fan arrays. Understand how to best maintain controlled airflow in a critical operation incorporating VFDs and fan arrays. ...
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Taking Advantage of VFD Software
Description: Although VFD manufacturers have made many advances in terms of ease of use, some users still find programming and monitoring with a 2-inch display tedious. This is where VFD programming and monitoring ...
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Understanding Permanent Magnet Motors
Description: A permanent magnet motor is an ac motor that uses magnets imbedded into or attached to the surface of the motor's rotor. This article provides understanding behind the terminology, concepts, theory, ...
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The Fundamentals of Matrix Variable Frequency Drive Technology
Description: Providing cost, space, and energy efficiency for VFD applications. ...
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Choosing Variable Frequency Drives for Water Applications
Description: Flow control enhances efficiency and energy savings. ...
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Four Ways to Improve Production by Understanding the Physics of Servos
Description: There is always a need to increase production in automation applications. Sometimes achieving improvements requires breaking the process down to its fundamental basics. The science behind the ...
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Matrix Drives Reduce Energy Consumption for Transporter System
Description: The article "Matrix drives reduce energy consumption for transporter system" by Mike Grant, an engineer at Yaskawa, appeared on Control Engineering's website. The article goes into how Yaskawa ...
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Troubleshooting VFDs 101 - With No-power Checks
Description: Before you rip that variable frequency drive (VFD) off the wall and send it in for a rebuild, stop. Some simple checks diagnose a VFD in moments. Here's how to make the necessary inspections with a ...
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Dynamic Analysis of a Cycloidal Gearbox Using Finite Element Method
Description: This paper discusses the stress distribution, modeled in a dynamic simulation environment, on the rotating parts of Cycloidal reducer. A three dimensional finite element model is developed using Algor ...
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Gearbox Service Factors for Overhead Cranes
Description: One of the most cricical aspects to consider when sizing and selecting a gearbox is the required service factor. Learn how to determine the proper service factor for overhead crane applications. ...
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How Does Your Gearbox Sound?
Description: Sound can be a very subjective thing. What may sound "unusual" to one individual may very well sound "normal" to another. As a method of diagnosing a potential problem with a gearbox or gearmotor, the ...
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Reliable Gear Reduction Units Are Critical For Many Applications
Description: It's pretty obvious that there are a great many more electric motors in use. They are used in many industries - from airports to office buildings to production lines. Many important applications use ...
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Automated Secret Bookcase Doors Project
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Bruce McArdle shares with us how he designed and built his own automatic secret bookcase doors. ...
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Building An Automated Standing Desk With Our Table Lift Set
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: With our FLT-02 Table Lift Set you can turn your desk into a height adjustable standing desk with easy up/down motion control. Today we are going to show just how simple it is to install and build a ...
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How To Build A Portable Solar Tracker
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Solar power is one of the most accessible types of renewable energy and is rapidly increasing in efficiency and affordability. In this project, we will show you how we used our PA-14 Mini Linear ...
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The Importance Of Actuator Synchronization
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: There are two methods of multiple actuator control - parallel and synchronous. Parallel control outputs a constant voltage to each actuator, while synchronous control outputs variable voltage to each ...
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Utilizing Linear Actuators In John Deere Vehicles
From: Progressive AutomationsDescription: Linear actuators discretely assist us in our daily lives, they can be found on vehicles, in homes, and in the work place. The majority of them remain behind the scenes ensuring we are able to pull, ...
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How to Select a Contactor for your Application
Description: Although the contactor is probably one of the most common components in an industrial / motor control application, selecting one correctly requires detailed application information to be provided. ...
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400 Kilometers Above the Earth
From: maxonDescription: The International Space Station (ISS) is a masterpiece of technology. The world's highest research laboratory also has drive systems from maxon motor on board - for example in experimental robots. ...
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600 Metres Below the Ice
From: maxonDescription: The kilometer thick ice of the Antarctic holds many secrets. For decades, scientists have researched the history of global climate by ice-core drilling. Such a team is the Research Organisation ...
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A Wasp Shows the Way
From: maxonDescription: What do wasps have to do with brain surgery? At first glance, not a whole lot. However, one species serves as the model for an innovative brain surgery needle that is being developed by a team of ...
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Closer to the Sun
From: maxonDescription: Without the Sun, there would be no Earth and no life. However, our knowledge about our home star is still very limited. This is about to change. In 2018, ESA will send its Solar Orbiter into space, ...
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Down to the Smallest Detail
From: maxonDescription: Model railroading is fascinating: The miniature trains do not only look like the originals. They are also strong and can handle continuous operation. However, weeks of hard work have to pass before ...
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Intelligence on Six Legs
From: maxonDescription: The robot looks like a giant stick insect: Inspired by the insect, Hector (HExapod Cognitive auTonomously Operating Robot) has elastic joints and an extremely lightweight exoskeleton. In the six legs, ...
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Investigating the Secret of Rocky Planets
From: maxonDescription: To learn about Earth's past, scientists are turning their gaze to Mars. They send a robotic probe to take the Red Planet's pulse and temperature. ...
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Perfectly Positioned: A Laser Shows the Way
From: maxonDescription: Every surgical operation has inherent risks. New technologies help to minimize these risks, for example with high-precision 3D navigation for computer tomography. ...
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Playing with Water
From: maxonDescription: maxon motor is renowned for its high-quality precision drive components, but customers sometimes want more. A look at Germany, where maxon engineers work on complex complete solutions for gigantic ...
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Run, Dino, Run...
From: maxonDescription: A dinosaur on a treadmill isn't something you see every day - unless you happen to be at the Korean KAIST Institute Laboratory. Researchers there have developed a robot that can run at speeds of up to ...
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Suddenly Everyone Wants to Go to the Moon
From: maxonDescription: For decades, it seemed like the world had lost interest in Earth's smaller companion. Now, the science and business communities have rediscovered the Moon. Several landing missions are planned for the ...
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Surgical Power Tools
From: maxonDescription: When surgeons perform operations in the operating room, they reach for battery-powered tools. These tools must be precise and reliable and withstand over a thousand autoclave cycles. This places tough ...
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The Big Spring Cleaning in Space
From: maxonDescription: They are used in communications, weather forecasting, or research: Satellites improve our quality of life. However, there will soon be too many of them, and disposal is difficult. In the future they ...
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Twenty-twenty Vision
From: maxonDescription: While robotic assistance systems are available for most types of surgery today, eye surgery used to be an exception. A Dutch company has changed that. A world first in eye surgery. ...
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Under Power: Electro Cars
From: maxonDescription: From 0 to 100 km/h in 1.513 seconds - that's a new world record for electrically powered vehicles, set by AMZ's "grimsel" race car in June 2016. Their latest vehicle is named "gotthard." ...
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Watt Balance: Redefining the Kilogram
From: maxonDescription: The prototype kilogram - the standard for today's kilogram - is getting a little long in the tooth. There are plans to redefine the unit on the basis of a natural constant. At the Swiss Federal Office ...
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Ball Screw Failure Analysis: Common Issues
Description: List of common reasons why your ball screw assembly isn't working and how to solve the issue. ...
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Ball Screw Lubrication & Handling Tips
Description: What to do to prepare to receive your ball screw as well tips on storage, handling and lubrication. ...
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Common Ball Screw Terminology
Description: Acme Lead Screw: Acme lead screws have a 29 degree thread angle. An Acme lead screw is less efficient than a square thread, but is easier to machine. ...