Motion and Controls Reference Materials
Reference Articles 1 - 100 of 1901
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Predictive maintenance for machines and systems
From: igus® inc.Description: When media, energy and data have to be moved vertically, special solutions are required for safe and reliable cable guidance. Learn more about these solutions in this white paper. ...
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Minimizing Design Errors by Starting Strong with Linear Motion know-how
From: THK America, Inc.Description: Constructing a machine takes multiple processes that all need to be executed reliably and efficiently in order to be successful. From purchasing to assembly, each step is critical but can be doomed to ...
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Look at targeted maintenance for variable frequency drive upkeep
Description: The dream when you buy industrial electronics is that they will work right out of the box, never need any attention and last forever. Unfortunately, sometimes the first one is somewhat true, but the ...
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Explore the World of Compact's Rotary Vane Actuator Products
From: Compact AutomationDescription: Welcome to Compact Automation, your go-to hub for advanced rotary vane actuator products, In this write-up, we'll delve into the world of these unique devices, their applications, and how to choose ...
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What is Mechanical Advantage in Gears?
From: igus® inc.Description: Gears are fundamental components in many machines, from simple bicycles to complex industrial machinery. A key concept in the functionality of gears is mechanical advantage, which plays a crucial role ...
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A Unified Approach to Safety
Description: It's important for everyone to be on the same page on any job. Safety is no exception. What one employee thinks is a safe practice could be, in a safety professional's eye, an accident waiting to ...
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Linear Actuator Design Considerations
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: To achieve the highest performance in positioning systems, the entire linear actuator structure must be optimized to result in the highest possible natural frequency, and the entire servo system ...
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Linear Motor Glossary of Terms
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: The force produced by continuous current (Ic), with linear motor coil is attached to an adequate heatsink as specified. At continuous force motor temperature equal to the maximum temperature rating of ...
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Linear Motor Construction
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Linear Servo Motors are frameless permanent magnet three phase brush-less servo motors. They are, fundamentally, rotary motors that are rolled out flat. In a linear motor, the rotor rolled out to ...
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Linear Actuator Accuracy
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: A common misconception is that the resolution of the linear actuator must also be its accuracy. For example, if a digital readout displays to four decimal places (0.0001), then it must also be ...
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A Unified Approach to Safety
Description: It's important for everyone to be on the same page on any job. Safety is no exception. What one employee thinks is a safe practice could be, in a safety professional's eye, an accident waiting to ...
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How to Deal with Temperature Changes in the Reducer
Description: Understanding the environmental impact on industrial reducers is important to their operating efficiency. Most experts agree that it is important to consider external environmental and climatic ...
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How Does an AC Drive Work?
Description: An AC drive is an electronic device used to control the speed and torque of an alternating current (AC) electric motor. AC drives are commonly used in various industrial applications to achieve energy ...
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Direct Drive Rotary Table Construction
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Torque motors are also called "frameless" motors. They don't have housings, bearings, or feedback devices. In this sense the motor is a kit and meant to be part of the machine structure. Torque motors ...
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Glossary of Terms in Rotary Motion Applications
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Rotary Table Accuracy - Glossary of terms ...
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Accuracy and Resolution Considerations in Motion Controls
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: A common misconception is that the resolution of the linear actuator must also be its accuracy. For example, if a digital readout displays to four decimal places (0.0001), then it must also be ...
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Types and Construction of Linear Motors
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Linear Servo Motors are frameless permanent magnet three phase brush-less servo motors. They are, fundamentally, rotary motors that are rolled out flat. In a linear motor, the rotor rolled out to ...
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Definitions in Precision in Motion Control - Resolution, Accu
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: The smallest achievable positioning increment that can be achieved by the motion control system ...
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Definitions in Precision in Motion Control - Repeatability
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Effectively automating any industrial operation, test procedure, or prototype process involving motion requires determining the movement precision needed to yield acceptable results. ...
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Programming Intelligent Actuators
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: System builders look for software that is both easy to use and powerful; a software that can handle both simple tasks quickly while having the "depth" to be used for more complex scenarios. Usually ...
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What is a Worm Gearbox and How Does It Operate?
Description: A worm gearbox is a type of mechanical transmission that features a compact structure, high transmission ratio, and self-locking capabilities under certain conditions. It is one of the most commonly ...
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Linear Stepper Motor Accuracy - How to check the accuracy?
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: For example, in "teach" mode linear stepper motor was "taught" a number of predefined positions along the platen. In automatic mode, while making sequence of moves, user will be concerned about forcer ...
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How Construction Affects Solenoid Force
From: GEEPLUS Inc.Description: The image below shows 4 different polepiece configurations for a solenoid. As the displacement increases moving from left to right, the magnetic reluctance (resistance to magnetic flux flow) is kept ...
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Sealing and IP Ratings for Solenoids and Actuators
From: GEEPLUS Inc.Description: Solenoids and small actuator devices inherently have movement between parts, which requires a sliding or rolling support that may be susceptible to dust or moisture ingress. In many cases, solenoids ...
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Car Washing Machine Reducer Introduction
Description: A car washing machine is a machine that uses a computer to control brushes and high-pressure water to automatically wash cars. ...
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Why Telescopic Lifting Columns Are the Perfect Choice for Your Linear Motion Application
From: Isotech, Inc.Description: Telescopic lifting columns are finding unique and demanding applications in office environments, throughout the medical field and even in industrial and manufacturing settings. Lifting columns are the ...
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The Importance of Precision Shafting in Improving Linear Motion System Performance
From: Isotech, Inc.Description: When designing a linear motion system much of the focus is on the selection of the proper linear ball bearing, however, it is not the only element you must consider. In linear motion system ...
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Power Quality, Harmonics: How to select a variable frequency drive (VFD)
Description: Understand the advantages of 36-pulse input drive topology in medium-voltage (MV) motor applications and how medium-voltage VFD design mitigates harmonics and improves power quality. ...
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The Importance of Gear Grinding
From: Gear Motions, Inc.Description: When you need precision gears, gear grinding is an essential part of the manufacturing process. However, not all gear grinding services are created equal. Without careful selection, your ground gears ...
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Precision Printing in the Label Industry: Meeting the Manufacturing Demands through Gearing
From: Gear Motions, Inc.Description: The label industry is a vital component of the global manufacturing ecosystem, providing essential identification, branding, and compliance information across various products. As consumer demands for ...
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BLDC Control with Advanced Motion Controls for Robotic Hand Applications
From: Constar Motion Co., LtdDescription: Brushless DC (BLDC) motors represent a pivotal advancement in the realm of robotic technologies. Their unique structure and operation not only offer high efficiency but also ensure reliability in ...
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Mechanical, Pneumatic or Hydraulic Brakes: What is Best for My Application?
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: When you're trying to decide which type of industrial brake is best for your particular application (such as mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic brakes), it's important to understand both the reasons ...
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Minimizing Design Errors by Starting Strong with Linear Motion Know-How
From: THK America, Inc.Description: Constructing a machine takes multiple processes that all need to be executed reliably and efficiently in order to be successful. From purchasing to assembly, each step is critical but can be doomed to ...
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Design Sustainable Products with Linear Motion Systems
From: THK America, Inc.Description: THK's history of becoming "The Pioneer in Linear Motion" began in 1972 with the machine-tool industry, when THK became the first company in the world to develop and commercialize LM Guides. Read to ...
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How to Choose a VFD for Medium-Voltage Motors
Description: Understand the advantages of multi-level output drive topology in medium voltage (MV) motor applications. Motor insulation reliability and reflected waves: What to consider when selecting a variable ...
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Using a VFD to Troubleshoot Pumping Problems
Description: Four different case studies explain how understanding the system is important for troubleshooting. ...
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Motors and Drives: Three Topics in Energy Efficiency
Description: Industrial energy efficiency is important for machine design as measurements for motor and drive efficiencies show. ...
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What are Manual Motor Starters?
Description: Manual motor starters are devices used to control the operation of electric motors in industrial settings. They serve several key functions: ...
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Integrating HMI-PLC Systems
Description: When working on an application requiring PLC and HMI, you face an array of choices. Traditionally, controllers and interfaces were separate entities, but advancements in processing power and cost ...
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What is the Difference between Single-Phase and Three-Phase Drives?
Description: VFDs are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications where precise control of motor speed is required. Here's how they work and some of their key features: ...
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What is an AC Drive?
Description: VFDs are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications where precise control of motor speed is required. Here's how they work and some of their key features: ...
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What Design Criteria Need to be Accounted For with an AC Drive?
Description: Designing an AC Drive (also known as a variable frequency drive or VFD) involves considering several important criteria to ensure the drive meets the specific application's requirements and operates ...
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Comparing the Efficiency of Different Electric Motor Types
Description: Electric motors are one of the largest sources of energy consumption in electromechanical systems. Optimally converting electrical to mechanical energy has a far-reaching impact on both mechanical ...
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AgroWheel Drive: Electric Propulsion for Agricultural Automation
Description: As technologies continue to advance, the agricultural sector is seeing significant improvements in productivity and efficiency. One primary shift in the industry is its adoption of electrification for ...
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How to Choose the Right Brushed DC Motor for Your Application
Description: Brushed DC motors are powerful, versatile tools built for a wide range of vehicles, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and other applications. Because there are so many options available on the ...
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How Planetary Gear Reducers Deliver More With Less
Description: Planetary gear reducers are compact devices that use several gear stages to distribute load and power, resulting in decreased power loss and friction. These components maximize torque while reducing ...
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Extending Gear Life
From: Gear Motions, Inc.Description: Gears are critical elements in the power transmission systems of many machines. As a result, gear failure could mean disastrous results and costly downtime for your equipment or products. ...
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Navigating the Niche: The Rise of Specialty EVs in the Auto Industry
From: Gear Motions, Inc.Description: Here we delve into the burgeoning world of specialty EVs, exploring their significance, challenges, and the future prospects that lie ahead. ...
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Robotics in Gear Manufacturing
From: Gear Motions, Inc.Description: Robotic systems play a pivotal role in automating various stages of gear manufacturing, from machining and inspection to assembly and packaging. ...
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Three Steps to Size Motors
From: Automationdirect.comDescription: Proper motor sizing precludes equipment failures, ensures efficiency and reduces maintenance issues ...
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Exploring Autoclave Trends in Minimally Invasive Surgery
From: PortescapDescription: The world of surgical power tools is evolving significantly, driven by the increasing popularity of minimally invasive surgery techniques. These techniques offer patients various benefits such as ...
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Miniature DC Gearmotors: Reliability Demonstration Testing for Life Projections
From: PortescapDescription: Many tools and applications require a motion solution that delivers high power density in a small package, including industrial power tools, surgical tools, robotics, and aerospace and defense. This ...
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Advancing Aerospace And Defense Systems With Precision Miniature Motors
From: PortescapDescription: MINIATURE MOTOR TECHNOLOGIES COMMONLY USED IN AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS ...
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Selecting Precision Motors for Smart Defense Applications
From: PortescapDescription: Finding a precision motor solution that meets the demanding performance requirements of a guided missile or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging system cuts across several performance factors, ...
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Micro Motion Technology is Integral to Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Devices
From: PortescapDescription: While improvements in diet, regular exercising, and advances in medication can help prevent and manage the disease, medical procedures are often required to treat more advanced symptoms. ...
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Starting Early: Why You Should Consult Your Motion System Engineers At the Onset of New OEM Projects
From: PortescapDescription: Electric motors - along with their power transmission, feedback and control devices - are critical to machines that rely on motion axes. Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) embarking on a new ...
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The Latest Trends in Powering Surgical Hand Tools
From: PortescapDescription: The use of motorized power tools in operating rooms has directly improved patient outcomes by optimizing the precision and speed of procedures. These power tools have also enhanced the ease of use for ...
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Choosing the Right Slot and Pole Combination for Brushless DC Motors
From: PortescapDescription: Selecting the appropriate slot and pole combination for a brushless DC (BLDC) motor has implications for its speed and torque output. The choice of pole, slot and winding configurations can also ...
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Innovative Motion Solutions Fuel Latest Robotics Trends
From: PortescapDescription: Robotic innovations are being fueled by developments in automation and Artificial intelligence (AI), which opens up new markets that require the creation of smaller, more intelligent robotic designs. ...
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A Cut Above the Rest: Micro Motors Put the Power in Pruning
From: PortescapDescription: As electronic pruning tools continue to be adopted, workers have been able to avoid pruning-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive motion injuries, as these tools help reduce ...
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Driving Dental Care Forward: How Micro Motors Are Reshaping Electric Dental Equipment
From: PortescapDescription: Visiting the dentist often involves encountering various types of equipment, ranging from cleaning to repair. These tools have traditionally been pneumatic, powered by an air system in the dentist's ...
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App. Note: Linear Stepper Motor - How it works?
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: IntelLiDrives linear stepping motor linear actuator is essentially rotary stepper motor "unwrapped" to operate in straight line. Linear motor operates on electromagnetic principle and consists of ...
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Design Factors and Challenges for 180? Drive Linear Actuators
From: PortescapDescription: Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the key design factors crucial for optimal performance and the challenges designers may encounter in the development process of 180° Drive Linear ...
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ETO Sterilization for Disposable Medical Devices
From: PortescapDescription: Employing a vacuum-based process, ETO sterilization efficiently penetrates and cleans the surfaces of various medical devices, with its lower temperature making it a suitable process for a wide array ...
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Considerations for Optical Encoders Integrated to Ready-to-Use Motors
From: PortescapDescription: Designer's demand for precise sensing and monitoring of motor speed and position requires innovative feedback designs that can be quickly integrated with high-performance motors. ...
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The Role of the Motion System in Wearable Drug Delivery Systems
From: PortescapDescription: Wearable drug delivery systems, propelled by advanced micro-motion systems, are redefining patient care by offering a seamless and efficient means of administering medication. ...
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Decoding Micro Motor Selection for Aerospace & Defense Applications
From: PortescapDescription: In the Aerospace and Defense industry, reliability and durability are non-negotiable. The need to meet Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) targets further adds to the challenge, as these applications ...
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Gear Design Improvements Lead to Higher Load Carrying Capacity
From: PortescapDescription: As demand grows for improved power transmission, gear designers must explore new design concepts to increase load-carrying capacity. ...
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Evaluation Criteria for One-Time Use Devices
From: PortescapDescription: Motor longevity is typically a key consideration during the initial phases of device design. But what if the device is intended to complete its operation just once? ...
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Servo Loop Tuning - Part 2
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: To remedy this instability, derivative action is required. Because the D term differentiates the position error which changes fast in case of instability it helps suppress the large changes by ...
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Servo Loop Tuning - Part 1
From: IntelLiDrives, Inc.Description: Servo motors have the ability to create torque in a linearly predictable fashion and it makes them attractive for use in closed loop systems. Despite the wealth of theoretical material regarding ...
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Nanopositioning Systems and Advanced Motion Control for DNA Sequencing
Description: Terminology of Critical Requirements for Motion Systems used in DNA Sequencers ...
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Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Project gets Help from Hexapod Alignment Systems
Description: The LISA Project, led by ESA and supported by NASA and other space agencies, is a scientific endeavor to detect and study gravitational waves from space. ...
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High-Speed Actuators for Micro- and Nano-Dispensing
Description: Piezo Ceramics and Custom Actuator Designs ...
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How ISO 6432, ISO 15552 and ISO 21287 Cylinders Make Maintenance Easier
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: Maintenance is a fact of life in any industrial or manufacturing setting. However, anything you can do to make it easier will save time, money, and potential productivity interruptions. Artec® ...
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Which Actuator Power Source is Best: Electric, Hydraulic, or Pneumatic?
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: When choosing the best type of actuator for your design, there are several questions to ask, like what do you need to move, how do you need it to move, and under what conditions? Your three choices ...
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Gearbox Repair: What To Do If Your Gearbox Breaks Down
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: Wear and tear is a fact of life for machinery operating in industrial settings that feature high temperatures, high speeds, outdoor dirt, or harsh washdowns. Even the highest quality components ...
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Selecting Actuators for Conveyor System Design
From: Branham, W.C. Inc.Description: Conveyor systems transport items from one location to another, but rarely do they operate in a simple straight line. In industrial applications, items on the move often need to be pushed, pulled, ...
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What are the Different Types of Pressure Transmitters?
Description: What are the different types of pressure transmitters? ...
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When to Upgrade from Indicator Lights to an HMI
Description: To perform component-level fault diagnostics on industrial equipment, the use of charts and diagrams is often necessary. While standard push buttons and indicator lights are adequate for basic ...
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What is the Role of HMIs when Monitoring Energy?
Description: Thanks to the use of HMI software, systems controlling wind energy and wind turbines are effectively monitored and maintained. ...
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What's the Difference between a PLC and DCS
Description: It's worth noting that DCS does have a few drawbacks, with a significant one being the scarcity of skillsets in the market. Most floor technicians are familiar with ladder logic programming and can ...
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How do HMIs Increase Efficiency and Reduce Costs?
Description: A single look at the screen should offer you sufficient data to execute a precise industrial operation. It is imperative that all conceivable issues are readily apparent, and any risks or faults are ...
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Are there any Downsides to Using an AC Drive?
Description: AC drives offer numerous advantages in controlling the speed and torque of AC motors, but they also have some downsides or potential limitations. Here are some of the downsides or considerations ...
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Why should I Care about MTTF?
Description: MTTF, or Mean Time To Failure, is an important reliability metric that you should consider when selecting an AC (Alternating Current) drive for your applications. MTTF is a measure of the expected ...
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XY Stage Selection for Microscopy
From: Zaber Technologies, Inc.Description: How to select the best XY stage and stage inset for your Nucleus MVR or third-party microscope. ...
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Adjustable Frequency Drive - Basic Properties, Terminology, and Theory
Description: WHAT IS AN ADJUSTABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE? ...
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AC Drives - Properties, Terminology, and Theory
Description: WHAT IS AN AC DRIVE? ...
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AC Motor - Basic Properties, Terminology and Theory
Description: BASIC AC MOTOR OPERATION ...
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Teeth Run-Out Inspection Methods Comparison on Timing Pulley, Gear and Sprocket
Description: Because of the different key points of teeth quality and different application on Timing Pulley, Gear and Sprocket, their teeth run-out inspection method differs much also. ...
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The Universal Drives Compatible with Countless Motion Control Applications
From: ElectroCraftDescription: Small frame, fractional horsepower motors are used in several applications that require precise speed, torque and positioning, such as medical and lab equipment, mobile robotics, semiconductor ...
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Cross-Referencing: 4 Steps to Sizing an AC or DC Drive
Description: Ideally, when a drive needs to be replaced, you simply reorder it by using the manufacturer and model or part number of your existing drive. Looking for a replacement AC drive or DC drive that is not ...
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Ask the Expert - How Gearbox Selection Affects an Application's Performance
From: parvalux by maxonDescription: A gearbox is a device that transfers mechanical power from a motor to another part of the machine. While a motor is designed to provide mechanical energy in the form of speed and torque, a gearbox is ...
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Where Can Electric Motors Be Used?
From: parvalux by maxonDescription: There are as many electric motor and gearbox combinations as there are uses for electric motors throughout various global industries. Every industry, whether manufacturing, transport, food preparation ...
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What is a Clevis?
From: igus® inc.Description: In the vast world of mechanical components, clevises stand out as versatile and essential elements in various applications. These simple yet effective devices play a crucial role in connecting ...
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Hexapod for Drone Testing - 6 Axis Motion Simulator to Improve Image Stabilization
Description: Modern image stabilization technology to the rescue ...
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Gyroscopic Stabilization of a Hexapod 6-Axis Positioning Platform
Description: Hexapod motion platforms provide a good basis to compensate for motion in 6 degrees of freedom. ...
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Methods to Improve Piezo Dynamics, Accuracy and Linearity: Preshaping / DDL / APC
Description: For high-dynamics applications, bandwidth limitations of the controller and the piezo mechanism can be limiting factors. Several control methods are now available in commercially available controllers ...
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Magnetic Levitation for the Next Level of Precision Motion and Control
Description: "What makes magnetic levitation so unique is the contactless virtual bearing we can achieve within our control system." Our expert on parallel kinematics and magnetic drives, Dr. Christian Rudolf, ...
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Guidelines for Selection and Integration of Strain Wave Gearing with a Motor
From: PortescapDescription: Here we discuss the selection of a strain wave gearing unit and includes the key considerations for assembly with a motor. ...