March 15, 2016 | Volume 12 Issue 11 |
Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight
Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops
Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants
Matt Sherman, eMobility Sales and Application Engineer at KEB America, runs through different options to drive an AC motor, including one called "Sensorless Closed Loop" that does not require additional hardware such as encoder, resolver, or cables on the motor.
Read this informative KEB America blog.
The precision and reliability offered by modern rotary encoders are essential in many product categories. These include robotics, machine tools, printing presses, motion control systems, medical equipment, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and automotive. Learn all about magnetic rotary encoders -- and important developments in the technology's future.
Read the full Avnet article.
Tolomatic has introduced five new products in its RSX line of high-force actuators to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX's capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). RSX actuators, which feature high-precision planetary roller or ball screws for longer life in harsh environments, enable the easy replacement of traditional hydraulics to eliminate leaks and improve system performance.
Learn more.
Piezoelectric motion components are highly valued for their fast response times, capable of dynamic movements at frequencies reaching several kHz, and delivering motion resolution down to the sub-nanometer level. Learn why amplified piezo actuators have the edge over traditional piezo stack actuators.
Read the full article.
Engineers from Performance Motion Devices take a comprehensive look at how to control two-phase stepper motors, beginning with the basics (operations, strengths and weaknesses) and moving on to traditional and updated advanced techniques for control including closed loop. A very thorough presentation.
Read this informative Performance Motion Devices article.
Automation-Direct has added the new SQ series table lifting systems from Ergoswiss. These lifting systems use electrically driven columns that allow the operator to reposition the height of a worktable, conveyor, etc. to meet specific requirements. In doing so, the operator can perform their tasks in a more comfortable working posture, helping to reduce work-related injuries. These systems are all electric (no hydraulic mess or manual hand cranks), and each lifting column features a housed motor and screw drive to perform the needed height adjustments.
Learn more.
The GVCM-032-025-02M Linear Voice Coil Servo Motor is the first of a new series of non-commutated, brushless linear servo motors from Moticont. This clean and quiet unit has a 12.7-mm stroke with built-in shaft and bearing, a continuous high-force-to-size ratio of 9.3 N (2.1 lb), and 29.3 N (6.6 lb) of peak force at a 10% duty cycle. Features include: high reliability, high speed, zero cogging, high acceleration/deceleration, and, when used in a servo loop, very high accuracy and repeatability. An ideal choice for: haptic feedback, medical devices, laser machining and drilling, work holding and clamping, scanners, optical focusing, testing, sorting, and assembly.
Learn more.
With the help of a motion controller and a stepper driver, all stepper motor linear actuators can be programmed to position a load to a precise location. However, standard configurations do not provide a feedback mechanism that tells the operator whether the move is completed or not. Adding an encoder can be an effective and simple solution to get real-time motion feedback about your application.
Read this informative Thomson article.
Overhead conveyor drives from NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS are engineered with long-lasting performance and durability in mind. They feature high-quality components, heavy-duty construction, and an output mounting flange and shaft for easy drop-in replacement of industry-standard footprints. They are an ideal solution for meat and poultry processing, automotive assembly, and other manufacturing systems where utilization of vertical space is required. Lots of options and many more features.
Learn more.
maxon, a leader in DC motor and drive solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation: the ESCON 2 controller. This advanced speed and current controller, designed for micro motors, significantly enhances control precision. The ESCON 2, suitable for brushed and brushless DC motors up to 1,800 W continuous duty, is engineered for seamless OEM integration into customer systems. Enhanced control features include field-oriented control (FOC), acceleration, and velocity feed-forward capabilities. Supports 4-quadrant operation. Lots more features. Available from Electromate.
Learn more and get all the specs.
The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
Learn more.
Universal Robots, the pioneer of collaborative robotics, is set to unveil a new AI-powered machine tending solution at IMTS, enabling faster batch changeovers by eliminating the need for fixtures. Additionally, the company will showcase advanced cobot applications for welding, finishing, part feeding, and laser marking. Lots of useful tech here.
Read the full article.
The number of active satellites in space keeps growing, with more than 10,000 active satellites orbiting our planet. Commercial and academic institutions developing these satellites continuously work on improved test systems and methodologies to fully validate their hardware before launch. Learn why PI's 3-DOF spherical air bearing systems are an important part of this process.
Read the full article.
Electric torque motors drive loads at low speed without additional mechanical transmission systems like gearboxes or speed reducers. They are known for smooth operation with less vibration and backlash. Learn the key benefits that make them a solid choice for many applications.
View this informative Parker blog.
NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS gear motors now come with a QR code sticker on the unit enabling users to access information almost instantly such as product specs, documentation, and service requests via mobile device. The codes can be scanned using a photo app or QR code app and will bring the user to NORD's digital service webpage, which includes a Documentation Center, Spare Parts Shop, customer portal, and more. QR code stickers are now in use at NORD USA's four facilities in Waunakee, WI; Corona, CA; Charlotte, NC; and McKinney, TX.
Learn more.
This is an artist's concept of a possible Low Boom Flight Demonstration Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) X-plane design. The award of a preliminary design contract is the first step toward the possible return of supersonic passenger travel -- but this time quieter and more affordable. [Credits: Lockheed Martin]
The return of supersonic passenger air travel is one step closer to reality with NASA's award of a contract for the preliminary design of a "low boom" flight demonstration aircraft. This is the first in a series of ‘X-planes' in NASA's New Aviation Horizons initiative, introduced in the agency's Fiscal Year 2017 budget.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the award at an event Feb. 29 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, VA.
"NASA is working hard to make flight greener, safer, and quieter -- all while developing aircraft that travel faster, and building an aviation system that operates more efficiently," said Bolden. "To that end, it's worth noting that it's been almost 70 years since Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 as part of our predecessor agency's high-speed research. Now we're continuing that supersonic X-plane legacy with this preliminary design award for a quieter supersonic jet with an aim toward passenger flight."
NASA selected a team led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Palmdale, CA, to complete a preliminary design for Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST). The work will be conducted under a task order against the Basic and Applied Aerospace Research and Technology (BAART) contract at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.
After conducting feasibility studies and working to better understand acceptable sound levels across the country, NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology Project asked industry teams to submit design concepts for a piloted test aircraft that can fly at supersonic speeds, creating a supersonic "heartbeat" -- a soft thump rather than the disruptive boom currently associated with supersonic flight.
"Developing, building, and flight testing a quiet supersonic X-plane is the next logical step in our path to enabling the industry's decision to open supersonic travel for the flying public," said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission.
Lockheed Martin will receive about $20 million over 17 months for QueSST preliminary design work. The Lockheed Martin team includes subcontractors GE Aviation of Cincinnati and Tri Models Inc. of Huntington Beach, CA.
The company will develop baseline aircraft requirements and a preliminary aircraft design with specifications, and provide supporting documentation for concept formulation and planning. This documentation would be used to prepare for the detailed design, building, and testing of the QueSST jet. Performance of this preliminary design also must undergo analytical and wind tunnel validation.
In addition to design and building, this Low Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) phase of the project also will include validation of community response to the new, quieter supersonic design. The detailed design and building of the QueSST aircraft, conducted under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's Integrated Aviation Systems Program, will fall under a future contract competition.
NASA's 10-year New Aviation Horizons initiative has the ambitious goals of reducing fuel use, emissions, and noise through innovations in aircraft design that departs from the conventional tube-and-wing aircraft shape.
The New Aviation Horizons X-planes will typically be about half-scale of a production aircraft and likely are to be piloted. Design-and-build will take several years, with aircraft starting their flight campaign around 2020, depending on funding.
Source: NASA
Published March 2016