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A Finer Control of Linear Motion
For precise automated positioning, think stepper-motor-based linear actuators. Linear actuators essentially generate force and motion through a straight line. In a typical mechanical system, a device’s output shaft would provide linear motion using a rotary motor through gears, a belt and pulley...Read more -
Which Motors Are the Best: Servos or Steppers?
Closed-loop stepper motors may be the best choice for tasks typically done by servos because traditional steppers couldn’t handle them. One of the more critical decisions engineers can make when designing any type of motion control process is choosing the motor. Getting the right motor, both in ...Read more -
Five Key Factors for Selecting Precision Linear Modules
Ready-to-install linear modules are used across many different industries to move materials, products and production tooling in a wide variety of machines. Machine designers have multiple options to choose from when selecting linear modules, based on specific production and performance requireme...Read more -
Setting the Stage for Good Machine Design
No matter how sophisticated your motion controller, it can’t overcome a poorly designed electromechanical system. Motion-control systems consist of three main components: the positioning mechanism, motor drive electronics, and motion controller. Each of these components should be carefully...Read more -
How to Design a Linear Motion System
Consider supports, guides, drives, and seals when designing a linear system. Know your precision, repeatability, loading, and environmental requirements before starting linear-system design. Low-friction, high-stiffness ball guides support on one rail (top) or two (bottom). The trade-offs for th...Read more -
Electric Linear Actuators: Make or Buy?
Engineering an electric linear actuator system in-house is often the most cost and time-efficient route to an automated motion solution. Sometimes you are better off buying. Who could know better than you exactly what your electric linear actuator needs are? And today you can buy so many ready-m...Read more -
New Ventilator Prototypes Rely on Linear Actuators
The safe and efficient delivery of oxygen to patients. Bag valve masks, also called ambu bags (artificial manual breathing units) are used to deliver oxygen to patients who aren’t breathing on their own. But while they have saved many lives, they are not well-suited for treating patients with th...Read more -
Increasing Step Motor Torque Without Increasing Frame Size
The key is adding stacked rotors and stators, but you must live with a physically longer motor. Step motors provide accurate position control without the need for feedback, traditionally in open-loop control schemes. A stepper motor’s shaft normally makes discrete angular movements of essentiall...Read more -
Understanding Your Options in Corrosion Resistance
Choices for linear bearings include bearing material, coatings, and sourcing. Corrosion is an oxidation reaction that affects most metals. In the case of steel, the iron oxidizes when exposed to air and water to form rust, which can gradually destroy the material over time. The surfaces of steel...Read more -
Crawling Robots and Flying Drones Detect Damaged Wind Blades
Robots, drones, and sensors help with inspections now and could be fully automated in the not-too-distant future. Drones and crawling robots outfitted with special scanners could help wind blades stay in service longer, which could lower the cost of wind energy at a time when blades are getting ...Read more -
Picking, Purchasing and Programming Your First Industrial Robot
Some quick advice on getting the most out of that first purchase. Robots don’t disappoint. After a manufacturing company buys its first industrial robot installation, it goes back time and time again to buy more to further automation to their factories. Given that robots boost productivity, prof...Read more -
Pulse Control Basics for Motion Control
For automating machines that require only two to three axes of electric actuators, pulse outputs may be the simplest way to go. Using pulse outputs from a PLC is a cost-effective way to get simple motion. Most, if not all, PLC manufacturers provide a way to control servos and steppers using a pu...Read more
