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WHEN MACHINE DESIGNERS need to translate motor torque into linear thrust, they often specify a stepper motor with an integrated lead screw and nut. Known as a stepper motor linear [...]

Piezoelectrics can add value to manufacturing if they are designed and applied correctly. Learn about this phenomenon, how it is used, and how it might change the future of the [...]

The DSNB actuator for NFPA mounting applications is ideal for sorting, stacking, insertion, loading, lifting, dispensing, clamping and gate applications on converting machines. Customers can order the DSNB in seven [...]

Today's manufacturers routinely demand exacting precision and split-second timing from their high-speed production systems. And that has automation engineers constantly on the lookout for cost-effective ways to improve positioning control [...]

A LINEAR ACTUATOR moves a load, which can be an assembly, components, or a finished product, in a straight line. It converts energy into a motion or force and can [...]

Linear motion machine designers are increasingly specifying electromechanical actuators because they are cleaner, easier to control and require less maintenance than hydraulic cylinders. Often overlooked, however, are the many intrinsic [...]

Rapidly increasing demand for energy-efficient mass transit is driving increased adoption of hybrid and fully electric powered vehicles. Transit engineers have increasing needs for longer life and higher durability on [...]

A host of factors influence how long a screw actuator will operate properly. Here are some tips on accurately estimating how long that will be. Determining the service or useful [...]

Air-spring actuators are noted for their durability. But they also hold several other advantages over conventional pneumatic cylinders. Air springs are rubber/fabric bellows that support and contain a column of [...]

Nonindustrial robots are getting better at executing modest to moderately complicated tasks and their numbers are on the rise thanks to new design approaches, open- source controls and hardware, forgiving [...]

Accelerometers Actuators, electromagnetic Actuators, electromechanical Actuators, roller-screw linear servo Actuators, voice-coil Adapters, wall Amplifiers Angle-measurement systems Audible signal devices Backlighting Batteries Batteries, lithium Battery, clips Batten, holders Blowers Boards, PC [...]

Inexpensive robots of all forms are on the rise. Most are tailored to specific applications, so they don't rely on programming for all their intelligence. Instead, their geometry and actuators [...]

Thomson Electrak LL actuators give linear motion designers new capabilities to deploy intelligent electric products for long-life operations in challenging environments. A brushless motor design enables up to 100% duty [...]

The Z-Theta dual-motion actuator offers linear and rotary point-to-point motion in a compact footprint, providing flexibility, value, durability and performance for lab automation, semiconductor and light factory automation applications. Unlike [...]

The GTX060 actuator offers force, precision and repeatability while eliminating or minimizing the maintenance and inefficiencies typical of fluid power alternatives. With continuous force ratings up to 2,668N (600 lbf) [...]

SLA Actuators utilize recirculating ball linear guides that ensure smooth motion and high load capacity. They feature a lightweight precision aluminum base, offer easy assembly and are stackable without additional [...]

Piezoelectric motors and actuators have many advantages over conventional electromagnetic (EM) motors for medical equipment. Current medical applications for piezoelectric devices include ultrasonic emitters, artificial fertilization, medical nanomicroliter pumps, micromonitoring, [...]

On/off flow-control valves are the traffic lights of piping systems, controlling movement of air, gases, and liquids. Most common is the packless solenoid valve. It generates a magnetic field that [...]

The RSF-5 miniature actuator with an integrated servo drive eliminates the need for an external drive and greatly simplifies cabling while retaining high-positional accuracy and torsional stiffness in a compact [...]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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 [...]

Authored by: Sunil Murthy Manager Moog Industrial Group East Aurora, N.Y. Edited by Robert Repas robert.repas@penton.com Key points * Full-flight simulators (FFS) replicate the real 'feel' of the simulated aircraft. [...]

In the past, machine builders often made their own linear actuators. They typically assembled, programmed, and troubleshot multiple components from different suppliers, including separate servodrives and control systems. Those performing [...]

'We've come to the determination that there's no limit to how lazy people can be,' an auto-industry insider said recently. Drivers and passengers want more control at their fingertips. Intelligent, [...]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rodless cylinders both support loads and supply guidance, eliminating the need for other load-bearing elements and reducing costs, size, and design time. Given these advantages, why do designers [...]

The article reports on the benefits of electromechanical actuators, components of a machine that are responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system. It is said that mechanical actuators can be changed to electromechanical actuators by changing the control knob or the handle by an electric motor.

The APES17 is an addition to the AxialPower series of linear actuators. The 42 mm (NEMA 17) frame size is highly configurable and available with a variety of imperial or [...]

THE SERVOBELT RA is a high-performance, drop-in replacement actuator designed for applications that have traditionally used rod actuators, pneumatic cylinders or even linear motors. Unlike traditional rod actuators, ServoBelt RA [...]

Electric actuators and components have replaced hydraulics in flight simulators, making them more energy efficient and easier to maintain. But going from hydraulics to electric actuation posed a number of [...]

Designers of motion systems that handle low to moderate loads often consider only a couple drive alternatives: economical pneumatics for repetitive back-and-forth movements and electromechanical actuators for exacting control and [...]

The article reports on the development of servo technology considering its application and benefits in the high-performance motion control design and technology in extreme condition. Topics include the application of servomotors in food and beverages processing, the various industrial application of servomotors such as replacement for hydraulic actuators and the element of motion control among mobile agricultural equipment, and the aspects of proper implementation of third-party servomotors.

The article offers information on the extension or shortening of an actuator's mechanical components caused by temperature changes in a linear actuator which significantly decreases repeatability and accuracy. The advantages of a linear actuator with linear shaft motors in typical applications is mentioned. A chart is presented depicting components in linear actuator necessary to control temperature variation.

Hydraulics is the technology of choice for moving or lifting heavy loads or exerting precisely controlled forces. But one of the fastest-growing areas for hydraulics is in materials and structural [...]

When the Wimbledon Championships kick off later this month on the grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, players won't have to worry about being rained [...]

A NEW LINE OF linear actuators from Atlanta Drive Systems Inc. uses precision ball-screw spindles and zero-backlash nuts enclosed in protective housings, driven directly by high-precision servo-worm reducers. The moving [...]

The article presents information on the effective control of hydraulic motion systems in the manufacturing industry. Topics include the need to differentiate between servo motors and hydraulic actuators, understanding the concept of second-order systems, and the importance of the traditional control theory. It also discusses the interrelationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in hydraulic systems.

The article presents information on the selection of high quality rotary latches. Topics include an understanding of the rotary latching system used for a remote opening of doors, compartments, and hoods, the importance of the size and strength of a rotary latch, and the a differentiation between a single latch and a two-stage latch. It also discusses the role of the actuator and the importance of the cable in transferring the mechanical input from the actuator to the latch.

The article presents information on the importance of voice coil actuation (VCA) technology for motion control in medical industrial process, highlighting the improvement of medical devices. Topics include the development of caregivers equipment, inclusion of VCA in blood analyzers, and the precise linear motion.

The article offers information on the difference between the geared and direct-drive actuators used in robots. Topics discussed include the use of backlash in robotic mechanism, the gearboxes used in robots for actuators, and the use of direct-drive actuators to produce native torque. Also mentioned are the lack of inertia due the absence of a gearbox, the importance of amplified magnetics in a robot, and the importance of thermodynamic anomaly in robots.

The article evaluates several electronic products including the SBT-FLEX-7000 Flex Socket for flex-device testing from Ironwood Electronics, the Qmonix 558EC Food Grade Rubber from Minnesota Rubber & Plastics, and the Ospe Intelligent Electrohydraulic Actuator from Danfoss Power Solutions.

The article evaluates several engineering products including the E5718 Xtreme Torque Stepper motors from Lin Engineering, the LA10-08-000A voice-coil linear actuatorsfrom BEI Kimco Magnetics and the LeddarCore integrated circuit sensor from LeddarTech.

The article offers information on ball screws and its industrial applications. Topics discussed include ball screws as one of the economical ways of converting rotary motion into linear motion, factors to consider for correct ball screw and nut for a specific application like loads, life expectancy and mountings, and various applications for ball screws such as lubrication, backdriving and environments exposed to dirt and debris.

The article discusses the differences between common linear actuators such as pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical actuators. Topics covered include the similar operations of pneumatic and hydraulic linear actuators, the electric linear actuator's conversion of electrical energy into torque, and the simplicity of pneumatic actuators. Also mentioned are the disadvantages of pneumatic linear actuators such as pressure losses and those of hydraulic actuators such as fluid leakage.

The article reports on field-level automation, control-level automation and enterprise or information-level automation in a factory setting. field-level automation consists of field devices such as sensors and actuators. The next type of automation includes various automation controllers such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

The article presents information on servo-motor driving tuning and discusses some of the features to consider regarding tuning servo-motor systems. It refers to PID-controlled motors paired with a feedback device, like an optical encoder. It informs that the PID loop’s variables control the motor and whatever the motor is attached to, as a whole.

The article reports on the role of trends in sensors, power supplies, batteries and other technologies in bringing more potential to the field of developing exoskeletons. Topics include the potential applications of exoskeletons including aiding senior citizens and letting soldiers carry more weight for a longer period of time, engineers' need for more motors or some actuators to make viable exoskeleton, and the variable speed offered by electric actuators.

A subject index for the December 2014 issue of the magazine "Machine Design," along with a directory of electrical and electronic components and systems suppliers in the U.S., is presented.

The article offers comparative information on rotary encoders which are primarily used to keep track and measure spinning and rotation of machine shafts, motors, and joints. Topics discussed include features and functions of various types of encoders such as incremental, absolute, optical, and magnetic. Also included is information on heavy-duty encoder models and tips for designers about customizing encoders.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: How can one describe a thermal actuator and how does it function? A: The operating principle of a thermal actuator as discussed here is a material [...]

THE HDCT-100 and HDCT-130 precision hollow-core rotary actuators come in two table sizes with a choice of three integrated stepper or server motors. The HDCT-100's table diameter and hollow-core diameter [...]

The article previews several actuators, controls and drives including the ACS880 low-voltage alternating current (ac) drive from ABB, the Moving Magnet Voice Coil Actuators from BEI Kimco Magnetics, and angular grippers from Fabco-Air Inc.