Festo offers software and hardware to shorten packaging-machine development time and reduce engineering overhead. These components, systems, and software tools will be on display at Pack Expo on September 23 to 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Booth LS-6349. Design a pick-and-place robot and control cabinet in minutes Festo demonstrates a Cartesian robot and […]
How roller-screw and ball-screw actuators compare in high-force applications
As electric rod-style actuators overtake fluid power in a variety of high-force applications, it is important to understand how different screw technologies compare in the search for optimum performance and low life-cycle cost. By Daniel Schmit • Product Manager | Tolomatic Inc. Electric-rod actuators with either roller-screw or ball-screw technology are playing an expanding role […]
PHD Inc. offers linear slides that are IP54 and even IP67 rated (for washdown)
PHD Inc. offers electric Series ESU linear slides that are IP54 rated with magnetic band sealing for rugged protection. These are electric-motor and belt-driven linear actuators with a robust enclosed design and high-capacity rail bearing system to deliver exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes with travel lengths to 5,500 mm (with other […]
igus linear guides help drones repel pests
One Spanish OEM has developed a drone for pest control; the design features low-weight carbon linear guides and a micro energy chain and pillow block bearings manufactured by igus. The FitoStinger was developed by the Technology & Advances Centre of Barcelona. It includes an extendable arm that allows the precise spraying of pesticides. Light maintenance-free […]
HEIDENHAIN and ETEL exhibiting together at SEMICON West
Visitors to this July’s SEMICON West 2019 trade show will get to learn about where accuracy meets throughput at the HEIDENHAIN and ETEL joint booth in San Francisco in the Moscone Center — July 9 to 11. Here, daily presentations will be given by HEIDENHAIN and ETEL experts highlighting this year’s application focus of Fan-Out […]
Physik Instrumente XY stage provides high speed and 10-nm resolution
Precision motion specialist Physik Instrumente (PI) now sells a new integrated XY stage — part of its compact high-speed positioning stage roster. All of these positioning stages are powered by ultrasonic piezo-linear motors — patented motors that deliver smooth motion, high resolution and rapid step and settle response. Also featured on the motors is a […]
SIKO’s new SG61 draw-wire linear sensor measures lengths to 6 m
SIKO — maker of wire-based sensors — now sells SG61 wire-actuated encoders. These are suitable for measuring lengths up to 6 m. On the basis of 30 years of experience in development and production, a wire-actuated sensor has been designed that impresses with its compactness, sturdiness and flexibility. Compact and robust wire-based linear sensor The […]
SMAC single-axis servo controller starting at $200
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has announced release of their next generation Very Low Cost (VLC) single axis DC brushed/brushless motor controller/driver. With a price of $250 for stand-alone ($200 for built in types) the VLC represents another 35% drop in price compared to many of the company’s previous controllers … and with no loss in […]
Using software for designing and sizing motion-control systems
Today servomotors abound. Thankfully the art of using speed, torque, and inertia to select from these servomotor offerings for specific applications has become quite automated. By Sixto Moralez • Regional motion engineer | Yaskawa America Inc. Drives & Motion Div. Now, certain sizing and selecting software only requires that design engineers enter a minimum of […]
Güdel gantry robots add gentle touch to bakery automation
In the U.S., about 50 million people a day eat at fast-food restaurants — and about 60,000 of those establishments sell hamburgers. That requires epic volumes of fresh buns every day … and only commercial bakeries with automated operations can output sufficient production volumes. Workhorse Automation Inc. (based in Oxford, Pa.) supplies machines to this […]
