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 […]
THK America’s Ohio plant and MVPvets sponsorship highlight commitment to U.S.
THK America Inc. is committed to serving the U.S. market. For nearly 25 years, the leader in linear-motion guides has been manufacturing components in the United States at their Hebron, Ohio facility. This year, the manufacturer joined forces with MVPvets in assisting, preparing and transitioning military veterans for meaningful employment. More than 70% of THK […]
New rack and pinion systems available from GAM Enterprises
GAM now offers new helical rack and pinion systems. High quality rack and precision pinions are paired with GAM gearboxes for optimized system performance. Helical rack provides smooth, quiet operation and precision operation. The rack is available in 1-meter lengths in module 2, 3, or 4 and ISO quality 6 or 10. Precision pinions in […]
Basics of cam followers (including those for linear motion)
Cam followers are power-transmission devices with a rotary bearing core that bears load while serving as the interface between independently moving machine sections. Applications include those on rotary indexing tables and turntable conveyors, long-stroke robot transfer units (RTUs), and an array of highly customized machinery. The outer diameter (OD) of the cam-follower bearing assembly is […]
