By Michael G. Giunta • National sales manager | Macron Dynamics Uninitiated laymen might assume today’s cannabis is grown through traditional farming — over horizontal outdoor spaces in natural environments managed by Mother Nature. But large-scale cannabis farming is typically indoors and highly automated. That’s for a couple reasons: • Security is a major concern […]
New 20-mm linear stepper motor now available from Nippon Pulse
Nippon Pulse now sells the the PFL20 Linearstep — its smallest linear stepper motor yet. The PFL20 is a highly efficient, high thrust tin-can linear actuator with a 20-mm diameter and a bipolar winding. PFL20 is RoHS-compliant, has a 30/60-mm effective stroke, and can reach 6 N of force at 200 pps. With 24 steps […]
Application example: Ladders on construction machinery use actuators for better ergonomics
90% of small U.S. construction companies have safety programs, but only a third have programs to improve the ergonomics of workers’ environments. It’s too bad, because the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is especially high in construction workers. Plus annual wage and salary losses are estimated at $46 million for the U.S. private-construction sector. Workers […]
Electric actuators displace other motion options — including manual designs: A Motion Trends report
Today, electric actuators are easier than ever to specify and install. Value-add services from component suppliers as well as application-specific actuator product lines (especially for battery-powered designs in mobile equipment and consumer use) eliminate many integration tasks for OEMs and end users. These are trends supported in part by a movement Design World has tracked […]
New technologies and applications for linear motors: A Motion Trends report
Depending on the exact technology, typical linear motors can deliver unlimited strokes and (with feedback) accuracies to ±1 μm/100 mm. Speeds range from inches to 1,000s of inches per second. Semiconductor manufacture and assembly as well as machine-tool applications continue to account for the majority of linear-motor applications. However, increased focus on efficiency is spurring […]
Motion Trends: Stages, Cartesian robots, and tables for complete motion designs
New trends in multi-axis motion designs abound. Consider the rise of metrology reports to accompany designs — which serve as “birth certificates” in the form of well-informed simulation models and Excel spreadsheets that quantify the accuracy and capabilities of pre-engineered builds. In some cases, such reports give OEMs and end users accurate data on how […]
LINAK US launches new video series on linear-actuator technology
Now in a new Anatomy of Actuation video series, LINAK engineers help design engineers understand the features and technologies available with its actuator solutions. Two linear-motion experts — Hunter Stephenson and Anthony Fossaluzza — discuss linear-motion feedback, the LINAK Integrated Controller platform, and the BusLink software in an easy-to-understand format. Engineers explain BusLink software This video explains […]
Linear guide and slide systems
Welcome to this installment of MC² on linear guide and slide systems! Recall that these linear-motion supports take the form of guide rails, slides, and ways … and include profile rails, linear bearings, guide wheels, slides, and plain-bearing systems that bear load while employing either sliding or rolling to allow translational motion. Typical designs pair […]
Moving coil technology: Benefits today (and innovations on horizon)
Moving coils have been around for many years. Now though, market pressures are causing the technology to rapidly evolve and gain in use. This technology competes most directly against pneumatic drives and moving-magnet rotary motors. By Ed Neff • President | SMAC Moving Coil Actuators (MCA) Moving coil technology works in both rotary and linear […]
Moticont high-resolution electric cylinders include integrated encoder
SDLM-025-070-01-01 and SDLM-025-070-01-05 direct drive linear motors from Moticont, also known as electric cylinders, have built-in encoders, and feature high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, zero backlash, and zero cogging. These compact direct-drive linear motors with quiet linear plain bearings are just 1.00 in. (25.4 mm) in diameter and 2.75 in (69.9 mm) long. Protected […]