In the first installment of this series, we covered the reasons why off-highway applications are primed for electrification — especially those vehicles with lots of axes that deliver relatively slow yet high-torque (or force) motion. Where the axes on a piece of off-highway or other equipment are linear, electric actuators have in some cases replaced […]
Applications
Part 1 of 2: Update on electrification
Advances in electronics, battery technologies, and motors themselves have spurred electrification in various industries. Off-highway applications lead. Electrification in the design-engineering space implies the use of electric motors to replace technologies based on fossil fuels, fluid power, purely mechanical kinematics, or even manual (human-powered) systems. Fields leading in electrification are transportation distantly followed by manufacturing, […]
Polymer linear bearings enable realistic simulations
Once a niche hobby, simulation or sim racing has attracted a growing number of enthusiasts seeking virtual motorsport experiences. The popularity surge has fueled demand for professional-grade simulation hardware that accurately replicates real-world racing-vehicle physics, track environments, and driver tactile feedback. Automotive, truck, and flight-simulator R&D and build integrator Sigma Integrale serves this market with […]
Location, location, location (dictates linear-motion design)
Linear-motion component features are key to long-term reliability in demanding environments and applications. By Eric Falasco • Product manager | Bosch Rexroth Manufacturers and end users continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with linear motion technology in extreme applications. The need for solutions that transport objects faster and with heavier payloads isn’t restricted […]
Maximizing cobot ROI through seventh-axis-enabled collaboration
Robot transfer units have become increasingly important to automated settings. Now, transfer units with collision detection pair with collaborative robots for human-centric technology enabling previously unimagined levels of productivity. Kyle Thompson • product innovation manager | Thomson Industries Chris Diak • southeast automation manager | Motion Most robot arms have six axes of motion, fewer […]
Omega Drive technology outputs linear or rotational motion
RUD’s new Omega Drive is a new chain drive with a 180° wrap angle. From the Tecdos series, it is suitable for both linear and rotational motion — capable of rotating, lifting, and lowering loads in various on and offshore settings. Applications include shifting harbor and ship cranes, relocating machinery, and solar panel sun tracking. […]
Piezoceramic components for ultrasound transducer applications
PI Americas extends its selection of high quality piezoceramic elements. Available in various sizes and geometries, the new components are especially designed for ultrasonic transducer applications. In addition to standard COTS parts, custom engineered components are offered for OEM customers. Ultrasound transducers are used in various applications, including medical technology, such as sensing and treatment […]
Integrated linear-motion variations becoming the norm
Automation over the last several years has expanded use of electric linear actuators to leverage their technological advancements in smart homes, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. In fact, the global linear actuator market could (in large part because of electric options) surpass U.S. $52.67B this year and grow at a compound annual growth rate through […]
Packaging focus: Carton making and packing operations
Carton making and case packing are key operations in packaging facilities. Both rely on extremely fast motion systems with dozens of mechanically and programmatically linked axes for sufficient throughput to satisfy the demands of a global market. Case packing in particular is a common bottleneck. Typically, cartoners are installed at the ends of production lines, […]
Motion designs key to vertical farming
In a recent case study, we detailed how cable-systems manufacturer HELUKABEL helped automate a vertical-farming installation: Cables satisfy the unique demands of vertical farming. In contrast with approaches to optimize the traditional farming of fields, automated greenhouses solutions eliminate issues associated with tight labor markets, guarding delicate or valuable crops, and the need to apply […]
