Automated storage and retrieval systems are a key enabler of the next-day delivery we’ve come to expect from online retailers. But like other types of automation, AS/RS equipment must meet the customer’s objectives for safety, footprint, and energy efficiency. It used to be that as you drove through industrial suburbs, just beyond cities such as […]
Applications
New single-rail X-Y stage (H gantry) for positioning from H2W Technologies
H2W Technologies’ new single-rail positioning stage H-gantry design is an open-frame X-Y stage. The positioning system has two bottom parallel axes with one cross axis connecting the two (to form an H gantry). Each linear axis uses H2W’s brushless linear motors (BLDM-B04) and: Each has a total stroke to 25.67 in. (652 mm) Each can […]
What is a chopper drive for a stepper motor?
There are two primary types of drivers for stepper motors, constant voltage drives (also referred to as L/R drives), and constant current drives (also referred to as chopper drives). One difficulty with stepper motor operation is that the time constant (L/R) of the motor windings prevents current from increasing rapidly during pulses. This means that […]
Festo Motion Terminal has apps to replace more than 50 components
Pneumatics is intrinsically a user-friendly technology — and it is set to become even more straightforward, versatile and flexible as the brand new Festo Motion Terminal Versatile Time Domain Electro-Magnetics (VTEM) is bringing pneumatics into the era of Industry 4.0. That’s with apps that can replace more than 50 individual components thanks to developments in […]
When are voice coil actuators the best linear motion option?
Voice coil actuators are most commonly used for micro- or nano-positioning applications, with strokes from 10 nm up to 100 mm. In addition to very precise positioning capabilities, voice coil actuators provide extremely smooth movement. They’re often paired with air bearings, crossed-roller guides, or linear shafts and round bearings to provide assemblies that are backlash-free. […]
What does RMS stand for, and how does it apply to linear systems?
Let’s answer the first question: What does RMS stand for? RMS, or root mean square, is a statistical term that is used for determining the mean (or average) of a set of values. It’s especially useful when the values vary as a function of time. The technical definition of root mean square is the square […]
On location: Parker Hannifin manufacturing and design services — future of integration
Recently I made a day trip from Cleveland to the Pittsburgh area for a facilities tour with a leading motion-component supplier. The Parker Hannifin Electromechanical and Drives Division offers engineering expertise as part of their industry support — and designs and produces motion-control systems to meet myriad application requirements. These range from miniature stages for […]
Intelligrated automated palletizing for citrus packer a Top Supply Chain Project for 2017
Intelligrated — a North American-based automated material-handling provider — was recently listed on Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 100 great supply chain projects for its Bee Sweet Citrus design work. Bee Sweet Citrus is an independent packer and shipper of California citrus to serve a market that stretches from Europe to Australia. Faced with rising […]
What is Torque?
In this article, we answer the common question “what is torque?” Although torque refers to rotational motion, it is a fundamental concept in linear motion applications. Rotary motors produce torque, and when this torque is transmitted to a drive system – such as a screw, belt and pulley, rack and pinion, or chain and sprocket […]
How to calculate acceleration
Once you know which move profile is being used, you’ll need to know how to calculate acceleration based on total move distance and total move time. When sizing a linear system, a lot of attention is given to velocity, but the effects of acceleration on the system and its components are often more significant than […]