PI (Physik Instrumente) has released a new 6-axis servo motor controller, the C-884 DC. Most modern precision motion systems are driven by servo motors, because they provide high torque, fast acceleration, smooth motion with a wide dynamic speed range, and fast start stop performance. PI’s compact C-884 DC motion controller can run brushless servo motors […]
Controls for linear axes
Defining the compliance of electromechanical linear actuators
Modern motion controllers with built-in frequency analyzers allow direct identification of electromechanical actuators … under load … subject to real-word conditions. That in turn may help designers improve stiffness and actuator performance — even to the point of getting higher servo bandwidth. By Leonid Gannel, Ph.D. • Servo engineer • Jabil Shemer Motion Frequency analyzers […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to reduce jerk in linear motion systems
The most common move profiles for linear motion systems are trapezoidal and triangular. In a trapezoidal move profile, the system accelerates from zero to its maximum speed, travels at that speed for a specified time (or distance), and then decelerates to zero. Conversely, the triangular move profile accelerates from zero to maximum speed and then […]
Motion controller for linear and rotary air-bearing stages from PI
Air bearings provide advantages over mechanical bearings when frictionless vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, and when angular repeatability and geometric performance must be optimal. Nanopositioning industry leader PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. has released a new high-performance motion control controller designed to handle 1, 2 or 4-axis of PIglide air bearing […]
Variable frequency drives for linear motion applications
Although many of us focus on either the mechanical or the electrical aspects of a motion system, it’s important to have a basic understanding of both. Case in point: engineers, designers, and users who are involved with linear drives and actuators typically have some familiarity with servo and stepper technology. Similarly, for those involved in […]
Controllers keep trains on track
by Brian Kienlen, Master Electronic Operations Director, Entertrainment Junction, West Chester, Ohio With over 200 trains, 100 individual tracks and more than 1,200 cars, Entertrainment Junction’s complex control system keeps model trains running on time. What does it take to control the world’s largest indoor train display with over 200 G-Scale model trains and more […]
IMS-A integrated linear measuring system from Rexroth: Absolute, inductive and precise
Whether in machining operations, 3D printing or electronic handling, ever-greater accuracy and availability are essential. The new Rexroth IMS-A linear measuring system — integrated in linear guides — is helping do just that. It detects the absolute position of the axis to ±4 micrometers (µm). What’s more, the measuring system is immune to contamination, vibrations, shocks […]
Nippon Pulse receives ISO 9001:2008 and 14001:2004 certifications
The Virginia-based sales office of Nippon Pulse America Inc. (NPA) has been approved for ISO 9001:2008 and 14001:2004 certifications by BSI America. BSI certified NPA for both Quality Management and Environmental Management under ISO’s international standards. NPA joins over 1 million companies and organizations worldwide to be certified under the 9001 standard for Quality Management, […]
