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 […]
Controls for linear axes
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, […]
Recap of top linear-motion technologies at MD&M West
Last week, a large contingent of the Design World staff got to go to MD&M West 2016 colocated with ATX in Anaheim, California. Hot topics at the show included the Internet of Things (IoT), smart components, plummeting robot prices, and increased automation even down to assembly tasks — not to mention changes in the medical industry itself. […]
Digital, panel-mounted piezo drive coordinates motion between piezo stages and servo axes
The Ndrive QLe is a family of digital, panel-mount, nanopositioning piezo drives for use with the Aerotech Automation 3200 (A3200) motion controller. The A3200 is the controller of choice in semiconductor, data storage, medical device manufacturing, laser processing, and metrology applications. The Ndrive QLe drives enable coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at […]
Inertia Matching: Why Perfect Isn’t Always Best
Inertia matching is one of the inexact sciences of motion system design. When a motor and a load are coupled together, the ratio of load inertia to motor inertia determines how well the motor can control the load during acceleration and deceleration. In theory, a “perfect” inertia match of 1:1 (load inertia equals motor inertia) should […]
3 tips on minimizing electrical noise in actuator drive systems
Bill’s electric actuator drive must operate in factory conditions with dust, moisture, heat and vibration. But Bill’s main problem is with electrical noise; there’s enough in his environment to disrupt actuator control signals and cause erratic movements. Electrical noise–random fluctuation in an electrical signal–is present in all electronic circuits. When the amplitude of these fluctuations […]
