New XYZ piezo stages from Aerotech have travels to 120 μm x 120 μm x 12 μm; 40 x 40 mm square clear aperture; and a parallel-kinematic design for unmatched geometric performance. Aerotech’s QNP3 series XYZ piezo positioning stages combine sub-nanometer resolution, high dynamics, and excellent geometric performance in a compact three-degree-of-freedom (DoF) package. They come […]
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Voice-coil positioning stage from H2W Technologies has dual feedback
The VCS20-020-CR-01-MC-F3K voice coil positioning stage has dual feedback capability. It can operate either under closed loop position control with force monitoring or closed loop force control with position monitoring. It uses H2W voice coil motor NCC20-18-020-1A to generate a continuous and peak force of 2.0 lb and 6.0 lb respectively — with total stroke length […]
Nanoprecise linear measurement helps high-end industrial applications
The IDS3010 from Munich-based attocube systems AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wittenstein SE, brings a new dimension to high-performance engineering precision. The sensing system is accurate to one-billionth of a millimeter and measures target distances up to 30 meters away. According to company officials, this interferometric sensor easily surpasses the performance of conventional glass […]
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 […]
Rugged GEMCO 958A rod-style linear transducer resists vibration and shock
The new GEMCO 958A embedded Linear Displacement Transducer (LDT) is a rod-style linear transducer from AMETEK Factory Automation was designed specifically with the needs of the mobile hydraulics market in mind. The rugged, rod style LDT is designed to fit entirely inside a hydraulic or clevis style cylinder and provide absolute analog feedback in the most-demanding […]
National Society of Black Engineers honors top corporate and government supporters
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is an organization of nearly 16,000 members dedicated to redressing the underrepresentation of blacks in their field. Broad corporate and government agency support makes possible the programs and activities NSBE utilizes to advance its mission and move toward its main 10-year strategic goal, which is to lead the […]
What is quadrature encoding?
As an incremental encoder turns (or travels linearly, in the case of a linear encoder), it generates a precise number of equally spaced, square wave pulses. The number of pulses generated for each rotation (or unit of linear distance) determines the encoder’s resolution. For rotary encoders, resolution is expressed in terms of pulses per revolution […]
Festo expands planar gantry offering with two new, larger workspace models — EXCM-30 and EXCM-40
With the new, larger EXCM-30 and EXCM-40 models, the Festo EXCM family of planar gantries gain expanded workspaces and higher load capacities, but are still ideally used for plug-and-play subassemblies in assembly and handling systems and medical laboratory devices. The EXCM planar gantry family provides an optimum ratio between installation space and working space. EXCM […]
New line of Precision Torque Splines from Helix Linear (and PDF catalog detailing options)
Helix Linear has just released its new line of Precision Torque Splines. A new catalog detailing the offerings is available as a PDF for download. Download the free catalog here. Helix Linear Precision Torque™ Splines are a convenient and efficient device that outputs low-friction motion while transmitting torque. In a Helix PT Spline assembly, a high-strength composite polymer bushing carries […]
Robots that are saving the environment
Earth Day was celebrated this weekend, and it’s probably not a stretch to say that most of you participated in some way, whether it was joining a local cleanup, planting trees, or just pledging to make better use of your reusable water bottle and grocery bags. A 2010 study by Trucost estimated that environmental damage caused […]