Precision agriculture is the discretization of farming — defined as the analysis of highly variable (and often unpredictable) landscapes to: • Break larger agricultural fields into smaller discrete sections • Quantify the characteristics (such as soil composition, light, and seed spacing) of each section • Adapt to the variations between sections with automated farm equipment […]
Integrated Linear Systems
New linear, rotary stages for high-precision positioning in vacuum applications
PI’s family of miniature micro and nanopositioning stages is expanding with the new RS-40 rotary stage and M-111 linear stages as engineers gave specific consideration to material selection, use of lubricants and coatings, and outbaking temperatures for high and ultra-high vacuum conditions. With 360-degree rotation range and 20-N load capacity, the RS-40 V7 stage boasts […]
Large variety of precise xyz axis stages now available
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems) has introduced a series of high precision, low cost XYZ positioning stages that can be easily integrated into new and existing applications. They are offered in 5 travel lengths for each axis, 50 mm (1.969 in.), 100 mm (3.937 in.), 150 mm (5.906 in.), 200 mm (7.874 in.), and 300 mm […]
Azimuth and elevation two-axis gimbal mount features high resolution, continuous rotation of axes
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added the AU300-AE-01 and AU300-AE-02, high resolution, high stability Azimuth and Elevation (Yaw and Pitch) Two-axis Gimbal Mounts to its product line. The Azimuth and Elevation Gimbal Mounts are ideal for mounting cameras, antennas, projectors, lasers and instrumentation for scanning, tracking, positioning optics, and other applications. Each axis of […]
New multi-axis stages: Driving dynamics in one plane for top performance
Having all of a stage’s driving dynamics in one plane can prevent problematic reaction torques on sensitive workpieces … and maximize machine performance for demanding motion applications. By Mathys te Wierik • Lead system engineer Jan Willem Ridderinkhof • Manager of R&D and engineering | PM B.V. High-end mechatronic motion solutions have proliferated as various […]
New conveyor clamping module option from Dorner
Dorner is now offering a Clamping Module on its FlexMove conveyor system that gives users the ability to hold back or pace products for accumulating applications. The Clamping Module is ideal for totes, boxes, bottles and square, round and rectangular containers. As products pass through the Clamping Module, pre-programmed photo sensors trigger a pneumatic-clamping actuator […]
Hexapods precisely jostle cameras during image-stabilization testing
The six-axis parallel-kinematics systems known as hexapods excel in motion simulation and testing of mechanical and drive systems, multi-dimensional position sensors, and (the focus of this article) image-stabilization designs for cameras and video equipment. By Doris Knauer • Project Manager — Industrial Automation | Physik Instrumente (PI) Modern camera systems are capable of astounding feats, […]
What to consider when specifying a linear slide
Here are some considerations when specifying a linear slide for a new or existing application. By Mike Quinn • LM76 When a design engineer has fully defined a linear-motion application’s requirements regarding travel length, speed, force, and accuracy as well as repeatability, the next question to answer is this: Does an off-the-shelf linear slide (or […]
What are planar motors and where are they used?
Linear motors are often described as rotary motors cut open and rolled out flat, so they produce motion in a straight line along one axis. Their construction is relatively simple, with a primary part (also referred to as a forcer) that contains windings, and a secondary part that contains magnets. The primary part is typically […]
ElectroCraft expands AxialPower family of linear actuators with the APES 17
ElectroCraft has recently expanded the AxialPower enhanced series of linear actuators to include a new high-performance 42mm (NEMA 17) frame size. This new linear actuator is highly configurable and: • Is available with a variety of imperial or metric leadscrew options • Achieves resolutions of 0.006 mm to 0.050 mm per step • Delivers output […]
