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 […]
Integrated Linear Systems
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 […]
Compact, open-aperture voice coil stages from Moticont
Moticont has debuted the HCDS-051-051 Series of eight linear open-aperture voice coil stages. These compact open-aperture stages have a small footprint of just 10.500 in. (266.7 mm) long x 4.000 in. (101.6 mm) wide x 3.755 in. (95.4 mm) high. Linear dc motor driven stages (also known as moving coil) are clean, quiet, and efficient, […]
LinX M-Series electric actuators from ANCA Motion offer direct replacement of pneumatic cylinders
Pneumatics (and compressed air) are indispensable in many industrial applications. They’re cost-effective and easy-to-understand technologies that are rugged enough to run in even very challenging environments. The problem is that some facilities can spend up to 30% of their electricity bill on generating compressed air. Because pneumatic actuators for linear motion (which have been an […]
Three important design considerations for Cartesian robots
If your application calls for a Cartesian robot, you have a wide variety of options, depending on the level of integration you want to undertake. And although pre-engineered Cartesian robots are becoming more widely adopted as manufacturers expand their product ranges to fit a broader scope of performance criteria, some applications still necessitate building your own […]