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, […]
Integrated Linear Systems
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 […]
New simulation software from PI aids hexapod selection
Powerful new simulation software from PI (Physik Instrumente) determines if a hexapod is suitable for a specific positioning task, in terms of workspace, load, center of mass, and operating orientation. The tool helps in making the correct choice for the application at hand. A hexapod, also known as a Stewart Platform, offers motion in 6 […]
Motion basics: How to define roll, pitch, and yaw for linear systems
Linear guides and systems — including Cartesian robots, gantry systems, and XY tables — are typically subjected to both linear forces due to downward, upward, and side loads and rotational forces due to overhung loads. Rotational forces — also referred to as moment forces — are typically defined as roll, pitch, and yaw, based on […]
Industry first: XY stage with 800 x 800 mm open center
Intellidrives now offers open-center XY stages with travel of 600 x 600 mm and open center dimensions of 800 x 800 mm. The demand for a high accuracy, robust, open-frame stages is met with Intellidrives dual-axis, large aperture stages, which address the unique needs of scanning microscopy, wafer and printed circuit board inspection, automated assembly, […]
