The positioning accuracy of a rack & pinion drive is dependent on the cumulative pitch error inherent in each gear rack used. For long travel lengths, this cumulative pitch error can add up quickly and dramatically affect the positioning accuracy of the axis. ATLANTA now offers “digital” gear racks and a smartphone app that when […]
Software
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 […]
Thomson creates online industrial linear-actuator sizing and selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. now offers a new Linear MOTIONEERING online tool that helps design engineers accurately size and select electric linear actuators. The powerful, self-service functionality of the tool provides an interactive series of questions, making it easier for users to benefit from Thomson’s extensive application engineering knowledge base. The online questionnaire starts with an […]
New lead screw configurator from igus allows for quick design
igus has developed a new lead screw configurator that allows users to quickly design their own lead screw and associated drawing without in-depth technical knowledge and CAD software. Designing a lead screw usually requires significant effort for the user, who is required to have technical drawing skills and access to a CAD program. The new […]
Festo at Automate 2019: OEM productivity-boosting solutions
Festo is showing electric and pneumatic motion-automation solutions at Automate 2019 April 8 to 11 at McCormick Place in Chicago — Booth 8151. Productivity-enhancing solutions include company-wide component interoperability and online tools for designing subassemblies that slash OEM engineering overhead and reduce delivery time. With the Festo Handling Guide Online, engineers can design single-axis or […]
Thomson online product sizing and selection tool for linear-motion systems
Thomson Industries has enhanced its Linear MOTIONEERING product -sizing and selection tool for linear motion systems. The tool reduces time for component selection from hours to less than 15 minutes. The upgraded resource also incorporates the RediMount motor mounting adapter kit — the default standard for Thomson linear motion systems and precision linear actuators. The […]
Vention and Thomson Linear announce partnership for linear motion applications
Vention, the first digital manufacturing platform dedicated to machine design, and Thomson Industries, a global leader in mechanical motion technology, are announcing their partnership for linear motion components compatible with the Vention hardware and software platform. The Vention platform allows for the design, order and commissioning of factory equipment in just days. Premium custom linear […]
Parker Virtual Engineer— New easy-to-use sizing and selection design collaboration tool for reducing design expenses
Parker Hannifin’s Electromechanical & Drives Division now offers a motion-control design tool for engineers to help with proper selection of electromechanical linear motion. Virtual Engineer presents an intuitive interface where users can easily enter their application specifications (for example — speed, load, external forces) and then quickly navigate to accurately sized product options. The tool […]
PID design using frequency-domain methods
With motion control applications, a PID or proportional + integral + derivative controller is often implemented using tuning or by a trial-and-error process on the shop floor. But modeling of the motion control system allows analytical derivation of the PID controller terms. By Tom Radigan | Advanced Motion Concepts Inc. Modeling a motion control system […]
Maximizing performance of precision motion stages in industrial applications
Motion controller and drive features can address the natural behavior of motion stages that can otherwise degrade throughput and accuracy — including those arising from mechanical resonances, inertia mismatch, motor cogging, backlash, friction effects, and encoder signal distortion. By Jason Goerges and Boaz Kramer • ACS Motion Control Precision motion stages operate in industrial applications […]
