February 21, 2017 Volume 13 Issue 07

Motion Control News & Products

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Z-Tip-Tilt nanopositioning stage: High-speed ultra precision

PI offers an ultra-low-profile Z-Tip-Tilt stage designed for demanding alignment applications in optics, semicon-ductors, precision assembly, and photonics. Based on air bearings and linear motors, the stage is wear-free, maintenance-free, and cleanroom compatible. High speed is ensured by 3-phase linear motors, while high resolution and precision are provided by closed-loop operation with linear encoders with 1-nm resolution. Comes in 5- and 6-axis combinations.
Learn more.


Curtiss-Wright unveils new Exlar GTF food-grade actuator

Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its popular Exlar electric actuator product offerings to include hygienic actuators with FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for automation systems in the food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries, the GTF with inverted roller screw technology helps customers achieve hygienic certifications more economically. Ideal for builders of hygienic machinery to easily incorporate into their designs.
Learn more.


Robot has longest reach in Mitsubishi's low-cost series

The MELFA RV-12CRL vertically articulated robot has the longest reach of any robot in Mitsubishi Electric's low-cost robot series: 1,504 mm (59.2 in.). With a 12-kg (26.4-lb) payload capacity, this unit is an ideal candidate for machine tending, case packing, and pick-and-place applications. Built-in features provide enhanced safety, streamlined implementation, and an overall reduction in downtime. Features internal cables and air hoses for end-of-arm tooling.
Learn more.


Servomotors for food, beverage, pharma, more

Siemens' new stainless steel SIMOTICS S-1FS2 line of servomotors has been designed for the clean condition requirements of the food, beverage, sterile packaging, pharma, and other process industries. These motors are highly resistant to corrosion and acidic chemicals and are offered in a variety of power ratings, from 0.45 to 2 kW (0.60 to 2.68 hp) with torque from 3.1 to 14 Nm (2.28 to 10.32 ft-lb). Features include high dynamics due to low inherent inertia, high overload capacity for pick-and-place, and precise movement of heavy loads. Easy installation and cleaning. Compatible with the SINAMICS S210 drive system.
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What is Sensorless Closed Loop? Precise motor control without an encoder

Matt Sherman, eMobility Sales and Application Engineer at KEB America, runs through different options to drive an AC motor, including one called "Sensorless Closed Loop" that does not require additional hardware such as encoder, resolver, or cables on the motor.
Read this informative KEB America blog.


All about magnetic rotary encoder

The precision and reliability offered by modern rotary encoders are essential in many product categories. These include robotics, machine tools, printing presses, motion control systems, medical equipment, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and automotive. Learn all about magnetic rotary encoders -- and important developments in the technology's future.
Read the full Avnet article.


High-force actuator line expanded with new models

Tolomatic has introduced five new products in its RSX line of high-force actuators to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX's capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). RSX actuators, which feature high-precision planetary roller or ball screws for longer life in harsh environments, enable the easy replacement of traditional hydraulics to eliminate leaks and improve system performance.
Learn more.


What's a motion-amplified piezoelectric actuator -- and what can it do for you?

Piezoelectric motion components are highly valued for their fast response times, capable of dynamic movements at frequencies reaching several kHz, and delivering motion resolution down to the sub-nanometer level. Learn why amplified piezo actuators have the edge over traditional piezo stack actuators.
Read the full article.


How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control

Engineers from Performance Motion Devices take a comprehensive look at how to control two-phase stepper motors, beginning with the basics (operations, strengths and weaknesses) and moving on to traditional and updated advanced techniques for control including closed loop. A very thorough presentation.
Read this informative Performance Motion Devices article.


Ergoswiss table lifting systems from AutomationDirect

Automation-Direct has added the new SQ series table lifting systems from Ergoswiss. These lifting systems use electrically driven columns that allow the operator to reposition the height of a worktable, conveyor, etc. to meet specific requirements. In doing so, the operator can perform their tasks in a more comfortable working posture, helping to reduce work-related injuries. These systems are all electric (no hydraulic mess or manual hand cranks), and each lifting column features a housed motor and screw drive to perform the needed height adjustments.
Learn more.


Compact linear voice coil servo motor with built-in shaft and bearing

The GVCM-032-025-02M Linear Voice Coil Servo Motor is the first of a new series of non-commutated, brushless linear servo motors from Moticont. This clean and quiet unit has a 12.7-mm stroke with built-in shaft and bearing, a continuous high-force-to-size ratio of 9.3 N (2.1 lb), and 29.3 N (6.6 lb) of peak force at a 10% duty cycle. Features include: high reliability, high speed, zero cogging, high acceleration/deceleration, and, when used in a servo loop, very high accuracy and repeatability. An ideal choice for: haptic feedback, medical devices, laser machining and drilling, work holding and clamping, scanners, optical focusing, testing, sorting, and assembly.
Learn more.


Optical rotary encoders: Close the stepper motor linear actuator feedback loop

With the help of a motion controller and a stepper driver, all stepper motor linear actuators can be programmed to position a load to a precise location. However, standard configurations do not provide a feedback mechanism that tells the operator whether the move is completed or not. Adding an encoder can be an effective and simple solution to get real-time motion feedback about your application.
Read this informative Thomson article.


Overhead conveyor drives for automotive, food processing

Overhead conveyor drives from NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS are engineered with long-lasting performance and durability in mind. They feature high-quality components, heavy-duty construction, and an output mounting flange and shaft for easy drop-in replacement of industry-standard footprints. They are an ideal solution for meat and poultry processing, automotive assembly, and other manufacturing systems where utilization of vertical space is required. Lots of options and many more features.
Learn more.


New micro motor controller elevates precision, speed, and torque management

maxon, a leader in DC motor and drive solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation: the ESCON 2 controller. This advanced speed and current controller, designed for micro motors, significantly enhances control precision. The ESCON 2, suitable for brushed and brushless DC motors up to 1,800 W continuous duty, is engineered for seamless OEM integration into customer systems. Enhanced control features include field-oriented control (FOC), acceleration, and velocity feed-forward capabilities. Supports 4-quadrant operation. Lots more features. Available from Electromate.
Learn more and get all the specs.


Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications

The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
Learn more.


World's most powerful jet engine is being turned into 65-MW power plant

The GE90 is the most powerful jet engine in the world. This engine, attached to a GE Aviation's Boeing 747 flying test bed, makes the rocks beyond the runway fly as the plane is revving up to take off from GE's Flight Test Operations Center in Victorville, CA, located in the Mojave Desert. [GIF credit: GE Aviation].

 

 

 

 

By Tomas Kellner, GE Reports

GE is taking the world's largest jet engine and turning it into a power plant. The machine's beating heart comes from the GE90-115B, which is the largest and most powerful jet engine, capable of producing 127,900 lb of thrust, according to Guinness World Records. The electricity generator, which GE calls LM9000, will be able to generate a whopping 65 megawatts (MW) -- enough to supply 6,500 homes -- and reach full power in 10 minutes. "We picked the best technology across GE and built the biggest and most powerful aeroderivative engine ever made," says GE Oil & Gas' Maurizio Ciofini, the engineering director of the project.

The LM9000 shares the GE90-115B engine's core technology, but also includes 3D-printed parts. [Image credit: GE Oil & Gas]

 

 

The idea of using jet engines to produce electricity has been around for a while. The word "aeroderivative" is a nod to the machine's heritage, meaning that the designers borrowed technology originally developed by their aerospace colleagues at GE Aviation.

The technology is also a good example of what GE calls the GE Store -- the system of sharing technology, research, and expertise among its many businesses. Today, aeroderivatives power towns and factories but also oil platforms and ships.

Engineers built the first generation of GE aeroderivatives, called LM100, from a helicopter engine in the late 1950s. The next machine, the LM1500, had inside components from GE's first supersonic engine -- the J79 -- and generated more than 10,000 kilowatts. GE Power kept improving on the design, building aeroderivatives from the CF6 engine, which powers Air Force One and many other Boeing 747s, as well the F404 engine used by F/A-18 Hornet and F-117 Nighthawk military jets. Aeroderivatives based on these engines generate electricity in remote corners of the world and also power the world's fastest passenger ferry.

But the LM9000 takes the technology to a new level. GE's Oil & Gas business developed the machine for powering massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants. "An LNG plant is like a giant refrigerator, but instead of making ice and keeping your food cool, it turns natural gas into liquid by bringing the temperature down to minus 160 degrees Celsius," says Tayo Montgomery, customer applications engineer at GE Oil & Gas.

He says the LM9000 is so powerful it enables LNG plant operators to restart production without first draining the refrigerant from the entire plant. "It has enough power and starting torque than you can just get up and go," Montgomery says.

The LM9000 can generate 65 MW. [Image credit: GE Oil & Gas]

 

 

The GE90 engines have clocked 41 million flight hours since they first entered service in the mid-1990s and have departure reliability of 99.98 percent, according to GE. They are also very light and relatively easy to maintain. "It can take as long as 24 days to do a major maintenance of gas turbines typically installed in older LNG plants," Montgomery says. "But we can replace the entire LM9000 turbine in 24 hours."

The team made other adaptations to optimize the LM9000 for industrial applications. They switched the machine's combustion system from jet fuel to natural gas. The machine also will have a 3D-printed combustor. Its innovative design will enable the machine to meet low-emission requirements around the world.

Under the hood, engineering geeks will search in vain for a gear box. That's because the design utilizes a "free power" turbine architecture that enables the machine to operate efficiently over a wide range of power and speed conditions.

As a result, "the LM9000 will provide the highest availability with the lowest cost of ownership for LNG applications," says Preetham Balasubramanyam, the product manager for the new machine at GE Oil & Gas. He says the LM9000 generates 20 percent more power, can go 50 percent longer without service, and emits 40 percent less NOx emissions than existing models in the class. He says that the combination could help LNG plants lower production costs by 20 percent.

The first turbine is slated to enter service in the first half of 2019.

Read more GE Reports at www.gereports.com.

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