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Hybrid stepper motor with 8-pin integrated connector

Lin Engineering's NEMA 23 (57-mm) hybrid stepper motor can be ordered with an 8-pin integrated connector that allows for multiple connection options. Standard and customized windings and shaft options are available to match your performance requirements, as well as customizable leads and wire harness. This high-volume-availability motor may be the perfect drop-in replacement for your designs if you are experiencing supply chain issues.
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IronHorse jet pump and stainless steel motors

Automation-Direct has added the new, economical IronHorse MTRJ series of jet pump motors to their AC motor lineup. They come in a TEFC enclosure with a 56J frame that has a threaded shaft for direct connection to a jet pump, and are available in 120/230 VAC from 1/3 to 2 hp and in 208-230/460 VAC from 1/3 to 3 hp at 3,600 rpm. AutomationDirect has also added the MTS series of IronHorse motors that offer premium efficiency (EISA compliant) and come with an IP69K-rated stainless steel construction that can survive the harshest of environments. They are available in sizes from 1/3 to 20 hp in 208-230/480 VAC 3-phase and in speeds of 1,200, 1,800, and 3,600 rpm.
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Machine learning eliminates cogging for linear motors

The highly dynamic AL8000 linear motors from Beckhoff now meet even greater requirements for accuracy and synchronization with the new TwinCAT Cogging Compensation software, which compensates for cogging forces. Cogging forces in linear motors are caused by the magnetic attraction between the iron core in the primary part and the permanent magnets in the secondary part. AL8000 linear motors are particularly suitable for high-precision applications such as milling machines or laser cutting machines.
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Food-grade stainless steel delta robot

FANUC America introduced the new DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS delta robot for picking and packing primary food products at Automate 2022 in June. Rated IP69K, the robot meets USDA and FDA food safety standards, and sets a new benchmark for robotic food handling. It has a 1,200-mm reach and a powerful four-axis design that allows it to handle 6-kg payloads at high speeds.
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High-torque flat motors for UAVs and robotics

maxon's ECX flat BLDC motors are perfectly tailored to compact drive solutions that need a high torque. ECX motors are optimized for max performance thanks to their special winding tech and segmented magnets. These external-rotor motors feature a ratio of torque to weight and size that is second to none and are ideal for use in unmanned aerial vehicles and robotics. The iron-wound motors are available with diameters of 22 mm, 32 mm, and 42 mm in short or long versions. All variants are available with integrated encoders or speed controllers for a complete drive system.
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Tech Tip: Gantry vs. Split Bridge system -- what's the difference?

Gantry motion systems and split bridge motion systems are often used in industrial production, testing, and additive manufacturing, but what makes one better than another for a given application? The experts at PI (Physik Instrumente) run through the basics.
Read this informative PI blog.

New hybrid hexapod has nanometer-level precision

The Hybrid Hexapod from ALIO Industries has revolutionized 6D motion and redefined the role of motion control in applications that need flatness and straightness of motion plus stiffness, such as machining and bonding. It uses a tripod parallel kinematics structure to deliver Z plane and tip/tilt motion, integrated with a monolithic serial kinematic structure for XY motion. A rotary stage integrated into the top of the tripod (or underneath it) provides 360-degree continuous yaw rotation. Applications include optical, semiconductor, manufacturing, metrology, laser processing, and micro-machining.
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Gearboxes for electric motors from Rexroth: a driving force for electrification

As part of its new, extensive eLION platform for the electrification of mobile working machines, Bosch Rexroth has developed spur gearboxes that vehicle manufacturers can use to unlock the full potential of new electric motors. The one- and two-speed gearboxes are installed in the central section of the vehicle and pool the energy in order to drive up to two axles with just one motor. The clever integration of essential components is evidence of the wealth of practical know-how that was drawn on throughout the development process.
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OnRobot Palletizer: Complete, configurable, and easy-to-use modular solution

OnRobot has launched OnRobot Palletizer, a complete collaborative palletizing solution designed to take the physical and financial pain out of palletizing processes. It includes four new hardware and software products to make affordable collaborative automation available to companies of all sizes and technology skill levels.
Read the full article.

The new reliable actuator for heavy loads

Bosch Rexroth's electro-mechanical cylinders (EMCs) are now available in a high-force, high-precision, low-maintenance version: the EMC-HP. Designed for loads up to 100 kN, the new actuators are robust and compact. Based on the reliable planetary screw drive, users will benefit from impressive continuous power -- even under harsh conditions -- thanks to both the new oil-bath lubrication and optional water cooling directly on the screw itself. A fully digital process, from selection to ordering, shortens engineering time.
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New modular powered roller conveyor

DynaRoller from Dynamic Conveyor is a new motor-driven roller (MDR), zone-powered conveyor system offering zero-pressure-accumulation functionality. Its patented design includes capturing all motor and drive components within an enclosed side channel, making it one of the safest roller conveyance options on the market. Integration with its patented, omnidirectional transfer units allows for right-angle transfers and diverting to meet the most demanding sortation needs.
Learn more.

Handle simple motion tasks electrically with less cost and more complex control

Bill Fontaine and Steve Hunt from iAutomation discuss the benefits of the Festo Simplified Motion Series. These integrated drives are the perfect solution for all users who are looking for an electric alternative for very simple motion and positioning tasks.
View the video.
Go to the Festo Simple Electric Automation Solution page.

Gear units, motors, and VFDs for intralogistics and warehousing

NORD's innovative and high-efficiency gear units, motors, and VFDs work in unison to transport items quickly with precise control and lower energy consumption. They are engineered to lower Total Cost of Ownership, reduce the number of system variants, and reduce overall maintenance time and costs. NORD's primary products for intralogistics include: LogiDrive Complete Drive Solution (gearbox, motor, and VFD), Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance, and NORCON APP with NORDAC ACCESS Bluetooth Stick mobile commissioning and service solution for all NORD drives.
Learn more.

Low-cost motion control: CLICK PLUS PLCs

Automation-Direct has released the new CLICK PLC programming software version 3.30, which allows any CLICK PLUS CPU to be configured as a 3-axis PTO/PWM motion controller. 100-kHz high-speed inputs and outputs are offered with any DC option slot I/O module placed in slot 0 of the CPU. With this module, CLICK PLUS PLCs can easily perform velocity moves, homing commands, or interpolated positioning. Six CPUs available starting at less than 100 bucks.
Learn more.

SPEED DEMON EL300 for high-speed, low-friction, smooth linear motion

LM76 has introduced the SPEED DEMON EL300 high-speed rail and roller bearing system. It features travel lengths of 400 to 3,000 mm, a wide base, and 12-mm hardened steel parallel rails that ensure the radial roller bearings (wheels) of the carriage provide high torsional stability and high torque load stability. The base can be easily integrated directly into the user's system using the predrilled mounting holes or LM76's heavy-duty full-length mounting plates.
Learn more.

Yamaha testing power steering for motorcycles

[All images courtesy Yamaha]

 

 

Yamaha Motor Co. is testing out a unique new steering support system on MX race bikes.

The prototype steering support system uses a torque sensor, magnet technology, and an actuator to provide steering damper benefits at high speed and steering assist input at low speed. Benefits for riders should include improved stability with reduced fatigue at high speed and in rough conditions, while assisted steering should contribute to a feeling of lightness and agility at low speed.

Yamaha says the "assistive intervention" electroinc power steering (EPS) system has the added advantage of feeling completely natural. The base magnetostrictive system in development already has a proven track record in detecting torque with Yamaha's electrically power-assisted bicycles.

The lightweight system has been tested by Australian racer Jay Wilson, who is currently working for the factory and competing with the All Japan Yamaha Factory Race Team. The team will compete in this year's All Japan Motocross Championship with YZ450FM and YZ250F motocross racers fitted with the unique new system.

Yamaha says its decision to use race conditions to develop electronic power steering for Yamaha motorcycles "will deliver real-world R&D feedback." The company plans to use the wealth of data it acquires in the harsh environment of top-level motocross competition to accelerate the system's refinement -- and maybe, ultimately, for street bike incorporation.

Yamaha sees the EPS system development as a "first step" into a new era of electronic assistance designed to improve motorcycle stability and agility. The system has been developed under the Transforming Mobility focus area of the company's long-term vision of "ART for Human Possibilities." This vision sets three areas of focus using robotics (Advanced Robotics) to address social issues in uniquely Yamaha ways (Rethinking Solution) and transform mobility (Transforming Mobility) -- themes for growth in existing businesses and the development of new businesses.

Unfortunately, we do not have any additional specs for the EPS system to provide at this time. Yamaha said it will release more in-depth details about the steering support system after its real-world trials take place.

Source: Yamaha Motor Co.

Published April 2022

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