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You need motion control components? HIWIN has them in stock

Many models of ballsplines, rolled ballscrews PLUS supports, linear guideways, crossed roller bearings and stages are in stock at our Chicago factory, where HIWIN can cut and machine to our spec or yours. Fast shipment to meet applications in machine tool, medical, lab, packaging, metal fab, semicon and advanced high-precision automation equipment.
Learn more.

Application: Cylinders for hydraulic presses

According to Parker Hannifin, "The cylinders in your hydraulic press not only control the force being produced but also the speed at which the press can move and the overall efficiency of the machine." Explore the application of cylinders for hydraulic presses in this insightful blog post, and learn about cylinder types, installation considerations, interfaces, and materials.
Read this informative Parker blog.

FANUC America demonstrates automated welding

FANUC's easy-to-use CRX-25iA welding cobot, which now offers a 30-kg payload and 1,889-mm reach, will demonstrate welding joints on a mower deck at FABTECH this week. Attendees can teach the system using hand guidance or the Tablet TP interface with drag-and-drop icons. See FANUC at Booth B-27015. Automated coating solutions will also be on display.
Learn more -- especially if you cannot attend FABTECH.

Robotics brings peak precision to metal fabrication

Stäubli Robotics designs solutions for real-world pain points, and metal fabrication shops and manufacturers have their share: labor shortages, higher material costs due to supply chain issues, and the need for higher output and shorter cycle times. Learn about Stäubli Robotics' latest offerings at FABTECH in booth B15021, including meticulous 3D laser cutting using the TX2-160L HDP (high dynamic precision) robot, a gamechanger in automotive, metal, and other manufacturing plants tasked with laser cutting of complex parts.
Learn more.

UR20 cobot makes its welding debut at FABTECH -- plasma cutting and weld grinding demos too

Universal Robots' larger, much-anticipated new UR20 cobot is ready to generate sparks at FABTECH this week, North America's biggest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, taking place Sept. 11-14 in Chicago. UR and its partners will demonstrate the UR20 Cobot Welder along with a rotary welding positioner, AI that recommends welding and cutting parameters, CNC parts feeders, and more.
Read the full article.

200,000 roboticists trained and counting: Universal Robots Academy

Universal Robots, the leading collaborative robot (cobot) company, has offered robotics training to customers and others with an interest in collaborative robots. After having grown increasingly popular in the past years and with 119 onsite training centers across the globe, more than 200,000 robotics enthusiasts have joined the Universal Robots Academy.
Read the full article.

Replace hydraulics with heavy-duty electric actuators

Thomson has introduced a high-capacity, high-performance electric linear actuator that gives motion system designers more cost-effective options to replace hydraulic cylinders. Among the many new features of the Thomson Electrak XD linear actuator is load handling up to 25,000 N (5,000 lb), depending on configuration, for a combined power output of more than 450 W. The Electrak XD can also achieve operating speeds up to 75 mm/sec (3 in./sec) and duty cycles up to 100%.
Learn more.

See NORD's innovative and reliable packaging solutions at PACK EXPO 2023

NORD provides complete drive solutions for the entire packaging process from filling and sealing machines to palletizing and wrapping systems in end-of-the-line packaging. See what NORD has to offer at PACK EXPO in Las Vegas Sept. 11-13, 2023, including: IE5+ Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors, DuoDrive Integrated Gear Unit and Motor, NORDAC ON/ON+ Variable Frequency Drives, Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance, a Sealed Surface Conversion System, and much more.
Learn more.

Mini motors and drive systems on-demand webinars: Chock full of informative details

Faulhaber has made available a comprehensive library of on-demand webinars all about its miniature motors and drive systems. Each presentation is full of product details, technology overviews, selection help, design tips and tricks, and application examples. Topics include: stepper motors, brushless motors, DC motors, linear motors, encoders, gearheads, motion controllers, and more. Filled with useful information.
View the Faulhaber webinar library page.

Clutches and brakes for electric outdoor mobile equipment

As OEMs and drive train manufacturers work to bring emerging technology to life, they are partnering with Warner Electric engineers and electrification specialists on electromagnetic braking solutions for electric riding mowers, UTVs, ZTRs, and more. Lots of options, including enclosed and low-profile Spring Applied Emergency and Parking Brakes -- some even feature regenerative braking.
Learn more.

Ball screws or belt-driven actuators? How to choose

Two of the most common components for a linear actuator are ball screw systems and belt and pulley assemblies. There are benefits and limitations to these components, so choosing the right component comes down to the specifications needed for the application. Carlicia Layosa, Marketing Automation Manager at MISUMI, runs through some benefits and drawbacks of each technology.
Read this informative MISUMI blog.

Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications

Rollon's new TLS Series of telescoping linear actuators enable long stroke lengths with minimal closed lengths, which is especially good for applications with minimal vertical clearance, such as between the machine and ceiling or horizontally between machines. These actuators integrate seamlessly into multi-axis systems and are available in two- or three-stage versions. Equipped with a built-in automated lubrication system, the TLS Series features a synchronized drive system, requiring only a single motor to achieve motion. Four sizes (100, 230, 280, and 360) with up to 3,000-mm stroke length.
Learn more.

New machine tending tech launched by Mitsubishi Electric Automation

Designed for easy setup and use, Mitsubishi Electric's LoadMate Plus machine tending solutions provide manufacturers with an answer to labor shortage challenges while improving productivity and lowering operating costs.
Read the full article.

Potentiometer with extremely low torque requirement

Novotechnik, U.S. has just announced the P2200 potentiometer that operates with an extremely low torque requirement of 0.003 Ncm. This rotary position sensor is well suited for applications where the system to be measured can be affected by the torque requirements of the sensor. It offers a precision conductive plastic potentiometer in a servo size 11 housing with stainless steel bearing and a life of 100 million movements.
Learn more.

Mitsubishi to debut new 3D bin-picking robots

Join Mitsubishi Electric Automation at PACK EXPO 2023 in the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 11-13 for a first look at a new 3D Bin-Picking robot demo, perfect for automating packaging processes. Also learn how the combination of 3D vision for robotic guidance, dynamic path planning, and collision avoidance can work together to increase throughput and reduce the footprint needed to deploy Mitsubishi Electric robots. Lots more to see and discover.
Learn more.

GM and Honda working to establish industry-first joint fuel cell system manufacturing operation in Michigan

General Motors Executive Vice President Global Product Development Mark Reuss (l to r), Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley, and Honda CEO North American Region and President Honda North America Toshiaki Mikoshiba at the announcement of a manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system.

 

 

 

 

General Motors and Honda announced Jan. 30 the establishment of the auto industry's first manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company.

A company called Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC will operate within GM's existing battery-pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, MI, south of Detroit. Mass production of fuel cell systems is expected to begin around 2020 and create nearly 100 new jobs. The companies are making equal investments totaling $85 million in the joint venture.

Honda and GM have been working together through a master collaboration agreement announced in July 2013. It established the co-development arrangement for a next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies. The companies integrated their development teams and shared hydrogen fuel cell intellectual property to create a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.

The Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) joint venture will be operated by a board of directors consisting of three executives from each company that will include a rotating chairperson. In addition, a president will be appointed to rotate between each company.

GM and Honda are acknowledged leaders in fuel cell technology with more than 2,220 patents between them, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index. GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in total fuel cell patents filed in 2002 through 2015.

"The eventual deployment of this technology in passenger vehicles will create more differentiated and environmentally friendly transportation options for consumers," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.

Fuel cell technology addresses many of the major challenges facing automobiles today: petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range, and refueling times. Fuel cell vehicles can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapor is the only emission from fuel cell vehicles.

In addition to advancing the performance of the fuel cell system, GM and Honda are working together to reduce the cost of development and manufacturing through economies of scale and common sourcing. The two companies also continue to work with governments and other stakeholders to further advance the refueling infrastructure that is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of fuel cell vehicles.

GM is currently demonstrating the capability of fuel cells across a range of land, sea, and air applications. The company has accumulated millions of miles of real-world driving in fuel cell vehicles.

"Precious metals have been reduced dramatically, and a fully cross-functional team is developing advanced manufacturing processes simultaneously with advances in the design," said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of Global Fuel Cell Business. "The result is a lower-cost system that is a fraction of the size and mass."

Honda began delivery of its all-new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle to U.S. customers in December 2016 following a spring 2016 launch in Japan. The Clarity Fuel Cell received the best driving range rating from the EPA of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine with a range rating of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent combined.

GM and Honda collaborated in a powertrain cross-supply arrangement in 1999 under which Honda manufactured 50,000 V-6 engines for the Saturn VUE and Honda received diesel engines from GM's Isuzu affiliate for use in Europe.

Sources: GM, Honda

Published February 2017

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