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Match the torque of rotary solenoids to your application

Magnetic Sensor Systems has launched the Made in USA R-10-200-CWM Series of clockwise rotary solenoids. Measuring 2.00 in. in diameter and 1.04 in. long with 18 different AWG options and a serrated front shaft end, these compact units optimize torque, current, and duty cycle. When power is removed, an integral return spring automatically returns the shaft to its home position. The shaft is supported by two high-precision radial ball bearings, providing smooth operation with no axial play. Applications include medical, security, and office equipment.
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Planetary servo gear unit: New economy series

SEW-EURODRIVE has expanded its PxG planetary servo gear unit portfolio with the new PxG economy series, introducing the P1.G, P2.G, and P3.G performance classes. Designed for standard industrial automation applications like packaging and material handling, these cost-effective units feature peak torque ratings from 11 to 500 Nm and over 20,000 hours of service life, helping machine builders eliminate unnecessary over-specification.
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Compact hexapod 6-DOF alignment system has overload protection

PI's compact H-811.I2HS hexapod delivers precise 6-DOF motion with patented overload protection, simplifying setup and operation in OEM applications. This built-in protection safeguards precision mechanics during installation and integration against accidental forces or improper handling. Furthermore, the hexapod mounts in any orientation, granting system designers exceptional flexibility for optical, photonics, microscopy, metrology, and automation systems.
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What is STUDROLLER technology? Cross Roller Guides

NB SLIDE WAY cross roller guides use precision rollers to provide stable, non-recirculating linear motions in precision stages, inspection equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. At the heart of all NB cross roller bearings is the STUDROLLER mechanism, which eliminates the cage-creep phenomenon that, over time, can create deviances in cross roller retainer performance. NB cross roller guides equipped with this system are more accurate and better performing than any other comparable products on the market today. High acceleration and faster cycle times are possible in any orientation.
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Ruggedized Nano servo drives for harsh environs

Copley Controls has released its R47 and R48 NanoPlus Micro Module servo drives. Designed for extreme environments and space-constrained applications, these rugged platforms operate from 9 to 180 VDC, delivering peak power up to 6.3 kW. Offering CANopen (R47) or EtherCAT (R48) communications, both feature STO SIL 3 safety and broad encoder support. Well suited for COTS military, nautical, aviation, oil refining, and vehicle-based systems.
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Simplify AC motor control with the new OMRON M1 Inverter

The OMRON M1 Inverter simplifies machine design by unifying motion, safety, networking, and motor control into a single platform. Available in M1-STD, M1-ECT, and M1-EMP models, it controls IM and PM motors with high precision. Featuring SIL3 PLe STO safety and native EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or RS-485 communications, the M1 accelerates development within the Sysmac environment.
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Flexible planetary gearheads: Quiet, extremely robust

FAULHABER GPT gearheads for miniature and micro motors deliver high power density, exceptional flexibility, and excellent cost efficiency. Designed for seamless integration with diverse motors and encoders, these compact planetary drives feature hardened stainless steel components that reliably withstand extreme torques and abrupt load changes. Offered in standard, low-noise, and high-torque variants, they ensure precise, durable performance across wide operating temperature ranges.
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What is a low-waving linear motion guide?

If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

NORD serves up sweet energy and cost savings for industrial bakeries

NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS offers robust, highly configurable drive solutions designed to optimize efficiency, ensure hygiene, and reduce the TCO for automated bakery systems. From industrial-scale mixing and portioning to baking, cooling, and packaging, NORD's modular product portfolio delivers precise, reliable performance across every stage of production.
Read the full article. You may learn something even if you are not in the baking industry.

Key considerations for battery-powered motors

Battery-powered motor applications require careful design considerations to pair motor performance and power consumption profiles in concert with the correct battery type. This Power Electric article covers power requirements, performance considerations, and battery choices to assist you in selecting an efficient motor and a battery with the appropriate capacity. Good technical info.
Read the Power Electric technical article.

Driving next-gen pump and fan applications: Sinamics G210X

The Sinamics G210X is a new frequency converter for advanced pump, fan, and compressor applications, combining easy engineering with robust design. Integrated functions, seamless TIA Portal integration, and a web server reduce PLC effort to speed up commissioning, operation, and diagnostics. IP55 protection, 3C3 coating, and S2 system redundancy ensure reliable operation in demanding environments.
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New Exlar food-grade actuator

Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its Exlar line with hygienic electric actuators using FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for food, beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical automation, the new GTF unit enables economical USDA, 3-A, BISSC, and EHEDG certification. Its IP69K washdown option, inverted roller screw, and compact servo-driven design deliver reliable, high-performance motion for hygienic machinery.
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New Texas conveyor system is 42 miles long!

SEW-EURODRIVE is helping power one of the most ambitious bulk material handling projects in North America through its contribution to the Dune Express conveyor system, a record-setting 42-mile single-flight conveyor across the Permian Basin.
Read the full article.

Compact servo drives for harsh environs

Built on Copley's proven NanoPlus platform, the compact, 1.2-oz R-Series Nano servo drives withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and humidity. Available in R47 (CANopen) and R48 (EtherCAT) models, they suit space-constrained, harsh environments such as mil/aero robotics and gimbals. This commercial off-the-shelf series provides a hardened option without defense-specific development lead times.
Learn more from Copley Controls.

Hybrid actuator with force up to 14,726 lb

Kyntronics' new all-electric HyCore hybrid actuator is a compact, low-cost alternative to traditional hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical systems. Engineered for OEMs, it delivers up to 14,726 lb of force. The self-contained design eliminates leaks and wear, providing precise control, shock-load tolerance, and high efficiency. It simplifies integration and lowers operating costs for mobile equipment, packaging, assembly automation, and more.
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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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