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Top-shelf motors: Completely revised maxon catalog

maxon has completely overhauled its 2026/2027 catalog, streamlining its portfolio to reduce complexity and improve navigation. The new structure features dedicated sections for business units -- Medical, Aerospace, Industrial Automation, Mobility -- and specialized fields like Robotics and Space. Key product highlights include new ECX PRIME and ECX FLAT motors, GSW planetary gearheads, and ESCON2/EPOS4 controllers.
Learn more and check it out.

Custom stators, rotors, and motor assemblies for low- to mid-volume applications

Arnold's Ramco Electric Motors is your single partner for custom motor components and complete assemblies. Ramco builds solutions for AC induction, switched reluctance, and brushless DC designs up to 200+ HP. Capabilities include custom stators, rotor-shaft assemblies, aluminum and copper casting, induction brazing, permanent magnet assembly, and precision rotor balancing.
Learn more.

Rotate robot arms more than 600 degrees

The unsupported twisterchain^® from igus eliminates the need for additional trough systems or guide plates in robotic applications, especially in palletizing. This results in a clean, efficient, and space-saving system architecture that delivers both technical and economic advantages. Thanks to its specialized design, it supports rotations of over 600 degrees.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
View the video.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

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.
Learn more.

Honda Insight named 2019 Green Car of the Year at Los Angeles Auto Show

2019 Honda Insight.

 

 

Honda's third-generation Insight hybrid sedan has been named Green Car Journal's 2019 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show's AutoMobility LA. The award honors the vehicle that most significantly raises the bar in environmental performance while remaining within reach of most consumers.

The expanded 2019 Green Car Awards also recognized two increasingly important categories this year: the 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year, awarded to the Jaguar I-PACE, and the 2019 Green SUV of the Year, awarded to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The original futuristic-looking Honda Insight made waves as the first gasoline-electric hybrid production model on American roads in late 1999. Today, the all-new, third-generation Insight hybrid has reinvented itself, making a bold statement that driving enjoyment, technology prowess, and impressive 52-mpg combined fuel efficiency can come in a mainstream package with Honda's signature DNA and style.

"Today's driver wants more from a hybrid than just great fuel economy. Insight truly represents the direction Honda is pursuing with electrified vehicles, delivering style and sophisticated driving dynamics with outstanding fuel economy," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. "We appreciate Green Car Journal for recognizing Honda for the fourth time with Green Car of the Year."

The Green Car of the Year was selected by Green Car Journal editors and invited jurors from highly respected efficiency and environmental organizations. This year's invited Green Car of the Year jurors include celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and Board Chair of Climate Mayors; Dr. Alan Lloyd, president emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation and Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin; Mindy Lubber, president of CERES; and Jason Hartke, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Along with the Honda Insight, finalists for 2019 Green Car of the Year included the Lexus ES 300h, Nissan Altima, Toyota Avalon Hybrid, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Jaguar I-PACE.

 

 

Winner of the 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year, the Jaguar I-PACE is an impressive premium model replete with aggressive styling, great performance, and desired efficiency delivered by all-electric power. Acceleration and road-handling manners are superb and assisted with advanced Torque Vectoring by Braking and Adaptive Surface Response, lending sports car-like agility to this crossover SUV. It features a confidence-inspiring 234-mile electric driving range.

In addition to the Jaguar I-PACE, finalists in contention for Luxury Green Car of the Year were the Audi e-tron, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, Range Rover P400e, and Tesla Model 3.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

 

 

Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV, the 2019 Green SUV of the Year winner, is the automaker's formidable answer for those desiring plug-in hybrid power in an affordable, all-wheel drive SUV. Using an innovative series-parallel plug-in hybrid system, the mid-size SUV can operate on all-electric drive, conventional gas-electric hybrid drive, or series hybrid drive with the engine generating electricity to assist the battery in powering electric drive motors.

Considered with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for Green SUV of the Year were finalists Cadillac XT4, Hyundai Kona, Lexus UX, and the Volvo XC40.

By virtue of their environmental achievement, all of the exceptional 2019 Green Car Awards finalists were recognized with Green Car Journal's prestigious 2019 Product of Excellence distinction.

Source: Los Angeles Auto Show

Published December 2018

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