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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wind tunnel and lasers provide hypersonic proving ground at Sandia National Laboratories

Aerospace engineer Steven Beresh, left, and technologist Russell Spillers of Sandia National Laboratories' aerosciences department place a model in the hypersonic wind tunnel's test section. [Photo by Randy Montoya]

 

 

 

 

It's about speed, and Sandia National Laboratories, with a hypersonic wind tunnel and advanced laser diagnostic technology, is in an excellent position to help U.S. defense agencies understand the physics associated with aircraft flying five times the speed of sound.

With potential adversaries reporting successes in their own programs to develop aircraft that can be flown at Mach 5 or greater speeds, U.S. development of autonomous hypersonic systems is a top defense priority.

That has made aerospace engineer Steven Beresh of Sandia's aerosciences department and his colleagues at the hypersonic wind tunnel popular as of late.

"Before, the attitude was that hypersonic flight was 30 years away and always will be," said Beresh, the lead wind tunnel engineer. "Now with the national needs, it needs to be tomorrow. We're becoming very busy."

Cold in the tunnel
There's a whoosh of air, then a rumble followed by an electrical hum. It lasts about 45 seconds as air blows down the tunnel to a vacuum at speeds of Mach 5, 8, or 14, depending on pressure settings. The Mach 5 nozzle uses high-pressure air (nitrogen plus oxygen). Nitrogen alone is used at the higher speeds and can be pressurized to 8,600 psi. For comparison, recommended pressure for a car tire is usually between 30 and 35 psi. There is so much potential energy, nitrogen must be stored in a bunker behind 1-ft-thick walls.

A model -- usually shaped like a cone, cylinder, or tailpiece replica of what might be used with flight vehicles -- is placed in the tunnel's 18-in.-diameter test section. By necessity, the model, 4 to 5 in. in diameter, is not an exact replica of the full-scale version but can handle a variety of instrumentation, geometry changes, and spin testing. Part of the wind tunnel engineer's job is to understand those scaling issues.

Inside the test section, temperatures can get extremely low, so electric resistance heaters unique to each Mach number heat the gases and prevent condensation of the gas. Without heat, the air or nitrogen turns to ice in the wind tunnel. The heaters essentially work like very large hair dryers -- 3-MW hair dryers -- that can raise the air temperature above 2,000 F at the beginning of the tunnel. By the time air or gases get to the test chamber, the temperature can fall as low as -400 F.

Physics at hypersonic speeds
When discussing Sandia's contribution to hypersonic research, Beresh refers to solving the "hypersonics problem," which is basically trying to grasp the physics of how air flows over an object at speeds greater than Mach 5.

"The physics are enormously difficult at hypersonic speed," Beresh said. The air and gases react differently than at subsonic speed, materials are put under extreme temperatures and pressure, and there is the added challenge of guidance mechanisms also needing to withstand those pressures.

"We have some information, but not enough information," he said. "We've mostly been dealing with re-entry vehicles. Before, the idea was to just have the vehicle survive; now, it needs to thrive. We're trying to fly through it."

A major strength of hypersonic research at Sandia is the team of people. "To really make an impact in hypersonic research, it requires a collaboration between people who understand the hypersonic vehicle, people who understand the fluid dynamics, people who understand the measurement science, and people who understand the computer simulations," said Daniel Richardson, a mechanical engineer in diagnostic sciences. "That's how you can begin to understand the underlying physical phenomena."

Marriage of measurements
"It's the marriage of these measurements with the wind tunnel capabilities that gives Sandia its national niche," Beresh said. "And you've got to have people who can do both working together."

"Sandia has been at the forefront of developing new measurement techniques," Richardson said. "We're always pushing to improve measurement capabilities."

Sandia is using advanced lasers to measure the speed of the gases passing over the model, direction of air flow, pressure and density of the gases, and how heat is transferred to the model.

Daniel Richardson, left, a mechanical engineer in Sandia National Laboratories' diagnostic sciences, and Yibin Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow, observe a laser that records measurements in the hypersonic wind tunnel. [Photo by Randy Montoya]

 

 

 

 

"Sometimes it's about how close can you get to the surface of the object to see how gases are reacting at that speed," Richardson said. "Not just in front of the model, but behind it. The ultimate goal is to measure everything, everywhere, all the time."

Freezing time
A laser aimed through the test section's rectangular window allows the light coming in to measure the air flow inside. In recent years, new measurement capabilities have become possible with the commercialization of lasers that operate on femtosecond time scales. That's equivalent to 10^-15 seconds, or 1 millionth of 1 billionth of a second.

"These laser pulses are very short in time, but have really high intensity," Richardson said. "At the femtosecond time scale, almost all motion is stopped, or frozen." By coupling the femtosecond laser to a high-speed camera, measurements can be performed thousands of times a second.

"This cutting-edge equipment allows Sandia to extract more data from each wind tunnel run than previously possible," Richardson said.

Develop and validate
Sandia's hypersonic wind tunnel is relatively cheap to use in comparison with larger tunnels at NASA or the Air Force, but tests can go a long way to developing modeling and simulation capabilities. It blends the experimental with the computational to push the science forward, Beresh and Richardson said.

Sandia's wind tunnels have a long history of contributing to the nation; the labs' first was built in 1955. Even in today's era of computational simulation for engineering practice, wind tunnels are key to aerospace technology.

"We are making more accurate measurements because we're always trying to push that capability," Richardson said. "The hypersonic wind tunnel and measurement science are important parts of research at Sandia. It's a proving ground for future capability."

Source: Sandia

Published December 2018

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