Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers

March 19, 2013

Volume 09 Issue 11

Motion Control News & Products

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Overhung load adaptors provide load support and contamination protection

Overhung load adaptors (OHLA) provide both overhung radial and axial load support to protect electrified mobile equipment motors from heavy application loads, extending the lifetime of the motor and alleviating the cost of downtime both from maintenance costs and loss of production. They seal out dirt, grime, and other contaminants too. Zero-Max OHLAs are available in an extensive offering of standard models (including Extra-Duty options) for typical applications or customized designs.
Learn more.

Why choose electric for linear actuators?

Tolomatic has been delivering a new type of linear motion technology that is giving hydraulics a run for its money. Learn the benefits of electric linear motion systems, the iceberg principle showing total cost of ownership, critical parameters of sizing, and conversion tips.
Get this informative e-book. (No registration required)

New AC hypoid inverter-duty gearmotors

Bodine Electric Company introduces 12 new AC inverter-duty hypoid hollow shaft gearmotors. These type 42R-25H2 and 42R-30H3 drives combine an all-new AC inverter-duty, 230/460-VAC motor with two hypoid gearheads. When used with an AC inverter (VFD) control, these units deliver maintenance-free and reliable high-torque output. They are ideal for conveyors, gates, packaging, and other industrial automation equipment that demands both high torque and low power consumption from the driving gearmotor.
Learn more.

Next-gen warehouse automation: Siemens, Universal Robots, and Zivid partner up

Universal Robots, Siemens, and Zivid have created a new solution combining UR's cobot arms with Siemens' SIMATIC Robot Pick AI software and Zivid's 3D sensors to create a deep-learning picking solution for warehouse automation and intra-logistics fulfillment. It works regardless of object shape, size, opacity, or transparency and is a significant leap in solving the complex challenges faced by the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
Read the full article.

Innovative DuoDrive gear and motor unit is UL/CSA certified

The DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor from NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS is a compact, high-efficiency solution engineered for users in the fields of intralogistics, pharmaceutical, and the food and beverage industries. This drive combines a IE5+ synchronous motor and single-stage helical gear unit into one compact housing with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It has a system efficiency up to 92% and is available in two case sizes with a power range of 0.5 to 4.0 hp.
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BLDC flat motor with high output torque and speed reduction

Portescap's 60ECF brushless DC slotted flat motor is the newest frame size to join its flat motor portfolio. This 60-mm BLDC motor features a 38.2-mm body length and an outer-rotor slotted configuration with an open-body design, allowing it to deliver improved heat management in a compact package. Combined with Portescap gearheads, it delivers extremely high output torque and speed reduction. Available in both sensored and sensorless options. A great choice for applications such as electric grippers and exoskeletons, eVTOLs, and surgical robots.
Learn more and view all the specs.

Application story: Complete gearbox and coupling assembly for actuator system

Learn how GAM engineers not only sized and selected the appropriate gear reducers and couplings required to drive two ball screws in unison using a single motor, but how they also designed the mounting adapters necessary to complete the system. One-stop shopping eliminated unnecessary components and resulted in a 15% reduction in system cost.
Read this informative GAM blog.

Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications

The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
Learn more.

Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications

Rollon's new TLS telescoping linear actuators enable long stroke lengths with minimal closed lengths, which is especially good for applications with minimal vertical clearance. 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.

Competitively priced long-stroke parallel gripper

The DHPL from Festo is a new generation of pneumatic long-stroke grippers that offers a host of advantages for high-load and high-torque applications. It is interchangeable with competitive long-stroke grippers and provides the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision, and no maintenance. It is ideal for gripping larger items, including stacking boxes, gripping shaped parts, and keeping bags open. It has high repetition accuracy due to three rugged guide rods and a rack-and-pinion design.
Learn more.

Extend your range of motion: Controllers for mini motors

FAULHABER has added another extremely compact Motion Controller without housing to its product range. The new MC3603 controller is ideal for integration in equipment manufacturing and medical tech applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), it covers the power range up to 100 W and is suitable for DC motors with encoder, brushless drives, or linear motors.
Learn more.

When is a frameless brushless DC motor the right choice?

Frameless BLDC motors fit easily into small, compact machines that require high precision, high torque, and high efficiency, such as robotic applications where a mix of low weight and inertia is critical. Learn from the experts at SDP/SI how these motors can replace heavier, less efficient hydraulic components by decreasing operating and maintenance costs. These motors are also more environmentally friendly than others.
View the video.

Tiny and smart: Step motor with closed-loop control

Nanotec's new PD1-C step motor features an integrated controller and absolute encoder with closed-loop control. With a flange size of merely 28 mm (NEMA 11), this compact motor reaches a max holding torque of 18 Ncm and a peak current of 3 A. Three motor versions are available: IP20 protection, IP65 protection, and a motor with open housing that can be modified with custom connectors. Ideal for applications with space constraints, effectively reducing both wiring complexity and installation costs.
Learn more.

Closed loop steppers drive new motion control applications

According to the motion experts at Performance Motion Devices, when it comes to step motors, the drive technique called closed loop stepper is making everything old new again and driving a burst of interest in the use of two-phase step motors. It's "winning back machine designers who may have relegated step motors to the category of low cost but low performance."
Read this informative Performance Motion Devices article.

Intelligent compact drives with extended fieldbus options

The intelligent PD6 compact drives from Nanotec are now available with Profinet and EtherNet/IP. They combine motor, controller, and encoder in a space-saving package. With its 80-mm flange and a rated power of 942 W, the PD6-EB is the most powerful brushless DC motor of this product family. The stepper motor version has an 86-mm flange (NEMA 34) and a holding torque up to 10 Nm. Features include acceleration feed forward and jerk-limited ramps. Reduced installation time and wiring make the PD6 series a highly profitable choice for machine tools, packaging machines, or conveyor belts.
Learn more.

Concept cars look to the future at 2013 New York Auto Show

The New York International Automobile Show is no stranger to starting trends and shaping opinions, so it is no surprise that the world's automakers have pulled out all the stops to show off some amazing concept cars at this year's event. With an emphasis on new styling, technology, and the environment, this year's concept group offers a glimpse into the future and a look at what we might -- just might -- be driving in the years ahead.

The show opens to the public on Friday, March 29, through April 7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, but you can get your sneak peek at the concept car lineup right now.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe allows the driver to experience the essence of this new, sporting, and elegant generation of car in the lap of contemporary luxury. An array of high-quality details provides an exclusive showcase for the car's perfectly balanced coupe proportions. Inside, the expertise of BMW's individual, skilled handcraftsmanship and carefully selected materials combine to create a supreme interior.

ACURA MDX Prototype

This concept provides a strong indication of the styling and design direction for the third-generation seven-passenger MDX SUV that will focus on dynamic performance, improved fuel economy, and luxury comfort. The styling, known as "Aero Sculpture," conveys a smart, compact, and premium appearance with low, wide, and sleek proportions; a clean, efficient, and uncluttered design; and elegant, premium detailing.

VOLKSWAGEN BLUECROSS

The BlueCross concept is a six-seater mid-size SUV designed specifically for North America. It is powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain that mates a clean diesel engine with two electric motors, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system that offers an estimated fuel economy rating of 35 mpg combined and 89 mpge in electric mode.

LINCOLN MKC

The Lincoln MKC Concept is a small luxury utility vehicle designed to strike the perfect balance between warm, inviting comfort and the engaging and superb dynamic qualities of performance, ride, handling, and braking. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury client ("cultural progressives") that is open to new ideas and experiences. Future Lincolns also will combine these unique experiences with the option of stunning, bespoke interior and exterior design appointments that aim to transcend typical luxury automotive standards.

NISSAN RESONANCE

Resonance signals the future direction of Nissan crossovers with smart, edgy design that aims to elevate the crossover experience with an engaging aerodynamic exterior, spacious and sophisticated interior, and advanced HEV powertrain.

BMW i3

The i3 coupe is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that puts out 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque via a single-speed transmission. This uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle is designed for urban areas and has a spacious interior that includes an exclusive lounge-style ambience in the two individual rear seats. On a full charge, the i3′s lithium-ion battery will lap up 100 miles of travel in mixed driving conditions.

TOYOTA FURIA CONCEPT

The Corolla Furia Concept is a compact sedan that hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The Furia is designed around the theme of "Iconic Dynamism," which uses pure and simple surface elements to create a confident and recognizable appearance appealing to more youthful consumers.

HYUNDAI HCD-14 Genesis

The HCD-14 Genesis is a premium-sport 4-door coupe powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine designed to deliver impressive power, low emissions, and superb efficiency. Inside, ergonomics engineers have developed an intuitive driver interface system that includes a state-of-the-art driver eye-tracking and 3D hand-gesture recognition system. Once a specific feature is selected, eye-tracking, thumb-control, or gesture recognition can be used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and even smartphone connectivity functions.

HONDA Urban SUV Concept

The Urban SUV Concept is a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging, and next-generation connectivity that hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV from Honda. Nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, the Urban SUV Concept is the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads.

ACURA NSX

With its low, wide stance and alluring proportions, Acura's NSX Concept showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar's styling and design. To deliver a new sportscar experience that combines supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, the NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

Source: New York International Automobile Show

Published March 2013