September 1, 2008
Features
Servos and steppers clock in
Once relegated to light duty in the most protected environments, servo and step motors are lacing up their steel-toed boots and venturing out onto the...
Steady does it: Part 2 of 2
Vibration isolation systems are useful, but introduce issues of their own. In this series conclusion, we review those challenges--and some control-based solutions....
Pick the right wire to avoid fire
Ten years ago, cable selection was often an afterthought, receiving little attention from machine builders and installers. Today it's a different story....
Departments
What's in your robot?
A few weeks ago, at the Worldwide Graphical System Design Conference in Austin, Texas, I had the pleasure of leading a discussion on robotics among a...
In response: September 2008
In a recent Motion Monitor eNewsletter, we asked whether or not a new President will be able to make a difference on matters that affect engineers. Here's...
Laser scanner gathers machining data
Preparing the next generation of fighter pilots is both complex and costly. However, due to the high cost and safety risks involved in training in actual...
CNC market to surpass $7.7 billion by 2012
The Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) market has exploded in the last two years, lead by the surge in production of machine tools in the European and...
OMAC symposium explores system evolution
The second annual OMAC (Organization for Machine Automation and Control) Integration Symposium will be held December 3 to 4 at the Partners in THINC facility...
Heads up for future engineering leaders
A group of mechanical, chemical, civil, petroleum, and materials engineering organizations have joined forces to address a common concern how to train...
Biz bits
Rotek begins $82 million expansion Rotek Inc., a designer and manufacturer of large diameter slewing ring bearings, has announced plans to invest $82...
MSD wins national award
Motion System Design was recently honored at The American Society of Business Publication Editors' 30th Annual National Azbee Awards of Excellence, winning...
Maverick method makes magnets
Ultra-strong, high-temperature, high-performance permanent magnet compounds, such as Samarium Cobalt, are mainstay materials for industries that rely...
SME, EMCI establish management certification standard
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has established a partnership with Engineering Management Certification International (EMCI), a program that...
Making it Simpler
Manufacturing requires increasingly productive and flexible machines, so many machine builders are switching from stepper to servo technology. Although...
FAQs about NFPA-79
Does UL dictate what cables are installed in the field? No. They control the construction and testing requirements of cables, ensuring that all electrical,...
Energy efficiency: Waste not, want not
More than ever, using energy resources wisely is a critical part of today's automation landscape. Check out some of the latest tips, tools, and resources...
Energy-efficient ac drives offer a plethora of benefits
When it comes to motion control applications, don't forget to consider the benefits of ac drives. Some of these include variable speed, process efficiency...
Save time with gearmotors
Welcome to your Time Saving Technology department, highlighting new developments designed to help you put more efficiency in your game. This month we...
New Products
No-maintenance guides DryLin T adjustable profile guide rail resists corrosion and performs in dirty or washdown environments. Features & benefits Dimensionally...
Weighty matters
Just when you think you can count on a unit of measure, it changes. That's exactly what's happening to the kilogram, the official unit of mass from the...
