December 1, 2009
Features
Maximizing efficiency with encoders
In the last installment of this two-part series, we explored how permanent-magnet brushless dc servomotors (PMBDCs) provide the highest continuous torque...
Selecting a vision system
Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass. With so many vision systems available today, identifying the most suitable for a particular application can be daunting. Vision...
Top 10 tips Coupling competence 101
Don't choose your coupling based on habit or price alone. Because engineers are creatures of habit, choosing a coupling type is often a matter of having...
Sensing for perfect packaging
Most products are shipped at one point or another, so must be securely contained to prevent breakage, spillage, and contamination. Sensors on packaging...
Editorial
Hoping for a better 2010
To say that 2009 has been a challenging year is a wrenching understatement, with high levels of unemployment, pay cuts, and reduced hours in just about...
In response
The following letters are in response to an opinion column about the recent 35% U.S. import tariff on Chinese tires. Buy American As a manufacturing company...
What's New
HD camera accessories lighten up
Until 2006, the only broadcast-use motorized Pan/Tilt heads on the market were very heavy, because professional equipment was built to hold analog video...
BSA bears down on counterfeiting
From fake designer handbags to downright dangerous batteries and extension cords, no industry remains immune to the ills of counterfeiting including bearings....
B&R celebrates 30 years
The motto Perfection in Automation has provided the foundation for B&R Industrial Automation, headquartered in Austria, since the company was founded...
Crush-for-credit motor bill reaches Congress
On November 9, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) launched a $700 million motor rebate bill for an energy-efficient motor rebate program advocated by...
Mother Nature inspires energy harvesting
By looking at examples found in nature, engineers at Duke University, Durham, N.C., have developed an approach that they believe can more efficiently...
ISO launches concept database
ISO, the international Organization for Standardization, has launched a new database intended to help designers leverage standards, reap new benefits...
Dan Janka to head AMT Board
Dan Janka, president of MAG Global, Hebron, Ky., was elected Chairman of the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT) Board of Directors at its annual...
Small motor market faces uphill battle
According to new statistics from IMS Research, Austin, the 2009 economic downturn has cut more than $700 million from the small motor market, which had...
World in Motion
Super stylish sit n spin
Seating need not be serious. In fact, there's no good reason why furniture in general can't be both fun and functional at the same time. Such is the case...
Brushing Up
Totally turbulence
Fluid dynamics comprise one wild frontier in physics that has not yet been fully tamed. Where Newton's laws neatly describe macroscopic behavior of discrete...
Distributor Tips
Gear up for life after the recession
Read the expert blogs or listen to the cable pundits, and you will notice a single motif echoing throughout their communications: The post-recessionary...
Design by objectives
Working within size and weight constraints
Your next project's design specifications already include faster and cheaper; now add smaller and lighter to the wish list. Check out some of the latest...
Spotlight on clutches and brakes
Clutches and brakes
Rail brakes RB Series spring-engaged rail brakes use springs to secure load in holding applications, offering superior response time and high stopping...
Solution Snapshot
Space-saving controller aids U.S. Border Patrol
Keeping America's borders secure is a top priority with regard to several challenging issues facing the U.S., drug trafficking and terrorism to name just...
Products
Smooth-running drives
VLT low-harmonic drives regulate without affecting connected motor, plus impose currents for consistent sine waves from power supply...
Programmable actuator
Haydon IDEA (Integrated Drive Encoder Actuator) linear stepper-motor actuator (with electronic drive and control) includes a graphic user interface...
Compensation units
AGE-E and AGE-F compensation units balance tolerances or deviations of workpiece position...
Data-acquisition module
PT-104 four-channel data-acquisition module measures temperature, resistance, and voltage...
Incremental encoder
Omnicoder allows users to easily program resolution anywhere between 1 and 10,000 counts per turn...
Linear-motion screws and nuts
Tight-tolerance Acme screws, ballscrews, and nuts exhibit minimal backlash...
Plastic-housing bearings
Two, three, and four-bolt flange and two-bolt pillow-block-mounted bearings now come with thermoplastic housings...
Manual spool valves
Three and four-way push/pull spool valves are manually operated...
More powerful gearboxes
SP+ and alpha TP+ gearboxes have updated look and higher technical specifications...
Motion control products
2010 Product Catalog and Engineering Guide details products for motion applications: integrated actuator, motor, and explosion-proof designs, force-tube actuators, servo and gearmotors...
Motor soft starters
SR22 series Stellar soft starters are a low-cost motor control alternative, but provide smoother control for less torque, shock, and electrical stress than line starters...
Right-angle gearboxes
IEC right-angle (RA) gearboxes feature a symmetrical hollow output shaft for right, left, or dual-shaft configurations...
Shaft couplings
Smooth-running drives VLT low-harmonic drives regulate without affecting connected motor, plus impose currents for consistent sine waves from power supply....
