May 1, 2010
Features
Save time with reusable code
Time is money, and for industrial automation software development, nothing saves more time than the ability to reuse programming code. Until now, the...
Optical encoders encourage efficiency
Brushless dc (BLDC) motors are used in countless applications. Many engineers today are looking to improve the performance of their BLDC-powered systems,...
Smart linear position sensors
A linear variable differential transformer (or LVDT) is an electromechanical transducer that reports position by converting the linear motion of an object...
Editorial
Get real
In the United States, manufacturing currently employs more than 10 million workers, and annually contributes $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. For these...
In response
The following letters are in response to discussions of Toyota's recent woes, including a story about a runaway Prius in California a tale that recently...
Upcoming events: Check them out
The Energy Efficiency Technology Conference will be held on May 6th featuring technical sessions for engineers and technologists. Sessions will cover...
What's New
Wind industry witnesses growth
U.S. wind energy manufacturing continued to grow in 2009, according to an April report by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Ten new manufacturing...
Self-powered nanosensors
A new generator and nanoscale sensors are creating possibilities for very small battery-free sensing devices that can be powered by mechanical energy...
PMMI offers mechatronics certificate
Packaging industry association PMMI announces the Introduction to Industrial Electricity mechatronics certificate test, the first in a series. The program...
Whitepaper explores American manufacturing
A new whitepaper prepared by the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Board discusses the state of domestic manufacturing and the characteristics...
Biz bits
AutomationDirect offers free software AutomationDirect, Cumming, Ga., recently cut the price of its Think & Do programming software for their WinPLC processor...
WPI to offer PhD in robotics engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, Mass., will become the only university to offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in robotics...
Design by Objective
Tough tools handle high torque and force
Applications involving extreme torque and force can take a toll on components and machines alike. Included here are some of the latest components to help...
Professional pointers
Keeping your career on track: Tips for introverts
Are you more comfortable in front of your computer than at lunch with your coworkers? When you present a new design to colleagues or clients, do you have...
EISA standards
Going green with highly efficient motors
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) goes into effect December 19, 2010, and has far-reaching implications for many industries. The act has...
Motion scenarios
Line shafting mechanical and electronic
In applications such as printing and paper converting, where separated sides or ends of a moving machine must be synchronized, the most obvious solution...
Better by Design
Perfect connect
Industrial cable connectors can be bulky, typically offer only a few contact arrangements, and can be be difficult to fasten by hand tightening which...
Web watch
Online tools for examining total drive efficiency
Premium-efficiency motors are only one part of the drivetrain and SEW Eurodrive's www.sewmotortruth.com shows how. This site features a variety of tools,...
Products
Hydrostatic linear guides
HLE Series hydrostatic compact linear guidance systems combine hydrostatic damping with compact dimensions...
Compact proximity switch
R12575 proximity switch provides noncontact position sensing in small spaces...
Brushless dc motors
Moog Silencer Series brushless dc motors are available in BN12, 17, 23, 28, 34, and 42 versions...
Industrial power supplies
Compact, DIN-rail-mountable power supplies offer user-friendly installation...
Two-finger parallel gripper
DPG-plus series of sealed two-finger parallel grippers has been extended with sizes 240 and 300...
Absolute encoder
MAGNETOCODE encoder provides compact angular sensing using Hall sensors...
Shaft-mount reducers
A new line of reducers and accessories includes tapered bushing kits...
Displacement and vibration sensor
KD-2446 precision proximity sensor offers lead-free RoHS compliance in a cost-effective...
PLC code-generating software
Simulink PLC Coder generates IEC 61131 structured text for models...
Shrink-disk collar
BLC Bearlok Shrink Disc locks power-transmission components to keyless shafts...
Air-engaged clutch brake
Flange Mounted Clutch Brakes Enclosed (FMCBE) nickel-plated models include NEMA standard 1.26.5 (IP 54) version...
