A motion controller with even more possibilities: With the new MC 3602 B and MC 3606 B motion controllers, the selection and commissioning of drive systems is now even simpler. With the compact MC 3602/06 B, DC-motors, brushless DC-motors and linear motors can be operated with the typical position encoders as servo drive in accordance with CiA 402. Also new is the support of stepper motors with encoder as servo or without encoder in open-loop operation. The products "speak" EtherCAT, CANopen, RS232 and USB.

Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has added four high-resolution, low-profile goniometers to their expanding catalog of high precision positioning stages. This newly released, AK120-45 Goniometer Series features precision ground worm gears with a 296:1 ratio and pre-loaded cross roller guides, and +/- 45 degrees of travel with 10 kg of load. The very high resolution of 0.0006 degrees (2.16 Arcsec.) is realized when using the standard Two-Phase Stepper Motor driven by a 10 micro-steps per step micro-stepping driver or with the servomotor options and Quadrature Optical Encoders.

The S-17-85 Series of “C” Frame Pull Type Solenoids from Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) includes 18 different solenoids to select from based on the Voltage, Duty Cycle, Attractive Force (up to 91 oz) and Stroke length requirements of the user.  MSS Solenoid coils typically utilize 23 to 40 AWG (American Wire Gauge) windings with Class “F” insulation for better protection of the solenoid during longer duty cycles. Operating voltage range is from 3.0 VDC to 429 VDC, and from 5 to 40 Watts.

KUKA Robotics will feature two advanced medical innovations designed to reduce work-related injury for healthcare workers and cut time-to-market for medical device OEMs at HLTH 2024, Oct. 20 – 23, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visitors to booth 3928 in the Venetian Expo Center will see how KUKA’s LBR iisy cobot solution helps reduce the incidence of arm and shoulder injury to ultrasound technicians and sonographers. A second solution demonstration will feature a KUKA Robot Development Kit using a LBR MED 14 R820 cobot that can slash solution development time by months. 

New High Precision Dual-axis ZVR-60-60 Series of Lift and Pitch Stages have been released by Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES). These compact stages feature 60 mm +/- 2 mm (2.362 in. +/- 0.078 in.) of vertical travel and a vertically mounted rotary stage. The scissor lift design combined with precision roller bearings and slide rails assures smooth motion and very high parallelism throughout the raising and lowering of the table. The Rotary Stage is capable of continuous 360 degrees CW or CCW rotation. 

Our next legacy entry is maxon, a global leading provider of electric drive systems. The company provides single-source DC and BLDC motors, gearheads, sensors, control electronics, mechatronic drive systems and more-from individual prototypes to large-scale production. The history of maxon begins with Interelectric AG in Frankfurt.

Ventilators provide critical airflow to patients whose natural breathing is insufficient to sustain life. They are also utilized as a preventative measure to counteract the imminent failure of other bodily functions or ineffective gas exchange in the lungs. The widespread use of mechanical ventilation has significantly enhanced the survival rates of patients undergoing surgeries, experiencing lung issues due to accidents, or suffering from acute and chronic pulmonary ailments. A critical aspect of the effective functioning of ventilators is the micro motion system, which powers the ventilation system. This article will focus on the use and benefits of brushless DC micro motors in ventilators.

The R-09-150 CWN Series of Clockwise, Reverse Shaft Extension Rotary Solenoids from Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS), available in OEM quantities, features 18 different winding configurations allowing the user to match torque and duty cycle requirements to an application. These compact 38.1 mm (1.50 in.) diameter solenoids are just 22.1 mm (0.87 in.) long and have two M4X0.7 threaded studs (8-32 studs optional) 7.4 mm (0.29 in.) long on a 22.2 mm (0.875 in.) bolt circle.  The reverse shaft has 40 degrees of clockwise rotation, extending 13.0 mm (0.51 in.).  Shaft end is serrated for better grip of the attached load.

The miniature GVCM-019-032-02 Linear Voice Coil Servo Motor has been released by Moticont. It is only three-quarters of an inch (19.0 mm) in diameter and features a 0.875 in. (22.2 mm) stroke.  Also called an electric cylinder, this miniature linear servomotor, features a continuous high-force-to-size ratio of 7.4 ounces (2.1 N) and 23.3 ounces (6.5 N) of peak force at a 10 percent duty cycle.

Precise positioning of semi-conductor wafers during SCARA assembly operations requires instantaneous braking and holding power while minimizing heat in the system. The latest compact and slender Miki Pulley BXR-LE brake models provide the needed perfectly controlled braking in a confined area of the system using minimal power.