Closed-loop control systems can handle a wide range of motions with a wide range of loads if the control system and the mechanics of the system are properly designed for the task. A couple of the more difficult combinations to design for are high inertial mismatches and backlash with hard gearing. The question is not just how to make the system stable but also how to get the desired performance. 

Since taking over as CEO of Solve Industrial Motion Group in June 2024, Ernie Lauber has focused on continuous improvement, predictive maintenance and growing the legacy brands within Solve.

Combining brands such as IPTCI, MasterDrive, PTI and TRITAN together with the LMS, SST, SPB-USA and USA Roller product lines, Solve Industrial Motion Group is a provider of high-quality metric and American Standard power transmission components and industrial-grade bearings.

Thomson Industries, Inc. has released a true collaborative extension of cobots. The new Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for programming and control benefits. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be easily integrated with a user’s preferred motor and drive. Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10 meters, the Movotrak cobot transfer unit (CTU) sets itself apart with collision detection that stops the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity. 

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.

There’s a delicate balance in the constant evolution of today’s assembly line. Once dominated by hydraulics, manufacturing floors are incorporating a growing number of electromechanical solutions to supplement legacy hydraulic components, particularly in lower force, linear motion applications. Manufacturers that recognize this trend and harness the benefits of both hydraulic and electromechanical solutions position themselves to optimize future operations, regardless of market trend demands.

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.

Bell-Everman announces that its latest generation of ServoBelt Linear actuators features a design enhancement that simplifies the assembly and installation of long-travel motion systems including gantry and linear robots. The new design, which involves the lower static toothed belt, also strengthens ServoBelt’s ability to non-destructively withstand high-force events, such as carriage crashes.

With the P-725.xCDE1S focus scanner and the U-781 PILine XY stage system, PI completes its range of positioning systems for fluorescence microscopy applications. The dynamic focus scanner is offered as a complete package including controller and allows travel ranges up to 400 µm. The U-781 XY stage system with controller and joystick is mechanically compatible with inverted microscopes of leading manufacturers and offers interfaces to common microscopy software tools such as µ-Manager, MatLab, LabView, Python, and Nikon NIS Elements—all at an attractive price/performance ratio.

OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added vertical stages to their extensive line of high accuracy, high resolution lift stages.  The Z110 Series of Z-axis Stages are available in travel strokes of 15 mm (0.590 in.), 30 mm (1.181 in.), 50 mm (1.969 in.), and 75 mm (2.953 in). These black anodized aluminum alloy stages feature preloaded crossed roller bearings and 1 mm per motor turn lead screws. 

Physik Instrumente (PI) inaugurated the PI Technology Hub in Karlsruhe, Germany in July. On an area of 500 sqm, the hub offers space for ten employees of the central department “Global Research” as well as ten additional places for more extensive project work and for Ph.D. students and working students. It is equipped with special laboratories to allow for hands-on experiments. The strategic proximity to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and other research institutions will promote an intensive exchange and close cooperation.