Stepper motor linear actuators (SMLAs) combine a stepper motor, precision lead screw and nut in one compact envelope, providing a highly configurable, customizable and robust solution for linear motion. With the help of a motion controller and a stepper driver, all SMLAs can be programmed to position a load to a precise location. However, standard configurations do not provide a feedback mechanism that tells the operator whether the move is completed or not.
As networking and data exchange expand in factory automation, the demand for reliable, flexible connection solutions is on the rise. Binder, a leading provider of industrial circular connectors, is enhancing its portfolio with M8-D-coded connectors featuring single wires. This new variant allows users to customize wiring to their specific needs, delivering improved transmission performance, particularly for applications like the Profinet standard.
Thomson Industries, Inc. has announced a significant upgrade to its stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) online selector tool, adding the ability to include encoders in the design process. The new option streamlines the design and purchasing process for engineers and machine builders, making it even easier for them to weigh their options for incorporating position data into their designs.
Maxon proudly announces the launch of the High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) Drive 70-48-50, the newest addition to its High Efficiency Robotic Joints portfolio. This advanced actuator sets new standards in torque density and efficiency, catering specifically to autonomous mobile robots operating in unstructured environments such as humanoids, quadrupeds, exoskeletons, or mobile manipulators.
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.
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.
Tolomatic has introduced five new products to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX’s capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). These expansion efforts also include updated model numbering, with each number now reflecting the actuator’s thrust. For example, the RSX096 is now the RSX15 with 15-ton thrust.
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that the Orient Express Racing Team is using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to aid in preparation for upcoming 37th America’s Cup and to gain competitive advantage.
Schaeffler recently presented its extended product range for off-highway technology at iVT Expo Cologne 2024. The focus was on systems for the electrification and digitalization of mobile agricultural and construction machinery and for materials handling technology. Schaeffler is emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and supporting the transition to a highly efficient and climate-neutral economy in the off-highway sector.
Thomson Industries, Inc. has added advanced controllability options to its Electrak LL line of long-life electric linear actuators. In addition to the 600 km of maintenance-free life and 100% duty cycle performance inherent to all the Electrak LL models, machine designers can now get absolute position feedback, CAN bus integration, reduced current flow and higher speeds.
Bosch Rexroth recently highlighted new drive and actuation technology during the Hydrogen Technology Expo 2024 in Houston. This exhibition and conference examined advanced technologies for the hydrogen and fuel cell industry.
Engineered with precision and versatility in mind, the MTB 105 is specifically designed to integrate into multi-axis medium- to large-sized Cartesian Gantry systems, providing robust support for medium to high payloads. Its fully enclosed design ensures reliability even in contaminant-prone environments, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Precision extrusions for each aluminum actuator body ensure all sides and bottom surfaces are flat and perpendicular giving accurate installations.
Festo introduces its newest generation of Cartesian-handling-system mechanical axes. The ELGD-TB, tooth belt actuators, and ELGD-BS, ball screw actuators, are based on an innovative Festo design.
Binder, a leading supplier of industrial circular connectors, offers products from several M12 series as surface-mount devices (SMDs). These are suitable for further processing in fully automated processes, such as for the particularly dense, double-sided assembly of PCBs. They are also used in automation technology devices, sensors, actuators, and robotics.
Servo Technology has gone through various key stages of evolution, from the Power Transistors (Servo 1.0) and DSP/Microprocessor (Servo 2.0) to the Integrated Packaging (Servo 3.0) and Industrial Network (Servo 4.0). We are now entering the new era in servo evolution called Servo 5.0, where the intelligence and connectivity, in align with the emerging Industry 4.0 effort, are now required in the traditional servo control products.
Ruland Manufacturing now offers rigid couplings with inch-to-metric bores as a standard product, giving users a wider range of off-the-shelf couplings. This expansion is the latest addition to the company's inch-to-metric, standard coupling product line that includes seven types of motion-control couplings and universal joints. Instead of re-machining or ordering custom-made couplings, using off-the-shelf, inch-to-metric rigid couplings saves time and money.
Hoerbiger has announced the acquisition of Minor Industria Mecanica de Precisão Ltda, the owner of the Minor Jupiter brand. The company will become part of Hoerbiger's Rotary Solutions Business Unit, which with this acquisition will both strengthen its position in South America and increase local manufacturing for customers in Brazil and surrounding countries.
Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division has announced that its new Exlar Tritex EVA electric valve actuator has achieved CSA Class 1, Division 2 (C1D2) Hazardous Location certification. It also outperformed American Oil & Gas producers’ expectations for rugged field test operations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The Tritex EVA answers the demand for an efficient, high-speed solution while meeting the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) and Quad-O zero-emissions regulations in the oil and gas industry.
Oriental Motor supports the internal designing of application-specific robots with the AZ Series. The AZ Series is a family of motors, actuators, and network drives that feature an absolute sensor, closed-loop control, and easily works with the multi-axis MRC0l controller. This combination of products allows for internally designed and built in-house automation that are designed according to the circumstances and decrease the hurdles in locations where automation wasn't possible; for example, where commercial robots had space restrictions or lack of space inside the equipment, cost limitations, and other barriers.
Intellidrives Theta 2 theta stage consists of two rotation stages arranged in such a way that axis of rotation for both the stages are same. Both stages have preloaded ball bearing guides for wobble free rotation and positioning. 360° limitless movement is possible for inner and outer stages.
Why use the rolling process to produce high accuracy lead screws, actuator screws, and other power transmission components rather than traditional cutting processes such as turning, grinding, milling, whirling, or hobbing? Rolling processes and cutting processes both produce a precise form on the workpiece. But if the form geometry, tolerances, and material selection allow, rolling is the process to beat. Speed, surface finish, fatigue strength, precision, dimensional stability, and material savings are some of the primary advantages realized when the rolling process is applied.
Allied Motion Technologies Inc., a global designer and manufacturer of precision and specialty motion, controls and power products and solutions for targeted industries and applications, announced that shareholders approved its corporate name change to Allient Inc. at a special meeting of shareholders held on August 11, 2023. The new name will be effective August 23, 2023, and at the opening of the markets that day, the company’s shares will commence trading under the new ticker ALNT on the Nasdaq.
Rollon has introduced its TLS Series of telescoping linear actuators. The new series is designed to maximize productivity for applications where space is limited — especially for applications with minimal vertical clearance, such as between the machine and ceiling, or horizontally between machines.
Fixtureworks (Fraser, MI) a North American manufacturer and supplier of clamps, fixturing accessories, machine tool components and rollers & bumpers, now offers a line of mechanical linear actuators.
Rotork Controls has established a global reputation for robust and reliable valve actuators, operating in some of the world’s most demanding and critical applications. Thorough testing of the motors used in the actuators is one of the keys to this assured performance, with TorqSense transducers from Sensor Technology playing a vital role in the test process.
ETP-Classic Keyless Shaft Locking Bushings provide faster, more accurate, and concentric mounting of shaft mounted components compared to mechanical shaft locking bushings. This field-proven solution has been used for over 50 years by tens of thousands of satisfied users across 5 continents and 30 different countries.
The HVCM-051-032-013-01 Linear Voice Coil Motor released by Moticont, features a high force-to-size ratio and a 19.1 mm (0.75 in.) stroke. A low inertia, high acceleration/deceleration, high speed, clean and quiet, non-commutated, hollow core brushless servomotor, the HVCM-051-032-013-01 Linear Voice Coil Motor is ideal for applications such as: Testing, optical focusing, positioning, laser beam steering, laser drilling, cutting and machining, medical diagnostic equipment, scanning, wafer handling, dynamic vibration absorption, sorting, and assembly applications.
New research by Interact Analysis shows the market for mobile robot components is expected to enjoy rapid growth out to 2027, reaching a value of $7.4bn with a CAGR of 44.8 percent over the next 5 years. Regionally, the United States currently dominates the market, but China will become a strong rival and is expected to overtake the United States in terms of unit sales by 2025, while the U.S. will continue to lead in terms of revenue.
The path toward success in mechanical power transmission today hinges on an organization’s ability to provide smart and digital automation solutions. Customers are looking for system components boasting more performance, precision, and cost effectiveness in robotics and industrial automation applications. Schaeffler, the global technology company specializing in solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors, offers a strong and diverse product range not only for large industrial robots, but also for lightweight and collaborative robots (cobots).
Motion Plus has announced the release of the Motus1 (M1) industrial positioning actuator. This new addition brings a belt- and screw-driven industrial linear positioner for superior performance to Motion Plus's already broad portfolio of in-stock, high-quality automation components.
Sumitomo Drive Technologies will be presenting its drive solutions for automation and robotics at Automatica 2023 in Munich from June 27-30, alongside Lafert Group.
Motion Plus has signed a landmark agreement with NSK Ltd., a global leader in high quality automation and bearing products. This strategic partnership will facilitate the distribution of NSK's superior automation products through Motion Plus's storefront where a customer can use filters to easily select the right stocked or custom-made product.
Schneeberger highlighted its precision linear positioning and motion systems, solutions, and deep engineering expertise at Automate 2023. The company featured its MINIRAIL miniature guideways, MONORAIL AMS distance measuring system, gear racks, linear and linear roller guideways, SLA Actuators, mineral cast machine foundations, and more.
Harmonic Drive, a leading manufacturer of precision motion control technology, is pleased to announce the release of the FHA-C Mini Actuator with Integrated Servo Drive. The FHA-C Mini Actuator features a highly efficient, integrated servo drive that allows for precise control of position, velocity, and torque.
New, metric and imperial dimensioned electric cylinders or linear voice coil servo actuators have been released by Moticont.
The story of PBC Linear begins with an innovative solution to a common issue with linear ball bearings. The result is the creation and eventual patent for the iconic red Simplicity bearing. During the last four decades, that successful plain bearing design has spurred innovation and a substantial portfolio of linear motion products and automation processes that help simplify customer applications and reduce costs.
Showcasing its engineering capabilities in e-mobility technology, power density optimization and mechatronics as well as state-of-the-art bearings for off-road vehicles, conveyor systems and vibratory applications, global industrial and automotive supplier Schaeffler is presenting a comprehensive portfolio of advanced solutions for the construction and aggregates industries at the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show in Las Vegas.
With the all-new Linear Actuator L product family, Faulhaber is offering a unique turn-key-solution for a broad range of applications. The smaller versions 06L/08L/10L are ideal for medical, lab automation, optics and photonics or space applications. The larger versions 22L/32L using the latest GPT gear technology, are designed for applications in the industrial automation and also optics & photonics. The linear actuator Faulhaber L family can therefore be combined with a wide range of DC motors, 4-pole and 2-pole brushless motors or stepper motors and are optimized to leverage at best the torque and speed range of the different Faulhaber motor families.
The Timken Company has reached an agreement to acquire Nadella Group, a leading European manufacturer of linear guides, telescopic rails, actuators and systems and other specialized industrial motion solutions, from ICG plc.
Binder USA has developed a complete portfolio of connectors, contacts, tools and accessories for crimp termination. Binder’s crimp variants simplify wiring for quick cable assembly on site.
Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions division, is pleased to announce its new Haydon Kerk Express online linear actuator calculator.
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators recently introduced its new LPL Series 125 low-profile electric linear actuator designed specifically for use on robot end effectors.
With AutomationWare’s Mech Series E-actuators, engineers can obtain accurate, controllable movement for almost any performance and size requirement. The series features an advanced ball screw transmission system to handle a wide range of dynamic loads and speeds with exceptional thrust performance. The units come with integrated brushless or high-speed stepper motors and an integrated feedback encoder.
The 2022 Power Transmission Engineering Buyers Guide was compiled to provide you with a handy resource containing the contact information for significant suppliers of power transmission components.
AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman (HKP), a business unit of AMETEK, is pleased to announce its new EGS04 low-profile precision rail.
Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) has released their S-20-100X model of Pull Type Tubular Solenoids. Their S-20-100X series of solenoids features 18 different solenoids to select from based on the voltage, duty cycle, force and stroke requirement of the user.
Igus is expanding through investments in its Low-Cost Automation and has now acquired the majority shares in Commonplace Robotics based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specializes in intuitive control systems and software and power electronics for robotics, both in industry and in education. The two companies have been cooperating intensively for six years. They have, among other things, developed the igus Robot Control, which supplements igus’ low-cost kinematics made from high-performance plastics.
KMC Controls is delighted and saddened to announce the retirement of Chris Kreuter, an innovator whose career spanned more than 50 years with the company.
Chris' career started 52 years ago when his father, Ken Kreuter, founded Kreuter Manufacturing - today called KMC Controls.
Moticont has released the miniature GVCM-016-019-01M Linear Voice Coil Servomotor. Smaller in diameter than a U.S. Dime this 15.9 mm (0.625 in.) diameter servomotor, also called an electric cylinder, features a high force-to-size ratio of 1.5 N (5.3 oz) continuous force and 4.6 N (16.6 oz) of peak force
Binder USA expands its portfolio of 7/8” technology to offer a complete range of cables and cable connectors. These UL-certified products are ideal for supplying power to components and devices in process, factory, and warehouse automation applications.
Moticont has added a 0.750 in. (19.1 mm) diameter (smaller than a U.S. quarter) Linear Voice Coil Motor, to their expanding line of voice coil or moving coil motors.
Bosch Rexroth will offer a free webinar on July 28, 2022, "How Self-Contained Actuators Simplify Your Engineering." The webinar takes place 9:00 - 9:45 AM EST.
Bosch Rexroth has expanded its range of standardized self-contained actuators by adding the CytroMotion system solution. With the help of the new compact actuator, linear movements involving forces of up to 110 kN can be achieved in a range of machines and systems in smaller spaces, more efficiently and more sustainably. These benefits can be seen over the entire life cycle. Thanks to fully electric control, CytroMotion also makes engineering and commissioning easier. The efficient power-on-demand drive and the maintenance-free, hermetically sealed design help to save CO2 and minimize operating costs
Motorized rotary tables RTLA-100-350HJ from Intellidrives feature IP65 rated ingress protection. IP65 rating assures against ingress of dust and water jets against the rotary table surface.
Rollon provides the Plus System family which features an anodized aluminum structure and steel reinforced driving belt. All series are available with stainless steel elements for applications in harsh environments such as those subject to frequent washes. A dedicated set of accessories enables easy assembly when building high-performance multi-axis systems.
Product design remains the most fascinating aspect of linear motion components as manufacturers try to answer the speed, size and efficiency challenges of customers utilizing rails, tables, actuators, sliders and other components. Companies like Heidenhain, AMTEK, NB Corporation and PBC Linear continue to provide technologies that increase productivity in this rapidly evolving market segment. Credit e-mobility, robotics, motion control and automation technologies for the market growth.
Automate 2022 in Detroit offered the latest and greatest in automation, robotics, and motion control technology. The perception that automation will threaten the livelihood of shop floor personnel is slowly giving way to the idea that these tools and resources will transform shop floors and keep companies up and running.
Ametek Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of Ametek, is pleased to announce the availability of its new 43000 Max Series Size 17 single- and double-stack hybrid linear actuators.
Emerson will be in Booth #1645 at the Automate Show, June 6-9, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. In the booth, Emerson will showcase solutions that improve energy efficiency, connectivity and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Altra has recently enhanced the scope and functionality of its virtual exhibit booth. The immersive and interactive trade show environment provides visitors around the world with convenient 24/7 access to browse the extensive portfolio of motion control and power transmission products offered by Altra’s 26 global brands.
Bosch Rexroth’s electromechanical cylinders (EMCs) are now available in a high-force, high-precision, low-maintenance version - the EMC-HP. Designed for heavy loads up to 100 kN, the new actuators are robust, compact and low-maintenance. Based on the reliable planetary screw drive, users will benefit from impressive continuous power even under harsh conditions. This is thanks to both the new oil-bath lubrication and the optional water cooling directly on the screw itself. As with the other members of the EMC family, a fully digital process, from selection through to ordering, shortens the engineering time.
A high force-to-size ratio is just one of the many features of Moticont’s GVCM-051-089-02 Linear Voice Coil Actuator with Built-in Bearing. The actuator applies up to 66.4 N (14.9 lbs.) of continuous force and 210 N (47.2 lbs.) of peak force.
Moticont has added a high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, non-cogging, high resolution, high force-to-size electric cylinder to their line of linear voice coil actuators.
Rollon has updated its Smart System lineup of belt-driven linear actuators with a rugged new design that supports heavy loads and ensures low maintenance operation in automated manufacturing, packaging machines and food and beverage equipment.
An overflowing waste bin in a park: pizza boxes piled up, coffee cups, napkins and beer cans on the ground. Cities all over Europe have been fighting against such a deluge of waste for years. Corona exacerbates the problem because people spend more time outdoors. “With classic rubbish bins, waste management in most cities is now reaching its limits. Many metropolitan areas in Finland, for example, had to empty public waste bins up to four times a day even before the pandemic,” said Antti Kinnunen, marketing manager at Finbin. The Finnish company’s answer: a waste bin called CitySolar, which compresses waste and thereby has a much higher capacity. A waste bin that is connected to the Internet and triggers an emptying before reaching the maxi mum fill level. “With CitySolar, we are making a contribution to reducing disagreeable waste scenes in cities and improving the CO2 balance in waste management. Up to four out of five trips can be avoided with the networked waste bin,” Kinnunen added.
A Conversation with Jeff Hemphill, CTO at Schaeffler Group USA Inc. Matthew Jaster, Senior Editor
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