Hiwin Corporation has many different products to help you with your motion control needs. From, linear actuators to linear motors, Hiwin can offer you many different solutions and options when selecting components for your applications.

One particular product Hiwin offers is the self lubricating ball screw. This ball screw is fast, at 2500RPM, and has a stroke up to 1180mm. With the self lubrication, the Hiwin E2 has a running distance of 60000km versus 100 km without lubrication.

This is a great product for many different applications. The Hiwin E2 is perfect for industrial machinery such as printing, paper-processing, textile, etc. It can also be used with robots, medical equipment, and any material handling equipment.

WAGO 750-881 ETHERNET 2.0 Programmable Fieldbus Controller Wins Control Engineering 2011 Engineers’ Choice Award

Flagship of WAGO’s all-new “ETHERNET 2.0” control platform and successor to the widely popular 750-841, the 750-881 is a high-speed link between production and Enterprise Management Systems. Sporting an upgraded 32-bit processor, the 750-881 processes 1000 instructions/235 µS (4.26 Mips) and has 1Mbyte of program memory for high-frequency processing. Additional features include an integrated 10/100Mbit/s dual-port Ethernet switch, a 2MB Fast File System, Web-Based Management System with status Web pages (remote access) and e-mail (alarms), and an SNTP system to ensure accuracy in large-scale applications by synchronizing events across multiple controllers.

The Control Engineering 2001 Engineers’ Choice Award was bestowed to the 750-881 in the “Machine and Embedded Control – PLCs” category. The award was presented to a representative of Wago Corporation at the 2011 Manufacturing/Automation Summit. The winners of the Engineer’s Choice Award are selected on the criteria of “continuous improvement [that] ensures that manufacturers, machine builders, and automation system integrators can achieve the levels of agility, efficiency, and effectiveness necessary to compete—and win—in today’s global economy.”The 2011 Summit, hosted by Plant Engineering and Control Engineering magazines and sponsored by IBM and Hannover Messe, was held on March 20-22 in Chicago, IL.

The 750-881 is a step apart from the traditional Ethernet based programmable fieldbus controller (PFC.) With an on board 2 port 10/100Mbit/s switch, the offers connectivity not many other traditional PFCs offer. The dual ports allow the PFC to be daisy chained with other Ethernet devices or networks, allow single device connectivity with an open programming port or provide dual connections for slave devices. The advanced web management tools and capabilities also make an excellent PC gateway to networked process measurement or control devices.

For more information, click the links below.
2011 Engineers’ Choice Awards - Spotlight On Innovation
Wago 750-881 Product Data Sheet

Stober has teamed with Atlanta to introduce a high efficiency rack and pinion drive system. The ZTRS system is ready-to-install and consists of the supporting bearing cover with bearing and pinion attached directly to a PH or PHA gear unit.

The new ZTRS provides higher power density as well as reduces the linear backlash by approximately 50%. By reducing backlash, you can provide a more precise move in a rack and pinion system. The linear stiffness is also increased by up to 300% with the ZTRS. The ZTRS can easily handle any application with heavy loads and duty cycles. Another thing that makes the ZTRS great is the fact that it directly attaches to servo motors.

The ZTRS is perfect for many applications such as wind turbines, CNC routers, and any type of pick and place system.

In other news, Stober has also introduced 1-day shipping to help avoid any downtimes.

Infranor XtraforsPrime (XFP) AC servo motors offer high torque output in compact frame sizes

The XtraforsPrime AC servomotors utilize slotless stator designs resulting in outstanding technical properties such as high speed, high torque, zero cogging, minimal torque ripple, high efficiency and high rigidity. The modular construction concept is the basis for the wide range of standard models. Thus, these motors are perfectly suited for various demanding servo applications.

PMac’s thoughts
The XtraForPrime motors range in square frame sizes from 34mm up to 192mm with nominal torque outputs of 0.23Nm up to 59.0Nm respectively. On average you expect the XtraForPrime peak motor torque values to exceed 6 times the nominal torque output. Greater than 6000rpm output in motor square frames up to 70mm. This series of motors is highly customizable with various types of feedback devices, sealing options, shaft configurations and brake options

Mechanical and Electrical Specifications can be found at: http://infranorusa.com/xfprime/XtraforsPrime_e.pdf
To find out what sets the XtraforsPrime motors apart from the competition click below:
Hyperlink to PDF attachment

Currently Infranor is offering 60 day trials on standard XFP models. Feel free to put Infranor XFP motors to the test.

In the automation industry the concept of weight reduction through the use of materials is not a new one. However, R+W have taken this idea and gone one step further. R+W is introducing its new ultra lightweight torque limiter, the SL series. This new design has half the inertia and less than half the mass of any similar product. This coupled with a specially designed spring system resulting in a 40% increase in torque capacity for a given size, leading the new SL series torque limiter to have an unparallel power density in comparison to anything on the market. The SL series is available in four sizes and various mounting options. To find out more about R+W’s new revolutionary ultra lightweight toque limiter, the SL series, visit the following link.

http://www.rw-america.com/PDF-couplings-line-shafts/SL_torque-limiters.pdf

R+W has accomplished with its new SL series torque limiter what any machine designer wishes they could do with all of their components. They have reduced the weight and size, while increasing the torque capacity without sacrificing the quality, accuracy, or life of the product. Mechanical torque limiters are often considered to be outdated by many who now prefer to control torque overload through current limitation. However, the new SL series torque limiter gives everyone who overlooked mechanical torque limiters due to size and weight restrictions a new option to consider.

R+W were recently faced with an application presented to them by a global manufacturer of mobile robotic systems. The fast moving land based machines that the manufacturer was producing had to have protection from overload for one of the main gear drive systems on the unit. Relying on motor current limits proved to be insufficient to protect the mechanical drive due the unknown torque overload from the unit being taken from full speed to a complete stop in an instant. In addition to the unknown torque overload values, these units have to be light enough to be carried by one person into the field. With these criteria, R+W’s new ultra light weight SL series torque limiter was the perfect answer. When installed on the unit the torque limiter was capable of disengaging in less than 3 milliseconds, which was fast enough to protect the driveline of the robotic unit. In addition to being able to successfully protect the driveline, the small and lightweight design of the SL torque limiter allowed for an additional discovery. With the torque limiter installed the wheels of the robot were now capable of being folded back for packing and transportation, resulting in a smaller less cumbersome design. With its ultra light weight, small, and durable design R+W’s new SL torque limiter proved to be a valuable component in the design of these mobile robotic systems.

Duke Energy To Offer Energy Savings Incentives for Control Techniques Drive Applications

Duke Energy, the leading energy utility in the South & North Carolina, is now offering an industrial energy savings incentive program. Commercial or Industrial customers are eligible for purchasing assistance when they upgrade from traditional motor starters to variable frequency drives. VFD Drives can be installed on fan and pump motors found in practically every commercial and institution building’s HVAC application. Using this technology, customers can expect energy savings of 35 to 50 percent, which can equate to a payback period of anywhere from six months to two years.

For more information about the Duke Smart $aver® program, click here.

Control Techniques’ line of variable frequency drives provides an excellent replacement for traditional across-the-line motor starters ranging from .5HP to 1000HP. Their Unidrive SP line of AC drives can provide a solution for various energy savings applications, such as motor starter replacements, brake replacements and energy regeneration.

For more information on Control Techniques Energy Saving Technology, click here.

With the summer quickly approaching, efficient HVAC systems, cooling towers and pumps are critical. Downtime during the summer months can involve uncomfortable, unsafe working conditions; managing technician vacation schedules and dealing with longer lead times. Efficient energy delivery to pumps and fans means less downtime, better pump & fan performance, and lower energy costs.

Carolina Motion Controls is a proud participant in the Duke Smart $aver® Vendor Program. We offer energy saving support services including on-site auditing of existing motor inventory, quantifying power usage and identifying capital return on investment.

Additional Links:
Case Study: Energy Savings for Turkey’s largest Shipyard Crane
Duke Energy Smart $aver™ Frequently Asked Questions
Control Techniques Energy Savings Solutions
Control Techniques Energy Savings Solutions: Pump Solutions
Control Techniques Energy Savings Solutions: Compressor Solutions

New Mentor MP & Quantum MP to Provide Upgrade for Legacy DC Drives

Emerson Control Techniques has recently announced a new line of DC drive products: The Mentor MP and the Quantum MP. These state-of-the-art drives are easy upgrades for their predecessors. The Mentor MP has the same dimensions, power connection locations and easy-to-use software conversion tools. The Quantum MP has a smaller footprint than its predecessor and added features like a DC loop contactor, high-speed input fuses and 115 VAC control logic and DC output fuse on all regenerative models. Control Techniques has recently removed the Mentor II and Quantum III from production in favor of the new series but will continue to provide technical support and spare parts for the Mentor II and Quantum III drive series during this transitional period in a continued commitment to excellent customer service.
For more information on the Mentor MP, Click here.
For more information on the Quantum MP, Click here.

The direction that Control techniques is going with their drives is very exciting. The new control architecture of the Mentor MP and Quantum MP drives shares the same chassis, layout, and capabilities of the Unidrive SP solutions platform. This new series of drives closes the gap and creates a unified control architecture across AC and DC drives. The Solutions Modules, previously only supported by the Unidrive SP and Commander SK, include multiple field busses (EtherNet/IP, CANOpen, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, etc.), programmable logic controllers, motion controllers and extended I/O (including support for 120Vac inputs).
Read more about solutions modules here.

The need for a high-power rugged drive has made the Mentor MP and Quantum MP key choices for the ski-lift industry. A drive retrofit solution from Emerson and SafSkiSystems on lift, snow-making and other equipment can help insure a successful season by improving safety, up-time, and reliability. The wide range of solutions modules allows them to retro-fit to multiple control voltage and ski-lift controllers. Since no two ski-lifts are the same, Emerson Control Techniques has opened a Ski-Systems department to meet the specific needs of the market.
For more information,Click Here.

LINKS:
Mentor MP Drive Overview
Quantum MP Drive Overview
Solutions Modules Information
Ski-Lift Systems

In a 2010 FLASH email (click here to download), we announced that the production status of our FXM5, Quantum III and Mentor II products (including Mentor II options) had changed to “Legacy” and would be discontinued in early 2011. Effective today, we are changing the production status of these products from “Legacy” to “Maintenance” meaning we will no longer be accepting orders for these products once current inventory has been depleted. We will, however, continue to support these products by providing technical support and spare parts

Rest assured, existing orders for FXM5, Quantum III and Mentor II and options will be shipped. Aftermarket support parts, products and services will continue to be offered through our Grand Island Service Center using fixed pricing established for all models throughout this maintenance phase. Responsibilities for warranty claims on the effected product remain the same.

This change of product status represents an opportunity to upgrade your customers to the new generation of DC products, the Mentor MP, Quantum MP and FXMP25 field controller. The Mentor MP is the most advanced DC drive available, delivering optimum performance and flexible system interfacing capability. It is an easy replacement for Mentor II with the same dimensions, power connection locations and easy-to-use software conversion tools. (Click here to download the Mentor MP sales brochure.)

The Quantum MP is a packaged Mentor MP, delivering the reliability, power and control required to increase productivity for both new machines and applications where DC motors are already installed.
With added features like a DC loop contactor, high-speed input fuses and 115 VAC control logic and DC output fuse on all regenerative models, the Quantum MP saves engineering time and panel space making it ideal for North American customers. (Click here to download the Quantum MP sales brochure.)

For assistance with selling these or other product upgrades, please visit our website or contact a Control Techniques Application Engineer or Area Sales Rep.

To reflect the above changes, we have created an updated Product Return Policy (click here to download the new policy.)

The GS Series actuators as well as SL Series servo motors are now available with Class I Division 2 certification for hazardous locations. A hazardous location is defined as a place where concentrations of flammable gases or vapors occur. Electrical equipment that must be installed in these locations is designed and tested to ensure it does not initiate an explosion due to arcing contacts or high surface temperature of equipment

PMAC thoughts
Exlar has been offering a Class I DIV 1 option on select rotary and linear actuator products through their EL and ERS series actuators and motors. The addition of Class I Div 2 product offering gives design engineers a more complete lineup of hazardous duty products to select from when designing for an application. This new offering allows for more customization over the EL and ERS actuators and motors and provides a more economical solution for hazardous duty applications where only Class I Div 2 requirements are required.

The GS series actuators can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring hazardous locations including process control and damper actuation.

The SL series servo motors can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring hazardous locations including quarter turn or multi-turn valves or shaft driven dampers

http://www.exlar.com/pages/329-Class-I-Division-2-Option
http://www.exlar.com/pages/338-Class-I-Division-2-Option

The LCA-25 actuator is a new actuator from SMAC. It is the first model in the LCA series. This is a small actuator, being only 55mmx70mmx25mm(LXWXH), up to 60mmX310mmX25, depending on the size needed. The LCA-25 has a stroke length from 10mm-200mm and a continuous force from 3N to 9N. I believe this actuator is ideal for small, low force applications. With the actuator being fully programmable in force, velocity, and position, it has a variety of uses. The LCA-25 also catches a lot of attention with its cycle life of 100 million cycles.

The LCA-25 actuator can be used in a wide variety of applications that require speed, precision, and high cycles. It can be used in many applications from cup dispensing to button testing.

For more information, see the link below.
http://www.smac-mca.com/LCA25.php

Hiwin LMSP

Design

Motor - Forcer: hybrid planar motor

Stator: integral grid platen

Support - Air bearing

Position sensing - Direct feedback through position sensors in 3 axes (X1/X2/Y)

Control – Position: Direct feedback servo control of X, Y and yaw error

Commutation control: Amplitude/phase control using 2-phase sine wave linear amplifier

Motor

Max. force - 75 N / 140 N

Max. speed - 0.9m/s / 0.8m/s

Forcer weight - 1.8 kg / 3.7 kg

Max. Load - 14 kg / 28 kg

Air flow rate - 6.4 liter/min / 21 liter/min

Air supply pressure for bearing - 3.0±0.3bar

XY stage accuracy - ±15 µ m

Position sensor resolution - X,Y: 1 µ m

Yaw: 0.8 arc-second

Positioning resolution - X.Y: 1 µ m

Repeatability - X.Y: 3 µ m

BKL-DOUBLEFLEX -

Shaft misalignment is virtually unavoidable in most machine design. Tolerance stack-up in machined interfaces between motor frames, gearboxes, actuators, ball screws, etc, will normally result in slight misalignment between the driving and driven shafts in the lateral and angular directions. While most motor mounting brackets allow for sufficient alignment to accommodate single-flex bellows couplings, occasionally a given machine layout will require flexible couplings to accommodate more than just a few thousandths of an inch of shaft offset. For this purpose R+W has recently released a special series of double flex bellows couplings.

The BKL-DOUBLEFLEX allows for a multiplication of the allowable lateral misalignment by taking advantage of the greater flexibility in the angular direction of each bellows. Compared to their single-flex counterparts, the BKL-DOUBLEFLEX allows for up to 5 times more lateral misalignment depending on the size. Additionally the angular and axial misalignment ratings are doubled, allowing for easy absorption of shaft expansion. Compared to other types of flexible couplings, the BKL-DOUBLEFLEX possesses a high level of torsional stiffness, a low moment of inertia, and only light restoring loads on shaft bearings. Special miniature versions are available for encoders and stepper motors.

The BKL-DOUBLEFLEX is currently available in torque ratings from 15 – 500 Nm (132– 4425 in-lbs.) and can accept English or metric shafts from 8 – 62 mm (5/16” – 2-5/16” in.).

Unidrive SP Size Zero is a new member of the Panel Mount range. It reduces the drive size by 60% for motors from 0.5 hp to 2 hp. The new model has the same parameter set, universal motor control and user interface as the rest of the Unidrive SP range.

For details download the new Unidrive SP brochure or the Unidrive SP size 0 flyer.

By sensing motor current, brushless servo technology can measure motor current to an accuracy of about 10%. This equates to torque measurement in a rotary servo motor and force in a linear servo actuator.  When your application requires higher accuracy, Exlar offers load cell technology embedded in the GSX30, 40 & 50 and I 30 & 40 actuators.  The load cell is a strain gauge type, offering you stable and accurate load sensing in both the tension and compression directions, and for static or dynamic loads +/- 1%. The packaging of the strain gauges are integral to the actuators housing offering a compact, protected, and robust design.

Applications that utilize load sensing include but are not limited to:

Fastening and Joining |  Riveting |  Bag Sealing |  Thermoforming |  Injection Molding | Precision Pressing |  Fillers |  Formers |  Precision Grinders |  Clamping |  Die Cutters |  Lifts |  Molding |  Welding |  Tube Bending |  Stamping |  Test Stands |  Tension Control | Wire Winding |  Parts Clamping |  Dispensers |  Interference Detection

For a brochure containing details and specifications on Exlar’s Force Measuring Actuators, click here

The Right Miniature Optical Sensor - for Your Application Too

Features and benefits
• Smallest fiber-optic sensor
• Large selection of fiber-optics
• Round and linear beam shapes
• Fixed sensing distances
• Efficient background suppression
• Simple mounting Different technologies - one

With its wide range of LED and laser sensors, the successful Series 10 is to be extended by several extremely interesting variants. Baumer offers new sensors with different beam shapes. Three different spot-shaped beams (diameters 0,1 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm) permit the detection of objects of different sizes. In contrast, circuit boards with milled grooves and drilled holes can be reliably detected by a linear beam. A narrow laser and a linear LED version are now available. Fixed, precise sensing distances (30 mm, 50 mm or 80 mm) and background suppression are features of the FHDK 10 diffuse sensor. The advantage: adjustment is unnecessary and undesirable misadjustment is impossible. The sensor range is completed by the fiber-optic sensor FVDK 10. As all sensors of Series 10, the fiber-optic sensor also features simple operation and installation. Together with the wide Baumer range of fiber-optic devices, even the most difficult applications can be mastered.

Three Technologies -- One Actuator

Exlar's Tritex^TM Series actuators combine three technologies to deliver for the first time a truly simple and low cost electric alternative for fluid power actuators. Tritex actuators with built-in mechanical converters also replace electric drive systems employing ball screw or gear reducer mechanisms for a complete actuation solution.

Tritex actuators represent an all-electric actuator solution for moving and/or positioning mechanical devices in a large variety of industrial or military grade applications. Tritex actuators eliminate the need for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders while improving position performance, reducing cycle times and eliminating the maintenance associated with fluid power devices. Ball screw mechanisms, and separately mounted gear reducers are also a thing of the past because rotary to linear converters or mechanical reducers are designed in.

Less is More

The Tritex Series of electric actuators combine a brushless servo motor, servo amplifier and position controller in a single industrial grade enclosure. This eliminates both the external servo amplifier and the expensive and failure prone cables associated with a typical servo system. Component selection, design and installation are completely eliminated. Trouble-shooting and debugging of individual components; gear reducers, rotary-to-linear converter mechanisms and the complex wiring layout typical of such a system are gone. The panel space for a separately mounted amplifier and installation of that amplifier are no longer necessary.

Linear Applications

Tritex linear actuators employ Exlar's patented, inverted roller screw mechanism for converting the rotational motion generated within the Tritex actuator to the highly robust and long-life linear motion required to solve applciations that previously required pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. No additional mechanisms (such as ball screws) are required to convert the actuator's rotary power to linear motion.

The Tritex linear actuator contains the same control capability of the Tritex rotary acctuator. In addition, the Tritex software allows you to create a sequence which causes the actuator, when commanded, to move forward while pressing an object into position. You can establish a pre-programmed force which triggers an event (such as stopping or retracting to another position) or it can maintain that force level until commanded otherwise. The sequence is ideal for assembly, test, and pressing applications.

As with the rotary Tritex, the linear Tritex can be programmed to follow an analog command signal, making it ideal for controlling valves and dampers in process control applications.

Specifications and details on the Tritex Linear Actuator Series can be found in the following areas:

Product Feature

• 24 to 48 VDC power
• Integrated brushless motor, amplifier and controller
• IP54 sealing standard (linear)
• IP65 sealing option (standard for rotary)
• Multple connectorization options
• 3 inch (76mm) frame size
• 3 to 18 inch (75 to 455mm) strokes available
• 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 inch lead (2.54, 5.08, 2.7mm) planetary roller screws
• 1250 lbf (5560N) max continuous thrust capacity, 2270 (10,000N ) peak
• 16.6 inches (421mm) per second max linear velocity
• Multiple standard and custom mounts available

The Epsilon EP is a compact easy to use servo drive that is scalable from a simple amplifier to a completely programmable 1.5 Axis motion controller with FM4 capability. The Epsilon EP comes in three drive sizes, 2.2A, 4.0A, 6.5A and 9A delivering over 100 lb-in of torque at the rated motor speed. Best of all, the EP-P drive comes with EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP at no additional cost, and “Position Tracker™” enables users to eliminate the expense of a PLC-based position controller.

The Epsilon EP is the newest “Motion Made Easy”™ servo drive from Control Techniques. The Epsilon EP is a compact easy to use servo drive that is scalable from a simple amplifier to a completely programmable 1.5 Axis motion controller.

The EP can be configured with fieldbus options and motion control capabilities to give you the best solution available at the lowest price. The Epsilon EP comes in four drive sizes, 2.2A, 4.0A, 6.5A, and 9A delivering over 100 lb-in of torque at the rated motor speed using XV motors.

Three functional Configurations

Base: Epsilon EP-B

The EP-B drive is ideal for servo applications utilizing an analog command signal and position feedback reference. The drive can be configured into five operating modes: Analog Torque, Analog Velocity; Preset Velocity; Pulse follower, or Analog Position. The EP-B has the unique capability of combining an analog command with a preset velocity to create a new command for trimming or advance/retard operations. The EP-B drive is an excellent choice for stepper replacements or low cost control systems.

Indexer: Epsilon EP-I or EP-IDN

The EP-I drive is a highly capable position controller that provides Home, Index, and Jog motion profiles. The EP-I holds up to 16 unique indexes that also can be chained together to create complex motion profiles. The powerful Homing function of the EP-I provides the ultimate in flexibility without sacrificing ease-of-use. Best of all, the EP-I has a unique alternate mode feature whereby the EP-I drive can perform an Index or Home function, and then switch to an alternate mode such as analog toque, analog velocity, or pulse follower mode on the fly! The EP-I can solve countless applications in this very compact cost effective package.

Programming: Epsilon EP-P

The EP-P drive provides the highest level of control by allowing the user to create complete user programs to sequence the motion control along with other machine functionality. The EP-P can be used to solve the most complex motion applications and still be easy-to-use because of the PowerTools Pro configuration software. PowerTools Pro uses simple drag-and-drop and fill in the blank screens that make setup a snap. User programs are created using a text based motion language that is as easy to read as it is to program. If you don't know the command, just drag it in from the drop down box and PowerTools Pro will assist you with the syntax. With intuitive software and plenty of online help, programming this servo drive is easy; in fact it is “Motion Made Easy!”