The Low Voltage Directive defines low voltage from 50 – 1000 Vac, or 120 – 1500 Vdc, which is based on the mains voltage used to power the electrical system and ties in with specific IEC regulations on safety and risk of shock and arcing. When low…
Accessible and affordable automation for all has made a giant leap forward with the release of an AMR platform that enables users to install out-of-the box automation technology in less than a day.
All electric motors heat up during operation, which is simply a product of passing current through a coil of wire. Electric motors use copper wire to form coils that are part of the electromagnetic circuit required to produce rotation. While copper…
The performance benefits of direct-drive motors are well documented: industry-leading performance, improved accuracy, higher throughput, better reliability and quieter operations. This is because, unlike a conventional motion setup, a direct-drive…
Compared to mechanical and hydraulic presses, mechanical servo metal stamping presses use high torque brushless motors to create more complicated stampings at faster speeds. But the type of motors used—a traditional geared or chain drive system or a…
We are no longer settling for unsustainable. More than ever before, we are painfully aware that our ability – or inability - to act over the next few years will directly shape the lives of all future generations. And our best bet to step up to the…
Until recently, purchasing drives, motors, and cables from different suppliers was routine. The technology simplified the process of choosing the cables, and any installation technician was capable of choosing cables that met a specific application’s…
A motion controller is a programmable device that manages connected electronic drives and motors to perform specific functions for automating and controlling machinery. Motion controllers can range from very simple microprocessor chips embedded…
If you experience some unintended motion or unexplained drive faults in your motion system, there are several possible causes. For example, motion setup through the drive, a poorly designed program within the control, and motor or feedback…
Servo systems are widely used in many precision applications. While careful deliberation on the optimum servo motor, servo drive, and feedback elements is the norm, the cables that connect the power and feedback are often an afterthought that…
While servo motors and drives are prevalent in a wide variety of industrial applications, what should be considered when they operate in extreme or hazardous environments? In many cases, the motor itself operates in the extreme environment, while the…
How do I calculate a motor’s continuous torque when it is operating in an environment above its rated temperature? Since the motor’s continuous torque (Tc) is rated in a 40°C ambient, how can I estimate the motor’s continuous torque during my…
Machine Learning, Neural Networks – big terms in modern logistics, but what do they actually mean? What we need is an expert to tell us. Paul Hamblin, editor of Logistics Business magazine, meets one.
Using a conventional single motor and gearbox style setup on your horizontal flow pack machine could be the reason you’re not realizing the flexibility and performance you need to keep up with demand.
For manufacturers looking to offer personalization capabilities, true mass customization to batch size of one will require more than purchasing the latest 3D printer or equipment. It’s important to understand the entire supply chain involved,…
