Motion Control Resource Center

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Controls engineers need a variety of information on motion control elements that include drives, motors, servos and steppers, motion software, motion controllers, hydraulics, pneumatics, electromechanical, linear actuators, power supplies, valves and cylinders.

Motion control systems are some of the most rapidly evolving elements in modern machine automation. The more traditional motion control solutions that involve a mostly mechanical array of components now makes way for sophistciated combinations of electronic hardware and software that provide levels of performance unheard of a decade ago.

Electronic drives provide the means for enhanced speed, position, and torque control compared with mechanical options.

Both AC motors and DC motors are applicable for motion control, depending on factors such as available power or the specific motion function requirements.

Servo motors and stepper motors and their requisite controllers are responsible for some of the more dramatic changes in motion control capability, most often used for precise rotary positioning applications. Integrated servo motor and drive units combine simplicity and space-savings for small footprint motion control needs.

Linear motion and its control are carried out through the use of electromechanical components such as ballscrews and leadscrews, belt-driven linear slides and guides, pneumatic cylinders, and direct-drive linear motors.

Hydraulic-based power and control are used for many motion control applications with high-power requirements not easily matched by electric motors.

Timely news, back-to-basics primers, feature articles, technical white papers and descriptions of the latest products all provide valuable insights that can be used in designing and building modern motion control systems.

A PLC by Any Other Name
A PAC Is a PLC on Steroids. Anything a PLC Can Do, a PAC Can Do

A Sensor Exists for Almost Every Application
Whatever You Need to Measure: Sensors Exist for Every Type of Application

Stacker Turns Green With Energy
Regenerative Drive System in Servo-Driven Lumber Machine Returns Energy and Creates Efficiency

Oystar Jones Puts the PLC in Packaging Equipment
Soap Box Has Longevity With Machine Builder: Packaging Machine Builder Integrates PLCs and Servo Motion

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White Papers: In Depth Research

Pneumatic Safety Systems and Cylinder Speed Control
Author: Eric Cummings and Steve Boyette, ROSS Controls
Posted: 11/06/2009
The advancements in automation systems have led to tremendous increases in productivity for manufacturers. Machine controls utilizing sensing and verifi cation of the product and position sensing of machine components allows for higher speeds of equipment and improvements in quality. Improvements in safety have also been achieved, greatly reducing the instances where operators are required to interact with the equipment during operation. However, automated machines are not autonomous. Material deviations or component malfunctions still require an operator to investigate and alleviate the situation. Because of this, operators and maintenance personnel must access potentially hazardous areas in the machine for functions such as clearing jams and other routine production related issues. These production related issues must of course be done in a safe manner; advancements in safety control systems are helping to make this possible.

Precision Linear Motion Accomplished Easily and Economically Part 2
Author: HaydonKerk Motion Solutions
Posted: 07/08/2009
This paper shows how to accurately size a linear actuator.

How Is a Linear Actuator Sized?
Sizing a linear actuator is quite easy once you understand the basic needs of the application. The following is the minimum information needed to begin sizing the proper device.
1. Linear force needed to move the load, expressed in Newtons (N)
2. Linear distance the load needs to be moved, expressed in meters (M)
3. Time required to move the load, expressed in seconds (s)
4. Table 1 – illustrated below
5. Performance curves illustrated in Haydon linear actuator catalogs

Precision Linear Motion Accomplished Easily and Economically Part 1
Author: HaydonKerk Motion Solutions
Posted: 07/08/2009
Introduction to Linear Actuators:
Discussing the basics of a stepper motor-based linear actuator, one of the most effective ways to convert rotary into linear motion for a wide range of applications

When students are trained in classic mechanical engineering, they are taught to construct a system using conventional mechanical components to convert rotary into linear motion. Converting rotary to linear motion can be accomplished by several mechanical means using a rotary motor, rack and pinion, belt and pulley, and other mechanical linkages, which require many components to couple and align. Although these methods can be effective, they each carry certain limitations. Conversely, stepper motor-based linear actuators address all these factors and have fewer issues associated with their use. The reason? Rotary-to-linear motion is accomplished in the motor itself, which translates to fewer components, high force output, and increased accuracy.

High Slip Braking Software
Author: Mike Rucinski & Paul Avery, Yaskawa Electric America, Inc.
Posted: 04/02/2009
Applicable Product: V1000, A1000, E7, F7, G7, and P7
(V/f Motor Control Method)

The techniques for braking of high inertial loads to a stop traditionally involved either Dynamic Braking or DC Injection Braking technology.

This article examines a new load-braking alternative called High-Slip Braking (HSB). We identify the different aspects of HSB, look at what it does, how it works, and how it is different from other braking methods. We also provide examples of "real world" successes, and discuss the new technology's cost effectiveness.

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