Automation Parts

At ATX 2010, taking place in Anaheim, California, from February 9-11, Renishaw will focus on its latest range of motion-control products. These include a true absolute optical encoder for rotary and linear applications, a track-mounted linear-encoder-scale system and magnetic-encoder chip. Also on show will be the QC20-W wireless ballbar, which assesses machine-tool positioning and servo-control performance, and now includes a volumetric testing capability, plus a range of touch probes and probe software that increase machine-tool automation and improve process control. For visitors sourcing offline measurement products, there will also be the opportunity to discuss Renishaw's retrofit service for coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs), including Modus - the company's first metrology software. Resolute is a true absolute optical-encoder system featuring dirt immunity and a specification said to break new ground in position feedback. Resolution is 1nm at 100m/sec for linear-enc...

Rockwell's Motion Analyzer mechatronics tool optimises design for the automation and machine-construction industry. Application data can be accepted by the 3D CAD software Solidworks via the interface, directly from the OEM's mechanical design. An estimation of the loading then becomes superfluous and a genuine computation of the drive load is possible. Based on these data, the tool suggests a suitable drive, taking into consideration local conditions such as the supply voltage and the siting level. Motion Analyzer is able to carry out a comparison of costs and performance for various drive technologies. This means that the user can select the variant most suitable to the machine's use. With the aid of the Motion Analyzer computation tool, the user can adapt the movement to the conditions in the mechanical system and optimise it for his specific application. There is an export function to the Logix controller so that the computed travel profile can also be executed later...

ICR Rod-Style Actuator Simplifies Motion Control Tolomatic has released the ICR Basic rod-style actuator, the first model in the company's new Smartactuator series of compact, all-in-one linear actuators. These actuators (integrated servomotor, drive, controller and actuator) simplify motion control for industrial applications. The Smartactuator series can be built to order and is ready to ship in five days from factory order. The series is designed for durability and 100 per cent duty cycle performance. It combines a powerful servomotor with a rugged ball-screw housed in a sturdy aluminium extrusion. The series also incorporates Tolomatic's Endurance TechnologySM features for long service life and to remove the need for maintenance. Aaron Dietrich, electric product manager for Tolomatic, said: 'When applying traditional electric motion-control systems, engineers have to specify each component in the system, often purchasing them from different suppliers, and then assem...

Motion Controllers Include Ethernet/IP Option Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble series advanced motion controllers now include an ODVA-certified Ethernet/IP fieldbus option to allow direct programming from Allen Bradley PLCs using RSLogix. Register-to-register and ASCII interface programming is available to bring real-time I/O and message exchange with device configuration and data collection over the Ethernet/IP open industrial network standard for integrated machine automation and motion control solutions. Ethernet/IP is built on a standard Ethernet TCP/IP network and uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) of Devicenet. Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble motion controllers are DSP equipped multitasking intelligent drives that can be configured for linear and rotary, brushed and brushless servo motors as well as open-loop stepper motors. They are equally suited for use with Aerotech's wide range of medium to ultra-high precision positioning systems or as stand-alone moti...

Mclennan's 23HT18C and 34HT18C hybrid stepper motors provide a solution for EMC compatible motion control. The NEMA 23 and 34 frame range includes a rear housing extension complete with a UTO type metallised connector. The range has now been augmented with the addition of a rotary encoder option to allow position feedback for applications where position verification is important. A choice of encoder resolutions is available with quadrature output complete with a Z marker channel for accurate axis homing. Encoder interfacing via a D-type connector, also EMC compatible and fitted to the rear housing, completes the assembly. Optional mating plug and screened cable assemblies for both motor and encoder are available to simplify installation and maintain EMC compatibility on the customer's machine. The high torque 23HT18C and 34HT18C range includes a neodymium magnet system for holding torques from 0.39Nm to 7.35Nm with usable speeds up to 10,000 full steps per second. With f...

Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of compact radar sensors for automated doors, lifts and escalators, which offer intelligent detection and simple, flexible installation. The RAD01 and RAD02 radar sensors utilise Doppler shift in a K-Band (24,125GHz) signal to detect motion towards or away from the device and provide SPDT relay output, which operates the door. Sensing is bidirectional in the case of the RAD01 and bi/unidirectional for the RAD02, enabling the latter to detect motion towards and away from the device. The radar sensors are compatible with all types of domestic and commercial automatic door, including sliding, swinging, folding, revolving, and overhead doors. They can also provide access to lifts and for automatic starting of escalators. Housed in glossy or translucent black polycarbonate, the new devices require a small 118 x 80mm footprint and weigh just 150g. Built-in microprocessors compensate for the effects of temperature and atmospheric conditions and also fil...