While AC induction motors and VFDs are often the go-to choice for speed control applications, several other alternatives are available, from servo motors to AC motors with tachometers. However, brushless motor technology is quickly growing in popularity in compact designs while also offering other advantages that are often overlooked.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors
Selecting a gearhead for a stepper motor is like picking out the right shoes for the occasion. Sure, you can wear Air Jordans on a football field, but they're not better than a pair of regular cleats. Similarly, you can use a harmonic gearhead to drive a unidirectional conveyor, but you may be overpaying for its zero-backlash capability when you don't have to. Picking the right gearhead can ensure the best balance between performance and budget.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Motor Sizing, Gearheads, Motion Control Basics
Gearheads play a crucial role in motor performance optimization. Each type of gear offers its own features and characteristics, and the gear ratio alters a motor's output torque and speed. By carefully selecting the optimal gear type and ratio, engineers can fine-tune motor performance to align precisely with the application requirements.
Topics: Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Gearheads, Motion Control Basics
An end effector, such as an electric gripper, is an essential part of industrial robots. More importantly, using the right gripper for the load being transferred prevents damage while improving automation efficiency. In this article, we share how one system integrator has successfully adopted an electric gripper for one of their articulated robots.
Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Case Study
Electric motors drive our world, but they can be susceptible to environmental hazards like dust or water. This article explores IP ratings and codes, what they are, how they're tested, and why they're critical for motor durability and reliable performance.
Topics: Conveyor, AC Motors, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Application Examples, Motion Control 101, Motion Control Basics
Downtime is a no no for semiconductor fabs. Even a brief interruption can result in significant financial losses and disruptions in production. In this article, we explain how a linear actuator's built-in precision and reliability can simplify and even improve the design of wafer processing machinery, such as a silicon wafer pin lift.
Topics: Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples
Facing a leaner engineering workforce and rising costs, machine designers need a way to build machines faster with less resources. Aligned with our continuous commitment to simplify motion control, this article explains the innovative features of the new connector type motor for our flagship AZ Series and how it supports faster installation and maintenance.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, New Product Introductions
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS
Drivers provide power and logic to various types of motors and are essential components of any motion control application. This article explains the pros and cons of building a stepper motor driver versus purchasing one.
Topics: Stepper Motors
Encoder feedback is essential for closed-loop motion control and can enhance accuracy, reliability, and even efficiency for machinery and robotics. In this article, we compare how optical, magnetic, and capacitive encoders work and share some selection tips.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, New Product Introductions, Encoders