When a voltage is applied to an AC induction motor, it runs at a certain speed.  Variable speed requirements for AC induction motors are typically fulfilled by a 3-phase motor and an inverter, or VFD.  This blog post introduces another option.

Topics: Conveyor, AC Motors, Speed Control, Motion Control Basics

The differences in single-phase and three-phase AC induction motors don't stop with the input power supply.  There are a few things you need to know when using three-phase AC induction motors in an instantaneous forward/reverse operation.

Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control

There are three main types of stepper motors available in the market: PM type, VR type, and hybrid type.  What are their differences, and which one should you use?

Topics: Stepper Motors, Motion Control Basics

Proper grounding is necessary for electrical devices for different reasons, but why do we do it?

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, BLDC Motors, Servo Motors, Cooling Fans, Motion Control Basics

No matter how many functions a product offers, without an intuitive, easy-to-use software, those functions can be difficult to implement.

Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics

Remember the days when we used to go to in-person events, such as trade shows?  Robot demos have always generated a lot of foot traffic in booths.  What's better to illustrate the synchronism of closed-loop stepper motors than 3 motors working together to create one specific motion?

Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Network, Application Examples

STO, or "Safe Torque Off", is a dedicated, built-in safety circuit function that makes safety easier to manage for motion devices, such as a robot.  It is part of the overall safety system.

Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators

Knowing how to use a product properly can make a huge difference in its performance and life.  For example, knowing how to maintain cast iron pans properly can make them last longer.  With electric motors, understanding the factors that affect motor life is the first step to extending life and decreasing costs in the long run.

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Linear & Rotary Actuators, Speed Control, Servo Motors, Service Life

An easy way to alter the speed and torque characteristics of a stepper motor is to connect it to a different type of driver or change its wiring configuration.  However, there's more to it.  Knowing the pros and cons between "unipolar" and "bipolar" can make or break your stepper motor performance.

Topics: Stepper Motors, Motion Control Basics

I will never forget my first engineering project involving motors.  I built a small elevator for a science class back in elementary school.  Of course, it worked great during the testing phase, but it failed to perform when it counted.

Topics: Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors