Engineering Notes by Oriental Motor

Welcome to Oriental Motor's "Engineering Notes" Blog:

Products and technology are only valuable when coupled with skilled people and services to support them. Since 1978, ORIENTAL MOTOR U.S.A. CORP. has been building a service and support system to better serve customers. It is our goal to provide the best product and service from the design phase, through the sale and beyond.

Our blog will feature:

  • Introduction to new products and technologies
  • Motion control basics and application examples
  • Tips for motor selection, programming, and troubleshooting

 

Dedicated Robot Controller and Programming Software Makes Robotics Easier

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 24, 2023 1:00:06 PM

 

Robots are increasing in demand due to continuing labor shortages and the push for error-less efficiency in manufacturing.  In the meantime, other companies are falling behind because they either do not have the capital or engineering know-how to implement robotics automation.  While you can buy a robot and pay someone else to program it to do what you want, building and programming your own robot can be easier than you think.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Software, Network, Application Examples, New Product Introductions

Troubleshooting Basics: Stepper Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 1, 2023 4:07:33 PM

The level of troubleshooting you can perform depends on your knowledge of the system.  This technical article provides the basics of troubleshooting for stepper motor systems from my experience as a technical support engineer.

 


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Topics: Stepper Motors, Troubleshooting, Motion Control Basics

Troubleshooting Basics: Motor Noises

Posted by Johann Tang on Nov 16, 2022 2:30:34 PM

Motors exhibit noise.  The important thing to know is how you distinguish normal noise from abnormal noise, and how to troubleshoot.

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Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, Gearheads, Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Basics: AC Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Oct 19, 2022 6:20:20 PM

AC motors are the workhorses of industrial automation.  They're robust, easy to use, and offer a wide product breadth.  What do you do if they stop working, and you don't have a spare?

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Topics: AC Motors, Troubleshooting, Motion Control Basics

The Right Motor for Tension Control

Posted by Johann Tang on Sep 1, 2022 12:00:00 PM

Tension control is a niche application that is not easy to implement.  Using the right type of motor is the first step to success.  Hint: you don't always have to use a servo motor.

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Topics: AC Motors, Torque Limit (Push Motion, Tension Control)

Is There an Option Between Stepper Motors and Servo Motors?

Posted by Johann Tang on Aug 1, 2022 5:45:00 PM

Servo motor systems are expensive but great for demanding applications that require high speed, peak torque, or feedback.  Stepper motors are cost-effective but do not offer the peace of mind of feedback.  For designs that do not need the bells and whistles of servo motor systems, there is another option.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Servo Motors, Network

Case Study: Using Agricultural Automation to Improve Production Efficiency

Posted by Johann Tang on Jul 19, 2022 7:57:05 PM

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, global food prices reached an all-time high in 2022.  This case study explains how a vegetable farm in Hokkaido, Japan, improved production efficiency and reduced costs by building in-house automation.

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Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Food & Packaging, Case Studies

Pneumatic Actuators vs Electric Actuators: Which is Better?

Posted by Johann Tang on Jun 21, 2022 7:45:09 PM

Pneumatic linear actuators and electric linear actuators are often compared for linear motion requirements that do not require the high forces of hydraulic linear actuators.  Here are 15 factors that should be considered.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Linear Actuators, Servo Motors

Case Study: SCARA and Cartesian/Gantry Robots for Automated Assembly

Posted by Johann Tang on May 17, 2022 3:34:48 PM

In this post, we introduce a real-world SCARA and cartesian/gantry robot example of in-house automation built using our AlphaStep AZ Series family of motors, actuators, drivers, and our 4-axis robot controller.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Software, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables, XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry, Case Studies

Carbon Output Calculation of Electric Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Apr 22, 2022 2:18:22 PM

Increasing power efficiency and minimizing the carbon footprint is the trend these days.  Do you know how to calculate CO2 emissions from your electric motors, and which types of motors emit less?

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Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors

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