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

 

Gearhead Selection for Stepper Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Jul 25, 2024 6:06:42 PM

Gearhead Selection for Stepper Motors
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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.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Motor Sizing, Gearheads, Motion Control Basics

Case Study: How a Compact Electric Gripper Can Help with Articulated Robots

Posted by Johann Tang on May 31, 2024 8:45:00 AM

Case Study: How a Compact Electric Gripper Can Help with Articulated Robots
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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.

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Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Medical, Food & Packaging, Case Studies

Redefining Precision and Reliability for Wafer Pin Lifters

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 28, 2024 5:55:39 PM

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.

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Topics: Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples, Wafer Pin Lifters, Semiconductors

8 Reasons to Upgrade to the AZ Series Connector Type Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Feb 23, 2024 9:00:00 PM

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.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, New Product Introductions

Why Electric Actuators Are Better Than Pneumatic Actuators for Packaging Machinery

Posted by Johann Tang on Jan 31, 2024 7:59:00 PM

As the packaging industry continues to evolve, the demand for efficient and reliable machinery is on the rise. One area that has seen significant advancements is in the use of electric actuators. Traditionally, pneumatic actuators have been the go-to choice for many packaging and labeling machines. However, electric actuators are gaining popularity due to their numerous benefits. In this article, we will explore the numerous advantages that electric actuators bring to packaging machinery.
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Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS

A Comparison of Encoder Technologies (and Selection Tips)

Posted by Johann Tang on Nov 30, 2023 7:05:00 PM

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.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, New Product Introductions, Encoders

Simplify Wafer Handling Machine Design with Modular Products from the Same Family

Posted by Johann Tang on Oct 31, 2023 6:45:48 PM

Wafers are the foundation of semiconductor chip manufacturing. The growing demand for semiconductors, driven by technological advancements like AI, IoT, and robotics, makes it crucial to handle these delicate wafers efficiently and precisely.  In this article, we will explain how unified features from a family of motors and actuators can simplify process automation for semiconductor wafers.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples, Wafer Handling, Semiconductors

Optimal Motors for Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Wafers

Posted by Johann Tang on Jul 27, 2023 9:17:48 PM

Oriental Motor provides a wide variety of products to meet semiconductor equipment design goals.  This post focuses on motor selection for two specific motion axes of a semiconductor manufacturing process called CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) and explains how to save time by using different products from the same family.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Application Examples, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables, Chemical Mechanical Polishing, Semiconductors

How to Build a SCARA Robot with Off-The-Shelf Products

Posted by Johann Tang on Apr 27, 2023 6:58:39 PM

Robotics automation can be easier to build than you think.  Here's an example of how a 5-axis SCARA robot can be built in-house with off-the-shelf products.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Motor Sizing, VIDEOS, Software, Network, Application Examples, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables

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

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