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

 

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 & Rotary Actuators, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples

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 & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples

Improve Positioning Precision for Autosamplers with High Resolution and Encoder Type Stepper Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Sep 26, 2023 2:54:58 PM

In this article, we're diving deeper into two stepper motor types: high-resolution type and encoder type; and how they can be used to improve precision in critical laboratory automation applications like autosamplers.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, VIDEOS, Application Examples

Why Brushless Motors Make Sense for Conveyors

Posted by Johann Tang on Aug 31, 2023 6:53:31 PM

In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, the role of conveyors has become more crucial than ever. These systems efficiently move materials, products, and goods for numerous industries, from labeling and packaging to warehousing and distribution.  While many types of motors can be used in conveyors, this article highlights a few reasons why brushless motors should be considered for most conveyor applications.

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Topics: Conveyor, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Application Examples

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, Linear & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Application Examples

Peristaltic Pump Motor Selection Tips: Brushless Motor or Stepper Motor?

Posted by Johann Tang on Jun 26, 2023 8:15:00 PM

This article highlights the advantages of brushless motors and stepper motors for driving a peristaltic pump, which is among the most common motor applications in medical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostic equipment.  

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Pumps, Application Examples

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 & Rotary Actuators, Motor Sizing, VIDEOS, Software, Network, Application Examples

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

What is Modular Automation?

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 16, 2022 7:04:08 PM

Modular automation is the next phase of factory automation where a production line can be separated into mobile modules and can be quickly reconfigured for different purposes.  This article explains the benefits of modular automation and shows how smaller, lighter, and battery-driven motors can help.

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Application Examples

Motion Programming Example: Timed Pressing Operation

Posted by Johann Tang on Apr 29, 2021 4:47:13 PM

In this blog post, I will explain how to easily program a timed pressing operation with our MEXE02 universal product support software.  This example works for any products included in the AlphaStep AZ Series family, which also includes other series that use the same technology and software.

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