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

 

Example of In-House Production of SCARA Robot (Horizontal Articulated Robot)

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

In-house production equipment is easier to build than you think.  Here's an example of a 5-axis SCARA robot.

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

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 & Rotary Actuators, Servo Motors, Network

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 & Rotary 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 & Rotary Actuators, Software, Rotary/Index Tables, Case Study

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 is separated into modules and can be quickly reconfigured for different purposes.  We're ready for this.  Are you?

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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

Grounding Basics: What are the Differences Between PE and FG?

Posted by Johann Tang on Nov 30, 2020 9:42:41 PM

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

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

Motion Programming Example: Loop Function For Repeated Motion

Posted by Johann Tang on Nov 3, 2020 2:14:14 PM

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

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

Built-in STO Function Simplifies Safety

Posted by Johann Tang on Sep 30, 2020 9:01:48 PM

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

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

What Determines Motor Life?

Posted by Johann Tang on Sep 30, 2020 10:30:00 AM

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.

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