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.
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
Is There an Option Between Stepper Motors and Servo Motors?
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Servo Motors, Network
Case Study: SCARA and Cartesian/Gantry Robots for Automated Assembly
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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Software, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables, XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry, Case Studies
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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Application Examples
Video Explainer: How the BLV Series R Type Can Improve AGV/AMR Design and Performance
The BLV Series R Type brushless DC motor and compact driver not only reduces the size and weight of the original BLV Series driver but offer an upgrade to the motor as well. This blog post uses videos to explain the features offered by the BLV Series R Type and how they can improve AGV/AMR design and performance.
Topics: Robotics, Smooth Drive, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Software, Network
The BLV Series is one of two DC-input brushless motor speed control systems we offer. While a brushless motor with hall-effect sensor feedback provides constant torque, wide speed range, and speed regulation, the BLV driver offers unique functions designed for mobile robots, such as low battery operation and ramp operation.
Topics: Robotics, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Software, Network, Troubleshooting
3-Axis Parallel Robot with AlphaStep Absolute Stepper Motors
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
Flexible Configurations For Hollow Rotary Actuators
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Gearheads, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables
A gripper is typically an end effector that is installed at the end of a robotic arm or on a cartesian robot and can be used to grip parts in order to transfer them from one location to another. However, there's more to it than just closing the jaws to pinch a part.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples
Robot adoption is increasing in many industries due to global efforts in reducing long term costs, maintaining quality, and freeing up time for humans to do "human" tasks. For example, by using a robot to clean floors or restock shelves in a supermarket, human employees can spend more time helping or selling to their customers. A company can either tap into this robotic trend by buying ready-made robots, or by making their own with less cost.
If engineering resources are limited, selecting the right components can reduce the difficulty and time for building a robot.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Motor Sizing, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Software, Application Examples
Improve Motor Performance With Redesigned Compact BLDC Drivers
The BLH Series compact BLDC motors and drivers have been around for a long time, and there is a good reason. Customers seem to favor the combination of a highly efficient, compact motor and a light weight board type driver that is easy to use. Having a high torque, flat style hollow shaft gearhead as an option also helps in increasing torque as well as minimizing footprint.
Topics: Torque Limit (Push Motion, Tension Control), Robotics, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Software, Bottle Capping, AGV/AMR