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

 

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

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

Video Explainer: Features of the New BLV Series R Type

Posted by Johann Tang on Jan 28, 2022 8:27:56 PM

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.

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Topics: Robotics, Smooth Drive, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Software, Network

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 Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics

3 Things to Know About the BLV Series Update

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 15, 2021 12:00:00 PM

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.

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Topics: Robotics, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Software, Network, Troubleshooting

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 Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics

A Brief Overview of the AlphaStep Family

Posted by Johann Tang on Aug 28, 2019 2:37:43 PM

AlphaStep Logo

The word, "AlphaStep", describes Oriental Motor's patented Hybrid Control technology, which offers improved stepper motor performance by sensing the rotor position and automatically switching between open-loop and closed-loop operation when necessary.  This post explains the unique technologies offered within the AlphaStep family of products and summarizes the numerous integrated options available.  It also can serve as a website navigation guide (video added).

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Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Software, Network

How Easy Is It to Build a Robot?

Posted by Johann Tang on Jul 19, 2019 8:31:19 PM

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.

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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

Posted by Johann Tang on Jun 3, 2019 5:33:13 PM

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.

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Topics: Torque Limit (Push Motion, Tension Control), Robotics, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Software, Bottle Capping, AGV/AMR

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