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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Software, Network, Application Examples, New Product Introductions
The level of troubleshooting you can perform depends on your knowledge of the system. This blog post provides the basics of troubleshooting for stepper motor systems.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Troubleshooting, Motion Control Basics
Motors exhibit noise. The important thing to know is how you distinguish normal noise from abnormal noise, and how to troubleshoot.
Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Gearheads, Troubleshooting
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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, Servo Motors, Network
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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Linear & Rotary Actuators, Servo Motors
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 & Rotary Actuators, Software, Rotary/Index Tables, Case Study
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 & Rotary Actuators, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Application Examples
The best motor is the one that meets the application requirements. However, when both servo motors and stepper motors satisfy the basic requirements of a positioning application, it's important to have a deeper understanding of the two technologies to make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we will summarize the differences between servo motor systems and stepper motor systems.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Servo Motors, Network, Service Life
Which type of electric motor do you size for your conveyor, XYZ table, or robot? Before you select one, you must understand the characteristics of each type of motor in the market.
Topics: Conveyor, AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Servo Motors, Motion Control Basics
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.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear & Rotary Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics