Motion Monitor from Machine Design and Motion System Design
January 24, 2008

How and why
From the last comment on our conversation on ethics, I present the thoughts submitted by S. Murray of Fremont, Calif.:

"People frequently say that science professionals ask how, while ethical and religious professionals ask why. I think this is largely a canard ... when the answer to a how is discovered, there is usually a corollary answer to a why.

Science and technology offer us mighty alternatives for answering how and why more intelligently. They bring us a self-correcting window to a universe that is older, larger, move diverse, more coordinated, and stranger than could be imagined with unreliable philosophical answers. And I dare say, the universe brought to us by science is more beautiful ... than grandiose tenets of philosophy and ethics."

As always, we welcome your comments.

In other news, our market research team is conducting a survey. Complete this short questionnaire for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Elisabeth Eitel
Articles

The long and short of linear bushings
If you've ever found yourself strapped to a pair of cross-country skis, then you already understand how gliding platforms of length can augment linear motion. Linear bushings are what many motion systems ride: They're inexpensive, well balanced, and make for effective linear guides. They also work well with different actuator types and in various configurations, having a small coefficient of friction and an ability to compensate for construction-related imperfections.

Selecting a linear bushing for a particular application requires understanding of how they're built and how they work ...


Advertisement

Design and Deploy your Machines Faster

The new National Instruments CompactRIO integrated systems are advanced programmable automation controllers (PACs) that combine an industrial real-time processor and a reconfigurable FPGA within a single chassis, lowering the cost of CompactRIO for high-volume machine control and monitoring applications. Engineers and machine builders can quickly program and customize the FPGA within the CompactRIO using NI LabVIEW 8.5 software.



Field-oriented control for motors
Sophisticated motor control is no longer the sole province of custom hardware and proprietary control techniques. Advances in powerful, low-cost digital-signal controllers (DSCs) let designers use advanced motor- control techniques. For example, power-factor correction (PFC) and field-oriented control (FOC) save energy and quiets rotating machinery.
Read the rest here.

New Products

Motor-mount encoders
HSD35 and HS35 hollow shaft encoders reduce large motor downtime by a shaft seal, unbreakable code disc, and optional redundant outputs and use optical technology combined with field serviceable connectors.

Features & benefits

  • Mounting options include stamped metal, swivel ball tethers for TEFC, C-face mountings
  • Shaft seals resist penetration from water and particulate
  • Highly-engineered plastic disc provides smooth speed at lower motor speed
  • Visit the manufacturer Dynapar at dynapar.com for more information.


    Cam followers
    Lubricant-free composite I-CAM cam followers replace metal cam followers to eliminate metal-to-metal contact — a major cause of damage and failure in steel and aluminum rails.

    Features & benefits

  • High-load, precision-machined composite tires mount ball bearings via thermal technology process
  • Self-lubricating, maintenance-free composite material carries high load
  • Provide low rolling resistance and high linear speeds
  • Reduce noise by more than 10 dB; absorb shock and vibrations
  • Visit the manufacturer Intech Corp. at intechpower.com for more information.

    News from MD

    Introducing Engineering TV, an innovative online video program by engineers for engineers. Twice a week, each 5-8 minute episode shows cutting-edge technology in action and looks behind the scenes as today's engineers shape tomorrow's breakthroughs. Brought to you by the Penton Media Design and Electronics Engineering groups.
    View Videos

    Experience National Instruments Technologies From the Comfort of Your Own Computer!
    With more than 200 on-demand webcasts, videos, interactive tutorials and demos available for users of any experience level, it is easier than ever to learn about the newest products and features available from National Instruments.
    Begin your search here with a collection of webcasts specifically chosen for design and automation engineers.

    CAD Library offers advanced CAD Resources
    The Machine Design CAD Library, includes millions of configurable 2D and 3D CAD models of components and assemblies downloadable for easy use in new and existing designs. Our models are in native CAD formats. No translation required!

    It's salary survey time!
    Find out how you stack up against your peers when it comes to income and workload by taking a few minutes to fill out the 2008 MACHINE DESIGN salary survey.
    Your response, and the replies of other readers, will show where you fit in among other design professionals, as well as help MACHINE DESIGN magazine better serve you as an information source. The results will be highlighted in our salary survey article in the April 24 issue.
    Responding to the survey automatically enters you into a drawing for a prize. To qualify for the drawing, please fill out the survey by Friday, Feb 15.

    Linear Motion Components Survey
    We need your input. Simply complete our brief survey and you can WIN a $500 American Express gift card.

    Sponsored by:


    UPCOMING IN-PERSON EVENTS
    Design-2-Part Shows are America's longest running and most trusted events for sourcing custom parts and services. Ten shows covering the country offer OEMs, engineers and purchasing personnel the opportunity to meet job shops and contract manufacturers face-to-face.

    Linear Analysis Training Class
    February 11-15, 2008
    Students will be shown demonstrations of how to set up, analyze, and investigate typical structures. Workshops let students put this new knowledge into practice. The important features of the FEMAP GUI are introduced and, at the same time the essentials of Nastran are explored. Emphasis during the class is on the construction of proper analysis models, and the effective use of the various solution types. Additional troubleshooting techniques are discussed, as well as the various types of common error messages generated by NEiNastran. The objective of this class is to give a solid grounding in FEA basics and good practice to enable the student to carry out real world linear static analysis.

    UPCOMING WEBCASTS

    Power Transmission Technologies:
    The Advantages and Applications of Belt Drive Solutions

    Sponsored by Gates Corporation
    DATE: February 19th, 2008
    TIME: 2:00pm ET

    Today's designers choose from a variety of technologies for transmitting power in mechanical systems. With increasing demands to optimize systems for efficiency, noise, package size and low maintenance, choosing the right power transmission technology for the job is a challenge. Brent Oman with Gates Corporation will share his knowledge about selecting power transmission solutions. The presentation will review the pros and cons of different technologies and demonstrate the various capabilities of belt drive systems in particular.

    Click here to register!


    ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING


    Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
     

    Thank you for reading the Motion Control Monthly Newsletter from Machine Design and Motion System Design.
    This email was sent to %%$email%%. You've received this e-newsletter for one of two reasons:
    1) You signed up for it on one of our web sites.
    2) You are a reader of Machine Design or Motion System Design magazines.

    Manage Your Subscription
    To quickly unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here Unsubscribe
    To subscribe or unsubscribe, to this or any of our newsletters, visit our subscription page.
    To CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, visit our subscription page, login with your old email address, then change your address.

    Contact Information
    Editorial questions:   Elisabeth Eitel 216-931-9236
    Advertising/sponsorship opportunities:   Virginia Goulding 216-931-9893

    Machine Design
    Motion System Design
    1300 E. 9th St.
    Cleveland, OH 44114

    ©2008 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.