Motion Control Resources
Precision Fluid Handling: Optimizing Lab Automation Mechanics
by Chuck Lewin, Founder and CEO, Performance Motion Devices, Inc.
POSTED: 01/15/2021
This article is the second in a two-part series on precision fluid handling and motion control. In the first installment we build up the fundamentals of liquid handling by looking at commonly used pumping technologies. In the second installment we focus on the higher level systems that utilize liquid pumping such
POSTED: 12/03/2020
A development story Sound Leisure is a name synonymous with high quality and innovative digital and retro jukeboxes. Their team has some of the finest craftsmen and technical minds in the leisure industry. Development Engineer, Dave Darby, contacted maxon after receiving notice of the obsolescence
Mobile and Portable Automation Demands Light, Efficient, and Cool Operation
by Performance Motion Devices
POSTED: 08/31/2020
In this entry to PMD's solving motion control problems series we will focus on mobile and battery operated applications where three particular requirements become especially important: the weight, the efficiency, and the amount of heat generated by the motor and associated controls. Mobile robotics covers a broad range of applications, including
New Control Technique Combines Servo Performance With Step Motor Cost
by Chuck Lewin, Founder and CEO, Performance Motion Devices, Inc.
POSTED: 06/29/2020
When it comes to step motors, a new drive technique called stepper servo is making everything old new again and winning back machine designers who may have relegated step motors to the category of low cost but low performance. What makes this technique powerful is that it can use a generic
Measure While You Press — Force Feedback in Linear Actuators
POSTED: 04/20/2020
Introduction Successful automation processes that use linear actuators may benefit from incorporating force feedback into the control loop. In fact, most motion specialists are familiar with the concept of electrical feedback or pressure feedback from forces applied in electrical or hydraulic systems. Monitoring force feedback can improve process control, help maintain consistent
Benefits of Electric Linear Actuators Over Hydraulic Systems
POSTED: 04/20/2020
Contrary to common opinion electric actuators actually have a lower total cost than hydraulic cylinders. Although the upfront costs of an electric linear actuator can be more than a hydraulic system, the additional benefits described below tip the balance in favor of electric linear actuators. CONTROL Electric linear actuators equipped with a
by Performance Motion Devices
POSTED: 03/20/2020
Everyone working in motion control has a war story; be it the machine that stopped working mysteriously or the motor that wouldn't stop vibrating. This deep dive around servo motor noise is part of a series that focuses on motion control problems you may run into and provides some ammunition
Rotary Encoders Join the Industrial Internet of Things
by Jeff Smoot
POSTED: 02/26/2020
While it may be that Benjamin Franklin is widely attributed to making the phrase “time is money” popular, I do not believe that I am stretching the truth by stating that this phrase also rings painfully true for anyone associated with machine design, industrial automation, or robotics. Machine down time
New Low Cost Torque Control ICs Provide Field Oriented Control
by Performance Motion Devices
POSTED: 12/31/2019
The MC73112, MC73112N, MC71112, and MC71112N from PMD are newly released ICs that provide torque control of 3-phase Brushless DC and DC Brush motors with advanced features such as FOC (Field Oriented Control), shunt regulation, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal generation with shoot-through protection, overcurrent & overtemperature protection, braking, and
Ask an Engineer: Linear guide options for cleanroom applications
by Alex Polo, Sales Engineer and linear motion specialist
POSTED: 10/04/2019
Editor’s note: In this ongoing video series, members of the Motion Solutions engineering staff share insights on technologies and problem-solving. The Motion Solutions Engineered Solutions team works daily to design complex electromechanical assemblies across a variety of industries. With more than
Get 2X faster development with Performance Motion Devices
POSTED: 05/29/2019
For many OEMs, there’s no business case for do-it-yourself motion systems For OEMs like you, hitting your product introduction date is crucial. In fact, metrics have repeatedly shown that the length of time spent developing a product has a greater impact on its success than its costs. Some of the best
Tips for Improving Gantry Performance
by Dean Crumlish and Bill Lackey
POSTED: 05/21/2019
Editor’s Note: This blog post is part of a series of occasional articles featuring guest authors from among our partners. Gantries play an important role in a variety of applications such as DNA analysis, pick-and-place assembly, industrial materials handling, and many
Analyst Agree: Medical Equipment Market Poised for Growth
by Scott Depenbrok, President
POSTED: 04/19/2019
Driven by changing population demographics worldwide, the medical equipment market is on the rise. Several different analysts predict increasing sales, with estimated compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) ranging from 4.5% to 6.3%. Those numbers aren’t huge but they are
Understanding Your Options in Corrosion Resistance
by Alex Polo, Sales Engineer
POSTED: 03/05/2019
Editor’s note: In this ongoing video series, members of the Motion Solutions engineering staff share insights on technologies and problem-solving. The Motion Solutions Engineered Solutions team works daily to design complex electromechanical assemblies across a variety of industries. With
Five Questions with Aaron Dietrick of Tolomatic
by MOSO Marketing
POSTED: 01/22/2019
Editor’s Note: this story is part of an ongoing series of blog entries in which Motion Solutions partners discuss opportunities and challenges facing the automation industry. Q: What are key emerging technologies