Motion Control/Power Transmission 12401Motion Control/Power Transmission
August 4, 2003

Planetary gearhead
All-plastic version available
A wide range of ratios are available in a series of 10-mm planetary gearheads. Features include concentric input and output, ball or sleeve bearings, and brush or brushless motor mounting. The maximum continuous torque is 21.3 oz-inches. Applications include handheld devices, robotics, printers, automation, and medical and positioning operations. The series is available in ratios from 4:1 to 1,024:1. Maxon Precision Motors www.maxonmotorusa.com Enter 589
Manufacturing cell
CNC station available
The Module-Mation(TM) 3-axis manufacturing cell series includes reconfigurable spindle, column position, and way style. Each cell is designed for stiffness in machining aluminum, cast-iron, or steel. The MM400 series accepts 40 or 50 MT, or HSK 63 tooling. Standard features include limit switches, lubrication systems, piping, wiring, and pneumatic counterbalance. SKF USA Inc., www.skfusa.com Enter 590
Velocity controller
Helps minimize motor size
A sensorless velocity controller reportedly boosts the efficiency of open-loop, ironless-core, brushless motor applications. According to reports, the TG2601 vControl minimizes high-current ripple by operating at high frequency. This unit commutates the motor without the need for position sensors. Motors operate as a commutated brushless entity in a velocity-mode with an inner current loop. ThinGap Motor Technologies, www.thingap.com Enter 591
Stepper motors
High resolution capability
The INS20-PF stepper motor series is available for OEM applications for automated equipment. The motors supply up to 200,000 steps per revolution and more than 187 oz-inches of holding torque. Available in NEMA sizes 17 and 23. Units perform in 16 resolution modes. Applications include medical, robotics, semiconductors, packaging, lasers, CNC machines, conveyors, woodworking, and aerospace. Nyden Corp., www.nyden.com Enter 592
Hub motors
110 or 220 inch-lbs torque
XTi Hub Motors(TM) use an integrated, changeable rubber tire and a dc, geared brush motor to drive vehicles like three-wheel electric carts. One 24V and two 12V models are available. The 12V models are available with and without a friction disc, and the 24V version has an internal electric brake. Standard speeds are 76 rpm at 12V, and 156 rpm at 24V. Controllers and throttle systems are also available. Assembled Products Corp. www.assembledproducts.com Enter 593
Unground bearings
Burnished races offer smooth operation
Heim Unibal(R) ball bearings handle high loads and reportedly higher load capacity than caged or split-ring bearings. Manufacturing methods produce races uninterrupted by splits or slots. Bearings are not ground but can be used in place of ground bearings in many applications including wheels, casters, ammunition loaders, door closers, textile machines, power tools, conveyors and pulleys. Bearings are available in plain, flanged OD, and clevis mounted, and in standard and special configurations. RBC Bearings, www.rbcbearings.com Enter 594
CNC controllers
UMAC, QMAC available
The Advantage 810 CNC application family supports high-speed machining, contouring, and 5-axis operations. The operator control panel has five user-definable function keys; embedded, preloaded software; and an autopilot, quick setup tool. A single USB interface cable connects the console and motion controller. Works with existing motors and amplifiers. The Advantage 810 supports dynamic multi-block for path fidelity at any speed. Delta Tau Data Systems, www.deltatau.com Enter 595
Machining center
Optional 4th and 5th axes
RoboDrill B Space Saver machining center reportedly offers capabilities of large centers in a compact footprint. RoboDrill performs rigid tapping to 6,000 rpm, peck tapping for deep holes, and high-speed reverse tapping. Its working table has a capacity to 330 lbs. Space Saver's rigidity and milling performance approaches that of a 40-taper machine, the company says. Applications include CNC milling, drilling, boring, deburring, and chamfering. Methods Machine Tools www.methodsmachine.com Enter 596
Stepping motors
Reduce design, assembly time
High-torque stepping motors with on-board electronics are available with an optional ACME screw linear actuator, in NEMA 14, 17, 23, and 34. Actuator versions include non-captive shaft, captive shaft, and external linear. The maximum thrust is 25 lbs for size 14; 50 lbs for size 17; 200 lbs for size 23; and 500 lbs for size 34. Intelligent Motion Systems Inc. www.imshome.com Enter 597
Closed-loop controller
Handles to 50 gpm
Operators achieve instant remote control using a self-contained, closed-loop controller that offers plug 'n play connection. The controller is available with single or dual controls and is reportedly ideal for applications that require stability when flow, pressure, or temperature changes. This unit can control flows up to 50 gpm and pressures to 3,000 psi. A comparator or smart card is available separately. Source Fluid Power www.sourcefp.com Enter 598
Stainless gas spring
Offers for corrosion resistance
Reportedly offering protection against adverse, corrosive environments, GSSX stainless steel-shafted gas spring also offers longer service life, the company reports. Contaminants are less likely to work their way inside the gas spring tube breaking down seals and causing the spring to fail. Features include a lip seal inside the tube and composite end fittings. Applications include marine and land-based vehicles and equipment. Service Plus Distributors www.spdhardware.com Enter 599
Cast iron wheels
Withstands higher temperatures
V-groove, cast-iron wheels reportedly have very low tractive resistance and high-temperature tolerance. Wheels feature a ball journal bearing for strength. Available in diameters of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches, cast wheels have load capacities of 450 to 2,000 lbs. Various groove widths are available, as well. Standard finish is a clear shellac. Revvo Caster Co. www.RevvoCaster.com Enter 600
Linear drive
Rolling-ring bearing assembly
Kinemax linear drives offer variable pitches, making it possible to spool materials of varying diameters on one winding assembly. Linear pitch is set using a control dial on the drive face. The pitch remains constant regardless of motor speed or take-up reel speed. This drive provides up to 6.8 lbs of axial thrust and the maximum pitch of 6.2 mm. Amacoil Inc., www.amacoil.com Enter 601
Conveyor clutch
No rotary air union
The Air Champ(R) straight-bore conveyor clutch can be modified for a variety of sprockets, timing belts, or pulleys. The LSCC-32 is ideal for soft starts in accumulating, chain-driven, live-roller, or in-line conveyor applications, the company reports. The product is activated by air pressure, driving the sprockets attached to the clutch drive flange. Springs keep the clutch disengaged when air is off. The product can be configured for clutch-brake operations. Nexen Group Inc., www.nexengroup.com Enter 602
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