Originally Published EMDM May/June 2005
Product Update
Focus on suppliers of precision motion control products
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XP Power plc
Multiple-output versions of two series of 40- and 60-W ac/dc switching power supplies have been introduced recently by XP Power plc (Pangbourne, Berks, UK). Approved for Class I and Class II applications, the ECM40 and ECM60 series include products with up to three outputs at voltages from 3.3 to 48 V dc. The power supplies meet EN 55022 specifications and have maximum leakage currents of 100 µA at 115 V ac or 200 µA at 230 V ac. One output is adjustable by ±10%. Load regulation is ±3% on one output and ±5% on the other two. Line regulation is ±0.5% and cross regulation is ±2%. Ripple and noise are within 1% from peak to peak at 20 MHz bandwidth. The power supplies feature built-in protection against overvoltages, overloads, and short circuits.
The units deliver full power between 0° and 50°C, and can operate at up to 80°C with derating and 5 cfm of cooling. Covers, looms, and connector kits are available.
Haydon Switch & Instrument Inc.
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Size-8 captive linear actuators are suitable for applications in which external antirotation methods are difficult or impossible to employ. Haydon Switch & Instrument Inc. (Waterbury, CT, USA) designed the actuators with a proprietary, integral antirotation mechanism.
The actuators are built to deliver thrusts of up to 4.5 kg and last several million cycles. They feature thermoplastics in the rotor drive nut and a stainless-steel leadscrew. The frame size is a 21-mm square.
The captive hybrid linear actuators are available in resolutions ranging from 0.0015 mm to 0.04 mm per step. The company offers standard configurations as well as custom designs to meet application requirements.
Technosoft S.A.
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A compact servo drive is software-configurable
to drive brushless, step, dc, and linear motors up
to 75 W. The IBL2403, developed by Technosoft S.A. (Corcelles, Switzerland), combines motion
control, drive, and PLC capabilities in a single compact unit that measures 65 ¥ 58 ¥ 21 mm.
The unit’s motion language can be used to program multimode motion operations, including contouring, profiling, gearing, and electronic camming, as well as PVT in stand-alone or multiaxis configurations. Libraries for C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, or Labview and S7 PLC, with starter kits, also can be integrated into the final applications.
The miniature drive typically accepts feedback devices such as tacho generators, incremental encoders, and digital or linear halls. It can distribute control over CAN or RS-485 and RS-232 networks.
Oriental Motor GmbH
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Rotary actuators for positioning applications feature a compact size and high positioning accuracy. Manufactured by Oriental Motor GmbH (Düsseldorf, Germany), DG-series actuators have a repetitive positioning accuracy of ±0.004° and lost motion of 0.033°, and reach a maximum speed of 200 rpm. The actuators’ hollow shafts have large diameters, which facilitates routing of wires through the shafts.
The series consists of two frame sizes. The 50-mm model is designed for 24-V dc input, contains a ball bearing, and weighs 500 g. The 130-mm actuator is suitable for 230-V ac input, weighs 2.6 kg, and contains a cross-roller bearing for thrust loads up to 2000 N. Both sizes carry the CE mark and comply with UL requirements.
X2 Technology AB
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Telescopic columns are designed to be incorporated into medical devices, including x-ray and rehabilitation equipment. Columns manufactured by X2 Technology AB (Växjö, Sweden) are designed to suit customers’ individual force, speed, lifetime, and side-load requirements.
The columns can be operated at high speeds while generating very little noise. For example, a column operating at 30 mm/sec with a load of 300 kg produces only 45 dB of noise.
maxon motor ag
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A 30-mm-diam motor delivers a constant output of 200 W and weighs 270 g. Manufactured by maxon motor ag (Sachseln, Switzerland), the EC-powermax can be combined in a modular system with 42-mm planetary gearheads, digital encoders that output up to 1000 pulses per revolution, and brakes.
The motor’s four-pole rotor provides output capacity that is four times greater than the company’s two-pole version. A grooveless stator provides precise control, particularly for positioning operations. Low mechanical vibration also minimizes noise in higher speed ranges.
Sonceboz S.A.
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Integrated neodymium-magnet-based stepping motors operate at low noise levels. Sonceboz S.A. (Sonceboz, Switzerland) has developed a mechatronic concept that minimizes resonance, vibration, and running noise associated with step movements. The motors are suitable for medical applications that require silent operation, such as peristaltic pump drives.
All of the company’s integrated motors incorporate the low-noise technology. The motors are available in a NEMA 23 size with mechanical output power ranging from 20 to 36 W. In addition to its utilization in the manufacturer’s own motor series, the noise reduction technology can be integrated with dedicated mechatronic systems according to customer specifications.
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