More mechatronics products, services from Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation has expanded its mechatronic solutions portfolio consisting of software tools, motion control products and support. According to Rockwell, the portfolio helps engineers to better collaborate, and reduce machine costs and development time by providing a common forum where design input from the mechanical, controls, software and electrical engineers can be more easily gathered...

January 1, 2010

Rockwell Automation has expanded its mechatronic solutions portfolio consisting of software tools, motion control products and support. According to Rockwell, the portfolio helps engineers to better collaborate, and reduce machine costs and development time by providing a common forum where design input from the mechanical, controls, software and electrical engineers can be more easily gathered and evaluated.

Mechatronics is a collaborative venture between mechanical, electrical, and control design engineers to optimize machine design. However, due to high costs and lack of easy-to-use tools associated with virtual prototyping, mechatronics has traditionally proven challenging for machine builders to integrate into their design process, Rockwell says.

The new mechatronic solutions portfolio from Rockwell Automation features:

Updated Motion Analyzer software, used by machine builders to help select the best-suited drive-motor-actuator combination for their application, now provides interoperability with SolidWorks 3D CAD software. This interoperability helps shorten lead times and delivers a highly graphical environment for designing machines and sophisticated motion profiles. Also, the Motion Analyzer software is now capable of transferring motion profiles directly into Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 software, helping reduce programming time.

Allen-Bradley RDD-Series direct drive rotary servo motors offer rotary direct drive technology that minimizes the need for power transmission devices and can help reduce machine complexity, system compliance and energy consumption while delivering high dynamic performance, fast settling times and better overall control of the load.

Allen-Bradley LDC-Series and LDL-Series linear servo motors provide machine builders with precise, linear motion capabilities at a cost-effective price point. They have no “wear items” such as bearings, gears and belts, minimizing the need for routine maintenance and replacement parts for improved reliability over other linear actuation methods.

Allen-Bradley MP-Series and TL-Series electric cylinders offer machine builders a quiet, clean and energy-efficient alternative to pneumatics and other nonservo methods for linear motion actuation. They also offer improved flexibility and repeatability with less mechanical vibration, delivering a preferred mechatronic outcome.

MP-Series integrated linear stages simplify machine design and are said to be well-suited for a variety of applications that require loads to be supported and moved with precise linear positioning and velocity control. Available in single and multiaxis configurations, the pre-engineered stages deliver high-performance linear motion.