Mechatronics
Software wizard provides easy embedded motion controller setup
Product Exclusive: PMD Pro-Motion software offers axis wizard and support for digital amplifiers and embedded motion development, providing easy setup of embedded motion controllers.
Top Control Engineering articles, April 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during April 2013 included the following topics: PID tuning rules, April Fool’s Day article, salary and career survey, lower PLC software costs, remote I/O, robotic innovations and safety, lambda tuning, motion control, cyber security, and energy efficiency, among others.
Demand for DC brushless motors in automotive applications expected to grow 52 percent by 2017
DC brushless motor shipments will outpace shipments of DC brushed and stepper motors used in automotive applications from 2012 to 2017.
China’s motion control market falls nearly 20 percent in 2012
Revenue from sales of motion controls in 2012 fell to $2.2 billion, down 19 percent from $2.7 billion in 2011.
Stepper motion systems addendum
Cost, simplicity, and continuing innovation are keeping stepper motion technology competitive—as described in the May 2013 main article. Additional developments and perspectives on motor-drive integration, controls, component miniaturization, and stepper motion system suppliers are provided here.
Step-motor-based systems stay competitive
Motion control: Traditional stepper-motor systems represent the only motion-control technology able to operate in open loop—although the addition of position feedback to enhance performance is on the rise. Simpler controls, lower cost components, and other innovations keep stepper systems competitive with servo motion systems in numerous applications.
Motion control: Statue of Liberty rescue elevator
Application Update: At the Statue of Liberty, the new fast, efficient rescue elevator features a smooth ride to the top, ensured by a motor drive, to improve safety, emergency access, and evacuation for the crown jewel of U.S. statues and tourist destinations.
Products used: Automaker changes gears without changing grippers
Original equipment manufacturer Moore Controls used Festo HGPLE electric grippers to help an automaker’s transmission operations eliminate costly changeovers.
Automaker changes gears without changing grippers
When a major automaker sought a new strategy for automated transmission operations, an original equipment manufacturer put electric grippers at the cutting edge to eliminate costly changeovers.
China market for motion-control gear slowed in 2012, but picture brightens starting this year
The overall motion-control market in China contracted 19 percent last year compared to 2011.
