Originally Published MPMN November
2004
SPOTLIGHT
Motors and Motion Control ComponentsZero-cog motors 
A series of ironless core, brushless linear motors produce up to 26 lb of peak
force and have an overall width of 18 mm. The LEU motors are offered in two
heights—the LEU-15 measures 15 mm and the LEU-30 is 30 mm. Coil sizes of
35, 65, and 95 mm are available. They are supported by four magnet channels
in lengths of 60, 90, 150, and 300 mm. An ironless core design provides ultrasmooth
motion since there are no iron winding laminations to produce cogging. The small
coil and magnet track footprint makes the unit readily adaptable for moving
coil or magnet stage designs to reduce cable loading and wear.
Rockwell Automation, Anorad Brand, Shirley, NY www.anorad.com
Planetary gear reducer
A servo planetary gear reducer is designed for use with servomotors. The Able
unit has a piloted modular input adaptor flange with an O-ring and compressible
bushing, enabling mounting to any manufacturer’s servomotor. Three different
backlash ratings are available. The product is grease lubricated for mounting
in any position, is highly rigid, and IP64 rated. Shimpo Drives Inc.,
Itasca, IL www.shimpodrives.com
Stepper motor
A high-torque step motor has integrated electronics designed for durability
and power. The true closed-loop system combines an ac 50-pole step motor, motion
controller, drive amplifier, and feedback encoder in one package. ServoStep
delivers continuous torque capability of up to 1000 oz-in., and a nominal speed
of 2200 rpm. Motor protection includes software current limit, limit switch
inputs, and built-in thermal protection. The unit uses standard NEMA mounts
with an RS 485 port. Animatics Corp., Santa Clara, CA www.animatics.com
Motion controller and networks
A motion controller uses a 466 MHz Motorola PowerPC processor for optimum flexibility
and speed. The ZMP line features a 10 ¥ increase in processing power over
the company’s earlier XMP version. The company’s SynqNet motion control
networks provide a 100 Mbps synchronous real-time connection between motion
controllers and torque drives, stepper drives, and input and output modules.
The network also offers fault tolerance, real-time node data collection, firmware
downloads, and wide vendor servo interoperability. Motion Engineering,
Santa Barbara, CA www.motioneng.com
Compact actuator
A high-speed actuator is available in sizes of 20 and 26 mm. The SKR actuator
has positioning accuracies of 0.020 mm, overall rail lengths from 159 to 370
mm, and stroke ranges of 41.5 to 69 to 141.5 to 219 mm. Engineered into the
SKR is the company’s caged technology, which employs a synthetic resin
cage with a patented curvature that cradle each ball and separates it from the
next. The spaces between the rolling elements retain grease and act as a lubrication
system for long-term, maintenance-free operation. THK America Inc., Schaumburg,
IL www.thk.com
Motor technology
A compact motor technology combines a high-torque stepping motor with onboard electronics. MDrives are currently available with NEMA motor sizes 14, 17, 23, and 34, in a choice of stack lengths. Versions include microstepping, speed control with oscillator, and motion control with indexer. Encoder, linear actuator, planetary gearbox, and a rear knob for manual control are options for the units. Intelligent Motion Systems Inc., Marlborough, CT www.imshome.com
Integrated-drive dc motors
An addition to a company’s motor line expands the dynamic speed ratio to
cover 70 to 3450 rpm. The BL58-EB adds bidirectional active braking capability.
The unit measures 68 mm in diam, and 62 mm in length, and is rated at 35 W power
output. The company says its service life is extremely long because of its rugged
bearing system and the absence of brushes. Premotec BV, Dordrect, Netherlands
www.premotec.com
Brushless dc motors
Miniature brushless dc motors have integral speed control for use in a variety
of medical applications. The 12 V dc LB16 produces 0.28 oz-in. of torque at
9500 rpm, with a continuous load range of 0 to 0.71 oz-in. A peak torque of
0.71 oz-in. at 0.8 A is available for start-up conditions. For variable-speed
applications, the input voltage can be varied from 3.5 to 13.2 V dc. The motor
measures 16 mm in diam, and 21 mm in length. The output shaft is 1.5 mm diam
and 12 mm long. It weighs less than an ounce and the noise signature is 45 dba
as measured 1 ft from the case. Nidec Copal USA Corp., Torrance, CA www.copal-usa.com
Gearmotor
A brushless dc gear motor offers extended life, high efficiency, and provides
up to 300 in./lb of output torque over a variable speed range of 1 to 30 rpm.
The heavy-duty gearbox is combined with a 2.25 in. double ball-bearing brushless
motor that features ultraquiet operation and provides all the benefits of brush-type
motors, without the limitations of brushes and commutators. Optional features
include customized output shafts, integral controls, programmable dynamic braking
for back drive resistance, various mounting options, and custom speed profiles.
Merkle-Korff Industries Inc., Des Plaines, IL www.merkle-korff.com/index.asp
Commutation encoder
A compact optical encoder combines two- and three-phase brushless motor commutation
pulses and incremental position feedback. The low-profile RCML15 has a frequency
response reaching 300 KHz. A built-in servo groove allows ±20 degrees
of rotation of the encoder to align the commutation tracks with the motor poles.
The unit features a patented slide and gap mechanism for ease of installation
and maximum performance. It is available in a wide selection of resolutions
up to 2048 lines and provides commutation for 4, 6, or 8-pole brushless motors.
Renco Encoders Inc., Goleta, CA www.renco.com
Copyright ©2004 Medical Product Manufacturing News
