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Controller and drive manufacturer Galil Motion Control Inc. now offers MotorSizer, a free web-based tool to help designers size motors and amplifiers to their application. Available at www.galilmc.com under Free Highlights, MotorSizer directs users to specify their load and motion requirements for various mechanical systems. Users may even enter their own motor and amplifier type for analysis and save their data for future reference.
The program also lets users specify and analyze each axis in their motion system. Currently, the actuator types available for analysis include belt drive, lead screw, linear motor, rack and pinion, and rotary. Users enter load inertia, friction, and efficiencies. Next, motion-profile parameters — distance, move time, acceleration time (or slew speed and acceleration) and dwell time — are entered. Then motor and drive parameters are specified. After that, the program calculates and analyzes if the motor and drive can move the load according to the specifications and stay within peak torque, continuous torque, maximum speed, and temperature rise ratings. Note MotorSizer is a password-protected tool that requires user registration.