Meeting stringent space and weight demands is a challenge for many of today's design engineers. If your new project needs to go on a diet, check out these tips and tools for watching weight and making it fit.
Lightweight motors combine speed, resolution
The Megatorque Motor PS series offers high speed and high resolution movement in a compact frame. These direct drive motors also provide superior accuracy and torque, and are suited for applications in the semiconductor, medical, and machine tool industries. The motors incorporate an absolute position sensor with a resolution of 2,621,440 counts/rev and positioning accuracy of 90 arc sec, requiring no homing operation. Seven models are available in 4 and 6 in. diameters. User-friendly software is included for editing tuning parameters and controlling functions.
NSK Precision America Inc.
www.nskprecision.com/pspn
(800) 255-4773
Mini lead screw assemblies offer affordable precision
Small diameter, precision rolled, lead screw assemblies offer reliable and precise motion control at just 10% of the cost of miniature ballscrews. The Mini Series is suited for demanding small-scale applications, such as data storage drives, micro-actuators, and laser and optical focusing mechanisms. Assemblies are built to last hundreds of millions of inches of travel without external lubrication, maintenance, or adjustment. Lead screws are made of 303 stainless steel and come with standard diameters as small as 0.125 in. Custom diameters are also available.
Kerk Motion Products Inc.
www.kerkmotion.com
(603) 465-7227
High-speed linear guide lightens up
Significantly lighter in weight than conventional LM guides, the new Light LM Guide enables high-speed operation. Featuring a cold drawn hollow rail and an aluminum block, the Light weighs approximately 40% less than conventional guides, but includes the same hardened steel raceways to ensure long life. Caged technology, which uses a synthetic resin cage with a patented curvature to cradle each ball separately, provides smooth motion even during high-speed conditions. Spaces between the rolling elements retain grease and act as a lubrication system for maintenance-free operation.
THK America Inc.
www.thk.com
(847) 310-1111
Save space with flat motors
EC Series flat, brushless dc motors with integrated electronics reduce the need for control input to an absolute minimum. Current commutation is integrated in the motor through Hall sensors, a 1-quadrant speed controller, and numerous protection functions. In the 2-wire version, speed is proportional to the applied operating voltage of 10 to 28 V, while the 5-wire version offers additional functions and a wider operating range. Current limitation, under and over-voltage switch-off, and temperature monitoring are standard in all models.
maxon precision motors inc.
www.maxonmotorusa.com
(508) 677-0520
Tiny motor cranks out the torque
The 35GLT series of RoHS compliant, brush dc motors feature a 35 mm housing, weigh just 360 grams, and deliver a 40% increase in torque-to-volume ratio compared to standard iron core motors of similar size. Maximum continuous torque approaches 150 mNm, a 25% improvement over conventional models. These 24 to 90 V motors come in five winding types and are customizable for use with a range of gearboxes and encoders. They are suited for power hand tools, food processing, door automation, and feed and assembly tools, among other applications where high continuous torque is required.
Portescap, a Danaher Motion company
www.portescap.com
(610) 235-5499