MD_Motion Monitor_: White papers, U.S. manufacturing, and more

Please add MD_Motion Monitor_ to your Safe Sender list.

May 21, 2009

39 MPG by 2016

Two days ago, the EPA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Notice of Intent "stating that the two agencies intend to work in coordination to propose standards for control of emissions of greenhouse gases and for fuel economy, respectively." (Link to the original above.) Obama also announced specifics of the plan, which will require higher efficiency from cars sold in the U.S. The first cars that will have to meet the higher standard are 2011 models; efficiency requirements will then increase by five percent every year.

What is your take on the regulations? As always, we welcome your comments, and will share them here in the next edition. We especially welcome comments from readers in California who have lived with more stringent emissions regulations for some time now.

— Elisabeth Eitel

Articles

Finer control of linear motion

For finer positioning needs, a straightforward alternative comes from stepper-motor-based linear actuators.

These devices simplify the design of a machine or mechanism that requires precise linear positioning because they provide rotary-to-linear conversion directly inside the motor. The actuators move a given degree of rotary motion for every electrical-input pulse.

Two white papers: Rotary position sensors

Check them out: Here are two white papers covering how rotary encoders can reduce costs. Two technologies — multiturn and touchless varieties — are covered.

An excerpt: Many applications require rotation counters that can measure angles greater than 360º. However low-cost 10-turn potentiometers most design engineers are familiar with can’t always meet user requirements for resolution and reliability. As an alternative, optical absolute encoders are too expensive for many applications. These solutions require a continuous power supply or they will lose count when power is restored. Also, geared technology/rotation counters are subject to significant wear ...

U.S. manufacturing: Special report

If only it were as simple as “Buy American.” In today’s complex, global, and interconnected economy, it’s just not that easy.

As Motion System Design magazine marks its 50th year in print, its editors explore how U.S. manufacturing has changed over this last half century. The trends are dramatic and (despite current economic woes) encouraging as well. Click on the title link above to access the flash file.

New Products

Cable carrier

Marathon carrier system is suitable for applications with long travels and high accelerations where high tow forces are a problem; system can reduce tow force by 90%.
• Rollers support carrier throughout entire travel; guide trough is replaced with cost effective, easy-to-install rail guidance system
• Carrier does not sag and contact itself and cannot contact guide trough rails; rollers prevent misalignment and have high duty capacity due to even rolling surface
• Travels to 2,000 m; velocities to 5 m/sec; Manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing Co. Inc. Gortrac Division

C-Lube Unit for Cam Followers

IKO C-Lube Unit for Cam Follower is a lubricating part attached to the cam follower. Since lubricating oil, which is indispensable to the outside diameter surface of the cam follower outer ring and track surface is supplied, periodical oil supplying is not required. It realizes a long period maintenance free operation of the track surface.

www.ikont.co.jp/eg

Cartesian gantries

AGS Series linear-motor Cartesian gantries are optimized for precise contouring.
• Velocity to 3 m/sec and acceleration to 5 g; travels to 1.3 × 1.3 m; customizable Z, theta axes for flexible configuration
• BLM and BLMH series brushless linear servomotors provide smooth motion; dual linear motors and encoders on lower axis offer high performance and precision
• Noncontact linear encoders, configurable cable management system allows integration of fiber, lasers, cameras, air lines, and more for multiple applications
• Rugged, noncontact optical linear encoders offer resolutions to one nanometer; Manufacturer: Aerotech Inc.

News from MD

Join the Elite Group of Engineering Professionals Qualified to Receive Energy Efficiency & Technology Magazine!

The mission of EET is to serve engineers who are working to enhance energy efficiency and productivity and bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy technologies to the marketplace. EET helps engineers develop and employ state-of-the-art energy systems and practices by providing a forum for the exchange of information among those involved in energy conservation and efficiency. The goal is to bring together practitioners with emphasis on technical content and on all technical aspects of the design, manufacture, and application of devices, circuits, and systems related to technology for energy conversion and efficiency. Our content includes technical articles, written by practicing professionals and edited by engineers, overviews describing the latest developments in industry, tutorials that cover wide-ranging energy topics, and a showcase of new technologies and products. Furthermore, EET includes viewpoints and discussions contributed by experts in relevant areas, and regular updates on relevant energy legislation and standards.

Subscribe Now!

Machine Design Video Spotlight

	Membrane Switches for Harsh Environments
	Joseph Schwartz from The Bergquist Co. shows Lee Teschler of Machine Design magazine the advantages of heat-sealed membrane switches over pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) membrane switches in harsh environments.

Check Out the New Machinedesign.com

Our newly redesigned web site still features the best content and information for engineers provided by engineers but with these new great features.

Multiple Path Navigation
Find content your way. Improved site navigation creates multiple ways to find the content you are looking for.

Supercharged Search
The search function has been highly improved and tested to provide the most effective results for engineers.

Highlighted Resources
Looking for CAD drawings? Find them in our CAD Library. Download whitepapers in the Whitepaper Library. Valuable educational content is featured in the eBook section. Check out the latest in editorial and sponsored video in the Video section.

UPCOMING WEBCASTS

Understanding Key Power Transmission Technologies:
Comparing Belt, Chain & Gear Drives for OEM Projects
Sponsored by Rexnord
DATE: May 28th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT

OEM design teams are under pressure to juggle technologies with specifications with the outcome always being a great new or improved product. Many of these projects have Power Transmission components at their core and the wrong technology can really hurt the end product.
Dennis Missun and Nick Derus from Rexnord have gathered information about the critical issues that need to be considered when deciding between belt, chain and gear drive technologies for applications requiring 5 lbs – 100 lbs of force.

The course will cover

Torque Density: comparing key rating systems AGMA & ISO
Application considerations: impact of thermals, friction and vibration
Basics of sizing & selection: information to right-size components
Other Project/End Customer Considerations
Live question/answer session with presenters

Click here learn more and to register!

ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING

Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.