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We got a lot of response from our recent coverage of the Nobel Prize
in Physics.
An email from product engineer Tom S. sums up what a lot of you
expressed: "It just goes to show that the press is too ignorant to
appreciate any technology. They swoon over Barack Obama and his peace
prize because he is a celebrity to them. This is a major reason that
students stay away from engineering in this country. You don’t get any
recognition or financial rewards unless you are an investment banker or
a celebrity." Indeed, the statement has a ring of truth to it. Maybe
that's why the new
Intel ads are so charming.
In other news, Motion System Design magazine is now on Facebook. If
you’re also on the website and want to join our community by becoming
an MSD fan, simply search Motion System Design at facebook.com and click the instant
Become a Fan link.
As always, we welcome your
comments.
— Elisabeth Eitel
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Noun: Application-specific software and custom-integrated circuits
specifically designed and implanted to generate commands that bring
forth the best possible performance from the machine to which they're
devoted.
Most motion systems have at least some embedded control. Now
evermore-powerful data processing and chip manufacturing is being
leveraged — so increasingly sophisticated firm and hardware is being
designed for embedding.
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Retrofits can prove annoyingly tedious. The engineer must either
research component specifications or disassemble the machine and
directly measure the components. Often the motor is simply oversized to
avoid this, adding to the cost of the retrofit and possible cancellation
because of the higher expense.While oversizing the motor does typically
make tuning a whole lot easier, it still doesn’t tell you the inertia
ratio. There is a way to avoid all of the hassle: automatic inertia
detection.
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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.
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The AGE-E and AGE-F compensation units are designed for balancing
tolerances or deviations of workpiece position.
• Optional pneumatic centering lock allows holding on-center; pads let
AGE-E compensate for deviations to 4 mm in X and Y axes, angular
compensation of up to 3.5°
• Directly mounted to PGN+, PZN+, JGP, and JGZ grippers from sizes 50
to 200; handles up to 24 kg; self-centering version uses spring force,
compensates for deviations to 5 mm in X and Y axes
• Three spring rates available; cross-roller guides for mechanical
operation; robot ISO flanges on mounting surface. Manufacturer: Schunk
Inc.
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'Specifying Linear Motion Systems'
White Paper Now Available from ROLLON
ROLLON Corporation is
offering engineers a detailed white paper with valuable information on
critical areas of consideration for engineers who are looking to specify
a linear motion system. With over 25 years of linear applications
experience, ROLLON is a leading international manufacturer of linear
bearings and actuators designed to meet the requirements of design
engineers involved in machine design applications across all
industries.
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The PT-104 four-channel, temperature data-acquisition module
measures temperature, resistance, and voltage.
• High-resolution unit is for use with Pt100 and Pt1000 RTD sensors
• No power supply is required, and the CE compliant unit uses RS-232
or USB interface (USB interface via included RS-232 to USB interface
converter)
• Windows software for basic data acquisition and display.
Manufacturer: Omega Engineering Inc.
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Check Out the New EET Website
Are you looking for more information on energy efficiency? EETweb.com
features the latest efficiency updates, information on the basics of
energy efficiency and products available for energy efficient designs.
Click here to
visit the site and learn more!
UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Seven Critical Issues in Heater Selection for OEM Applications
Sponsored by Minco
DATE: November 19th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
Product development is a complex process. In addition to cost and
time-to-market, engineers have to address a variety of
sometimes-conflicting issues that can include size, weight, speed,
reliability, flexibility, ease of use, safety, manufacturability,
support costs and more. One aspect of product design that may not show
up on your list of top priorities is heating.
In fact, the heating technologies you choose, whether off-the-shelf or
customized, can have a significant impact on many aspects of your
product including performance, cost, and even time-to-market.
This 60-minute webcast will present seven factors that can help you make
the most of your heating choices.
- how heater choice can increase your design flexibility
- how heating uniformity can improve the yield of your systems
- how to speed warm-up and heat transfer for increased throughput
- how to ensure accuracy and improve your product’s
productivity
- and much more
Click here to learn more and to register!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click
Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
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Custom Online Drive Selection Tool
SEW-Eurodrive's modular product designs make it possible to choose from
millions of different drive configurations. PT Pilot® v3.0
simplifies the choices and identifies a solution customized for each
application in minutes. No special software or plug-ins required. To
explore the full range of intuitive features login at www.ptpilot.com.
Motion Control Whitepaper: This paper describes how chip, card
and drive-based motion solutions fit into different machine
requirements, and the benefits of each approach. www.pmdcorp.com/
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