January 2012
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the eighth year of its Mars expedition, the Mars rover Opportunity has found evidence that water once existed on Mars. According to briefings by NASA, in late 2011 the rover found a vein of a notably light coloured mineral – apparently gypsum – deposited by flowing water. For scientists, the gypsum deposits are a sensation. They are convinced that the discovery proves that water once flowed at this site. On its way through the desolate Meridiani plane, the rover came across the light coloured streaks in the ground by chance. An analysis of the minerals should help scientists better understand the geological history of Mars.
Opportunity has covered approximately 35 kilometres and, in the process, transmitted almost 162 400 images of the surface and the atmosphere of the Red Planet to the mission control centre in Pasadena, California.
Motors manufactured by maxon motor ensure that the Mars rover is able to safely navigate the surface of Mars. A total of 39 DC motors by maxon motor are at work in Opportunity, and they continue to diligently carry out their tasks. The precision drives are used to drive the robotic arm, the rock abrasion tool, the camera operation, and the control mechanism for the six wheels that propel the 180 kilogram vehicle, 1,6 metres long and 1,5 meters high, across the surface of Mars.
The motors are largely standard products with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm and an efficiency of over 90%. Minor modifications were necessary to adapt the motors for the harsh environmental conditions. The temperature on Mars can fluctuate from -120 to 25°C. In addition, the motors had to withstand the special conditions during the voyage to Mars. And the atmosphere, which largely consists of carbon dioxide, is also a very special environment for the high-precision motors.
Originally, two rovers were active on Mars but since March 2010, NASA has been out of contact with Opportunity's twin, Spirit. A next generation rover is already on the way to resume where Spirit left off. Curiosity, a space lab launched by NASA in November, is scheduled to land on Mars in August 2012.
Powerful pump set tested First Quarter 2020
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With 1350 Kw of raw power produced by a massive V16 diesel motor, the SABS in conjunction with KSB Pumps and Valves has tested one of the most impressive pump sets to be assembled on South African soil ...
Read more...Magnetic levitation technology for the Far East First Quarter 2020
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
German construction engineering specialist, Max Bögl, is commissioning a local public transport system based on magnetic levitation in Chengdu, China.
Beginning at Max Bögl’s main factory in Sengenthal, ...
Read more...SEW-Eurodrive’s pick-and-place solution for brick and block plant First Quarter 2020, SEW-Eurodrive
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
When a local Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of concrete brick, block, and paving machinery had the unique opportunity to build a greenfield plant for a longstanding customer in the East London area, it turned to SEW-Eurodrive for its easily configurable HandlingKinematics pick-and-place solution.
Read more...Production boost for glass manufacturers First Quarter 2020
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A pair of 5 MW standby power systems from Cummins are providing extra protection at two glass manufacturing facilities in Lahore, Pakistan that are growing their businesses, allowing production lines ...
Read more...New app supports predictive services for drive systems First Quarter 2020, Siemens Digital Industries
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With Predictive Services for Drive Systems, Siemens makes maintenance more efficient for Sinamics drive systems and/or Simotics motors in the low voltage range. With its new service portfolio including ...
Read more...Motor efficiency high on global agenda First Quarter 2020, Zest WEG Group Africa
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With electric motors consuming almost 70% of industry’s energy, companies are always looking for better motor efficiencies. For many years, motor efficiency has been well defined; however, when driven ...
Read more...Modernised irrigation control system First Quarter 2020, Varispeed (Div. of Hudaco Trading)
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
As a preferred supplier to the agricultural industry due to proven reliability and performance, Varispeed designs, manufactures and distributes constant pressure solutions. With a good knowledge of the ...
Read more...Cam clutches for bulk handling First Quarter 2020, Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s extensive range of Tsubaki cam clutches is the BS-F series, designed for high speed inclined and long overland belt conveyors and bucket elevators used in the mining and bulk handling sectors. ...
Read more...New automated drive analyser First Quarter 2020, Comtest
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Fluke’s MDA-500 Series is designed to help users easily test and troubleshoot typical problems on three-phase and single-phase inverter type motor-drive systems. The on-screen information, and step-by-step ...
Read more...Maximised precision and speed First Quarter 2020, Beckhoff Automation
, Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Due to the outstanding quality characteristics of its beam, the fibre laser has become the technology of choice in the fine cutting of metal sheets. It delivers highly precise cuts with very narrow kerfs ...
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