4th Quarter 2012Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The landing of the Mars rover Curiosity took seven exciting minutes. Now it is looking for signs of life on the Red Planet. Encoder technology from maxon is playing a part in the successful excursion of the rover.
The new Mars rover Curiosity ended its six month long journey to Mars with a successful landing on August 6th 2012. In contrast to the rovers Opportunity and Spirit, Curiosity can travel further distances on its six wheels and run longer without solar energy, as a radionuclide battery gives energy for years.
Along with an impressive array of equipment, Curiosity also has maxon products on board. The company’s MR Encoder technology is built into the electromechanic joints of the rover. The magnetic sensors are mounted on the drive shafts and are responsible for controlling the motors. Apart from that, maxon development services for the drive systems have also played a part in the 900 kilogram rover being able to carry out its Mars Mission successfully.
For the past eight years, Curiosity’s little brother Opportunity has been exploring Mars with the help of maxon motors. A further success for maxon is the SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Brushless EC motors were used to move the two solar panels which always have to be facing the sun. Numerous research satellites nearer to Earth will also be fitted with maxon drives. The next one is the ESA Sentinel 3 which will fly into space in 2013. Here maxon motors will be used in the event of an emergency to control and secure the fuel valves.
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Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.
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Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
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Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
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Read more...PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine Beckhoff Automation
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For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.
Read more...New torque sensors for fastening applications
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Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
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The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.
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