1st Quarter 2013Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has extended its range of mechanical power cylinders to include the eco-friendly Tsubaki zip chain actuators, which utilise the world’s first zip chain. “These compact linear actuators, which have been designed for high-speed, high-frequency operation, use about a 30th of the energy of equivalent hydraulic actuators,” says Carlo Beukes, BMG’s power transmission product manager.
With a multi-point stopping capability and a multi-level position setting for easy position control, they ensure increased productivity and reduced energy usage in a wide range of industries. Zip chain actuators are used in any application requiring linear actuation, including production lines for automobiles, semi-conductors and LCDs. They are also used in the medical sector and for home automation.”
They have two lengths of chain that lock together like a zipper to form a single rigid column which is capable of pushing and pulling. When they withdraw and uncouple, they coil back compactly into plastic storage cases. This design offers significant space-saving compared with conventional linear actuator mechanisms. This means the system can be installed in cramped spaces in applications including transfer and lifting equipment. Another advantage is the range of installation options – the units can be positioned vertically, horizontally or hanging.
Another important feature is the incorporation of an electrical brake-motor, servo motor or geared motor encompassing Tsubaki’s highly efficient zip chain technology. Proportional motor and sprocket rotational speeds ensure constant operational speed. This allows easy multi-point stopping and multi-level positioning capability. The use of the zip chain ensures high-speed operation up to 1000 mm/sec compared to conventional screw, hydraulic or compressed air actuators. The integration of dedicated sprockets ensures high efficiency in all applications.
Precise detection of complex rotational movements Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.
Read more...Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.
Read more...Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.
Read more...Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read more...Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.
Read more...The time is now to implement a motor management strategy Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
Read more...Rapid overhaul of compressor motors ACTOM
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.
Read more...PC-based motion control on a labelling machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.
Read more...Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.
Read more...Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.
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