More movement on the market
April 2024
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems. The Automation1 motion control platform, which was developed in-house and has been available since 2019, now offers far more capability than many users expect from a motion control system.
Nine functions you wouldn’t expect from a motion controller
• Control positioning systems and connected components such as servo and stepper motors, galvo scan heads, piezoelectric actuators and various other devices on one platform.
• Setup Assistant for the homing configuration of gantries.
• Camera module to display feed from a vision system that can be used to monitor the automation and production process in addition to motion control.
• Intuitive configuration wizard for complete machine setup and rapid implementation of projects.
• EasyTune servo tuning for optimising the servo loop like a control engineer would with access to third-party devices.
• HyperWire bus for drive connection, currently the most powerful communication bus in the motion control industry.
• MachineApps HMI development tool for customising user interfaces for drive systems and allowing support for custom module development for ultimate flexibility.
• EtherCAT compatibility for simple and seamless integration of PLC-based systems.
• Python API and Driver for LabVIEW that enable direct access to the motion control platform.
Further reading:
A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.
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The future of robotics
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Research into robotics and autonomy uncovers some of the up-and-coming industrial uses and applications within the sector, including for automotives and logistics, as well as for personal and commercial use.
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Customised electromechanical systems for Africa’s toughest industrial environments
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Hexagon Electrical, a South African-based manufacturer of specialised electromechanical equipment, is reinforcing its position as a leading custom solutions provider to the mining, utilities, industrial and renewable energy sectors.
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Epiroc strengthens productivity and sustainability
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Epiroc is accelerating the transformation towards more productive and sustainable mining operations with the introduction of the new Minetruck MT22. The new 22-ton underground truck is designed for mining operations with small drift sizes, delivering increased effectiveness, reduced exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption and extended service intervals.
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An important criterion for lifting equipment is that it is correctly loaded and balanced in order to avoid mechanical failures and accidents. More importantly, operator safety is enhanced as a result of correct load control, which reduces the possibility of damage to the materials and goods being lifted.
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PC-based control in window and door production
Beckhoff Automation
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Belgian machine builders CNC Solutions and Calvet are automating previously manual processes in aluminium window and door production. High-performance drive technology, motion control and electric cylinders from Beckhoff proved crucial in equipping the machine with the necessary finesse when pressing the window frames.
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World-class hoist maintenance
ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
In underground mining, hoists are among the most significant investments a company can make. ABB has developed ABB Care for Hoisting, designed to help mining companies transition from reactive or even preventive maintenance approaches to a truly predictive model, maximising hoist performance, extending asset life, and safeguarding operational continuity.
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Large-scale green hydrogen plant
Motion Control & Drives
As Europe’s first large-scale green hydrogen plant, Shell’s Holland Hydrogen 1 is a landmark renewable energy project. Mammoet was involved to plan and manage the road movements and key lifts that would bring the facility to life.
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Planetary gear units for high torque requirements
SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.
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Robotic filling systems for the pharmaceutical industry
Motion Control & Drives
Pharma Integration, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, aims to replace traditional mechanical filling lines with compact, fully automated systems that are 100% robot-driven using machines known as Azzurra. Their integrated Faulhaber drives play a crucial role in the fill-finish process, ensuring the highest precision and safety across multiple production steps.
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