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How to Choose the Correct Actuator

Hi, I’m Adam Ring with Innovative IDM. I wanted to share a couple of ideas of things to consider when selecting an actuator for industrial automation. First thing to consider is what is the speed requirement that you need to be able to move at. Also what kind of acceleration do you need? Is it...

Ancillary implements on work trucks, like a crane shown here, normally are powered by an idling truck engine. Trends point to greener solutions like a DC-powered motor from Parker. With the increased emphasis to reduce emissions, air pollution, resource waste and traffic noise, government legislation is pushing towards the use of electric power to drive...

Automation has made an accelerated climb in material handling applications. Now, automated material handling systems handle a wide range of repetitive and precision tasks in manufacturing and supply chains. Among the key trends are: *Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) * Automated guided vehicles (AGVs0 * Material handling robots * EOAT * Improved battery technology...

How many opportunities do you have to automate a manual process in your manufacturing facility? Look around, you might be surprised. One of my customers had a manufacturing process that required – get this – a worker to bypass a few hydraulic cylinder and valves, then manually push and pry the machine, then climb up on...

Rotary motors and linear motors can, in many cases, be utilized to accomplish the same goal. Linear motors leverage the same basic magnetic theory as rotary varieties, but in an open and flattened form. As with rotary varieties, a myriad of linear motors exist: Linear steppers, linear AC induction, permanent magnet, and brushless. Linear motors...

This customer in the Austin area had some problems. Innovative-IDM was there to help. It takes a lot to receive such unsolicited accolades, yet we seem to get them frequently. Think you ought to check out what everyone is talking about? This email came to our VP of Sales, Chad Kauffman, from the operations manager...

Machine Objectives: Controlled tension on monofilament Simple operator interface High throughput Motion Control Requirements: 2 Axes of coordinated motion Linear interpolation Constant torque from motor Application Solution: The prime requirement of the bobbin drive is to provide a controlled tension, which means operating in Torque mode rather than Velocity mode. This requirement leads to the...