Sometimes the choice between the three main actuator types – electric, pneumatic and hydraulic – is a no brainer. For example, if you need heavy-duty motion, a hydraulic actuator would be the obvious choice, a potentially explosive environment necessitates the use of a pneumatic actuator and a sterile operation would demand an electric actuator. But […]
Choosing the Right Actuator Type for Your Application Read More »
As more manufacturers embrace factory automation technologies, many are exploring the use of collaborative robots, or cobots, as they tend to be more budget friendly than traditional robots and are well suited to industrial applications such as material handling, assembly, inspection and packaging. However, before implementing a collaborative robot, it’s important to understand the differences
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As the price for linear motors becomes more cost competitive, these devices are more often being considered for motion control projects that demand high speed, fast acceleration and very precise linear motion. While linear motors have been around for a while and can provide significant advantages when properly applied, many people don’t know exactly how
An Introduction to Linear Motors for Straight-Line Motion Applications Read More »
Traditionally electric actuators were not the device of choice for heavy-duty machinery, industrial equipment and other systems that demanded motion profiles with high forces and extreme robustness. However, reduced costs for these electric devices combined with recent technological advances are making designers reconsider electric actuators for use in these and other applications, giving rise to
The Rise of Electric Actuators Read More »
Actuators are hidden within all types of machines and devices from industrial robots to automatic doors to cell phones. Because the function of an actuator is to enable movement by converting energy and signals into a mechanical force that pushes, pulls, lifts or otherwise moves parts of equipment and gadgets, actuators are an integral component
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Electric Actuator Read More »
Resolving Four Common Malfunctions in Industrial Control Panels Control panels vary by application, but they should always possess protective devices (circuit breakers and/or fuses), disconnecting switches, means for locking-out power sources, and means for safely bleeding stored energy. Typically, they also contain transformers, AC-DC power converters, motor starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo motor drives,
Troubleshooting Industrial Control Panels Read More »
As part of a pneumatic system, pneumatic control valves play the important role of controlling the flow of compressed air within the system; therefore, minor issues with control valves can have a significant impact on the operation of the overall system. When
Troubleshooting Common Pneumatic Control Valve Issues Read More »
The global e-commerce growth rate has increased steadily since the early 2000s and is picking up momentum as we head further into the 2020s. A recent report from Oberlo anticipates that current global ecommerce sales of $5.8 trillion will surpass $8 trillion by 2027. This means that manufacturers, warehousers and fulfillment centers will have to
Pick and Place Robots Provide Advantages from Assembly to Order Fulfillment Read More »
As the labor shortage and tight budgets continue to stymie industry, modern robotic palletizers provide a way to boost the throughput of palletizing operations, helping manufacturers gain efficiency and output. While old-school palletizers sometimes created issues with product damage, today’s robotic palletizers have been designed to be gentle and fast, as well as more space-
Robotic Palletizers Increase Efficiency and Throughput Read More »
Robotic automation has become commonplace in industrial applications because it increases productivity and throughput and pick and place robots have been especially helpful in this regard. Recent innovations, including vision systems and advanced end of arm tooling, allow pick and place robots to be used in more applications than ever before – further enhancing efficiency
How to Select a Pick and Place Robot Read More »
