Automation & Controls

The compact 3-axis linear nanopositioning stage is based on PI's A-142 mini air bearing linear slide and suited for high precision, high-dynamics positioning, scanning and alignment applications in fields such as fiber optics, photonics, semiconductors, micro-mechanical systems, etc.

10 options to automate CNC mill. Watch Cutting Tool Engineering's video coverage, featuring original footage and context from the related product, process, event, or shop-floor demonstration.

The system is a solution for fabricators facing worker shortages and bottlenecks resulting from the increased productivity of higher-volume fiber lasers. The high-speed modular sorting solution significantly maximizes the productivity and efficiency of downstream operations.

Tool monitoring not only prevents breakage but drives down costs.

A new Toggle Cam Output performs an asymmetrical toggle function, turning an output off or on for different stroke amounts. The output can be used to operate diverter gates and to control complex gagging operations. The new On/Off Counter Cam Output precisely controls functions that need to operate at a preset interval instead of on every machine cycle. Operating similarly, a new Pulsed Counter Cam Output is programmed with an "on angle" and a dwell time instead of an on-off output.

JM Performance Products and The Reshoring Initiative analyze "near-post-COVID" parameters with a trajectory focus on training, technology, supply chain, production, and reshoring.

TwinCAT 3 offers numerous options for connecting TCP/IP-based third-party systems to the main control program: OPC UA, MQTT, HTTPS and Modbus are some prominent examples of the comprehensive range of supported communication protocols. The TwinCAT S7 Communication (TF6620) function now expands this broad spectrum to include the S7 communication protocol.

The use of industrial robots in factories around the world is accelerating at a high rate: 126 robots per 10,000 employees is the new average of global robot density in the manufacturing industries.

The RSH is designed for forces up to 7,943 lbf (35kN), speeds up to 20 in/sec (498 mm/sec) and stroke lengths up to 48 in. (1200mm). It is available in both ball screw and roller screw options. While ball screws are an economical option with medium life and force capabilities, roller screws (manufactured by Tolomatic) provide higher force capability, increased life and improved accuracy.

The fast controllers allow highly precise triggering with 0.01% time tolerance between signals. Trigger signals can be derived off absolute encoders or analog signals (sin/cos encoder), enabling higher precision, safer, and simplified solutions as compared to outdated digital encoder-only triggers. With the modern PI motion controllers, a trigger in an R-Theta configured system will work just as well as an XY position trigger, with the coordinate specifications simply defined in polar coordinates.

The control enhances the user-friendliness of the Quick Load Servo S3+, a bar feeder that is well suited for unattended and lights-out production thanks to its proven robustness and reliability. Accommodating spindle length bars with diameters from ¼" to 4 – ¾", the bar feeder enables partial changeovers in 15 seconds or less and complete changeovers in 1 minute or less. A unique Parts Library function stores hundreds of part programs that simplify operator setups.

The M-1000iA's serial-link construction gives the robot a wider range of motion in every direction. It can extend its arm upright or rotate it backwards, which is not possible for typical heavy-payload robots with a parallel-link mechanism. With a 1000 kg payload, a 3,253mm horizontal reach, and a 4,297mm vertical reach the M-1000iA is ready to go to work for manufacturers looking to increase output and maximize their production line's efficiency.