Motion Control Tips https://www.motioncontroltips.com/ Automation • Motion Control • Power Transmission Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:09:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-Motion-favicon-PMDC-32x32.png Motion Control Tips https://www.motioncontroltips.com/ 32 32 Expressions of feedback resolution for absolute encoders https://www.motioncontroltips.com/expressions-of-feedback-resolution/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/expressions-of-feedback-resolution/#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:04:56 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27614 Unlike the relative values output by an incremental encoder, every shaft position output by an absolute encoder corresponds to a unique digital value or word. This is in part how these encoders track shaft position even if there’s a power interruption. Multiturn absolute rotary encoders and sensors report two aspects of shaft position — the […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/expressions-of-feedback-resolution/feed/ 0 Custom versus standard servodrives https://www.motioncontroltips.com/custom-versus-standard-servodrives/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/custom-versus-standard-servodrives/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:58:42 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27603 For some applications, stock servodrives are the most suitable. Elsewhere, custom solutions justify the extra investment. Scott Rohlfs | ElectroCraft For most motion-control applications, standard servodrives are the most suitable solution. Off-the-shelf units balance proven performance, immediate availability, and straightforward integration for a wide array of industrial, commercial, and consumer equipment. In contrast, certain applications […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/custom-versus-standard-servodrives/feed/ 0 Redefining premium for industrial drives https://www.motioncontroltips.com/redefining-premium-for-industrial-drives/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/redefining-premium-for-industrial-drives/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:52:56 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27597 Global circularity has slipped to 6.9% which indicates industries are consuming resources faster than they can be recuperated. Efficient motor drives can help close this gap. Anne Franzas · Global product manager — Circularity | ABB Data from the most recent Circularity Gap Report underscores today’s environmental challenges and companies’ structural challenges. For the latter, […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/redefining-premium-for-industrial-drives/feed/ 0 Here’s the goal with gearbox customization https://www.motioncontroltips.com/heres-the-goal-with-gearbox-customization/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/heres-the-goal-with-gearbox-customization/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:35:22 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27594 From the whisper-quiet precision needed in medical devices to the durability required in aerospace applications, fully customized gearbox design and manufacturing is often the answer. Chris Handcock · Design lead | Electro Mechanical Systems Fully custom gearboxes are typically specified when the compromises associated with off-the-shelf products are unacceptable. Constraints around space, weight, or cost […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/heres-the-goal-with-gearbox-customization/feed/ 0 PI launches cryogenic nanopositioning development program https://www.motioncontroltips.com/pi-launches-cryogenic-nanopositioning-development-program/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/pi-launches-cryogenic-nanopositioning-development-program/#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:54:39 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27591 PI (Physik Instrumente) has launched a low-temperature development program focused on multi-axis nanopositioning systems for quantum applications. Early cryogenic motion solutions often used stacked XYZ stages, but newer applications require 5- and 6-degree-of-freedom alignment systems that can support larger payloads and more complex optical configurations. PI’s approach is based on compact 6DOF parallel kinematics designed […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/pi-launches-cryogenic-nanopositioning-development-program/feed/ 0 How is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) used in motion microcontrollers? https://www.motioncontroltips.com/how-is-a-serial-peripheral-interface-spi-used-in-motion-microcontrollers/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/how-is-a-serial-peripheral-interface-spi-used-in-motion-microcontrollers/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:30:21 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27572 When it comes to communications in motion systems, there are a range of options depending on the specific type of use case. For instance, connecting together a series of drives and motors with controllers can be done with a number of different network protocols such as Ethernet, EtherCAT, CAN, or others. On a different scale, […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/how-is-a-serial-peripheral-interface-spi-used-in-motion-microcontrollers/feed/ 0 Part 4: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-4/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-4/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:38 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27568 Here’s how a focus on system integration can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation This series has focused on high-precision motion control. In such applications, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-4/feed/ 0 AutomationDirect adds IronHorse ACM AC drives https://www.motioncontroltips.com/automationdirect-adds-ironhorse-acm-ac-drives/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/automationdirect-adds-ironhorse-acm-ac-drives/#respond Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:56:22 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27564 AutomationDirect has added IronHorse ACM Series AC drives for low-horsepower motor applications where only single-phase power is available. The drives provide basic V/Hz and sensorless vector control. The VFDs accept 120 VAC or 230 VAC single-phase input power and control motors from 1/8 to 3 horsepower. Standard features include five digital inputs, two relay outputs, […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/automationdirect-adds-ironhorse-acm-ac-drives/feed/ 0 Motion expands Mexico branch network with two locations https://www.motioncontroltips.com/motion-expands-mexico-branch-network-with-two-locations/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/motion-expands-mexico-branch-network-with-two-locations/#respond Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:22:25 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27561 Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts and provider of industrial technology solutions, has opened two new sales branches in Mexico. Both locations, which opened in late 2025, provide industrial products, product fulfillment, field services and specialist support. The branches also will offer training for employees and customers. Cuautlancingo, Puebla […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/motion-expands-mexico-branch-network-with-two-locations/feed/ 0 POSITAL expands SSI options for IXARC encoders https://www.motioncontroltips.com/posital-expands-ssi-options-for-ixarc-encoders/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/posital-expands-ssi-options-for-ixarc-encoders/#respond Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:11:05 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27557 POSITAL now supports SSI communication interfaces across a broad range of IXARC absolute rotary encoders. This includes both kit (modular) encoders and industrial encoders. Both are also available in POSITAL’s new 20 mm miniature form factor. For larger encoders, SSI interfaces are offered in several mechanical configurations, including 36 mm compact models, 58 mm rugged […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/posital-expands-ssi-options-for-ixarc-encoders/feed/ 0 Yaskawa America completes acquisition of Variadores SAS https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-america-completes-acquisition-of-variadores-sas/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-america-completes-acquisition-of-variadores-sas/#respond Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:01:23 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27555 Yaskawa Electric Corporation and Variadores SAS announced that Yaskawa America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yaskawa Electric Corporation, has completed the acquisition of Variadores SAS. Founded in 1915, Yaskawa Electric Corporation provides factory automation products including drives, motion control systems and robots. The company also operates in the photovoltaic inverter market in North America […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-america-completes-acquisition-of-variadores-sas/feed/ 0 Yaskawa adds embedded Ethernet to GA501 AC microdrive https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-adds-embedded-ethernet-to-ga501-ac-microdrive/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-adds-embedded-ethernet-to-ga501-ac-microdrive/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:53:20 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27550 The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has introduced the GA501 industrial AC microdrive with embedded Ethernet as a new addition to its industrial AC drive lineup. Available now, the GA501 is designed for industrial automation applications and includes embedded dual-port Ethernet. With support for major industrial Ethernet protocols, it can reduce the […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/yaskawa-adds-embedded-ethernet-to-ga501-ac-microdrive/feed/ 0 More options for printed-stator motors https://www.motioncontroltips.com/more-options-for-printed-stator-motors/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/more-options-for-printed-stator-motors/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:05:29 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27542 Belgium-based Mirmex Motor uses a proprietary approach to manufacture power-dense windings for electric micromotors. The printed circuits make for motors that are 50% more compact and 70% more dynamic than comparable slotless motors having conventional copper-wire windings — all with threefold less heat waste. Mirmex provides bare windings, stators, as well as frameless and assembled […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/more-options-for-printed-stator-motors/feed/ 0 The many gearmotors in warehousing equipment https://www.motioncontroltips.com/the-many-gearmotors-in-warehousing-equipment/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/the-many-gearmotors-in-warehousing-equipment/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:51:57 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27539 Today’s automated warehouses are often designed by a small group of mechanical engineers and a veritable army of software engineers — especially where coordination of purpose-built autonomous robot fleets is involved. Even so, cruise the next MODEX or ProMat show and it will become clear that warehouse equipment relies heavily on electromechanical systems — and […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/the-many-gearmotors-in-warehousing-equipment/feed/ 0 What are transverse flux motors? https://www.motioncontroltips.com/what-are-transverse-flux-motors/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/what-are-transverse-flux-motors/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:41:02 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27537 In the vast universe of electric motors, there are a number of ways to categorize different motor types; by their power source (ac or dc), how they are constructed or assembled, or by their magnetic circuit properties. For instance, most electric motors are characterized as being either radial flux or axial flux machines, which refers […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/what-are-transverse-flux-motors/feed/ 0 Part 3: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-3/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-3/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:45:50 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27534 Here’s how a focus on drives and controls can help achieve true precision in motion control applications.  Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation In high-precision motion control, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators are typically sorted by a standard […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/layers-of-performance-and-specifications-in-motion-control-part-3/feed/ 0 Teknic adds NEMA 56/143 planetary gearboxes https://www.motioncontroltips.com/teknic-adds-nema-56-143-planetary-gearboxes/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/teknic-adds-nema-56-143-planetary-gearboxes/#respond Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:42:28 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27529 Teknic has expanded its precision planetary gearbox line to include NEMA 56 and 143 input sizes with a 115 mm output frame. The gearboxes are available in multiple frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges and body configurations to support a range of motion control applications. Custom configurations are available through the company’s applications engineering team. […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/teknic-adds-nema-56-143-planetary-gearboxes/feed/ 0 NanoOne 3D printer uses FAULHABER drives for alignment https://www.motioncontroltips.com/nanoone-3d-printer-uses-faulhaber-drives-for-alignment/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/nanoone-3d-printer-uses-faulhaber-drives-for-alignment/#respond Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:37:57 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27524 UpNano’s NanoOne 3D printer uses two-photon lithography to produce micro- and nanoscale structures for applications such as microfluidics and medical research. Because printing accuracy depends on precise substrate alignment, the system uses three compact FAULHABER motors to position the substrate during fabrication. The printed structures are not visible to the naked eye and require scanning […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/nanoone-3d-printer-uses-faulhaber-drives-for-alignment/feed/ 0 Beckhoff launches TwinCAT MC3 motion control software for PCs https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-launches-twincat-mc3-motion-control-software-for-pcs/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-launches-twincat-mc3-motion-control-software-for-pcs/#respond Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:57:15 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27522 Beckhoff has introduced TwinCAT MC3, the latest motion control software in its TwinCAT automation platform. The release builds on the platform’s long-standing multi-axis motion capabilities and is intended for use in applications that require coordinated control of multiple axes. TwinCAT MC3 uses a modular architecture designed to support multi-core processing and multi-task operation. The software […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-launches-twincat-mc3-motion-control-software-for-pcs/feed/ 0 Cleanroom-compatible materials and features https://www.motioncontroltips.com/cleanroom-compatible-materials-and-features/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/cleanroom-compatible-materials-and-features/#respond Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:00:11 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27499 Materials and features of motion components for cleanroom environments balance competing demands such as cost and performance, performance and compactness, and ease of manufacturing and assembly with cleanroom satisfaction. First thing first — reduce friction: One of two primary sources of particulate contamination that can degrade a cleanroom environment is people. The other is friction between […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/cleanroom-compatible-materials-and-features/feed/ 0 Minimizing outgassing from cleanroom equipment https://www.motioncontroltips.com/minimizing-outgassing-from-cleanroom-equipment/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/minimizing-outgassing-from-cleanroom-equipment/#respond Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:39:49 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27508 Cleanrooms require minimization of friction-related particle generation. Now let’s consider another source of contamination — outgassing — and how to minimize it. Especially in cleanroom applications involving the manufacture of LEDs, optics, or glass, or the processing of silicon wafers, outgassing can damage end product. Outgassing is the desorption of vapors or gasses, either from […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/minimizing-outgassing-from-cleanroom-equipment/feed/ 0 Update on designing for cleanrooms https://www.motioncontroltips.com/update-on-designing-for-cleanrooms/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/update-on-designing-for-cleanrooms/#respond Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:00:46 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27485 Considering all the moving and static sources that contribute to particle generation, it’s no wonder that many designers cringe when they find out that a motion system will be operating in a cleanroom. But motion doesn’t have to be the enemy of the cleanroom. With an understanding of the particle sources and corresponding design adaptations, […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/update-on-designing-for-cleanrooms/feed/ 0 Beckhoff adds smart system diagnosis to AM8000 servomotors https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-adds-smart-system-diagnosis-to-am8000-servomotors/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-adds-smart-system-diagnosis-to-am8000-servomotors/#respond Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:08:32 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27482 As an optional predictive maintenance feature, Beckhoff Smart System Diagnosis (B/SSD) provides real-time monitoring to support predictive maintenance in motion control systems and machines. B/SSD can now be integrated into Beckhoff’s AM8000, AM8300, AM8500, AM8700 and AM8800 servomotor series. In-motor measurement of vibration, humidity, and temperature supports statistical evaluation of system health with TwinCAT Analytics […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/beckhoff-adds-smart-system-diagnosis-to-am8000-servomotors/feed/ 0 Mitsubishi Electric CEO Scott Summerville to retire March 31 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/mitsubishi-electric-ceo-scott-summerville-to-retire-march-31/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/mitsubishi-electric-ceo-scott-summerville-to-retire-march-31/#respond Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:49:19 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27479 Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. announced that Scott Summerville, president and CEO, will retire after a 46-year career in the automation and industrial technology industry. He will step down from his executive role and from the company’s board of directors effective March 31, 2026. As part of the recently announced reorganization, Mitsubishi Electric has appointed Milton […]

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]]> https://www.motioncontroltips.com/mitsubishi-electric-ceo-scott-summerville-to-retire-march-31/feed/ 0 RBTX launches direct online purchasing platform https://www.motioncontroltips.com/rbtx-launches-direct-online-purchasing-platform/ https://www.motioncontroltips.com/rbtx-launches-direct-online-purchasing-platform/#respond Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:55:32 +0000 https://www.motioncontroltips.com/?p=27475 The RBTX robotics marketplace has launched new e-commerce functionality that lets customers purchase components, robots and services directly through the company’s website. The update supports a self-serve purchasing model, so customers can buy without a sales consultation. Customers can complete the process online with transparent pricing and secure credit card checkout. The new shopping experience […]

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