Linear Motion Control Application – How Would You Position Components Of An Experimental Reactor Vessel Weighing 33 Tons?

Easy … Using Custom made LM76 Jet Rail Bearings and Shafting!

E. Longmeadow, MA –Linear Motion Control Application – When a privately funded research company was ready to move from their original Proof of Concept to a sustainable fusion reactor to produce clean sustainable energy, they realized that extremely heavy components would need to be assembled and disassembled and reassembled again for design modifications and maintenance. The completed assembly would be the length of two buses and easy alignment of the individual components would be critical.

The main reactor, the fusion containment chamber that is capable of containing a plasma medium of 10 to 15 million degrees is made of non-magnetic stainless steel as are many of the components. The Plasma Medium could be described as a football shaped blob about 1 meter in diameter by 2 meters long. The plasma medium is injected from each end of the reactor assembly by Plasma Guns.

See photo to right – On each end of the assembly is a Plasma Gun. The Plasma Guns as are all the floor lever components, are positioned using LM76 Jet Rail Bearings and shafting. The Jet Rail Bearings and Shafting can be seen near to bottom of the picture.

In addition to the reactor, high energy particle beam generators are positioned at angles to the fusion containment chamber. These particle bean generators form and suspend the plasma medium for an indefinite period of time in the center of the containment chamber. These generators have to be easily positioned – by hand – to accommodate adjustments and re-assembly.

See photo to the left – Neutral-Beam Injectors are positioned around the Reaction Chamber to position and shape the Plasma Medium. These are also moved into position on LM76 Jet Rail Bearings and Shafting.

In addition to supporting the weight of the components, the bearings selected to move these massive loads during the construction and testing of the fusion reactor would have to be non-magnetic. Working with engineers, LM76 developed a custom 3 inch Jet Rail Bearing designed to carry both the weight of the fusion reactor and the high energy particle generators. In addition LM76 supplied precision ground, 3 inch 303 stainless steel (non-magnetic) shafting.

The custom manufactured Jet Rail Roller Blocks and 303 stainless steel shafting simplified the assembly/disassembly of the fusion containment chamber and components while ensuring critical alignment throughout travel.

This breakthrough fusion reactor is still in the experimental stage. A commercially viable reactor would need to contain 100 million degrees. Why is the project so important? Because in addition to producing sustainable energy, its only by-product is, environmentally safe, “helium ash.”.

See photo below – The drawing below shows all the components in place. The assembly is 60 meters long and supported on LM76 jet Rail Bearings and Shafting.

For additional information about Jet Rail Linear Bearings and Shafting from LM76 go to: http://www.lm76.com/jet_rail.htm

About LM76:LM76 was founded on engineering innovation. Our first product, the ceramic coated linear bearing, was the “original” replacement for linear ball bearings – 1976. LM76’a hallmark is Engineering Excellence. Whether it’s a linear sleeve style bearing, a ball linear bearing, a roller bearing block or a complete linear slide, LM76 will design around your application and choose the correct technology and the best possible product. We design SUCCESS. For more information, call Mike Quinn

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail: mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

• Position feedback and control
• Fast and easy commissioning. No tuning needed
• No stalling. No step losses at all
• Torque control
• Much faster positioning and more cycles per second
• Increased efficiency and thereby much lower temperature
• Shorter settling time
• Controls higher inertias than open loop steppers
• Higher load tolerance
• More quiet operation (lower acoustic noise)
• Longer lifetime due to lower temperature
• Correct positioning without overshoot and oscillation

• Very high Torque at low speed. Often 3-4 times higher in same motor flange size
• Very high ratio-of-inertia, often up to 40:1
• Faster commissioning. No tuning needed
• Lower price. Same price as open loop steppers
• Totally stiff at standstill. Full holding torque
• Direct drive without gearbox (better and more precise torque control)
• Correct positioning without overshoot
• No oscillation
• Very short settling time

• Multiple axis applications (RS485, CANopen)
• Industrial Ethernet: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Powerlink, Modbus TCP, SERCOS III
• Positioning tasks with load changes
• Winding applications
• Belt drives (start/stop, positioning)
• Dosing pumps and filler systems
• Semi-conductor mounting
• Wafer production
• Textile machines and industrial sewing machines
• Robotics
• Testing and inspection systems
• Applications that require quiet operation, short settling times and precision positioning

Applimotion Low-Profile DDR Motors for Arc Segment and Large Diameter Motion Available from Electromate!

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada — Automation – Motion Control –The Infinity Series enables OEMs to move light payloads in smooth and accurate arc-shaped and full 360-degree rotary motion profiles. Ultra-thin arc-shaped motor segments can be used individually or interconnected to create exact partial arc segment motion or full 360-degree rotary motion. Modular construction allows for virtually unlimited diameter and large through holes. This level of flexibility is not possible with conventional motor designs.

The Infinity Series arc-shaped motors offer the right combination of torque, speed and smooth motion in flexible form factors and are ideal for low-profile, lightweight gimbals, broadband communication antennas, medical scanning, diagnostic imaging, inspection and metrology equipment.

Ultra-thin arc-shaped motor segments can be used individually or interconnected to create exact partial arc segment motion or full 360-degree rotary motion. Modular construction allows for virtually unlimited diameter and large through holes. This level of flexibility is not possible with conventional motor designs.

Direct drive technology eliminates the size, cost and positional errors associated with redundant bearings and gearing.

All models are compatible with a wide range of controllers and drives. Windings and form factors can be customized to meet application requirements.

CLICK HEREClick on the following link for more information on the Infinity arc-shaped motors from Applimotion.

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak atsales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada -Motion Control Components – Applimotion’s UTS Series Slotless Direct Drive Frameless Motors are permanent magnet 3phase ring type, low profile, direct drive motors with large through hole available in 29-240mm diameters.

For the ultimate in smooth operation when scanning or positioning, the UTS Series Slotless motors offer zero cogging and sinusoidal torque angle curves. Considered one of the best motor constructions for many years, Applimotion has leveraged already proven motor technology as the basis for this new family of direct drive motors. Once you have taken advantage of a slotless direct drive motor you won’t go back to traditional motors.

Features include:

• Wide Range of Diameters – from 29 mm to 240 mm.
  
• Medium motor constant – Low phase resistance and inductance for the motor size optimizes operation with low voltage power supplies and provides the high output with minimum voltage drop.
  
• Optional Windings – Select your voltage, speed and current, Applimotion will create a special winding to optimize torque or efficiency.
  
• Sinusoidal Torque Curves – motor designs for optimum performance with sinusoidal current control. Less than 1% higher harmonic content for minimum torque ripple on sinusoidal drives
  
• Zero Cogging Torque – provides ultra-smooth consistent motion.
  
• Optional Back Iron Rings – A standard set of iron rings are offered for each motor.
  
• Optional Hall Device Feedback – internally mounted PCA doesn’t add to motor height offered on some motors, others require externally mounted hall device board.

Click on the link below for information on the UTS Series from Applimotion.>-
http://www.electromate.com/assets/catalog-library/pdfs/applimotion/Applimotion_UTS_Motor_kits_Datasheet.pdf

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak at sales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

Longmeadow, MA – Linear Motion Control –The low cost, wide, stable platforms of the SAIBO SB-LGC Linear Motion Systems are available exclusively from LM76 in two sizes to meet load requirements up to 6000 N. (1349 lbs).  These wide, low profile linear motion systems feature: Low noise, smooth travel, high speed to 10 m/s (120 ft/s), high acceleration to 50 m/s (150 ft/s), low weight, high linear accuracy, sealed radial low friction bearings, low cost, and because of their wide profile they have high moment (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw) load capacities. Additionally they are easy to install, in any orientation, into new and existing applications.  SB-LGC maintenance free linear motion systems have sealed for life rollers, RC60 hardened shafts, and are available in lengths to 6000 mm (263 in.)

SAIBO SB-LGC Linear Motion Platform and Rail System have an adjustable preload system to control the required level of precision needed for most applications. Capable of loads to 6000 N (1349 lbs), the very stable LGC platforms have four drilled and tapped holes for mounting tooling, cameras, test equipment, etc.  For use in: Robotics, assembly, photography, pick-and-place, sorting, packaging, manufacturing, sampling, laser cutting, wafer handling, and other precision applications.

LM76, the exclusive US distributor of SAIBO linear motion components, manufacturers a broad variety of FDA & USDA compliant bearings and shafting, in inch sizes of .25 inches to 1.5 inches, and a FDA & USDA compliant profile rail and slide system that can easily be integrated into new and existing applications.  The bearing options include: Self-lubricating FDA & USDA compliant Teflon® composite bearings in a 304 stainless steel shell, and lower cost bearings with a ceramic coated shell and FDA & USDA compliant liner.  Bearings are available in closed and open configurations, and are drop-in replacements for all inch sized linear ball bearings.

About LM76

Founded in 1976, LM76 has been a leading designer/manufacturer of linear bearings, slides and linear motion systems. LM76 is renowned for its industry leading Minuteman PTFE Composite linear bearings. LM76 is a leading supplier of precision linear shafting: RC60, 300 Series Stainless Steel, and ceramic-coated aluminum shafting. LM76 also offers several FDA/USDA compliant linear bearings and slides for the food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and packaging industries.

For additional information contact Mike Quinn at: LM76, 140 Industrial Dr., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028; Telephone: 413-525-4166, Fax: 413-525-3735 or E-Mail:mquinn@lm76.com or visit the website at http://www.lm76.com

eTOP507MFB – Designed for Food and Beverage industry with Stainless steel bezel

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada —

• NO MORE! Covering the HMI for Cleaning!
• NO MORE! Secondary Cleaning Procedures
• LESS CHANCE for Food & Beverage Product Contamination due to Manual Cleaning!
• 316 Stainless Steel Bezel
• IP69K
• Harsh Chemical Resistant
• PCAP “Glove Compatible” Touchscreen
• Food Compatible gasket and sealing compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2006

The eTOP4FOOD has been designed and proven to solve the industry wide problem of HMI failures and less effective alternative HMI cleaning procedures. With the eTOP4FOOD no longer is the HMI required to be shielded from high temperature, high pressure cleaning. The IP69K PCAP Touch “Glove Compatible” HMI has a 316 SS bezel and Polyester front foil resistant to the high pressure, high temperature, harsh chemical wash-down and is designed to thrive! No more covering the HMI panel during equipment cleaning! No more manual, less effective secondary cleaning procedures! And most certainly, no more HMI failures! Reduced labor, and more importantly reduced risk of product contamination from manual, secondary cleaning procedures because the HMI just isn’t tough enough! eTOP4FOOD solves real problems!

Features include:

• Stainless steel bezel 316/1.440l
• IP69K
• Food-compatible gasket
• Food standard sealing compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2006
• PCAP touchscreen, can be operated with gloves for food areas
• TFT display 800×480 64K colors
• High-performance 1 GHz ARM CPU with 256 MB Flash
• Designed according to DIN EN1672-2
• Designed according to the EHEDG Guideline
• Extended temperature range (-20°C +60°C)
• 2 Host interface v.2.0, SD Card Slot, 2 Ethernet port with integrated Switch
• Serial port RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, MPI Software configurable
• Ready for integrated CODESYS PLC and I/O

Click on the link below to view the specification on Exor’s IP69K Food Grade HMI-
http://www.electromate.com/assets/catalog-library/pdfs/exor-electronics/Exor_eTOP507MFB_Specsheet.pdf

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 FREE (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak at sales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

Automation – Integrated Step Motors fuse step motor plus drive and control components into a single device. Integrated steppers offer a space-saving design that reduces wiring and saves on cost over separate motor and drive components.

Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada — Automation motion control – Integrated Stepper Motors – Ideally suited for applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, automated assembly and life sciences, StepSERVO™ motors from Applied Motion Products provide the next evolution integrated step motor technology. Starting with a proven integrated motor design, we add a high-resolution incremental encoder and closed-loop servo firmware to create a motor that offers the best step motor performance available today. StepSERVO™ motors offer the same high-torque-at-low-speed and excellent holding torque characteristics of open loop stepping motors with the advantages of true closed-loop control. These advantages include the ability to create peak torques from the motor up to 50% higher than the normal torque range of the same step motor running open loop. Closed-loop also means the motor only draws current when it needs it, so step motors now run cooler than ever before.

StepSERVO™ motors feature:

• NEMA frame size 17, 23 and 24. StepSERVO motors utilize 5000 line incremental encoders (20,000 counts/rev)
• NEMA frame size 11. StepSERVO motors utilize 1024 line incremental encoders (4,096 counts/rev)
• Closed-loop servo control using high torque step motors
• High acceleration for faster machine cycles and greater productivity
• Energy efficient, cool running
• All-in-one compact solution
• IP65 versions for wet and dusty environments
• Stand-alone operation (stored Q programming)
• EtherNet/IP industrial networking option
• CANopen fieldbus option
• Modbus RTU option for easy PLC/HMI connection

Click on the following link to view a YouTube Video on the StepSERVO™ integrated stepper motor.StepSERVO™ integrated stepper motors

There are three types of StepSERVO™ to choose from:

SSM integrated steppers feature:

• NEMA 23 frame size motors
• Ethernet (RJ-45) port for programming
• EtherNet/IP industrial networking standard
• Three motor lengths (stack lengths) available to provide the highest amount of torque in the shortest motor possible

TSM integrated steppers feature:

• NEMA 11 (New!), NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 frame size motors
• RS-232 or RS-485 port for programming and streaming commandsApplied Motion Products TSM11-1
• Control options including CANopen fieldbus control, digital step & direction control, analog velocity mode, streaming commands and stand-alone operation using stored Q programs.
• Three motor lengths available in each frame size to provide the highest amount of torque for each length

TXM integrated steppers feature:

• IP65 rated for wet and dusty environments
• NEMA 24 frame size motors
• RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet port (M12) for programming, streaming commands and fieldbus/networking
• Control options include CANopen fieldbus control, EtherNet/IP industrial networking, digital step & direction control, analog velocity mode, streaming commands and stand-alone operation using stored Q programs.
• Two motor lengths available to provide both a lower torque and a higher torque option depending on application requirements

The family of Integrated Stepper Motors Available from Electromate can be viewed at:http://www.electromate.com/integrated-motors.html

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 FREE (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak atsales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada – Motion Control – Automation – Motion Control – Harmonic Drive® & Electromate have just launched a new joint company website to showcase the latest Harmonic Drive® Gearhead products & technology.

Located at http://electromate.harmonicdrivegearhead.com/, the new website features the following:

• Product Selector Tool
• Motor Matching Tool
• Gearhead Selector
• Catalogs
• Material Data Safety Sheets

Harmonic Drive® gearing utilizes a unique operating principle which is based upon the elastic mechanics of metals. The greatest benefits are the zero-backlash characteristics and the weight and space savings compared to other gears because our gear mechanism consists of only three basic parts. They are the: Wave Generator, Flexspline and Circular Spline.

Harmonic Planetary gears have simultaneous meshing between the sun gear and planet gears and between the planet gears and the internal gear. The sun gear is connected to the motor and a carrier, supporting the planet gears, is connected to the output. Single stage planetary gears can achieve reduction ratios up to 10:1. Ratios above 10:1 utilize a two stage design where the carrier of the first stage drives the sun gear of the second planetary stage.

See a video demonstrating how the Harmonic Drive HPGP Harmonic Planetary gears work – Watch Video.

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak atsales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

The Sterilizable EC-4Pole 30 from Maxon Motor, A Brushless DC Motor for Demanding Operating Room Applications!

Maxon’s new brushless electric motor, the EC-4pole 30, delivers high torque (106 mNm) and is sterilizable, a perfect drive for hand-held surgical tools.

Fall River, MA — Automation Motion Control — Swiss drive specialist maxon motor has developed a robust brushless DC motor for hand-held surgical tools: the EC-4pole 30. Featuring two pole pairs, this DC motor provides a nominal torque of 106 mNm and an output of 150 W. It has a hermetically sealed rotor, meaning that it can withstand over 1000 autoclave cycles.

Need to operate at overload? No problem!

The EC-4pole 30 is equipped with the special ironless maxon winding, which makes it highly efficient. Another key feature is that the torque and current behave linearly and the drive can be overloaded. It is available with an optional Hall sensor, as well as with a hollow shaft with a diameter of up to 4.1 millimeters. With the EC-4pole 30, engineers get a first-class drive for surgical hand tools that work flawlessly under the tough conditions of operating rooms.

Maxon offers a complete line of dc motors, gearheads and controllers. Contact us to help find the right solution for your application.info@maxonmotor.com

Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website atwww.maxonmotor.com.

Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada – Automation – Encoders – Netzer’s world-wide patented, rugged high performance Electric Encoder™ technology, suits a wide variety of applications ranging from space and avionics, through military and defense, to instrumentation and automotive. Netzer Rotary Encoders feature absolute or incremental position feedback providing analog or digital outputs.

The Non-contact, absolute-position Electric Encoder™ relies on interaction between the measured displacement and an internally shielded, space/time modulated, electric field and offers features unsurpassed by traditional optical and magnetic encoders.

The DS-58 is a member of the DS series of Non-contact, absolute-position Electric Encoders™, based on Netzer Precision proprietary technology. These encoders offer many advantages, for automation applications some unparalleled:

• Low profile (17 mm) & low weight
• 18bit resolution
• < 0.02° accuracy
• Analog Sin/Cos, Digital SSi , or Digital AqB+I outputs
• Hollow, floating shaft
• No bearings or other contacting elements
• Low power options
• Analog or multiple digital interface options
• High tolerance to temperature, shock, moisture, EMI, RFI and Magnetic fields

Information on the DS-58 from Netzer Precision can be viewed at the link below-
http://www.electromate.com/products/series.php?&series_id=101696

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak at sales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com

Motion Control – Controllers for Miniature Motors

EPOS2 Positioning Controllers support additional Platforms.

Fall River, MA -Motion Control – The maxon motor EPOS2 motion controllers for DC brushed and brushless motors are enhanced by even more possible fields of applications. Deployment of computer-based drive motion control rather than traditionally used PLC systems are becoming more and more prevalent in practice.

Maxon Motors Spiroid® Gearhead. Designed to achieve maximum torque with minimal space!

Fall River, MA – Automation – Motion Control – Maxon Precision Motors introduces right angle gearheads designed to be configured with maxon’s 22mm and 32mm dc motors. These compact, lightweight and high torque gearheads were developed to transmit power at 90deg in the smallest possible form factor. The Spiroid® technology incorporated in the gearhead design offers a number of performance benefits:

• Extremely high torque transmission

• High stiffness / Low deflection with large applied loads

• Back-drivable (4:1 ratio) & Non-back drivable (31:1 ratio) versions

• Compact size

• Low backlash

• Up to 3:1 “gear teeth” contact ratio

• Quiet operation

• High Torque to Space Ratio (HTSR) technology

The 22mm and 32mm right angle gearheads are available in either a 4:1 or 31:1 ratio, which may be mounted directly onto many of maxon’s brushed/brushless motors OR configured with different ratios of maxon’s GP22 and GP32 planetary gearheads. This results in a wide range of achievable gear reductions. The motor and gearhead combinations are ideally suited for a variety of applications particularly where an output shaft perpendicular to the motor axis is desired.

Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.

Spring Applied Brakes for Servo & Stepper Motors Available from Servo2Go!

Greenville, DE –Automation — Spring Brakes for Servo Motors and Stepper Motors – Available from SERVO2GO! — SAB brakes from Inertia Dynamics are designed to be engaged and disengaged in a static condition at zero RPM. They are best used as a parking brake to hold a load in position. These brakes can be mounted to a flange or motor using thru-holes or tapped holes in the field cup. A conduit box is optional.

SAB brakes have been used extensively for servo brake applications. High temperature coil insulations are available upon request. The SAB brakes are rated up to 1200 Lb-in static torque, and fit motors up to 6.5″ OD.

Key Features:

• 12V, 24V, 90VDC or 120VAC windings
• Static torque to 1200 lb-in
• Bore sizes from 3/8″ to 1.5″
• Low current consumption
• Low cost
• Metric bores & special voltages available

To view the specification on the Inertia Dynamics family of Spring Applied Brakes available from Servo2Go – Click on the link below

https://www.servo2go.com/product.php?ID=100511&cat

Inertia Dynamics Products are available through www.Servo2Go.com

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1- 877-378-0240 or e-mail Warren Osak atwarren@servo2go.com or visit Servo2Go.com at: www.Servo2Go.com

The POSITAL Advantage: Modularity and Mass-Customization

Greenville, DE –— Motion Control -Position Sensors – Until now, users of position and motion sensors have had to choose between low-cost standardized products and more expensive custom-built items. For cost-sensitive applications, sensor builders have adopted mass production techniques, building large runs of identical products. The rotation sensors used in automotive ABS and stability control systems are good examples of high-volume, mass produced items. For more demanding customers – such as machine builders creating complex industrial automation and motion control systems – sensor manufacturers have often relied on a more craft-based approach, with expert machinists building custom-designed products in in small batch quantities. These specialized items are more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts and usually take far longer to be delivered. However, for the specialist machine builder, getting instruments that meet their exact requirements can often be more cost-effective than adapting a not-quite-right unit.

POSITAL has broken down the “inexpensive but inflexible” vs. “customized but costly” divide by developing a new mass-customized approach to sensor design and fabrication. This approach centers on a highly modular device architecture. Sensing elements, controlling microprocessors, housings, communications interfaces, mounting hardware etc. are all designed to be – as far as possible – interchangeable modules. Thus, for example, if the buyer of a rotary encoder requires a POSITAL IXARC multi-turn magnetic encoder with a stainless-steel housing, IP67-rated seals, a 10 mm solid shaft and a CANopen communications interface, the technician responsible for assembling the device can simply select the appropriate sub-components from inventory and put them together. This approach means that FRABA can offer an extremely large number of possible variations on their basic sensor designs – over 135,000 models currently! Moreover, special configurations can be built and delivered quickly – usually within a few days of receiving an order.

FRABA’s modular approach to sensor fabrication is supported by a highly computerized manufacturing control system. Assembly technicians are provided with step-by-step instructions that guide them through the assembly process. (These instructions are in graphical form, which avoids communications problems with a multi-lingual workforce.) The production control system also tracks each item from the time an order is received, recording information about construction, QA testing, calibration and shipping.

For additional information about Posital Sensors go to–

https://www.posital.com/en/?utm_source=automation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletterjuly

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call or e-mail Warren Osak at warren@servo2go.com or visit Servo2Go.com at: www.Servo2Go.com

Congratulations from maxon motor!

Rosetta mission employs Swiss drive technology.

Today, the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully landed a small laboratory on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The lander features ten instruments which may provide important clues to the origin of life. Two DC motors made by drive specialist maxon motor are on board the mission

For the first time in the history of space exploration, scientists have access to substantial data from a comet’s surface. The European space probe Rosetta successfully guided its lander Philae to touch down on the four-kilometer Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, a.k.a. Chury. The Philae lander has a mass of 100 kg and features ten instruments.

maxon motor is proud to be part of this mission. The Swiss-based drive specialist provided two DC motors, with a diameter of 13 mm each. These motors will be used to lower the APXS instrument to the ground. The APXS is an alpha x-ray spectrometer, developed by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to be used to record the chemical composition of Chury and provide information on the presence of key elements such as carbon and oxygen

Traveling through space for more than ten years

Never before has a DC motor been exposed to vacuum for this long. However, the motors have now passed an initial motion test, which is a promising sign. The individual instruments on the lander will start being automatically activated in sequential order. Within a day or two, the micromotors will lower the APXS from the lander’s belly to the surface of the comet.

The Rosetta project is expected to continue until the end of 2015, when Chury returns to the outer reaches of our solar system. Until then, researchers want to collect as much data as possible from the comet’s core and tail – and maybe answer the question of whether comets once brought water or even life to Earth.

Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.

After more than ten years of travel through space, the European space probe Rosetta has reached the comet Chury. Three months from now, for the first time in the history of space travel, a lander will touch down on the surface of the four-kilometer-wide comet. DC motors manufactured by maxon are part of this pioneering feat.

Fall River, MA -Application Story – Automation – On August 6th, the big day finally arrived: After a journey of more than ten years, the Rosetta space probe reached the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, known as “Chury”. The mission team at the European Space Agency (ESA) jumped for joy. For the first time in the history of space travel, a probe has rendezvoused with a comet. It will now orbit and map the comet and gather various types of data. Already, the first images received have yielded astonishing new insights: The comet Chury, which is four kilometers wide, is not round or oval, but instead looks like two rocks loosely stuck together. At minus 70°C, the surface is much warmer than expected and the first information indicates that it is covered with a black layer of dust.

First choice for space missions Rosetta will now gradually approach the comet, until a distance of only 10 kilometers separates them. The most difficult part of the mission will take place in mid-November 2014, when the Philae lander is scheduled to touch down on Chury. It will be the first controlled landing on a comet. A real pioneering feat – and maxon motor is part of it, with a DC motor on board. This is not the first time that the micro drives from Switzerland have been the first choice for space missions. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which transports cargo to the ISS station, also contains maxon motors. The same holds true for the Mars rovers, which have been diligently traveling across the surface of the red planet for many years.

What is next? Follow the Rosetta Mission on Maxon’s Twitter channel @maxonmotor

Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.

Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada — MicroE Systems has recently released it’s the new Optical Positioning Sensor (OPS™) Series, which delivers high performance and advanced positioning system features. The OPS™ sensor is equipped with MicroE’s patented optical design and features built-in interpolation and AGC ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

OPS™ can be configured with optical limits to reduce cabling and works with MicroE’s cut-to-length linear tape, cost-effective linear glass, and rotary glass scales, minimizing total cost of ownership.

The DS-25 is well suited to demanding applications such as: aerospace, medical, instrumentation, automation, etc.

Multiple mounting configurations are available and intuitive tools make installation and commissioning fast and simple. A dual-purpose LED in the sensor simplifies installation and provides real time indication of system health.:

OPS’s low cyclical error (up to +/-25nm) enables high positioning accuracy (up to +/-3um/m) and smooth velocity control. With linear resolutions of 1µm, 0.5µm, 0.1µm and 50µm, and rotary resolutions of 163k CPR to 3.3M CPR, OPS™ fits many different applications.

Information on the OPS™ Series from MicroE Systems can be viewed at the link below–
http://www.electromate.com/products/?keyword=O.P.S.+Encoders+&d=105570

For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak at sales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com