After telling you about the differences between bushed and brushless motors, we address in detail one of the aspects that limit the most the design of a small actuation solution: the selection of direct current motors (DC motors) and alternating current motors (AC motors). Depending on our drive requirements (speed/rpm, starting torque, power, torque/Lb-Ft, etc.) and the characteristics of each of these motors, we will opt for one or the other. We hope you find our advice useful.
Gearbox design tips
Gearbox design involves a great quantity of requirements that we should keep an eye on. This analysis ensures its proper operation and directly influences the effectiveness and efficiency of the speed reducer. How does target performance affect gearbox design? Below we address each of these factors in-depth.
What is the service factor and how do you calculate it?
Determining the right load for a motor is paramount, since it improves its optimal performance and allows us to better define its service life. One of the common problems with electric motors is that their performance decreases with loads lower than 50%. Despite overrating being the most common problem, underrating in a motor may be equally or even more damaging. Do you know exactly what is the service factor? This specification tries to measure the external aspects that affect a motor’s performance and cause malfunctions in the gear motor.
Are you a mechanical engineer? Do not miss CLR blog’s top reads
Are you looking for useful, quality information about the electromechanical engineering industry? Would you like to receive information about power transmission and industrial automation? “Actioning Your Engineering Ideas”, CLR’s blog, aims to become your go-to educational resource. We know that, as a mechanical engineer, you try to stay up to date, but it isn’t easy to make the time to learn and renew yourself. CLR wants to help!
Automatic doors: speed reducers for motion control and precision
The use and application of automatic doors is increasingly common beyond shopping malls, hospitals and large office spaces. The complex systems for door automation require great control and precision, which is why the selection of the speed reducer should involve a very precise study. In this article we will delve into the operators and actuators in charge of the optimal operation of an automatic door, as well as the role of speed reducers or actuators for driving the doors’ system and motion control. Let’s begin.
Sensors and actuators for a safer driving
Automation has increasingly took hold of various sectors, and the automotive industry has always been a technological benchmark. During the last few years, precision, comfort and safety are the target of the most important innovations in the automotive sector, in an attempt to respond to users’ higher demands. In this increasing process of automation, technologies such as sensors and actuators take the centre stage, indispensable for a vehicle’s safety. Let’s see what sensors and actuators are, exactly, and what the most common types in use are.
Technologies that improve productivity in the livestock industry
A lot has changed in the livestock industry during the last few years. The new livestock industry technologies , where automation takes the centre stage, have a clear purpose: improving productivity in the livestock business and make the farmer’s life easier; all of this while making the most out of the available natural resources. In this article we go over some of these interesting technologies.
5 reasons to visit Hannover Messe Fair
Each Spring, a new edition of the most important and iconic event of the industrial sector takes place: the Hannover Messe Fair. This German fair has been held for over 60 years and gathers under one same roof the main exhibitors and VIPs of the automotive sector, the energy industry, and anything related to industry 4.0 at an international level. Do you want to know what to expect during this 2017 fair? Don’t miss this brief summary.
Rolling bearing calculation: analysis of the static and dynamic loads
The purpose of rolling bearings is straightforward: to bear radial, axial or combined loads in order to improve the operation of mechanical transmission systems. When it comes to speed reducers, rolling bearings counter these static and dynamic loads, guaranteeing the system’s stability and reliability, and the product’s durability. You may be wondering, what are these loads and how do we calculate them? Which steps should we follow to make a proper rolling bearing calculation?
6 applications of worm screws
One of the main and most widespread transmission mechanisms in any mechanical project. Worm screws stands out do to its simple operation and mechanical advantage. Worms engage with a worm gear in such a way that, for each full rotation of the worm, the worm gear rotates by a single tooth. Therefore, for the worm gear to fully rotate, the worm has to rotate as many times as teeth the worm gear has.