Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

OnRobot Sander, the ultimate solution for precision finishing tasks

Sanding is now more versatile and precise. Save time and enhance efficiency while maintaining consistent quality. With easy integration, remote monitoring, and dust-free operation, OnRobot Sander is a valuable addition to any workflow. This tool offers precise control over sanding parameters and is suitable for various materials, making it a must-have for professionals in the finishing industry.
Learn how to build your sanding application>
Learn more about OnRobot Sander>

Stepper drive with closed-loop position control

Kollmorgen's P80360 stepper drive is the newest addition to the company's flagship P8000 stepper platform. Like other drives in the series, the P80360 incorporates innovative stepless control tech to deliver smooth, quiet motion and optimal performance across the full speed range. Additionally, it offers closed-loop position control and is fully programmable, enabling servo-like versatility, precision, and repeatability. This drive also offers the ability to track load position via encoder feedback and automatically correct for any overshoot or undershoot errors.
Learn more.

You need motion control components? HIWIN has them in stock

Many models of ballsplines, rolled ballscrews PLUS supports, linear guideways, crossed roller bearings and stages are in stock at our Chicago factory, where HIWIN can cut and machine to our spec or yours. Fast shipment to meet applications in machine tool, medical, lab, packaging, metal fab, semicon and advanced high-precision automation equipment.
Learn more.

Application: Cylinders for hydraulic presses

According to Parker Hannifin, "The cylinders in your hydraulic press not only control the force being produced but also the speed at which the press can move and the overall efficiency of the machine." Explore the application of cylinders for hydraulic presses in this insightful blog post, and learn about cylinder types, installation considerations, interfaces, and materials.
Read this informative Parker blog.

FANUC America demonstrates automated welding

FANUC's easy-to-use CRX-25iA welding cobot, which now offers a 30-kg payload and 1,889-mm reach, will demonstrate welding joints on a mower deck at FABTECH this week. Attendees can teach the system using hand guidance or the Tablet TP interface with drag-and-drop icons. See FANUC at Booth B-27015. Automated coating solutions will also be on display.
Learn more -- especially if you cannot attend FABTECH.

Robotics brings peak precision to metal fabrication

Stäubli Robotics designs solutions for real-world pain points, and metal fabrication shops and manufacturers have their share: labor shortages, higher material costs due to supply chain issues, and the need for higher output and shorter cycle times. Learn about Stäubli Robotics' latest offerings at FABTECH in booth B15021, including meticulous 3D laser cutting using the TX2-160L HDP (high dynamic precision) robot, a gamechanger in automotive, metal, and other manufacturing plants tasked with laser cutting of complex parts.
Learn more.

UR20 cobot makes its welding debut at FABTECH -- plasma cutting and weld grinding demos too

Universal Robots' larger, much-anticipated new UR20 cobot is ready to generate sparks at FABTECH this week, North America's biggest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, taking place Sept. 11-14 in Chicago. UR and its partners will demonstrate the UR20 Cobot Welder along with a rotary welding positioner, AI that recommends welding and cutting parameters, CNC parts feeders, and more.
Read the full article.

200,000 roboticists trained and counting: Universal Robots Academy

Universal Robots, the leading collaborative robot (cobot) company, has offered robotics training to customers and others with an interest in collaborative robots. After having grown increasingly popular in the past years and with 119 onsite training centers across the globe, more than 200,000 robotics enthusiasts have joined the Universal Robots Academy.
Read the full article.

Replace hydraulics with heavy-duty electric actuators

Thomson has introduced a high-capacity, high-performance electric linear actuator that gives motion system designers more cost-effective options to replace hydraulic cylinders. Among the many new features of the Thomson Electrak XD linear actuator is load handling up to 25,000 N (5,000 lb), depending on configuration, for a combined power output of more than 450 W. The Electrak XD can also achieve operating speeds up to 75 mm/sec (3 in./sec) and duty cycles up to 100%.
Learn more.

See NORD's innovative and reliable packaging solutions at PACK EXPO 2023

NORD provides complete drive solutions for the entire packaging process from filling and sealing machines to palletizing and wrapping systems in end-of-the-line packaging. See what NORD has to offer at PACK EXPO in Las Vegas Sept. 11-13, 2023, including: IE5+ Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors, DuoDrive Integrated Gear Unit and Motor, NORDAC ON/ON+ Variable Frequency Drives, Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance, a Sealed Surface Conversion System, and much more.
Learn more.

Mini motors and drive systems on-demand webinars: Chock full of informative details

Faulhaber has made available a comprehensive library of on-demand webinars all about its miniature motors and drive systems. Each presentation is full of product details, technology overviews, selection help, design tips and tricks, and application examples. Topics include: stepper motors, brushless motors, DC motors, linear motors, encoders, gearheads, motion controllers, and more. Filled with useful information.
View the Faulhaber webinar library page.

Clutches and brakes for electric outdoor mobile equipment

As OEMs and drive train manufacturers work to bring emerging technology to life, they are partnering with Warner Electric engineers and electrification specialists on electromagnetic braking solutions for electric riding mowers, UTVs, ZTRs, and more. Lots of options, including enclosed and low-profile Spring Applied Emergency and Parking Brakes -- some even feature regenerative braking.
Learn more.

Ball screws or belt-driven actuators? How to choose

Two of the most common components for a linear actuator are ball screw systems and belt and pulley assemblies. There are benefits and limitations to these components, so choosing the right component comes down to the specifications needed for the application. Carlicia Layosa, Marketing Automation Manager at MISUMI, runs through some benefits and drawbacks of each technology.
Read this informative MISUMI blog.

Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications

Rollon's new TLS Series of telescoping linear actuators enable long stroke lengths with minimal closed lengths, which is especially good for applications with minimal vertical clearance, such as between the machine and ceiling or horizontally between machines. These actuators integrate seamlessly into multi-axis systems and are available in two- or three-stage versions. Equipped with a built-in automated lubrication system, the TLS Series features a synchronized drive system, requiring only a single motor to achieve motion. Four sizes (100, 230, 280, and 360) with up to 3,000-mm stroke length.
Learn more.

New machine tending tech launched by Mitsubishi Electric Automation

Designed for easy setup and use, Mitsubishi Electric's LoadMate Plus machine tending solutions provide manufacturers with an answer to labor shortage challenges while improving productivity and lowering operating costs.
Read the full article.

Dumb missiles get smart: APKWS guidance kits went three for three against armored targets

[Credit: Image courtesy BAE Systems]

 

 

BAE Systems says it has successfully tested its plug-and-play APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) laser-guidance kits with High-Explosive Anti-Tank Anti-Personnel Anti-Materiel (HEAT/APAM) warheads from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

Guided by APKWS kits, which transform unguided rockets into smart munitions for precision strikes on soft targets, equipment, and armored targets, the rockets went three for three against armored targets, demonstrating their versatility to engage a broad set of targets and enable new missions for warfighters.

During a recent test event, BAE Systems launched rockets with HEAT/APAM warheads and APKWS guidance kits against well-armored targets -- including a steel plate and an armored military vehicle. All test shots were direct hits, defeating fortified targets at range. The HEAT/APAM warheads are capable of penetrating thick armor, which improves the versatility of rockets guided by APKWS guidance kits.

APKWS requires no modifications to the standard rocket motor, firing platform, or fire control system. BAE says its APKWS kits have "achieved over a 93 percent hit rate when fired from rotary- and fixed-wing platforms" in total, with "17 of the world's most utilized rotary- and fixed-wing launch platforms qualified" to use the system (such as the AH-64 Apache and F-16 Fighting Falcon), which is designed to lock onto targets up to 3 km away.

"APKWS guidance kits with HEAT/APAM warheads provide a low-cost, lightweight, easy-to-deploy strike capability against armored and unarmored targets," said Sam Kirsh, APKWS program manager at BAE Systems.

The APKWS mid-body guidance and control section is also compatible with existing and new inventories of Hydra 2.75-in. (70-mm) rocket motors, warheads, and launchers. It simply inserts between the rocket motor and warhead for easy installation on a variety of platforms. The munitions require minimal training to assemble and fire, and can be fired from a variety of launch platforms, including fighter jets, combat helicopters, ground vehicles, and remote weapon stations.

APKWS guidance kits have also proven their accuracy in combat with hundreds of successful shots fired with the M151 high-explosive warhead.

Source: BAE Systems

Published November 2022

Rate this article