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Tech Tip: How to keep heavy loads balanced

Some Thomson smart linear actuators have a position-based synchro-nization option to help manage unbalanced loads when using multiple units. The system adjusts the speed of each actuator to keep them starting, moving, and stopping synchronously, regardless of their respective load distribution. So useful. So smart.
Learn all about this feature.

More precision, less friction: Strain wave gearheads

With the new Strain wave gearheads, maxon expands its portfolio, especially for applications with high demands on precision in torque transmission. The backlash-free design ensures exact motion control in minimal installation space -- ideal for robotic arms, surgical instruments, or optical applications. In combination with maxon drives, this results in a perfectly matched drive system from a single source. Available in diameters of 55 mm and 62 mm. Additional sizes and variants on the way.
Learn more.

Micro-brakes for precise motion control applications

The ultra-compact 112 Model Electro-magnetic Micro-Brakes from Miki Pulley ensure fast response in high-torque, demanding applications. The simple design features a stator with integrated mounting flange, proprietary composite friction liner, and armature complete with ring plate spring and hub. These brakes halt rotation mechanically by utilizing an electromagnetic field to create mechanical friction. With fast response, the brake's armature engages the stator when the coil is energized. A constant-force plate spring transfers torque to the rotating brake body, halting all motion.
Learn more.

BLDC motors: Performance, flexibility, affordability

The ElectroCraft RapidPower Enhanced series (RPE series) is an innovative brushless DC (BLDC) motor design that combines performance, flexibility, and affordability, offering OEMs the perfect platform for a wide range of motion applications. Highly configurable, the RPE series can be quickly acquired and adapted into an application. ElectroCraft's BLDCs integrate rare earth magnets and an eight-pole encapsulated core design to provide high torque density, peak torques up to 300% of continuous ratings, wide speed ranges, low cogging, and excellent thermal characteristics.
Learn more and find out all the options.

What is a low-waving linear motion guide?

If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

The future of artificial feel and haptics

From early "artificial feel" technologies to the haptics used in today's augmented reality, learn how precision motion is connecting the future to the past through force control. This informative blog from PI provides a little history and a lot of technical how-to when it comes to motion choices for creating the next generation of more immersive and accurate haptic solutions.
Read the PI blog.

Motion Applications: Max performance for pouch-filling machines

FAULHABER drive technology brings dynamics, precision, and high availability in tight spaces for pouch-filling machines made by Scaldopack. Unlike conventional pneumatic components, these machines can operate continuously for nearly three years without maintenance.
Read the full article.

Bodine Electric gearmotors have higher torque ratings

Bodine Electric Company recently upgraded the design of many of its type WX gearmotors to increase the output torque ratings while maintaining the same long-life rating. Two parts in the gearhead design were changed to accomplish the higher torque ratings: the rotor/armature shaft and the first-stage gear. This design change allowed Bodine to raise the output torque rating for any WX gear ratio where the first stage of the gearing cluster had been the "weak link." This included all of the two-stage ratios used in Bodine stock models and two of the three-stage ratios used in Bodine stock models.
Find out all the new capabilities and models in this Bodine blog.

Pick and Hold solenoid driver module designed for economy, extended life

Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) has released the Pick and Hold SDM950 Power Solenoid Driver Module. This "Made in America," compact, PWM driver module measuring just 2.950 x 3.000 in. is designed to consume less energy by first applying the voltage for a pre-determined period of time (pick time) necessary to activate the solenoid and then, when the plunger is seated, drop the voltage (holding voltage) to a level sufficient to hold the solenoid in the seated position. This conserves energy and extends the life of the solenoid.
Learn more.

High-precision micro-positioning actuators

For applications requiring sub-micrometer precision, PI's L-220 series linear actuators provide reliable, high-precision motion in a compact design. Engineered for demanding tasks in optics, photonics, semiconductor testing, metrology, and microscopy, select models are available with short lead times to support fast system integration. Their low backlash and non-rotating, linearly guided tips minimize tilt and eccentricity-caused errors, as is common with low-cost, rotating-tip type actuators.
Learn more and get all the specs.

How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why

Hydraulic cylinders are traditionally the go-to technology for high-force linear motion. They deliver high force at a low cost-per-unit of force, are rugged, and are simple to deploy. However, electric cylinders with high-force capacities are now available, and they are more flexible, precise, and reliable than their hydraulic counterparts. This is a very detailed article, including lifecycle and power costs, force requirements, and data collection.
Read this informative Tolomatic blog.

Linear actuator from igus handles up to 600 kg

The drylin SLX-8060 from igus is a ready-to-install linear axis equipped with a dryspin lead screw drive. The corrosion-resistant system can handle axial loads up to 600 kg (1,323 lb), making it ideal for logistics, robotics, and manufacturing applications in packaging and automated material handling. Designed to simplify and accelerate assembly, the SLX-8060 can be mounted directly to aluminum construction profiles without pre-drilled holes. igus offers the SLX as a complete system with optional motor and control packages, ensuring fast deployment for automation and motion system developers.
Learn more.

Where do you get drone parts?

Based in Buffalo, NY, Allient is furthering its robust technology foundation to deliver advanced motion and power solutions for unmanned aerial systems, starting with COTS propulsion motors and extending to electronic speed controllers, gimbals, propellers, mission-ready kits, and power/electronic solutions. Across all product categories, the company manufactures more than 5 million motors annually.
Read the full article.

Kollmorgen Essentials™ System: Affordable, precise motion

Introducing Kollmorgen Essentials™ Motion Systems: High-performance, affordable, and precise motion for every industrial axis. These pre-configured systems enable simple sizing and selection, while multiple onboard communication protocols ensure seamless integration. Each system combines an optimally matched servo drive, a servo motor with integrated absolute multi-turn feedback, and a combined power/data cable. With ease of installation and commissioning, Kollmorgen Essentials ensures reliable performance across key industrial applications from packaging and warehouse automation to material handling and forming.
Learn more.

Motion Control Tech Tip: The 6 myths of stage error mapping

According to the experts at Motion Solutions, stage error mapping -- measuring absolute positioning error at a specified set of sampling points -- has gained a reputation for achieving high-accuracy motion control with lower-cost equipment. The theory is sound, but the problem is that there are a lot of misconceptions around stage error mapping that can lead to its use in unsuitable applications and disappointing results. Want to learn how you can use it for its maximum benefit?
Read the Motion Solutions blog.

Silicon carbide-based motor drive system tested for hybrid airplane

A hybrid Cessna 337 taxied down a Southern California runway and lifted into the air. The plane, a type commonly used as an air taxi between islands, had a traditional gas-powered motor in the nose and an electric motor in the back. The electric motor was equipped with an experimental silicon-carbide inverter, or motor drive, designed by the University of Arkansas (UA) Power Group.

The test flight proved that a smaller, more efficient silicon carbide-based motor drive system could replace a hybrid plane's traditional silicon-based system.

The University of Arkansas Power group tested a hybrid Cessna 337 with a silicon carbide inverter. [Credit: Image courtesy of the UA Power Group/University of Arkansas]

 

 

"We were the first university to do this for a hybrid electric aircraft. That's a feather in our cap," said Alan Mantooth, distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science and the lead researcher on the project.

The results of the test flight, which took place in 2023, were just published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. The project was supported by a grant from the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, or ARPA-E.

The advantages of silicon carbide
Transistors are the foundation of electric circuits. They act as amplifiers or switches. The microchips in our computers and smartphones, for example, contain billions of transistors, which switch on and off to create the binary language of ones and zeros. Today, most transistors are made of silicon, which is produced by heating purified sand.

A transistor does not instantly switch off and on. In the transition between the two states, which lasts only a fraction of a second, energy is lost. That lost energy generates heat.

Transistors made of silicon carbide can switch 1,000 times faster than those made of silicon. The faster switching speed makes the transistor more efficient, which means all the other components, such as inductors, transformers, and capacitors, can be dramatically smaller and lighter.

VIDEO: Test flight of hybrid electric aircraft. [Credit: University of Arkansas]

"Imagine a race car with a big 350 engine that weighs hundreds of pounds. What if you had that same power, but I gave you something that would fit in your hand?" said Chris Farnell, an assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science. Farnell was the first author on the paper about the silicon carbide-based electric plane motor drive.

The UA Power Group is a recognized leader in the research and application of silicon carbide.

Despite its superior performance, the higher cost of silicon carbide has hindered its wider adoption.

"Silicon is made from dirt, and nothing is cheaper than dirt," Mantooth said.

The cost of producing silicon carbide, however, has been falling, and because silicon carbide transistors require smaller supporting components, the cost of the entire system is reduced.

"If the overall system gets cheaper, then Ford cares, Toyota cares. That's why it ends up in cars," Mantooth said.

Current production techniques for silicon carbide are also not yet advanced enough to economically produce the nanometer-scale devices needed for computer microchips. This fall, the UA Power Group openened the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory to advance research on silicon-carbide microchip fabrication and serve as a bridge between university researchers and semiconductor manufacturers.

The challenges of aviation
For the airplane project, the UA Power Group built a silicon carbide-based inverter, which converts the direct current of a battery to the alternating current needed to drive a motor.

The reduced size of a silicon carbide-based system is particularly advantageous on a small airplane, where space is at a premium.

"You're able to remove stuff and give passengers more legroom," Farnell said.

The lighter weight of a silicon-carbide system also means the plane uses less energy to take off and cruise.

Planes are challenging vehicles for electrical engineers. The electrical systems must have mechanical supports to withstand vibrations and the shock of landing.

At higher altitudes, the drier air increases partial discharge, which can degrade insulation and cause electrostatic issues.

The higher switching speed of silicon carbide also creates more electromagnetic interference, which can affect other systems on the airplane.

The successful test flight of the Cessna 337 proved that the UA Power Group team met those challenges.

University researchers do not often test their work outside of the lab. Even if the science does not demand a field test, the UA Power Group sees advantages in taking their work to that stage when possible.

"The students got a second-to-none experience. They got to do some hands-on engineering in addition to their scientific work, and they went on and got great jobs," Mantooth said.

The other authors on the paper were Anna Corbitt, Wesley G. Schwartz, and Asif Faruque, U of A graduate students at the time of the work; Yue Zhao and David Huitink, faculty in the U of A departments of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering, respectively; and Nenad Miljkovic of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The industry partners were Ampaire and Wolfspeed.

Source: University of Arkansas

Published December 2025

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