Pushing the Limits for Performance Improvements

Tough times demand tough components and flexibility

By Randy Frank, Contributing Editor -- Design News, November 3, 2008

Increased throughput is the goal in any manufacturing operation. That's business as usual. “What we're seeing now is more specialized applications — people really trying to push the limits,” says Mike Anselmo, application engineering manager, Wittenstein.

These requests include higher continuous speeds and fitting motion control component units into tight spaces. “We have had a few industries like semiconductor, energy and even Homeland Security where people have come to us for an overall solution,” says Anselmo. “They want to integrate gear and motor technology into a black box of some sort.” Wittenstein has already demonstrated this capability with its TPM+ that integrates a motor, gearhead and encoder.

Integration is the key to a complete system solution or at least a greater part of the system and many companies have their eyes on this prize. To satisfy the testing requirements in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) manufacturing, Danaher Motion developed a product set consisting of a Dover DMM-101 single-axis controller and ST1 air bearing spindle. Matched for performance in the integrated sub-system solution, the units are also available separately. However, with software and a connecting cable, the combination delivers maximum velocity stability for faster testing in HDD applications.

Flexibility and additional integration for a more complete system solution places additional requirements on the supplier. To pursue these more complex projects, it's essential to have the in-house technical expertise, both locally and in other regions, as well as corporate backing for the investment. When this exists, customers can ask for more and expect to get it.

However, leading-edge performance in standard products, especially those that address specific application requirements, provides a strong foundation for any custom design effort. This section shows the standard product offerings in linear actuators, lead screws, gearheads and mechanical couplings/connectors.

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