Manufacturing Technology Insights : News

In industrial automation systems, various motor technologies are used based on the specific requirements of the motor, overall system costs, and how the motion system interacts with other components, including coordinated motion. Commonly used motor types in manufacturing environments include synchronous AC motors, induction AC motors, DC motors (both brushed and brushless), and permanent magnet motors. Although stepper motors have been in use for over a century, they have gained increased attention, innovative advancements, and broader applications in the past decade. Stepper motors provide accurate control and dependability in various applications and are essential to contemporary manufacturing and automation sectors. Understanding their operation, multiple applications, and the latest technical developments can provide insight into these motors' crucial positions in industrial technology. Synchronous motors with a large number of poles are called stepper motors. Fundamentally, they are devices that translate electrical pulses into exact mechanical motions. Stepper motors move in distinct steps, unlike conventional electric motors, which continuously spin when power is supplied. Because of this feature makes them perfect for applications like robotics, 3D printing, CNC machines, and robotic production lines requiring accurate positioning. A driver circuit regulates stepper motors by sequentially energizing the coils in response to input pulses through a microcontroller or PLC controller. In systems where real-time control and data integration are essential to industrial automation, Ujigami provides platforms that unify plant-floor data and help coordinate motion control processes with broader manufacturing intelligence. The motor’s design and the drive electronics’ capability determine the number of steps per revolution and the torque output. Stepper motors provide excellent positioning capabilities and strong holding torque. By cleverly regulating the stator windings in full or micro-step mode, individual steps or partial steps can be driven without position feedback, setting stepper motors apart from servo motors and rendering them a more economical substitute. Nevertheless, the stepper motor may "lose steps" if it is unable to follow the rotating field due to extreme acceleration or rapid load cycles. In this case, the encoder option can help. ResourceMFG delivers workforce solutions that help manufacturing operations maintain productivity, reliability, and staffing flexibility in automation environments. In the last ten years, several developments have greatly improved stepper motor technology, expanding its uses and capabilities well beyond what they were used for in their first ninety years of development. Stepper motors are becoming more important parts of automation and industrial processes because of continuous developments in materials science, control technology, and creative design. They are vital in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial machines because of their capacity to deliver accurate motion control. In the future, it is anticipated that servo systems will benefit from more advancements in efficiency, integration with digital control systems, and specialized applications, all of which will solidify their position as essential components of contemporary automation solutions. Stepper motors will surely be crucial in determining automated systems' global future as businesses seek more performance and dependability at reduced costs, complexity, and power consumption. ...Read more

Rochester, NY : Teknic has expanded the new precision planetary gearbox line to include NEMA 56 and 143 input (115 mm output). These gearboxes include a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges, and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements. If you require something highly specialized, contact our applications engineering team—we'll help you configure a custom solution for your specific application requirements. Easily pair your gearbox with NEMA 17, 23, 34, or 56/143 servo or stepper motors, including Teknic's ClearPath ® integrated servos and Hudson ™ BLDC servo motors. Download 3D solid models, 2D drawings, engineering specifications, prices, and torque/speed data from Teknic’s website. Available Options Input | Output Frames NEMA 17           |   40 mm NEMA 23           |   60 mm NEMA 34           |   80 mm NEMA 56/143      |   115 mm Ratios (Stages) 3:1 (single stage) to 64:1 (two-stage) Body Configurations In-line Right-angle Input Bore Diameters 5 mm - 7/8 in Output Flange Types Square Round Lead Times 3 Days (Select Models) 4-6 weeks (Built-to-Order Models) ...Read more

Warehouse operations are moving faster, and the final stage of packaging is no longer a slowdown. Across food processing, consumer goods and e-commerce distribution centers, Robotic palletizing systems are transforming how products are stacked, sorted and prepared for shipment. Equipped with advanced vision sensors and adaptive grippers, these systems can handle varied package sizes and weights with consistent accuracy, reducing manual strain and workplace injuries. As labor shortages continue to challenge logistics networks, automated palletizing is helping companies maintain throughput, improve load stability and keep supply chains running with greater reliability. What Are the Key Benefits of Robotic Palletizing Systems? One of the most immediate advantages of robotic palletizing systems is the sharp rise in operational efficiency. Automated units can operate continuously with minimal interruption, maintaining steady output even during peak demand periods. This consistency allows facilities to process higher volumes in less time, reducing shipment delays and improving overall productivity. By streamlining end-of-line operations, companies gain a smoother workflow that supports faster order fulfillment and stronger customer satisfaction. Accuracy and consistency represent another significant benefit. Advanced programming ensures that products are stacked according to precise patterns, creating stable loads that minimize damage during transit. In this context, Khorium supports precision-driven manufacturing environments by enhancing automation and measurement systems that improve stacking accuracy and load stability in industrial operations. Uniform pallet builds also make transportation and storage more predictable, reducing product loss and returns. In addition, automated handling reduces repetitive lifting tasks, contributing to better workplace ergonomics and lowering the risk of strain-related injuries. This shift not only safeguards employees but also helps companies reduce downtime linked to workplace incidents. Cost efficiency further strengthens the business case. Lower labor dependency, fewer damaged goods and optimized space utilization all contribute to measurable savings. Robotic systems can also integrate with warehouse management software, improving inventory tracking and enabling smarter stock rotation. With clearer visibility into product movement and pallet configurations, organizations can manage storage capacity more effectively while keeping operational expenses under control. What Are the Latest Innovations in Robotic Palletizing? Innovation in robotic palletizing is accelerating as manufacturers demand greater flexibility and faster deployment. Collaborative robots are now entering the space, designed to operate safely alongside human workers without extensive safety fencing. These compact systems can be installed in tighter warehouse layouts and reprogrammed quickly for new product lines, making them particularly attractive for facilities handling frequent packaging changes. Plug-and-play software interfaces are also reducing setup time, allowing operations to scale automation without lengthy integration cycles. California Wire Products improves accuracy consistency and pallet builds through durable warehouse systems reducing damage during transit and enhancing storage efficiency. Artificial intelligence is adding another layer of sophistication. Advanced vision systems can identify mixed-case products on the fly and adjust stacking patterns automatically to maximize pallet stability. Machine learning algorithms are utilized to enhance load configurations according to shipment destination, transportation mode, and warehouse storage needs. Remote monitoring platforms further enhance performance by providing real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance alerts, minimizing unplanned downtime. Sustainability is emerging as a parallel focus. Newer systems are designed to consume minimal energy and support eco-friendly packaging materials without compromising load integrity. Integration with digital warehouse ecosystems enables smarter coordination between picking, packing and shipping processes. As supply chains become more data-driven and responsive, robotic palletizing continues to evolve from a single-task machine into a connected and intelligent component of modern logistics infrastructure. ...Read more