Feature

The everyman guide to motion engineering

Machine designers and specifiers increasingly have to look at creating motion control systems. It is quite a complex specialism, so Gerard Bush of INMOCO has compiled the following guide.

05/07/2018 15:47:57

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The most important thing to know about motion control is that it is used in many different types of machine design and engineering. Every application is unique, and some are very different from others, so there
are no universal answers and it is always best to get expert help from the outset. You should not tell the expert what sort of system you want but what you want your system to be able
to do - and any restrictions that apply - then let them advise you about the technical solutions.

The components in a motion system can be listed as follows:

• Motors: Usually servos (AC or DC) but
can be steppers or even high-performance induction motors.
• Mechanical elements: ballscrews, linear actuators and other positioning devices. Also, couplings, gearheads and other drive line components.
• Electronics: drives or amplifiers for use with the motors, plus
a motion controller and sensors for overall command. (Sometimes the controller is integrated with the amp, other times it could be a dedicated unit, or a standard PLC configured with a motion card.)

Read the full article in the July issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.