Industrial Mechanical

Do you operate machinery that’s powered by a heavy-duty motor and eddy-current drive? If so, then you probably already realize the hassle and expense that can come about when trying to replace these types of systems. Eddy-current drives have been around a long time, but are not used as much as they once were. They are, however, still used in certain industries, including metal forming, asphalt & aggregate, water and wastewater, wire and cable, textiles and others. These work similar to AC and DC drives to control various functions of an industrial motor, but use eddy-current technology instead. Also, eddy-current drives provide a means of motor control that minimizes the need for maintenance.

If you need a replacement for your eddy-current drive, consider buying a “drop-in replacement.” These are available from Drive Source International, a company that has acquired the Dynamatic name (formerly Eaton Dynamatic). Dynamatic has been a leading brand in eddy-current technology for decades, so it’s easy to see how buying the drop-in replacements from such a reliable source can save you time and money.

Drop-in replacement drives can be installed directly into an existing operation with only minor changes to the equipment. This provides an easy install as well as minimizes downtime for your operation.

DSI not only manufactures Dynamatic drives, but also makes drop-in replacement drives and parts for all makes and models of eddy-current drives and controls. These include Sterling, US Motors, Louis Allis, Eaton, Torspec, Hitachi, Teco, Yaskawa, and others. Contact a Dynamatic distributor such as Carotron, Inc. to receive assistance with your eddy-current drive needs. This technology can still be beneficial for the long term when you need a reliable control solution, and drop-in replacements make it even easier!

Do you operate machinery that’s powered by a heavy-duty motor and eddy-current drive? If so, then you probably already realize the hassle and expense that can come about when trying to replace these types of systems. Eddy-current drives have been around a long time, but are not used as much as they once were. They are, however, still used in certain industries, including metal forming, asphalt & aggregate, water and wastewater, wire and cable, textiles and others. These work similar to AC and DC drives to control various functions of an industrial motor, but use eddy-current technology instead. Also, eddy-current drives provide a means of motor control that minimizes the need for maintenance.

If you need a replacement for your eddy-current drive, consider buying a “drop-in replacement.” These are available from Drive Source International, a company that has acquired the Dynamatic name (formerly Eaton Dynamatic). Dynamatic has been a leading brand in eddy-current technology for decades, so it’s easy to see how buying the drop-in replacements from such a reliable source can save you time and money.

Drop-in replacement drives can be installed directly into an existing operation with only minor changes to the equipment. This provides an easy install as well as minimizes downtime for your operation.

DSI not only manufactures Dynamatic drives, but also makes drop-in replacement drives and parts for all makes and models of eddy-current drives and controls. These include Sterling, US Motors, Louis Allis, Eaton, Torspec, Hitachi, Teco, Yaskawa, and others. Contact a Dynamatic distributor such as Carotron, Inc. to receive assistance with your eddy-current drive needs. This technology can still be beneficial for the long term when you need a reliable control solution, and drop-in replacements make it even easier!

Tips for Buying KB Drives

On February 1, 2012, in Industrial Mechanical, by caro2
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If you’re in the market for a new AC motor and/or AC drive and are considering buying your AC drive from KB Electronics, here are a few tips to help your KB drives purchase go smoothly. First understand exactly why you need an AC drive. Are you simply upgrading to a new AC drive for an already working AC motor? Do you need to make repairs on the motor as well as replace the drive? Does your application currently use a DC motor and drive, but you’re considering changing over to an AC motor system? Answering these questions will help better understand what solution will best work for your particular application and budget.

KB Electronics produces some of the most reliable AC drives in the marketplace. KB drives come with a variety of options, horsepower ratings, enclosures (i.e. NEMA 1 IP50 and NEMA 4X IP65 models), Ac drive accessories, etc. Also, keep in mind that the cost of replacement might be minimal when compared to the long term savings when upgrading to a more efficient AC drive. KB drives have all the latest features and use up-to-date technology to help your production or operation run more smoothly. In other words….get more work done in less time and reduce maintenance costs and downtime at your facility.

Have your specs ready to go when shopping for KB drives. You’ll need to be able to give your specific application (what you plan to use the drive for in your operation), such as conveyors, blowers, mixers, film conversion, laminating, food processing, pumps, material handling, etc. You’ll need to specify the voltage requirement as well as the motor type and horsepower rating (i.e. AC three-phase motor rated at 3.0 horsepower). You’ll need to know the type of enclosure, which is usually based on what type of environment and elements the drive will be exposed to such as dust, chemicals, water, oil, etc. And finally, research the various features to determine if your AC drive will need to be a reversing type, programmable, and have features such as keypad with digital display, analog adjustments, DC injection braking, communication features and other possible functions.

Don’t hesitate to call a KB drives distributor such as Carotron, Inc. to speak with a representative about your application needs. This can save you time and money when buying AC drives from KB Electronics or any drives manufacturer!

How do Eddy Current Brakes Work?

On January 18, 2012, in Industrial Mechanical, by caro2
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To understand how eddy-current brakes work, you should first know how eddy currents are formed. Eddy currents swirl (similar to a whirlpool) in a conductor. The currents form due to a change in the magnetic field. As the eddy current swirls, a magnetic field is formed that opposes the change. This is called “Lenz’s law.” Inside the conductor, electrons move in a swirling motion in a plane that’s perpendicular to the magnetic field. Since eddy currents have a tendency to oppose, energy is lost because it is transformed from kinetic energy to heat. The heat energy is less useful than kinetic energy; however, some applications can benefit from the loss of energy. Some trains, for instance, use eddy current brakes to gradually slow the train. The train’s metal wheels have magnetic interaction with between eddy currents and the applied field. The braking effect greatly depends on how fast the wheels are spinning. Faster spinning wheels create a stronger effect, so the braking power is actually reduced to produce smoother braking.

Companies such as Drive Source International (DSI) manufacture eddy-current brakes for a variety of applications. These are sold through various distributors, including Carotron, Inc. DSI offers Dynamatic Air-Cooled Eddy-Current Brakes (adjustable torque type) and Liquid-Cooled Eddy-Current Brakes. Compare these types of braking options to discover which will work best for your operation. Read about the features and benefits to explore if eddy-current brakes are right for the job.

A motorized potentiometer can be used in various types of control applications. Potentiometers are often referred to as “resistors” because they are designed to resist the flow of an electric current in various types of controls, flow meters, recording devices, motors, thermostats, printing press machinery, and other applications. A “motorized” potentiometer is created by combining a 10-turn potentiometer with a servo motor (geared type). These feature high precision gears with limit switches to control the motor and enhance performance. Using a motorized potentiometer often results in better efficiency, high resolution and linearity, and durability for the motor.

Motorized potentiometers can be used in a variety of applications, from motorized wheel chairs with speed controls, to transducers in electric motors. If you need to buy a potentiometer, check with a manufacturer or distributor that offers one-on-one customer service to answer your questions. A durable motorized potentiometer can help improve the efficiency of your operation while saving time and money for the long run.

DC Drives for Paper Mills

On November 21, 2011, in Industrial Mechanical, by caro2
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DC motors are the lifeblood of operations for most paper mills. And of course, there are some mills with motors and/or DC drives that are decades old! This can pose as a problem when the older motors and drives begin to wear out and become inefficient. In these tough economical times, replacing a DC motor and drive system with the latest AC motor technology is likely impossible for most paper mills. There is, however, a more affordable option… upgrading the existing DC drives to new state-of-the-art drives that are more efficient and easier to control. There are several benefits of doing so when compared with a more costly AC drive replacement. Newly developed DC drives can help improve the speed regulation because these use digital controllers. These usually have advanced features, including enhanced diagnostics. They are also more compact and use fewer circuit cards for space savings and easy installation.

If you own or manage a paper mill or facility and need to determine the most cost-effective route to take for your company’s older DC motors and drives, consider how much time and expense will be involved either way and the potential savings for the future. Many older DC motors work just as good as they did years ago, but just need upgrades along with a new DC drive controlling them. Consider all the options and seek the advice of a skilled technician or engineer if you need help with this tough decision. One DC drives manufacturer called Carotron, Inc. provides free one-on-one consultations with their engineer staff for drive applications. So don’t hesitate to get the help you need to save on production costs!

About eight times the motor’s full-load current is used to start an AC motor across the line. Not only does this generate excessive heat and put a lot of strain on the windings of the motor, but will likely reduce the number of years the motor can remain in operation. The longevity of the AC motor can often be increased by simply using an AC drive. Why? The drive will cause the motor to start up at zero frequency as well as voltage. Once started, the motor’s voltage and frequency will start to build and magnetize the windings, while also building speed gradually. Reducing the starting current using AC drives, therefore, can help extend the life of AC motors as well as reduce the wear and tear while the motor is still in use. If you have an AC motor and want to find out how much energy can be saved by installing an AC drive, it’s a good idea to speak with a skilled engineer about your application to find out what type of AC drives will be needed for the job. With energy savings and extended life for your AC motors, you’ll find the investment for an AC drive to be well worth it!

DC Drive Types: Regen and Non-Regen

On October 17, 2011, in Industrial Mechanical, by caro2
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There are several types of DC Drives if you’re in the market for one or if just getting started as a motor control distributor. Nonregenerative DC drives are conventional in design and provide torque and speed control for DC motors in only one direction. The output polarity on these can be reversed by adding an electromechanical armature reversing contactor. Regenerative DC drives or four-quadrant drives are adjustable in both speed and direction of the motor’s rotation and torque. These types of drives operate similar to a generate by converting mechanical energy from the motor and the load to elecrical energy, for regeneration of the energy. Consider the long-term energy savings when buying DC drives for any application. If you’re not sure what type to buy, speak with a technical engineer that specializes in motor drives so you can make a wise choice.

Controlling motors in industrial applications requires the use of drives (such as dc drives, ac drives or eddy current drives) that are designed with precision and a high standard of quality. These industrial controls provide a means of accurately controlling a motor’s speed and/or torque so it will operate at an even level during the production process. Industrial motors are used for heavy duty tasks, and operating them at a constant high speed throughout the process can cause premature wear and tear on the motor. AC drives and DC drives provide many of the same functions; however, DC drives control DC motors and AC drives control AC motors.

So which is better? It really depends on the application and the end user’s budget. Many manufacturers are replacing their older DC motors with new AC ones; however, DC motors and drives are often more beneficial for applications requiring continuous regeneration or flexibility for adjustable speed options. Also, those who have an older DC motor that still works well can save thousands of dollars by simply replacing the DC drive instead of the entire motor and drive system. DC drives are still being manufactured by companies like Carotron, Inc., and there are even retrofit solutions for complex needs. So compare your options if you’re in position to upgrade or replace your company’s DC motors.

Compression Makes Gaskets

On September 29, 2011, in Industrial Mechanical, by P A Thomas
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Things to Focus on in Gaskets

Gaskets and seals are widely-used to close off 2 or more surfaces solidly together to make sure they become air tight. These devices eliminate seapage of gases and liquids, and they are generally employed for manufacturing and mechanical applications, although they may also be used domestically. Various other applications are in the auto, plumbing, mechanical engineering, and aerospace areas.

Seals and gaskets are often made out of flexible materials, such as cork or rubber. For applications which require higher tolerance, on the other hand, sturdy substances should be used, like metal.

To produce an air tight condition, a gasket is set right between two surfaces, and these surfaces are then brought closer together and then tightened.

Compression – Gaskets are Worthless without It

Compression is important for gaskets to accomplish their job. If a gasket’s compression power is really high, liquids and gases are closed off more effectively. If there’s too little pressure on the gasket, the mechanical seal may easily move about and get wobbly, enabling pollutants to go through.

This is exactly why gaskets are meant to just exactly match up with the mated areas of a machine.

Gaskets and Mechanical Seals – Just What are They Made Of?

For heavy duty applications, the following products are used to produce gaskets:

- Silicon
- Fiber glass
- Rubber
- Metal
- Plastic polymer
- Felt

You will also discover gaskets that contain asbestos fibre.

Since gaskets are created from different components, the production procedure for each type of gasket also varies. Once the gaskets are produced, suppliers place them on a hot compression environment evaluation to find out if they are able to tolerate incredibly high pressure. The test can be used to both regular temperature as well as the gasket’s temperature.

How to Locate a Gasket

Gaskets have a plethora of industrial applications. A trusted gasket will even meet compression setting stress up to 2,000 pounds per square inch (or perhaps higher). Also, it’s generally recognized that when more heaviness is placed on a gasket, the greater power it has. Note, however, that gaskets have got different amounts of tolerance when bearing loads.

To settle on a genuinely strong gasket, the best option would be to select something that’s compatible with your preferences and machines.

While shopping for a gasket, your initial consideration should be precisely how it’s likely to be used. Most gaskets come with labels and manufacturer’s directions. They may in addition have information and facts posted on their company website. Be sure to shop around and research before picking a gasket.

One faster way to search for gaskets via the Internet will be to look for a vendor. Once you find product listings, have a look at test results, like tolerance levels. There are still several vendors out there with gaskets that can’t withstand intense temperatures and increased pressure. If the manufacturer hasn’t published test results and other product requirements, proceed to another supplier. A good vendor wouldn’t be reluctant to disclose product features and specifications.

Don’t forget, considering gaskets are mostly for industrial usage, they must be built using the highest possible requirements.

 

You are a very busy small business owner, so it is tempting to cut corners when repairing the roof on your building. Don’t. You need to do your due diligence with the commercial roofing contractors in your area.

It is therefore a good idea to get several different Columbia MO commercial roofing contractors to place their bids for your job and then you can select an industrial roofing contractor based on their capabilities, experience and quotes.

Next, you need to consider the time that the Jefferson City commercial roofing contractor is going to take to complete their work. You need to have a proper roof installed for the weather conditions normally prevailing in your city and so you need to ensure that the industrial roofing contractor does not give you a time frame that is too long for your liking.

So get references from the bidders. Ask those references what the turnaround time was on their roofing. This will be a good indicator to a smooth job.

 

Forklifts are an important part of many industries in the world. These are used to lift incredibly heavy weights and transfer them from one place to another, without them some tasks would simply be impossible to perform. Like many other machines used in various industries, forklifts require careful maintenance and constant check-ups in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

These machines can be very dangerous if they are placed in the wrong hands so a lot of training is required in order for someone to receive a permit to operate forklifts. In order to improve safety, the forklift operators are highly trained but the safety of the environment in which the forklift is used lies not only in the hands of the forklift operator it lies in the hands of the firm and everybody else as they need to make an effort to increase their safety while they work in is performed in this environment.

Special notice needs to be applied to the following things in order to enable increased safety for everybody around the forklifts operating area:

Batteries: Almost every mobile piece of equipment, ranging from small mobile phones to large airplanes needs batteries in order to work. The battery is what provides the driving force for the equipment. Batteries eventually run out after some time, so they need constant removal and replacement. The batteries inside the forklift and other vehicles contain materials which are toxic and poisonous so special care is needed when replacing and removing them. These batteries should only be handled by those who have experience in dealing with vehicle batteries. The company or firm that owns the forklifts must also provide a stocked first aid kit; this would be invaluable in the event that something goes wrong with the removal or replacement of the batteries. The work area also needs to be kept airy and well ventilated. This may mean just opening the doors and windows, this seems trivial but doing this can help to prevent terrible disasters.

Collisions: As previously mentioned, forklifts are large machines that deal with incredibly heavy loads, great care must be taken to ensure that the area in which the forklift is operating does not have any people moving around in close proximity to the forklift. A collision between a forklift and its heavy load with a human being would be highly fatal and could lead to death. The workers working in the forklifts vicinity should wear high visibility coats to ensure that the forklift operator is aware of their location at all times. The forklift must also be fitted with horns and lights. If the forklift is operating in places where pedestrians are moving around, safety signs must be set up to warn them of the presence of the forklift.

Mechanical Malfunction: Forklifts are used for long periods of time and need constant maintenance; ideally the fork lift should be checked before each shift to make sure that everything is running as it should be. If even a minor fault is discovered with the forklift, it should not be used again until the fault has been properly dealt with. It may help to set up a clearly illustrated checklist to make sure that the forklift is inspected in a systematic manner each time before it’s used.

Problem’s with the load: Forklifts are designed to carry certain loads, they have a maximum load. These limits should not in any event be exceeded; doing so could lead to serious accidents not to mention damage to your forklift. All the people that deal with the packing of pellets for the forklift need to be given good training so that they know how to perform this task properly. One way of stabilising pallet jacks is to use stretch wrap to make sure everything is held tightly together. The forklift operator should also know what loads can be placed one on top of the other, and which loads cannot be placed in this manner.

 

Platform scales are scales used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to waste management and are elements without which many such activities would be impossible. Since there are many sectors where industrial scales are useful, there are many types of such tools on the market. If you want to find the right scale for your needs, then you surely have a lot of questions to ask. Below you can read the answers to some of the most common questions that are asked with regards to such scales.

  • What is the proper weight capacity of platform scales?

These scales have a weight capacity that usually ranges from 800 lb to over 10,000 lb in order to fit a high number of purposes. Most commonly, people use scales that have a capacity of 5,000 lb and this can help you as well.

  • What are the dimensions of these scales?

Similarly with the weight capacity, the dimensions range from smaller – 3 feet by 3 feet – to much larger – 10 feet by 14 feet. In this case, platforms that are 4 feet by 4 feet are the most often used, but there is no standard as to what to use, it always depends on your needs.

  • Where to use industrial scales – indoors or outdoors?

While there are many scales that can be used no matter the environment, there are specific scales that are designed specifically to be used indoors or outdoors. For example, very large platform scales are meant to be used outdoors. In order to better answer this question, make sure that you ask the manufacturer before using the scale.

These are the three main questions that everyone has to know when it comes to using platform scales, but research is required for learning more once you start using them.

 

When buying tension load cells, you’ll want to check the load capacity beforehand. For industrial facilities, automotive production, plastics, cement or steel processing and other similar processes, load cells or sensors are put to the test every day with tension and pressure from what are often very heavy loads. Capacity minimums and maximums are assigned to load cells so you’ll know how small or big the load can be when using a particular type of tension load cell. For example, the LVDT tension load cells (model LCS01) by Carotron, Inc. have a load capacity of 22 to 2,200 pounds. Load cells of this capacity can handle an overload of 100-to-1 without damaging the load cells.

Load cell capacity is important to ensure that your operation continues to run smoothly while handling tension from very heavy loads. Otherwise, breakdowns can occur and slow production or even cause damage to other machines or accessories that are being utilized during the production phase. If you need help determining what type of tension load cells you’ll need for your application, Carotron offers one-on-one sales service from skilled engineers. It’s free to call and speak with an engineer about your facility’s needs.

 

There are many types of balances designed for a wide range of specific purposes. Some scales are created for measuring bulk items while others are made to measure small to medium weight items. These scales also come in varying forms and sizes, along with features aimed at providing the user with accurate data output and ease of use.

For weight measurement that requires very high precision, analytical balances are the best option to go. These balances are originally designed to make accurate measurements down to the smallest possible unit, including a hundredth of a milligram. Such scientific balances are well suitable for environments that require critical measure and uncompromised handling of the material under measure. These types of balances are most popular to professionals like chemists and pharmacists who work in laboratories.

One key feature that distinguishes the scientific balance from the other types of balances and scales is that it comes with a container or enclosure for holding the material to be measured. This is very ideal specially when dealing with hazardous materials. The enclosure ensures that aside from the safety handling of the material, external factors like dust and air pressure are prevented from causing interruptions and / or affecting the actual measurement value of the materials. Because analytical balances are used in providing highly precise measurements, they must be operated at room temperature. Air currents and other unwanted external factors may considerably affect the outcome of the measurement, which will lead to incorrect data.

Other equally important feature of a scientific balance is its ability to connect to a network. The generated output values can be saved in an external USB drive, or possibly through a wireless connection via Bluetooth connectivity. You can even use it connect to an existing network. This is important for storing the values for future reference and for tracking purposes.

 

During the manufacturing process of a pharmaceutical or food product, the cooling or heating equipment usually needs to undergo temperature mapping (also known as heat distribution studies) to ensure the maintenance of the required temperature. After manufacture, you also need to maintain the product at a stable temperature. This requires to be demonstrated by the thermal mapping of the storage area.

Professional mapping and validation services

There are a number of agencies that provide temperature mapping and validation services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Most agencies have expertise in specific areas such as biotechnology, food production, pharmaceuticals or healthcare. The main goals of mapping are to:

  • Locate cold and hot spots

  • To understand how changes in the weather affect internal temperature

  • Effectively manage the storage of products

Benefits of professional temperature mapping services

  • These services are usually comprehensive and affordable, and also include monitoring to ensure that your products are manufactured, tested and stored in optimum conditions.

  • Temperature mapping services can be customized to match your demands, requirements and budget. They normally range from low cost rentals to engineer deployed and collected services, and use calibrated and accurate data-logging test equipment.

  • Professional mapping services ensure compliance; enable you to make proper use of warehouses and promote better understanding of how products are affected by temperatures.

Temperature mapping services are necessary in industries where validating temperatures and humidity conditions is mandatory. Get your warehouse comprehensively validated today!

 

In many industries weighing inventory and manufacturing inputs is critical. Electronic solutions such as load cells and data loggers are improving how we are able to maintain these industries. In the current economic climate, industries which require hands on control of inventory and manufacturing inputs are typically seen as employee heavy and not competitive enough to survive. These types of industries are finding they are capable of existing only in countries where worker cost is extremely low. This is sometimes a function of poor health and safety issues, or merely the economic climate of those nations.

The way for these industries to succeed in western economies is to automate some functions, data loggers or data recorders assist in this endeavour making use of electronic load cells

Load Cells are sensors incorporated into a strain gauge system. It involves having a backing board with metal foil bonded onto a printed circuit board. As an object is weighed, the backing is flexed, which in turn strains the metal foil. This causes small changes in resistance which can be measured. It is extremely good at measuring very small changes in mass as well as heavy weighing situations.

Data Loggers or data recorders are an electronic method of collecting weight data (amongst other data) over a period of time. These are collectively known as Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) and enable businesses to receive load data and generally can be made available automatically to data analysis software.

Data loggers record the measurements and can store the data electronically, or transmit the data to an appropriate tool. They can operate without human supervision over relatively long time frames. They can also be very portable, often small and battery powered with a microprocessor and internal memory. Some of the uses of data loggers include concrete batching and drum weighing in liquid chemical manufacture

In combination, load cells provide the accurate, electronic weight measurement which is stored in the data logger for future use and transfer to a computer for analysis. They work as a stand alone team and include time stamps so that not only weights, but time series are able to be recorded.

One benefit of investing in load cells and data loggers is the resultant reduction in labour costs in tending measuring systems. Additionally, accuracy of measurement, even tiny incremental changes and consistency are positive outcomes, as is the reduced need for employees to maintain labour intensive, but non-challenging tasks.

 

Crane scales or overhead weighing scales are for weighing items which are awkward to weigh on platform scales. The scale system works on an overhead cable or a crane set up. Generally they consist of a swivel hook and shackle with some mechanism for output.

A mounted LED display is sometimes a feature of crane scales which is excellent when the operator will be within visual distance. However, the display can be remotely located for ease of use. Digital crane scales can also have wireless remote control operation

Crane scales are essential tools in environments where the items being weighed are at high temperatures, examples of making use of special designs are found in ‘over ladle’ use in foundry and steel mill situations.

One factor to be aware of is to ensure that the overhead suspension structure is adequate for the total weights being weighed. Used correctly, crane scales can increase safety in various applications such as truck loading for even axle loading and minimising the risk of truck overloading. The other issue to keep track of is battery life. Generally, to ensure wireless operation, the scale requires batteries, either rechargeable or disposable. It is advisable to keep a supply of recharged batteries or new disposable batteries on hand.

The crane scale can be either mechanical or electronic and is generally built for industrial situations. They have an enormous range of accuracy in weighing from just hundreds of grams to hundreds of tonnes in custom designed scales. Another beneficial feature of some crane scales is their ability to withstand regular exposure to weather. This means they can be used in areas where clean up with water is regular or use in the outdoors is a common occurrence. Unlike many other scale systems, external use is quite acceptable.

Crane scales fill a valuable niche in the load weighing market. They are robust, accurate and can fulfil many requirements in a plethora of industries.

 

Velocity mode drive applications in industrial or similar settings often use dancer control mechanisms to provide storage or accumulation of material. The dancer can be placed between two driven sections of a process that may accelerate/decelerate at varying rates. The dancer absorbs and stores excess material and it can also give up stored material, thus, stabilizing the tension level of the operation.

There are four common techniques of dancer control, which are dancer trim, PID trim control, shunt field trim, and PID 100 percent (or full) control. There are also various types of dancer sensors (potentiometers) that signal the position of the dancer. Free guides to dancer control are available online so you can get a better understanding of how these products work. Be sure to consider the quality of the unit and especially the type of potentiometer being used (sub-standard pot types can render negative results).

 

Controlling DC Motors: Industrial Motor Control

On June 14, 2011, in Industrial Mechanical, by caro2
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Electric motors such as AC and DC motors along with drives, starters, etc. are used in the industrial world to move solids, liquids and gases. The motors being used can be either direct current or alternating current types. These heavy duty motors also have various horsepower ranges, from fractional to thousands of hp. In order to use the motors effectively, there must be a simple way to turn them on and off, control speed and torque, and reduce wear and tear. This is where industrial motor control comes into play.

Motor drives can be utilized in harsh environments to control these aspects of an older DC motor and possibly even prolong the life of the motor. With older DC motors, there are also retrofit DC drives for industrial motor control, which are custom made to suit the need at hand. Benefits of implementing industrial control for both DC and AC motors include better production, cost effectiveness, energy savings, reduction of loss of material, long term savings by reducing strain on motors, and more.

Manufacturers of industrial motor control products such as Carotron, Inc. offer a number of solutions to fit your needs. One example is the Trooper IV Series, which provides four quadrant speed control for permanent magnet or shunt wound DC motors from 1/8 to 2 horsepower. You can view brochures and manuals at the manufacturer’s website or speak with a sale engineer to find out which motor control product will work best for your application.

 

If you need to buy potentiometer, it’s good to know how these work and exactly what you need. A potentiometer controls resistance and can determine how much current a circuit has flowing through it. Potentiometers are limited, however, when used to regulate current. They are limited by the strip’s maximum resistive properties. These motor control related devices work by connecting three terminals. One connects to the power source, the second terminal must be hooked to ground (neutral point), and a third terminal is across a strip of resistive material. On the resistive strip, there’s usually low resistance at one end, but then the resistance will gradually increase to its maximum limit at the other end. In industrial engineering applications, a product manufactured by Carotron, Inc. called Dancer Duty Potentiometer can be used in harsh environments for a variety of industrial needs. It comes in 10K or 5K, and can be used with or without limits, depending on the model. You can view brochures to buy potentiometer for your industrial applications or read more about how and why these are beneficial.

 

The MicroManager 3000 provides an optimum solution for loop control, PID control, brake control, dancer position, extruder control and much more. Manufactured by Carotron, Inc., it is a microprocessor based system controller that can handle a broad range of applications in the industrial realm. If you need a reliable product for velocity mode winding applications and torque mode winding, Model MM3000-CRG (center reference generator) provides a smart solution. It can be used on torque mode winders and unwinders. There are four methods used to obtain the roll diameter. These are external signal, count roll revolutions, count line revolutions and line speed/roll speed. If you’re a motor control distributor or need detailed information about MicroManager 3000 models or other industrial motor drives for PID control, visit Carotron for free brochures, manuals and more.