Categories
- Machine Tools: Cutting (3,917)
- Machine Tools: Metalforming, shearing, folding and punching (1,481)
- Machine Tools: moulding (1,058)
- Cutting tools (1,766)
- Welding and Joining (1,488)
- Finishing, preparation, coating and painting (1,025)
- Automation and assembly systems (1,044)
- Manufacturing support (8,593)
- Industry news, commerce, exhibitions, education (8,185)
- Packaging (2,865)
- Specialist Manufacturing Sectors and Metals Producing (1,318)
- Books, CDs and Videos (189)
- IT for manufacturing management and production (3,425)
- IT for engineering, industrial and commercial applications (4,837)
- Manufacturing IT hardware and communications (1,569)
- Used machinery and machine tools (29)
- Materials handling and storage (912)
- Wood and non-metallics working (73)
- Metrology instruments and systems (3,798)
- Testing and quality control systems and services (4,939)
- Subcontracting services (1,142)
SmartDrive and Hepco to cooperate on slides
A
SmartDrive product story
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team
Nov 25, 2003
Motion control specialist SmartDrive has agreed with Hepco Slide Systems for the two companies to produce integrated solutions based on Hepco's slides and SmartDrive's motion control products.
Motion control specialist SmartDrive has signed an agreement with Hepco Slide Systems under which the two companies will co-operate on producing integrated slide solutions based on Hepco's slides and SmartDrive's motion control product range.
The new agreement is expected to open up new application sectors for both company's products.
Traditionally, motor-driven slides have found application in the general industrial sector, but the combination of Hepco's lightweight PDU2 system and the accurate control provided by SmartDrive's Taranis DSP-based stepper drive/controller will make the new package particularly attractive for precision applications in scientific and laboratory equipment - although the two companies will continue to collaborate on packages involving Hepco's larger belt-driven systems.
Commenting on the agreement, Dennis Murphy, SmartDrive's Managing Director, said: 'We have worked successfully alongside Hepco on a number of projects recently, and formalising the relationship between our two companies will enable us to go to market as a team offering an integrated package of solutions.' Chris Rees, Sales Director of Hepco Slide Systems, added: 'SmartDrive has already proved to be a reliable partner offering a package that is not only unrivalled in performance but is also an ideal match for our driven products.
Given that both companies adopt the same principles with respect to customer assistance and service, it was an obvious step to formalise the arrangement.' Hepco's PDU2 Profile Driven Unit is a robust, high performance slide system designed specifically for applications requiring a cost-effective solution to fit into a compact space envelope.
It combines proven belt technology, advanced engineering materials and Hepco's expertise in aluminium profile design with a new virtually friction-free wheel technology known as Herculane.
SmartDrive's Taranis microstepping drive/controller uses a super-fast digital signal processor (DSP) with dedicated peripheral functions to provide direct precise control of the motor current switching devices.
The use of direct control, combined with adaptive mathematical modelling software, allows the winding current waveforms to be controlled very accurately, resulting in ultra-smooth motion and the elimination of most motor noise.
This level of control makes Taranis particularly attractive in the scientific and laboratory sectors, where such fine control is needed in equipment such as X/Y tables, optical instrumentation and sample handling units.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact SmartDrive
Related Stories
