Many applications require drive solutions that have a central opening through which, e.g., light, cables or parts of the application can be guided. Examples of this can be found in optics and photonics for laser steering systems or in automation and robotics for semiconductor handling systems. Until now, conventional systems always resulted in compromises here. The hollow shafts were often quite small, the drives slow, heavy or the mechanical integration required a great deal of work. A new direct drive now offers a promising alternative. Its large opening has a diameter of 40 mm and, thanks to stepper motor technology, achieves a balanced combination of speed and torque with low weight and volume.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG has been a reliable partner with great innovative strength for the global printing industry. The company's mission is to shape the digital future of the sector. For the extraordinary technological achievements and innovative support on the way to achieving this goal, Heidelberger has now designated FAULHABER as “Preferred Technology Partner.”

Precisely fitting drives for robotics

Wherever there is electrical current, there are always electromagnetic pulses. They can have an extremely disruptive effect, e.g. on the ubiquitous electronic devices that surround us. This is why vehicle manufacturers, among other things, need to verify the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of their products. What's more, the vehicles themselves are packed full of sensitive electronics and are tested in specialised EMC labs. The conditions there are unpleasant for humans. Camera systems are used in order to keep an eye on everything during the tests. mk-messtechnik specialises in such systems. Motors from FAULHABER used in the swivel heads ensure exact positioning of the remote-controlled modules.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a common occupational disease in the EU and North America and are one of the most common causes for long- term absence from work. Work-related upper-limb disorders annually cost 2.1 billion eurosacross the EU and are responsible for 45% of all occupational diseases. Wearables, clothing enhanced through technology, offer an approach for reducing these injuries. Ironhand^® from the Swedish company BIOSERVO TECHNOLOGIES is a soft robotic glove that strengthens the human grip with help of the company’s patented SEM technology. The gripping force support of the individual fingers is made possible with FAULHABER drives.

Always more, always faster, always further everything needs to arrive at the right time at the right place – the global goods cycle keeps the economy running and is a challenge for everyone involved. This only functions through the use of extensive automation within the logistics chain, which would be unthinkable without an armada of high-performance micromotors. These motors often need to generate considerable forces under extremely confined conditions and, above all, must always work reliably in continuous operation. This is why drives from FAULHABER can frequently be found in these challenging applications.

Countless samples are tested daily in analytical laboratories. The benefits of automation in this area is obvious: They make it possible to achieve faster results, higher throughput, fewer errors and lower personnel costs. In order to ensure smooth operation, high dynamics and precision are extremely important for the drive systems. We spoke to Dr. Aihua Hong about the requirements and developments in this market segment, for which she is responsible at FAULHABER.

Ventilation systems, respiratory protection (PAPR) as part of personal protective equipment, laboratory automation, analysis systems at the point of care or infrared thermometry: manufacturers rely on FAULHABER in vital medical technology applications. The new publication “Drive Systems for Healthcare, Medical & Laboratory Equipment” presents applications and the corresponding optimum drives and accessories.

Less than 7 millimetres for fully integrated Speed Controller

Drive Systems evolved. Generally speaking, electric motors are not "lone wolves" but for most applications need to be combined with gearheads for speed reduction as well as encoders. To ensure that the components are perfectly matched to each other and to minimise installation requirements, it is recommended to obtain the individual components as a complete solution from a single source. Even in cases where installation space is extremely tight and where high-torque drives are required which, owing to the installation situation, need to be as short as possible, there is a practice-oriented solution that is especially suitable for applications in robotics, prosthetic joints, laboratory automation, pumps, medical technology or aircraft cabin equipment.