Software sizes up designs

Speed-load profiles can be calculated by Cymex servo sizing software.

Component selection is perhaps the most critical step when it comes to meeting motion system requirements with off-the-shelf solutions. Ideally, all component attributes, including full torque, speed, and force behavior, are simulated and analyzed within a software environment before any designs are finalized.

Characteristic motor curves are also generated by software. Application load factored into the calculations makes for realistic results.

Today's intelligent servo sizing software also acts as a sort of in-house application engineer. While machine designers focus on system requirements, the software automatically generates optimized gear reducer/motor combinations. By accounting for motor inertia and balancing out the optimized ratio, the software minimizes motor torque (and energy use) necessary for the application at hand. It also estimates design factors such as bearing service life and how much lateral force the flange on the gearbox can withstand.