Motion Control Basics

Motion control is everywhere around us and you will have encountered some motion control technology at some point in your life.

What is Motion Control?

Motion control is part of automation and involves moving and measuring individual parts of a larger machine or device in a very precise and controlled manner. It is a vital process in applications where precision, efficiency and accuracy are important.

A simple way to describe Motion Control is the process of controlling the movements of the machine allowing them to move correctly and accurately as well as ensuring they will stop when required.

Applications Areas for Motion Control

Manufacturing and Factory Automation – motion control devices are used to monitor the speed and direction of conveyer belts within manufacturing and machine automation. They are also used to monitor the precise position of products on the conveyor belt for applications such as bottle filling or labelling.

Robotics – motion control is used to monitor robotics movements controlling the speed and direction as well as varying the forces required.

Renewable Energy – motion control is used widely within the renewable energy sector. We have provided devices for determining optimum sites for wind farms to achieve the best yield as well as devices within the wind turbines themselves.

Medical Applications – medical devices are another industry where motion control is of high importance. In applications in pharma, biomedical and laboratory automation where precise positioning is required, we have a variety of products which have been proven in this field.

Aerospace and Defence – in the past we have provided devices for use in missile guidance simulation, gun mounts, surveillance targeting and tracking systems and many more.

Printing and Packaging – in printing and packaging motion control is used to help reduce costs whilst improving quality and consistency. We provide comprehensive solutions which can include either standalone components or complete devices.

Simulation and Motorsport – servo motion systems are used as part of the latest technology in simulation. This can be used across automotive engineering and motorsports. Simulation can also extend to film industries; our products are also used within this industry for various projects. 

Other industries also include;

• Waste management
• Transport
• Industrial automation
• Food and beverage
• Comms and security

Motion Control Products

Our portfolio of motion control products covers all the above applications and can be used within various industries. Our portfolio includes but is not limited to;

Motors – including servo, stepper, geared, pancake and direct drive motors. Our motors include feedback devices and holding brakes options.

Servo Drives – these can be either AC or DC and we also have a range for harsh environments. Stepper drives are another popular product in this category.

Actuators – linear or rotary actuators, industrial actuators and screw jacks.

Gearboxes – planetary, zero backlash and worm gears.

Linear Positioning – screw driven or belt driven units as well as lifting columns, linear guides and precision joints.

Slip Rings – capsule, hollow shaft and flat slip rings available, we also have a range of harsh environment slip rings.

Machine Control – motion controllers, machine safety devices, HMIs and Remote I/O.

Precision Screws -ball screws, lead screws, glide screws, trapezoidal screws and ball splines.

We are also able to offer bespoke motion control solutions using our extensive design and manufacturing capabilities. For examples of what we have offered in the past see our Bespoke Motion Solutions page.

For more information or technical details on any of the above products please contact us. 

Motion Control and Heason Technology

As we have been working in Motion Control for so long, we have gained a huge amount of expertise in the field. This means we can help with virtually any application we are approached for. If you have a motion control application, we want to hear from you.

We work with trusted suppliers and partners to distribute motion control devices all over the UK.

For more information on our products or to discuss your application please contact us.