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New VCA Developer’s Kit: Build Working Prototypes Fast

Product News Wednesday, April 30, 2014: BEI Kimco

VISTA, Calif., − April 30, 2014 – To help customers get started with Voice Coil Actuators (VCA) and the sometimes confusing electronics needed for building a system , BEI Kimco Magnetics has introduced the VCA Developer’s Kit ? the first of its kind in the market.  The completely self-contained kit includes a VCA with a built-in feedback sensor and a programmable controller with MotionLab Software that runs on the user’s local PC.

The innovative new tool is designed for customers who want to try a VCA for their application, but are unsure where to begin.  The virtual how-to kit answers all the questions needed to get a VCA system up and running including where to source components, how to put components together and how to program the parts to perform the motions needed.  Using this invaluable device, customers can quickly develop an actuation system and demonstrate a working design concept without needing to separately specify the necessary electronics for a complete control system.

“For someone unfamiliar with putting together VCA systems with electronics, the project can seem somewhat intimidating,” says Scott Orlosky, Manager of Business Development and Marketing.  “The kit overcomes this by providing a complete and simple ‘solution in a box’ for people that want to use a VCA but don’t want the burden of figuring out which controller and software to specify to put together a working system.  The kit makes it extremely easy to do that.”

The VCA Developer’s Kit is suitable for use in many industrial and commercial applications for actuation, position and force control in industries such as Medical, Laboratory, Automation, Military, Aerospace, and Education.  Typical application examples include proof-of-concept, full-function prototypes; test bed for actuator system design; stand-alone use for single purpose actuation, or student engineering projects.

Customers can choose from three different kits, each with a different VCA that is paired with the appropriate controller PCBA to drive the VCA being used.  The controller can operate in open or closed loop modes, is internally compensated for high linearity, and supports coordinated multi-axis applications.   Also included is a flash drive that provides all necessary links to software and set-up instructions as well as a configuration file that can drive the VCA for easy start-up.

The controller’s customized MotionLab software is designed in a simplified programming environment with example programs for flow, motion, oscillation, timers, memory and I/O access.  An oscillation motion test is also available for simple built-in self-testing capability.  VCA Developer’s Kit part numbers include the DK-LAS13-18, DK-LAS16-23, and DK-LAS28-53.   More info

BEI Kimco’s voice coil actuators feature all the inherent advantages of voice coil technology including direct-drive, hysteresis-free operation for highly accurate motion.  Other advantages of this technology include high acceleration, absence of commutation, and excellent resolution.  

For further information contact BEI Kimco Magnetics, 1499 Poinsettia Ave., Suite 160, Vista, CA  92081, USA, Tel: (760) 597-7042; Toll-free: (800) 572-7560; Fax: (760) 597-6320; email: sales@beikimco.com; www.beikimco.com. 

 

About BEI Kimco Magnetics

BEI Kimco Magnetics specializes in the design and manufacture of high performance rotary and linear motion components, including Brushless DC Motors and Voice Coil Actuators.  These products are designed for applications where performance, precision, and reliability are critical.  Using proprietary magnetic design methodologies, BEI Kimco Magnetics has the ability to produce custom, cost efficient products within multiple manufacturing locations.  BEI Kimco Magnetics is a leader in medical, industrial, aerospace & defense markets.

BEI Kimco Magnetics is a brand of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST).

www.beikimco.com

 

About CST

Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) is a specialist in designing and manufacturing sensing, control and motion products.
Through its brands, BEI Kimco, BEI Sensors, BEI PSSC, Crouzet, Crydom, Kavlico, Newall and Systron Donner Inertial, CST offers customizable, reliable and efficient components for mission-critical systems in Aerospace & Defense, Transportation, Energy & Infrastructure, Medical, Food and Beverage and Building Equipment markets.

Focused on premium value offers and committed to excellence, CST, with 4.500 employees worldwide and sales of $600M US in 2013, is the dependable and adaptable partner for the most demanding customers.

www.cstsensors.com