月: 2023年2月

What Is a 5 Phase Stepper Motor?

A stepping motor is a motor whose rotation angle and speed can be controlled by pulse signals and is used when accurate positioning is required.

Among stepping motors, a 5 phase Stepper Motor is one that moves at an angle of 0.72° per pulse.

Applications of 5 Phase Stepper Motor

Stepping motors are used in machines that require particularly precise positioning accuracy.

Specifically, they are used in factory automation machines, semiconductors, flat panel displays (FPD), and solar panel manufacturing equipment, analytical instruments, medical equipment, and precision stages that require particularly high-precision control.

Principle of 5 Phase Stepper Motor

Stepping motors, like ordinary motors, consist mainly of a “rotor” and a “stator”. However, in order to control the angle of rotation with high precision, the rotor and stator have the following features:

1. Rotor

The rotor is the inside of a stepping motor. The rotor consists of four parts: two rotors, a magnet, and a rotating shaft.

The small teeth are evenly spaced, so each pitch is 7.2°. These rotors are assembled at 3.6° offset from each other and contain a permanent magnet. This structure magnetizes one rotor to the N-pole and the other to the S-pole.

2. Stator

The stator is located outside the rotor and, like most motors, has a winding wound around an iron core. In a 5-phase stepping motor, the stator consists of a set of “phases” in opposite positions across the rotor, from phase A to phase E, for a total of 10 phases in a row.

The stator of each phase also has small teeth with a pitch of 7.2°.

Characteristics of 5 Phase Stepper Motor

Stepping motors have the following main features:

• Compact and capable of generating high torque, allowing frequent starting and stopping.
• Since a holding force is generated even when the motor is stopped, it is possible to maintain the stopped position without a mechanical brake.
• Compared to servomotors with equivalent mounting angle dimensions, it can drive larger inertial loads.

In addition to these features, 5 Phase Stepper Motors are used to drive XY stages for microscopes because of their high positioning accuracy.

Other Information on 5 Phase Stepper Motor

1. 5 Phase Stepper Motor Operation Procedure

1. A current is applied to phase A of the stator to excite the S-pole. The small teeth of the rotor, which are magnetized to the N-pole, attract each other and stop. At this time, the gap between the small teeth of the adjacent B-phase pole and the small teeth of the other S-pole magnetized rotor is 0.72°.
2. Next, current is applied to phase B of the stator to excite the N pole. The small teeth of the B-phase poles and the small teeth of the rotor, which were 0.72° misaligned, attract each other, and the stator rotates 7.2° and stops.

By repeating the above operation, the rotor rotates by 7.2°, continuously changing the phase of the stator to be excited from phase A to phase B and phase C one after another. The electrical signal for control is “one pulse for one cycle of power ON/OFF.” When one pulse is input, the output shaft of the motor rotates by one step angle (0.72° for 5-phase).

2. Wiring of 5-Phase Stepping Motor

The characteristics of a 5 phase Stepper Motor vary depending on the wiring method. When designing a device, it is important to be aware of the wiring method to obtain a balance between cost and performance that is appropriate for the device. Wiring methods include star wiring, pentagon wiring, and new pentagon wiring.

3. Control of 5 Phase Stepper Motor

Stepping motors maximize their characteristics by setting their rotational speed according to time. Setting the rotation speed according to time is generally called an operation pattern, and there are two types of patterns.

Self-starting Operation Pattern
This is an operation pattern in which the motor runs at the same rotation speed from start to finish. It is called rectangular drive because a graph of speed vs. time forms a square (rectangle).

Trapezoidal Drive Operation Pattern
This is an operation pattern in which the motor rotates at a slow speed at first, gradually increases the speed, rotates at the maximum speed for a certain period of time, then gradually decreases the speed to a slow speed, and then stops. It is called trapezoidal drive because a graph of speed vs. time forms a trapezoidal shape.

The rotation speed of a motor is determined by the following factors:

• Characteristics of the selected motor.
• Mass of the object to be moved.
• Friction applied to the object to be moved.
• Electric power applied to the motor.
• Wiring method of the motor.
• How to excite the motor.

The characteristics of the motor you choose, especially the rotor inertia, are most important, especially when the motor is used for applications that require rapid movement and rapid stopping. 

4. Difference Between 5 Phase Stepper Motor and 2 Phase Stepper Motor

5 phase stepper motors are generally much more expensive than 2 phase stepper motors, but 5 phase stepper motors offer a smaller motor rotation angle per step (the smallest unit of rotation instruction to the motor) than 2 phase stepper motors. Therefore, a 5 phase Stepper Motor is selected when the following characteristics are desired:

• When you want to rotate the motor at a very small angle.
• When you want to reduce noise.

What Is 3D Modeling?

3D modeling is a technique in computer graphics to create a three-dimensional representation of an object or surface. Modelers use specialized software to manipulate points in virtual space, known as vertices, forming a mesh that shapes the 3D object. These models can be generated either automatically or manually by deforming the mesh. 3D reconstructions can also be created from medical CT images, allowing for detailed cross-sectional views and color-coded organ representation.

Uses of 3D Modeling

3D models are widely used in various media, including video games, films, architecture, engineering, and advertising. The modeling process typically starts with basic geometric shapes and progresses to complex, accurate digital representations. 3D modeling is crucial in character animation and special effects, offering digital objects that can be animated.

Principles of 3D Modeling

Modeling involves connecting points to create surfaces, which are then joined to form volumetric objects. The core of a model is the mesh, represented as a collection of points in space. Vertices are joined as polygonal shapes, usually triangles or squares, each with a specific position on a 3D grid. The object’s surface is generated by connecting these points. Models can be exported to other software for use in games or movies, with rendering techniques creating realistic scenes.

Equipment Needed for 3D Modeling

3D modeling requires a high-spec PC with a robust CPU, GPU, and ample memory. A powerful CPU is necessary for fast modeling and video encoding, while a high-end GPU handles model shading and color processing. At least 8GB of memory is recommended, preferably 16GB or more. The choice of CG software depends on individual needs, ranging from specialized modeling software for beginners to all-in-one products covering both modeling and animation.

3D Modeling Bones

Bones are essential in animating 3D models, acting as movable points within the model. They are interconnected, allowing for natural movement when one bone is manipulated. This connectivity enables the expression of realistic movements without manipulating every point, simplifying animation creation. Bones are typically placed at the model’s center or at joint-like positions for natural movement.

What Is a 3D Viewer?

A 3D viewer is a software designed to display three-dimensional images, including design data from 3D CAD software and 3D character models. It allows users to interact with 3D data, enabling them to rotate, move, zoom in and out, and view shapes from various angles. The software can also be used to display composite images against different backgrounds, and virtual spaces like the Metaverse can be considered as a type of 3D viewer.

Uses of 3D Viewers

In design environments, 3D viewers are commonly used for reviewing and presenting 3D models created with 3D-CAD software. They offer clear visibility of models, making them useful for client presentations, and can be operated on mobile computers for portability. Additionally, 3D viewers are used to create and manipulate 3D character models, like those used by V-Tubers, enabling the addition of various effects such as lighting and shadows to produce diverse images or videos.

Principle of 3D Viewers

While 3D models can be displayed using the 3D-CAD software in which they were created, 3D-CAD software is often expensive and requires high-performance computers for smooth operation. Reviewers do not always have access to specialized and costly 3D-CAD software. Most 3D viewers support multiple file extensions, but it is important to ensure that the viewer is compatible with the specific extension of the 3D model being used. Recent advancements in 3D-CAD allow for saving models in 3D-PDF format, which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat, broadening the accessibility of 3D content.

What Is a 3D Scanner?

A 3D Scanner is a device used to perform 3D scanning.

3D scanning refers to the technology of collecting shape-related data from real-world objects and environments to build digital 3D models. A 3D Scanner is a device that converts objects into digital data, while a 3D Printer is a device that converts digital data into objects.

Uses of 3D Scanners

3D Scanners are widely used in the manufacturing industry. First, they are useful as quality inspection tools. Industrial product inspections require dimensional measurements using a variety of measuring instruments. However, the use of multiple measuring instruments requires skill to handle each instrument and a lot of time to perform the measurement process.

By using a 3D Scanner to create 3D data of the inspection object, it is possible to take dimensional measurements of even complex parts on the digital data. It is also possible to compare the 3D data with the designed 3D model. In addition to quality inspection, 3D Scanners are also used in reverse engineering.

Reverse engineering is used for various analyses because 3D data can be obtained from the actual product. By creating 3D data from competitors’ products for which design data is not available, structural analysis can be performed and comparisons can be made with the company’s own products.

Outside of the manufacturing industry, 3D data is used for digital archiving of historical and cultural assets. Valuable stone monuments, for example, can be preserved as 3D data. In addition, entertainment applications such as animation, film, and video game production are also industries where 3D Scanners are used.

Principle of 3D Scanner

First of all, there are contact and non-contact 3D Scanners, and there are several non-contact methods. Here we explain the principles of the three most common methods.

1. Contact 3D Scanner

A contact 3D Scanner converts the shape into coordinate data by bringing a probe into contact with the object. Although the measurement accuracy is high because of the direct contact with the object, a relatively long measurement time is required. Another disadvantage is that some shapes cannot be penetrated by the probe, but contact 3D Scanners are used for objects that cannot be measured by non-contact methods.

2. Laser Beam Method

The laser beam method is a non-contact 3D Scanner that measures an object by irradiating a laser beam onto it. There are three main types of laser beam methods: triangulation, time-of-flight (TOF), and phase detection.

The triangulation method is highly accurate and suitable for measuring a narrow area, while the time-of-flight method is suitable for measuring a wide area. The phase difference method, also called the phase shift method, provides a large amount of point cloud data in a relatively short period of time, but tends to produce a large amount of data from diffusely reflected lasers as noise.

3. Pattern Light Projection Method

The patterned light projection method is another principle used in non-contact 3D Scanners. This method projects a stripe pattern light from the scanner onto the object and obtains 3D data from the reflected light that changes according to the shape of the object. Since the light source is not laser light but LED, it can be used on the human body and color information can be obtained, so it is relatively widely used.

Other Information on 3D Scanners

Accuracy of 3D Scanner

3D Scanners create 3D scans of objects, but they do not always reproduce the object perfectly. 3D Scanner errors occur in the position of the object’s point cloud and the distance between the point clouds.

Products are labeled with an accuracy indicator, so it is important to select a product according to the acceptable margin of error. Naturally, high-precision products are more expensive, but some products allow multiple measurements to compensate for errors.

Polygon data created by a 3D Scanner can also be manually combined to increase accuracy. Polygon data is data created with surface elements. Experience is important for this process, as it is necessary to know how to improve the accuracy best suited to the object.

What Is 3D CAD?

3D CAD, standing for “Computer Aided Design,” is a type of CAD software that enables users to create three-dimensional designs and models on a computer. There are two main types of CAD: 2D CAD and 3D CAD.

Uses of 3D CAD

3D CAD is categorized into architectural and mechanical types and further divided into high-end, mid-range, and low-end CAD based on functionality. The choice of CAD type depends on the specific needs and complexity of the design task.

1. High-end CAD

High-end CAD is used for complex designs involving numerous parts, such as in automotive and appliance manufacturing. Examples include CATIA, Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/ENGINEER), and NX. These systems offer advanced 3D modeling and extensive simulation functions.

2. Mid-Range CAD

Mid-range CAD is more affordable and user-friendly compared to high-end CAD, though it may have limited simulation capabilities. However, its core 3D modeling functions are robust, making it suitable for university research and simple product design. Examples include SolidWorks, Inventor, TopSolid, and Solid Edge.

3. Low-end CAD

Low-end CAD offers inexpensive or free options suitable for personal or hobbyist use. While adequate for basic design tasks, they may not be sufficient for complex geometries or multi-part assemblies. Examples include Inventor LT, 123d design, DesignSpark, and Creo Elements Direct Modeling Express.

Principles of 3D CAD

The fundamental steps to create a 3D model are consistent across different CAD software packages. The process typically involves selecting a plane, drawing a 2D sketch, and then extruding this sketch to create a three-dimensional object. Repeating the process of extrusion and cutting on different planes allows for the creation of the required 3D shape. Each CAD software may offer unique functions for model creation, so selecting the most suitable software for the specific application is important.

Other Information on 3D CAD

1. Situations in Which 3D CAD Is Used

3D CAD is particularly useful in scenarios where 2D design falls short, offering enhanced visibility, structural analysis, and clearance checks. It also enables the animation of designed parts to check their motion and range.

2. Advantages of 3D CAD

3D CAD allows for more intuitive modeling than 2D CAD, and design changes can be directly informed by analysis. It facilitates easier clearance checking in complex designs and enables rapid prototyping through CAM data or 3D printing. 3D models are also easily understandable, improving communication in large-scale, multi-departmental design projects.

3. 3D CAD User Engineer Examination

The 3D CAD User Engineer Examination certifies the knowledge and skills of engineers who use 3D CAD, ensuring proficiency in this advanced design tool.

What Is 2D CAD?

2D CAD is computer software that enables the creation, modification, and management of drawings. It has revolutionized the drafting process, previously done by hand, making it more efficient and manageable.

With the advancements in PC processing power and the affordability of printers, many manufacturing companies have adopted 2D CAD. This software has been developed for various industries, including machinery, architecture, civil engineering, and electrical wiring, often featuring industry-specific functions.

Uses of 2D CAD

2D CAD was initially used for drafting hand-drawn designs. Traditional hand-drawn drawings usually follow projection rules, displaying the product’s shape from multiple viewpoints, known as the first-angle or third-angle methods. However, with the advent of 3D models in the 2000s, design and manufacturing processes have evolved. While initiatives to combine 3D models and 2D drawings are underway in various industries, 2D drawings remain widely used.

Principle of 2D CAD

2D CAD operates similarly to general PC software, using a keyboard and mouse for input. It allows for the easy drawing of straight lines and curves of specified diameters. Autodesk’s AutoCAD is a well-known 2D CAD software with a significant market share. The use of the “dxf” file format ensures compatibility across different 2D CAD applications, facilitating data exchange between designers.

Other Information on 2D CAD

1. The Difference Between 2D CAD and 3D CAD

While 2D CAD represents objects in triangulation styles such as plan, front, and side views, 3D CAD allows for three-dimensional representation on a computer screen, with the flexibility to switch viewpoints. The transition from 2D to 3D CAD involves a different approach to drawing, where 3D models are created by extruding and modifying 2D drawings.

2. Reasons Why 2D CAD Will Not Go Away

Despite the increasing adoption of 3D CAD, many manufacturers still rely on 2D CAD. While 3D CAD offers comprehensive information, 2D CAD is simpler for adding instructions to drawings. The transition to 3D CAD also requires significant investment in equipment and training, and for manufacturing simple products like screws, the benefits of 3D CAD may be minimal.

What Is a Material Mixer?

A material mixer is a machine designed to mechanically stir two or more materials, which can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous states, using various agitating blades. This process aims to achieve the desired physical and chemical levels of mixing.

Material mixers come in two primary types: gravimetric (mass-based) and volumetric (volume-based).

The gravimetric mixer measures materials by mass during the mixing process, resulting in fewer errors related to the shape and size of the materials compared to volumetric mixers. Conversely, volumetric mixers determine the quantity of materials through screw feeding and timing, offering a more cost-effective solution than gravimetric mixers.

Uses of Material Mixers

Material mixers are versatile tools used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and chemicals. They are essential in the production of printing inks, colorants, paints, adhesives, sealants, toners, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rechargeable batteries, and more. These mixers are employed in settings ranging from large industrial plants to laboratories, handling diverse formulations.

Principle of Material Mixers

In material mixers, particularly when mixing solids like powders and granules, an external force is necessary since these materials do not self-diffuse as fluids do. The mixing tanks of these mixers are equipped with agitator blades such as butterfly, anchor, paddle, and turbine types. Multi-axis mixers, with both low-speed and high-speed shafts, are used to ensure thorough mixing, especially for materials that would otherwise flow unevenly with a single-shaft mixer.

For effective mixing, it’s crucial to maintain the materials in a fluidized (moving) state rather than a stationary state inside the equipment. However, the mixing process involves both homogenization and breakdown of materials, which can vary in intensity depending on the particle size distribution and specific gravity of the solids being mixed. Therefore, careful consideration of equipment design and operating conditions is necessary, tailored to the materials involved.

In some applications, a single-axis mixer, like a butterfly mixer, may be sufficient depending on the mixing requirements.