Page 9 - Electric Drives and Electromechanical Systems

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Electromechanical systems

Chapter outline
1.1 Principles of automation................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Machine tools.................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2.1 Conventional subtractive machining processes.................................................................. 5
1.2.2 Non-conventional subtractive machining processes.......................................................... 7
1.2.3 Additive manufacturing processes .................................................................................... 10
1.2.4 Machining centres............................................................................................................... 12
1.3 Robotics.......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.3.1 Industrial robotics ............................................................................................................... 13
1.3.2 Robotic end effectors ......................................................................................................... 18
1.3.3 Mobile and swarm robotics ............................................................................................... 22
1.3.4 Walking robots.................................................................................................................... 23
1.4 Automotive applications.............................................................................................................. 25
1.4.1 Conventional vehicles ......................................................................................................... 25
1.4.2 Electric vehicles.................................................................................................................... 26
1.5 Aerospace applications................................................................................................................. 27
1.6 Motion-control systems................................................................................................................ 30
1.7 Summary........................................................................................................................................ 33
References............................................................................................................................................. 33

In the design of any complex system, all the relevant design details must be considered
to ensure the development of a successful product. In the development of motion
systems, problems in the design process are most likely to occur in the actuator or
motor-drive system. When designing any actuation system, mechanical designers work
with electrical and electronic systems engineers, and if care is not taken, confusion will
result. The objective of this book is to discuss some of the electric motor-drive systems
in common use, and to identify the issues that arise in the selection of the correct
components and systems for specific applications.
The initial step in the selection of any element of a motor-drive system is to deter-
mine a clear understanding of its requirements both mechanically (e.g. torque, force
speed, fixings) and electrical (e.g. power supply, sensing requirements, network inter-
face). In this chapter, a range of applications is considered, ranging from industrial
automation through to the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Electric Drives and Electromechanical Systems. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102884-1.00001-7 1
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