Free Servo Motor Sizing Software for Windows

The servo motor represents the most influential cost factor in the motion control system design, not only during the purchasing process, but especially during operation. A high-torque motor will require a stronger and thus more expensive amplifier than smaller motors. The combination of higher torque motor plus amplifier results not only in higher initial expenses, but will also lead to higher operational costs, in particular increased energy consumption. It is estimated, that the purchase price represents only about 2% of the total life cycle cost; about 96% is electricity.

Proper servo motor sizing will not only assure best system performance; it also provides considerable cost savings.

VisualSizer is a generic (manufacturer independent) servo motor sizing & selection software for the support of motion control engineers. The internal motor database includes the data of 6000+ motor/drive/amplifier combinations provided by manufacturers like Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), AMK Drives, AutomationDirect, Automation Intelligence, Baldor, Bayside Motion Group, Dynetic Systems, Festo, GE Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Moog, Oriental Motors, Ormec, Parker, Schneider Automation, Siemens Energy & Automation, Yaskawa and more will be added. In addition it provides a database editing tool to add, delete and modify motor data.

This software package has been used and tested by some of the most reputable motor manufacturing companies in the United States including their overseas divisions, such as Parker Hannifin, AC Tech - Lenze, GE Fanuc, Siemens Energy & Automation, Oriental Motors U.S.A., Schneider Electric, Baldor, Moog, Danfoss, and more.

VisualSizer calculates the torque, speed and inertia requirements according to the user's application specification, processes all motor data from the database and finally creates a list of all motors that match the requirements. VisualSizer will point to the optimum motor, but also allows the user to make his own choice from the list.

The steps involved to run the program are fairly easy:

1. Select the components, such as gearbox, leadscrew, etc., you need for your application and enter the appropriate parameters.
2. Define a velocity profile (duty cycle) - S-Curve is also supported
3. Start the calculation. The program will list all motors that match the application requirements.
4. Create and print an application report.

VisualSizer will run under the various Microsoft™ operating systems, Windows 98-SE/Me™, and Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista™.

For more information on VisualSizer and to download the full functional and unrestricted software log on to: http://www.VisualSizer.com.

Also, as a supplement to the software, Copperhill Media announces the release of "A Comprehensible Guide to Servo Motor Sizing" by Wilfried Voss, the creator of VisualSizer. This book explains all inerta and torque calculations, S-Curve generation, etc. as used inside VisualSizer. The book is a great reference for everybody who wants to learn how to calculate, for instance, the torque requirements of a lead screw, belt drives, rotary tables, actuators, etc.

The book is available in print through Amazon.com as well as a download (eBook). For more information log on to http://www.copperhillmedia.com/technical.html. A preview of the book can be found at http://books.google.com/books?id=7uvLDn-_jtYC&dq=isbn:0976511614.