GMC-SG001E-EN-P-JUN01 Motion Control Selection Guide

Preface
Read this preface to familiarize yourself with the rest of the guide. This preface covers the following
topics:
• What is Motion Control?
• What is a Motion Control System?
• Selecting Your Motion Control System Components
• Contents of this Guide
• How to Get More Information
What is Motion Control?
Motion control is the management of movement. Motion control replaces and improves mechanical
systems through precise electronic control, solving the most difficult of application challenges.
Motion control devices for position control products help improve the performance of material handling
systems, automated machinery and machine tools by shortening required positioning time and
coordinating machine movements.
What is a Motion Control System?
A motion control system shortens positioning time and, consequently, increases production throughput
such as the manufacture of parts or the labeling of packages. A motion control system also coordinates
machine movements by eliminating the mechanical interface, reducing overall application costs.
Any application that would benefit from an increase in accuracy, reliability and repeatability would benefit
from the implementation of a motion control system. Motion control systems increase accuracy by closing
tolerances for higher precision. Motion control systems increase reliability by extending the life of
mechanical hardware. Finally, motion control systems increase repeatability by improving production
yields and decreasing scrap.
Selecting Your Motion Control System Components
The tables that follow allow you to select the components you will need to set up your motion control
system.
The Motion Controllers Selection Chart allows you to choose a controller and verify what features are and
are not available for this controller. The Motors Selection Chart allows you to determine what motor(s) can
be used with each controller. The Programming Software Selection Chart allows you to determine what
software you will need to program your controller.
Publication GMC-SG001E-EN-P — June 2001