Motion control which is often termed as a sub field of automation is that category in the engineering and scientific industry which includes devices for guiding, sensing, measuring, and controlling single or multi-axis linear and rotary motion. They install various types of machines like hydraulic pump, linear actuator, or an electric motor, which performs the function of controlling the position of the machine. In short, this segment covers a wide range of components that in some way are used to generate and control motion.

Types of Motion Control Equipments

Following are some of the basic types of motion control that are used in various applications -

Clutches and Brakes – This types includes all the assemblies that consist of electrical elements and are employed to change the speed of shafts in equipment drives. While the clutches function by connecting and disconnecting with shafts, brakes are used when there is a need to frictionally slow shafts.

Drive Components – The drive components in the motion control industry comprise of those devices that function as interfaces between controllers and motors. Available for AC, DC and stepper motors, this family of motion controls includes the related servo applications and speed controllers as well.

Linear Actuators – Linear actuators in the motion control segment are used to provide linear motion via a motor driven ball screw, lead screw, acme screw, or belt drive assembly.

Motors Controls Drives – Manufactured with the aim to provide the actual speed and torque in a drive system, motors controls drives includes various components used for the analog and digital control of motor motion for many types of motors.

Orientation Positioning Sensing – This segment in motion control market include a wide array of devices that are deigned to transmit torque or motion into thrust, or control this transmission. Through various equipments like acme, ball and lead screws, ball splines, linear actuators, orientation positioning sensing devices include both sensors and instruments that are used to detect rotary position, angular position, tilt, or inclination relative to the horizon or a linear position.

Some other members of the motion control family includes control drives, encoders, linear positioning sensing, linear rotary motion components, operator interfaces and slip rings.

Industry Growth

Like most other industries in the world, motion control market is too witnessing an upward stint as far as growth is concerned. By showing a potential growth of $480 million between 2006 and 2007, the motion control industry has recorded a path breaking profit of $6208 million in total. Even the countries like India and China that were earlier not in the league, are showing immense capability of becoming a leader in the global motion control market. While the China motion controls market has reached $410.2 million in 2006, Indian motion control industry tasted 24.9% annual growth rate.

Applications

The use of these motion control equipments is quiet large in the automation industry. It is this facet that has earned this industry the title of being a sub field of automation. The motion control equipments enjoy a wide application in robotics and CNC machine tools. Besides they are widely used in the packaging, printing, textile, semiconductor production, and assembly industries. The scope of application of motion controls is wide and crucial as it is used in almost every task related to automation industry.

Major Market Players

The global market for motion control products is projected to grow at a rate of 6.7% over the next five years. This has been possible due to the global markets that are driven largely by economic expansion in manufacturing industries and demand from developing countries. The vast development in the automobile manufacturing in Asian countries has created a positive pressure on the manufacturers and suppliers of motion control. Thus, today in the motion control industry, where earlier US was the leader, the world is also witnessing countries like China and India biting away a major share.

Motion Control Publications


Motion Control – This is the only monthly magazine on motion control and engineering of manufacturing equipment and system building in domestic motion industry. Besides being a throughly professional magazine, it is known for supplying vivid technical information on each automation equipment and also operates on automation and manufacturing equipments independently.

Power In Motion – Power in Motion is a new, international magazine for decision makers looking for solutions in Power Transmission and Motion Control industry. They disseminate information like product information, industry updates, application stories and case studies, Distributor profiles and interviews and various other association news.

Motion Control Associations

Motion Control Association – The Motion Control Association (MCA) is a global non profit trade group dedicated to promoting the understanding and use of motion control technologies and developing business opportunities for mechanical and electronic (mechatronics) motion control companies. Their membership includes manufacturers of complete motion control systems, component manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, end users, consulting firms, academic institutions and research groups directly involved with mechanical and electronic (mechatronics) motion control around the world.

SMMA (Motor and Motion Association) – The Motor & Motion Association is one of the leading manufacturing trade association for the electric motor and motion control industries. With more than 120 member companies to its credit, it include manufacturers, suppliers, users, consultants and universities. They include products from markets that serve both the consumer and commercial, include appliance, transportation, medical equipment, office automation and computers, aerospace and industrial automation.

EPTDA – The European Power Transmission Distributors Association (EPTDA) is the largest organization of distributors and manufacturers of power transmission and motion control products in Europe. Besides, representing over 200 companies in the industry, EPTDA is dedicated to providing its members with information, education and business tools required to profitably meet the needs of the industrial market place.