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Machine and Motion Controllers

Equipment For Automated Positioning

There are three main types of equipment for positioning in an industrial setting. Motion Controllers use servo or stepper motors with coordinated closed loop positioning for precision movement of work pieces or tooling. PLCs excel at I/O handling and machine sequencing, with modern units often capable of data handling and complex communications. However, they are often incapable of controlling motion beyond triggering pneumatic actuators or uncoordinated open loop positioning. Machine Controllers bundle a motion controller with a PLC all in one unit, so there is a single controller in the cabinet instead of two.

All three technologies are common in the motion control industry. But what is uncommon are the benefits that you get from using Cross Company as your machine or motion controller provider.

What Sets Cross Apart

We don’t just sell parts. Okay, we obviously do sell parts but we don’t just sell you a motion controller or a PLC. We have a full range of products including servo motors, drives and the mechanical parts needed to create a complete motion system.

Engineering expertise. We have the high level engineering expertise to support our customers directly. Whether you need help designing and specifying a system, or you need installation and programming, Cross is here to help. Our engineers and our Innovation Team can provide assistance with everything from individual part selection to total machine design and assembly.

Broad product range. We represent multiple vendors, so we can program both IEC61131-3 motion controllers or a basic, more traditional style. With several manufacturers to choose from, we make sure the system we specify for you is tailored to your specific requirements, rather than any particular brand.

Long term partnerships with manufacturers. Our machine controller and motion controller partners are Parker, Yaskawa and Omron. We’ve worked with all three for over twenty years which means when it comes to upgrading or troubleshooting legacy installations, at Cross Company we know the products and we know the best replacement options.

Full range of product offerings

Complete motion systems

Industry-leading technical expertise

Strategic industry partnerships

Part replacement options

Custom solutions

Tangible Economic Benefits of Working With Cross

Whether you need a single motion controller or a full precision motion system, Cross Company works with you to understand your requirements and provide the best possible solution. We take the best brands in the automation industry and combine them with our engineering expertise and experience to create a high quality, long lasting precision motion system.

Raise Quality

By upgrading a manual process to an automated one, you get the benefit of the precision a motion controller brings, meaning more repeatable product.

Increase Efficiency

With a precision motion solution, your speed increases and so does your throughput. More product with the same resources means more profit.

Reduce Risk

An automated motion control solution raises the safety of your production line, with no vulnerable body parts to get caught in the machinery.

Cross Motion Control Partners

Yaskawa: The leaders in quality and reliability with the largest installed base of motors and drives

Omron: Highly reliable and the dominant manufacturer in Asia. If you have equipment from the Far East, it’s more than likely to have Omron parts. Read a case study about Omron’s NX1 machine controller here.

Parker: Offers a wide range of products, including servos, steppers, motion controllers and mechanicals. With Parker, it’s possible to put together a full motion control system only using their products. See an example of one of Parker’s motion controller lines here.

packing process for industrial facility with industrial automation

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Why Cross Machine and Motion Controllers?

As the manufacturing world becomes increasingly competitive, automation is no longer a luxury. It can even mean the difference between your operation and a close competitor’s. Robotics, motion control devices, and other automation equipment have become integral parts of many manufacturing processes. When integrated properly, industrial automation can increase throughput, productivity, and worker safety.

Whether you need to implement automation systems for the first time or you’re looking to upgrade an existing system, Cross can work with you to develop custom solutions. We have the industry partnerships, technical industrial expertise, and world-class customer service necessary to provide you with the precision motion control products and accessories your operation needs.

Contact a member of Cross Automation today to start the process and get the automation products, components, or accessories you’re looking for. And see for yourself why so many operations choose Cross as their single-source solution for industrial automation.

cross automation loray mill location

Related Motion Control Components

At Cross, we offer much more than just machine and motion controllers. We can also provide the products our OEM and other manufacturing partners need to succeed. Check out our other precision moton control products and see for yourself.

See How Our Automation Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk In Your Operation

Contact our Team

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In the meantime, enjoy these fun facts…

Did you know… Cross Company is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Our ESOP started in 1979 and as of 2006, we are 100% employee-owned! Learn more about our ESOP and how that benefits both team members and our customers.
Did you know... the precision measurement group at Cross was founded in 1939 by our current CEO's grandfather, Jim King. That's a whole lot of calibration!
Did you know... A fingerprint weighs about 50 micrograms. We know, we weighed it! The residue left from a finger can actually make a difference in weight results which is why we wear gloves when we calibrate weights. For reference, a sheet of paper is about 4.5 grams, that’s 4.5 million micrograms.
Did you know… Cross Company has grown significantly since our start in 1954. Over the years we've acquired 26 companies! Today, our five groups have expertise in everything from industrial automation to precision measurement, and industry knowledge going all the way back to 1939.