JLCMC Blog

Sensors & Control

What Is a Photoelectric Sensor? From Working Principle to Sensors Selection

In industrial automation, accurate and reliable object detection is crucial for efficiency, safety, and minimizing downtime. Engineers face challenges like high-speed production, complex assembly, and changing environments. This article introduces what photoelectric sensors are , and covers their Main Types，Selection Criteria，and Application Scenarios. What Is a Photoelectric Sensor A photoelectric sensor is a non-contact detection device that detects the position, presence, or motion of target object......

Jun 16, 2026

Fasteners & Hardware

Split Lock Washer vs. Spring Lock Washer: What’s the Difference?

Quick Answer Box Is a split lock washer the same as a spring lock washer? In many practical fastener catalogs, yes. A split lock washer is often also called a spring lock washer because it has a split helical shape that creates spring tension when compressed. Is every spring washer a lock washer? No. “Spring washer” is a broader category. It can include split lock washers, conical spring washers, wave washers, Belleville washers, and other elastic washer designs. What is the main difference? A split l......

Jun 13, 2026

Power Transmission

NEMA Stepper Motor Sizes, Specifications, and Frame Size Chart Explained

NEMA stepper motor sizes standardize the mechanical interface—faceplate width, bolt pattern, and pilot diameter—but leave torque, thermal behavior, and high-speed performance to the manufacturer's design choices. Conflating frame size with motor capability is a frequent source of integration failure. The following sections detail the exact dimensions of each NEMA frame and explain how to read the specifications that actually determine whether a motor will work in your application. What Does NEMA Mean?......

Jun 10, 2026

Power Transmission

How to Select a Stepper Motor: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction Proper stepper motor sizing is essential for achieving reliable positioning performance. Selecting the wrong stepper motor usually shows up as missed steps, excess heat, or stalled motion mid-cycle. The root cause is rarely the motor itself—more often, the selection process skipped load verification or assumed catalog torque ratings apply directly to the application. This guide breaks down a practical sizing workflow. It covers torque calculations, motion profile definition, and the drive......

Jun 10, 2026

Fasteners & Hardware

Lock Washer Guide: Types, Placement & Uses in Mechatronics

Quick Answer Box What is a lock washer? A lock washer is a washer used with screws, bolts, or nuts to help reduce loosening caused by vibration, repeated motion, thermal expansion, or joint movement. How does a lock washer work? A lock washer works by adding spring tension, friction, surface bite, wedge action, or mechanical resistance to the fastened joint. Where does a lock washer go? In most cases, a lock washer is placed directly under the nut or bolt head, depending on which side of the fastener ......

Jun 10, 2026

Power Transmission

Optimizing Stepper Motor Speed: Factors, Dynamics, and Control Strategies

Introduction Stepper motor speed optimization is where electrical drive design meets mechanical dynamics. Push too hard without voltage margins, and mid-band resonance stalls the rotor. Run overly conservative profiles on a high-inertia gantry, and cycle times suffer. The real challenge isn't hitting a datasheet RPM—it's maintaining positional accuracy as load, driver, and thermal conditions shift. Understanding stepper motor speed limits, measurement methods, and control strategies is essential for b......

Jun 09, 2026