January 31, 2012 - The Mechatrolink Members Association (MMA) recently announced a membership drive with significant benefits for prospective members. Any end user, machine builder, robot builder, systems integrator or supplier of motion control systems and equipment can join the MMA as a Regular Member for free. Membership confers a number of benefits, chief among them preferred access to the fast-growing motion control markets of China and other parts of Asia. Entry Level membership has always been free, but this drive allows companies to join at a higher grade of membership—as a Regular Member—with added benefits. An annual Regular Membership in MMA normally costs $1,500, but until March 31, 2012, it’s free.
The free membership is good until March 31, 2013, at which point it can renewed on an annual basis. A Regular membership allows members to purchase Mechatrolink ASIC chips and sample kits, submit their products for certification test, and introduce and advertise their product on the Mechatrolink website. Regular members can also participate in subcommittees and general meetings, make technical inquiries by email and telephone, and receive product development support. Mechatrolink is the most widely used motion control network in Asia, and is steadily gaining ground in the U.S.
Mechatrolink connects devices such as servo motors, servo amps and I/O to each other and to motion controllers such as PLCs, PACs and motion controllers. Mechatrolink is available in both RS-485 and Ethernet versions, operates at speeds up to 100 Mbps, and can support up to 62 simultaneous devices. For any company who wants to participate in the Asian motion control market, membership in MMA can be very beneficial.
About the MMA
MMA membership has reached the 900 member plateau, including 50 firms in North America. The MMA is a group of Mechatrolink product developers and users who promote the use of Mechatrolink, an industrial network optimized for motion control. The MMA is an independent non-profit organization that makes Mechatrolink specifications and operating parameters available to all. The organization also works to ensure that products labeled as MMA-compatible meet the relevant specifications. The MMA is continually improving network performance and actively recruiting new members.
Over the last 20 years since Mechatrolink was established, more than two million Mechatrolink devices have been shipped, and more than 300 different products have been certified to Mechatrolink specifications. Device profiles for motion nodes have been clearly defined and proved effective over two decades of development and use.
