News » Product News 20kg-capacity Scara robot opens up new applications
Fanuc has announced its most powerful Scara robot to date – a small, lightweight system that can carry loads of up to 20kg, which is 8kg more than the company's next most powerful machine. The SR-20iA robot is predicted to open up new possibilities in assembly, handling, picking and packaging applications.
Combined scope and data store can analyse drives and motors
Yokogawa Test & Measurement has added a new instrument to its ScopeCorder family of portable multi-channel data-acquisition recorders, which is faster and has more channels and data acquisition functions than earlier versions. The DL950 ScopeCorder provides detailed views of an application’s electrical and mechanical behaviour. Its uses include testing inverters, motors, robots, sensors and serial buses.
Ultrasonic safety sensor is ‘the first’ with PL d certification
Pepperl+Fuchs has announced an ultrasonic safety sensor which, it claims, is the first in the world to be certified in accordance with EN ISO 13849, Cat 3, PL d. P+F has acquired the technology from the German Mayser group, which specialises in safety technology, moulded parts and headwear.
Enclosed linear encoders ‘push endurance limits’
The British encoder manufacturer Renishaw has launched a series of enclosed, absolute linear encoders for use in harsh environments such as machine tools. It claims that the Fortis encoders deliver high repeatability, low hysteresis and good measurement performance using a non-contact design that does not need a guide carriage.
Free tool allows non-programmers to set up robots
ABB has launched an free programming tool for its IRB 1100 industrial robots that allows first-time users to implement robotic automation without needing specialist programming skills or knowledge of the Rapid programming code.
Linear actuator is ‘the first with IO-Link communications’
The Danish actuator manufacturer Linak claims to have produced the first linear actuator with built-in two-way IO-Link communications. The device, based on its LA25 actuator, promises to simplify installation, automate parameter setting, and expand diagnostics.
Vision system makes 3D inspection tasks as easy as 2D
Cognex has announced a “breakthrough” embedded vision system which, it claims, makes 3D inspections as easy to perform as 2D. The In-Sight 3D-L4000 camera uses a 3D laser displacement technology that allows users to conduct a variety on inspection tasks on production lines quickly, accurately and cost-effectively.
Servo safety functions protect machines, people and products
Omron has launched a series of AC servomotors and drives with built-in safety functions that can help to avoid machine stoppages, and to achieve zero-loss production due to synchronised emergency stops.
Wireless torque sensors promise ±0.1% accuracies
The UK sensor manufacturer Sensor Technology has announced a new generation of non-contact torque sensors based on four-element strain gauge bridges that complement its existing non-contact sensors which use surface acoustic wave (SAW) detection, but offer improved accuracy for the same price.
Ready-to-run vision system will cut costs and save time
The German sensor-maker Sick has announced a ready-to-use machine vision system that can perform code-reading, and 2D or 3D inspection duties. It says that the MQCS (modular quality control system), which combines hardware with pre-written software, will cut the cost and time needed to set up automated quality inspection and logistics applications. The package makes it easy to configure even complex 2D and 3D image-processing applications, including upgrades to existing machinery.
$999 condition-monitoring kit uses Wi-Fi
Flir has announced a “low-cost” industrial condition-monitoring kit that combines vibration and temperature monitoring to maximise output, improve worker safety, and cut operating costs. The easy-to-configure system can be installed anywhere with connections to a Wi-Fi network. It can track changes in vibration and heat in real time, helping to predict potentially serious problems before failures occur.
Tool gives an instant diagnosis of Profibus problems
Procentec, the Dutch developer of industrial communications diagnostics products, has announced a tool that analyses live data on Profibus networks and gives instant diagnoses of the most likely cause of any faults. The Snap Analysis tool eliminates the need to interpret complicated oscilloscope images and messages.
Smart sensors enhance servomotor condition monitoring
The German sensor-maker Sick has announced an intelligent add-on for its EDS/EDM35 motor feedback system that allows condition monitoring of servodrives down to individual machine axes. The sHub sensor hub has an integrated acceleration sensor and is said to pave the way for entry into the world of digitalised drive technologies and increasingly intelligent servodrive systems.
Servodrives are built into EtherCat I/O terminals
At the virtual version of the SPS exhibition, Beckhoff has announced a series of servodrives built into EtherCat terminals with output currents of up to 16A at 48V DC. The ELM72xx drives are built into metal housings that dissipate heat, even at high output powers, as well as shielding the drives against electrical interference. The drives can connect via front-panel connectors to motors, feedback and brakes using a one-cable technology. They can also connect directly to other EtherCat terminals, while additional I/Os allow the latching of position values.
Servodrives simplify machine design and optimise performance
Rockwell Automation has announced a family of servodrives designed to simplify machine design and optimise performance throughout a machine’s lifecycle. The Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5300 drives are aimed at global machine-builders looking to boost performance and adopt a single environment – Rockwell’s Studio 5000 – for control and motion programming of all of their drives. They will able to re-use code from other Kinetix drives, and to streamline the design and commissioning process.
