News » Product News ‘Ground-breaking’ encoders handle extreme conditions
Celera Motion has announced a range of “ground-breaking” absolute inductive encoders that deliver “next-level” accuracy angle measurements in demanding conditions – dusty, dirty and wet environments, or where high shocks and vibrations are present – that would not be suitable for conventional optical encoders. The Field Calibration IncOders are aimed at motion control applications and position feedback in robotics.
Drives cut harmonics by 97% without needing chokes
Siemens has announced a high-performance frequency converter equipped with a “clean power technology” that cuts harmonics by up to 97% without needing line harmonic chokes or DC link chokes. The Sinamics G220 converter is also the first Sinamics drive to be part of Siemens’ Xcelerator digital transformation platform. It is making its debut at the 2023 Hannover Fair.
Users access cloud-based HMI platform via Web browsers
Rockwell Automation has announced a new addition to its visualisation portfolio – a cloud-enabled HMI (human-machine interface) platform that allows users to design, test and deploy applications from Web browsers anywhere, at any time. The FactoryTalk Optix platform is said to deliver new levels of collaboration, scalability and interoperability, and will help users to improve their processes, efficiency and deliverables.
Gateway gives access to 80% of OT data that is usually lost
Siemens has come up with a technology that makes unused industrial field data accessible to IT systems, helping manufacturers to operate more efficiently. Currently only about 20% of shopfloor data is used, according to Siemens. In many production plants, it adds, there’s hidden potential for optimisation at the field level – for example, in automating machines and systems.
RS reveals plans to upgrade DesignSpark Electrical
RS is planning to update the electrical engineering version of its DesignSpark CAD software after several years of limited development of this part of the platform.
Rotating machine monitors help to raise reliability
Honeywell has introduced a range of transmitters for condition-based monitoring of rotating equipment such as pumps, motors, compressors, fans and gearboxes, designed to maximise uptime and reliability by providing users with insights into their performance.
20kg-payload capacity cobot weighs in at just 33kg
Omron has announced a new cobot (collaborative robot) with a 20kg payload capacity, which is suitable for tasks such as palletising, machine tending and material handling. The TM20 cobot has a reach of 1.3m, weighs 33kg, and has a small footprint.
‘Digital reality’ helps to solve production problems
The UK-based Manufacturing Intelligence division of the Swedish Hexagon group has launched a “digital reality” platform that uses cloud technologies, co-engineered with Microsoft, to unblock innovation bottlenecks, enabling global manufacturing teams to collaborate in real-time across the product lifecycle – from design and engineering, to production and quality – to solve design and manufacturing problems together, and accelerate time-to-market.
Robot simulation software joins the cloud
ABB has enhanced its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software by adding cloud support that will allow individuals and teams anywhere in the world to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs, using any device. New functions, such as automatic version control, are said to increase transparency and productivity, while a simpler interface and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.
Air-core motors could cut data centre energy costs by 15%
Infinitum, the US-based developer of air-core motors, has announced a next-generation, sustainable motor designed specifically for cooling applications in data centres.
11kg capacity cobot promises leading speed and accuracy
ABB has announced a robot designed to bridge the gap between existing industrial and collaborative robots (cobots). The Swifti CRB 1300 cobot is claimed to be six times faster and five times more precise than other robots in its class, while its combination of a 7–11kg payload capacity and top speed of 6.2m/s is claimed to boost production efficiency by up to 44%.
Compact water-cooled motors deliver IE5 efficiencies
ABB has announced a new generation of low-maintenance, water-cooled motors that achieve IE5 efficiencies and are claimed to have power densities that are 50% higher than similarly-sized motors. The Baldor-Reliance HydroCool XT motors are available in induction (IE3) or permanent magnet rotor (IE5) versions, in four Nema frame sizes from 45-932kW (60-1,250hp).
Kits provide a ‘recipe box’ for machine-builders
SEW-Eurodrive is offering kits of parts for quick and easy implementation of machines for picking, sorting and handling materials, as well for palletising and gantry systems. The StarterSet kits are based on items from the company’s Movi-C modular automation system, together with appropriate software.
Next-gen servodrives save space and deliver more power
The German drives-maker Baumüller has launched a new generation of servodrives which are up to 50% smaller than their predecessors as well as delivering peak currents that are 30-50% higher. The b maXX 6000 drives also incorporate newly developed safety functions that shorten machine cycle times, improving performance. They can can be used as sensors or sensor hubs and offer scalable IoT connections to the cloud.
‘First’ IO-Link smart incremental encoder opens up applications
Baumer claims to be offering the first bearing-free, smart incremental encoder that supports IO-Link. It predicts that the EB200E encoder will open up new applications by allowing it to be parameterised via IO-Link. For example, its two switching outputs can be set to act as a speed monitor for overspeed, speed range, standstill or direction of rotation.
