News » Product News Smartphone-sized LV drive supports Sercos III communications
The Israeli motion control specialist Servotronix has launched a compact, high-power servodrive with a Sercos III interface, that is aimed at 15–48V DC bus servo motion applications. The LVD Sercos III drive can be used with small low-voltage brushless, stepper or brushed DC motors.
4:3 displays can be converted into Panel PCs
The Austrian automation manufacturer B&R has announced a second generation of displays in a 4:3 format with single-touch operation. Because the Automation Panels are part of B&R's modular system platform, they can be combined with a CPU module to create a panel PC with scalable performance up to Intel Core i7 levels.
Mini-gantry brings precision positioning to desktops
Festo has launched a compact H-shaped gantry, which it describes as “the world’s first production, off-the-shelf handling gantry to feature kinematic technology”. The EXCM Mini H Handler uses two static motors that act directly on the load via a single recirculating tooth belt, thus making it much more efficient than traditional Cartesian positioning systems in which one motor must transport the weight of another.
Software optimises single- or multi-pump systems
The Brazilian motors and controls manufacturer WEG has produced a software package that optimises the operation of pumping systems to make them run more efficiently. The Pump Genius software is designed to cut the operating and maintenance costs of single pumps, or up to six pumps operating in parallel, while increasing process accuracy and protection.
Motors are optimised for use with frequency converters
At next month’s Hannover Fair, Siemens will be launching a family of motors designed specifically for use with frequency converters.
Off-the-shelf linear system will ‘revolutionise’ designs
HepcoMotion, the UK specialist in linear motion systems, has developed a family of off-the-shelf stainless-steel linear and rotary guide systems that, it predicts, will “revolutionise” the design of motion systems for vacuum and extreme-temperature environments.
Tiny incremental encoders ‘avoid compromises’
Renishaw has developed a non-contact optical linear and rotary incremental encoder technology that, it claims, uniquely combines miniaturisation with leading-edge dirt immunity, signal stability and reliability. The design of the Atom encoder is said to avoid the compromises traditionally associated with miniature encoders.
Liquid-cooled converters cut energy and running costs
For the first time, Siemens is offering liquid-cooled active interface modules (AIMs) for its Sinamics S120 low-voltage converters. The modules cover the voltage range 500–690V, and have a 1.7MW power rating.
Shaft-mounted pinions are easy to install
Stober has introduced a range of shaft-mounted pinions for rack applications with a mounting system that is said to allow simple engagement and setting of the pinion location.
Test tools are designed to be used near VSDs
The thermal imaging specialist Flir has announced the first in a series of premium test and measurement tools designed to complement its Extech brand, which will continue to serve the mass market. The first six T&M products to carry the Flir brand include clampmeters and digital multimeters designed to be used in electrically noisy environments near variable speed drives (VSDs).
Device can detect malware on Siemens PLCs
The German remote maintenance specialist MB Connect Line has developed what is claimed to be the world’s first device that can detect viruses and malware, such as Stuxnet, on Siemens S7 PLCs.
PID controllers handle a variety of inputs
Red Lion Controls has announced a range of PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers that provide tight, reliable control over variables such as temperature, flow and pressure, from one model. The PXU series controllers have large, easy-to-read displays and are available in 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN sizes.
Electronic breaker protects groups of loads up to 16A
The German circuit protection specialist E-T-A Circuit Breakers has announced an electronic overcurrent protection product that provides selective disconnection of 24V DC loads in automation systems. The 12.5mm-wide 16A ESX10-TB circuit-breaker is claimed to be the first device capable of protecting groups of loads with a total current of up to 16A using a single circuit protector, thus cutting costly downtime and danger to production line personnel.
Software sets functions of versatile vision sensor
The German sensor-maker wenglor has announced a configurable image-processing sensor that can be used to read 1D or 2D codes, to track objects in 3D, or to operate as a smart camera. The company claims that the compact weCube device incorporates components – such as LED illumination and a choice of communication interfaces – that are external components on other vision systems.
Distributed drives integrate with geared motors
Siemens is pushing forward with its Integrated Drives Systems theme with several developments that it plans to unveil at the Hannover Fair in April. For example, it will launch a distributed inverter designed to be used as a motor-integrated inverter for its Simogear geared motors, and will present a series of integrated geared motors with planetary gearboxes.
