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Hannover Fair 2015 exclusive show report

09 June, 2015

CONTROLS

Another range first seen at SPS IPC Drives was Beckhoff’s C6670 industrial server (below) which distributes complex functions across up to 256 processor cores, each with its own memory. At Hannover, Beckhoff demonstrated this server being used not only to perform machine control functions, but also to control a robot and an XTS transport system, as well as performing measuring and condition-monitoring functions.

Beckhoff was also showing a range of all-in-one fanless industrial PCs and multi-touch panel displays. The CP27xx Panel PCs offer seven display sizes from 12–24” and well as a choice of processors with up to four cores.

The Taiwanese industrial conglomerate Delta was showcasing a PAC (programmable automation controller) with ready-to-use APIs for duties such as CNC and robot control. The company claims that the MH-1 PAC makes programming more flexible and simplifies control the implementation of complex industrial processes. It can perform multi-axis control with linear, arc, helical and high-speed continuous interpolations. It supports EtherCat as well as Delta’s own DMCNET high-speed motion control network.

Delta was also showing a range of HMIs with built-in PLC functions, capable of controlling up to 12 axes via DMCNET. The HMC series HMI-PLCs can be used with Delta’s Asda-M three-axis servodrives, which provide synchronous interpolation, acting as “smart slaves”. The platform can control five-axis robots and other complex applications.

Pilz was showing two new communication modules for its PNOZmulti 2 configurable control system for safety and standard applications (below). The modules allow the system to be connected to Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks and support two-way signalling and control. Virtual I/O for non-safety functions can be configured on a PC and there’s no need for cumbersome wiring.

Siemens unveiled an all-solid-state PC-based motion control system for tough operating conditions, claimed to have double the performance of its previous generation. Instead of conventional hard drives, the maintenance-free Simotion P320-4 uses a solid-state drive (SSD) or an optional CFast Card storage system. The compact controller – which can be mounted on a rail or a wall ­– offers a choice of processors, and includes a three-port Profinet interface as well as supporting USB 3.0, Ethernet, DVI-I and Displayport. Safety functions are built in.

Siemens also has a new range of entry-level industrial PCs (below), available with or without built-in widescreen touch-panel displays from 7–19”. The smallest version of the Nanobox PC Simatic IPC 227E and IPC277E IPCs has a volume of just 1 litre. Sealed metal enclosures and a fanless design allow continuous, maintenance-free operation in ambient temperatures up to 50°C. Rugged storage is provided by SSDs and CFast drives, and the PCs are equipped with RS-232/422/485, USB, Ethernet and DisplayPort interfaces. They can be mounted in a cabinet or on a machine.

SKF has teamed up with ecom to produce a range of Android tablets and smartphones that can be used in hazardous areas up to Zone 1 / Division 1 and Zone 2 / Division 2. The intrinsically safe devices, which can be operated wearing gloves, can be used in areas that were previously inaccessible using non-IS devices. They include front and rear cameras, barcode scanners and NFC technology.




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