News » Product News Safety-certified encoder will protect machine operators
The German sensor-maker Sick has launched a PLd / SIL2-certified incremental encoder that can be used to ensure safety in machinery requiring frequent operator involvement. The DFS60S Pro encoder allows operators to interact safely at slow speeds – for example, to load piece-parts or adjust machining centres – without needing to stop the machine.
Communicating motor starter warns of overloads
Eaton has announced a new generation of its multifunction electronic motor starter (EMS) which supports communications via its SmartWire-DT system. The new version adds current-measuring and overload warning capabilities to the actuation and feedback functions of the original model, launched in 2013. It also adds emergency-stop capabilities to direct-on-line and reverse starting, and supports tool-free, plug-in terminal connections – claimed to cut wiring time by up to 60% compared to screw terminals.
Check production line temperatures on a smartphone
The British temperature-sensing specialist Calex Electronics has developed a small, low-cost infrared temperature sensor that links to a smartphone to show temperatures on production lines. The non-contact PyroNFC sensor measures the temperature of surfaces in industrial processes, and by touching it with an NFC-enabled Android smartphone, users can read the temperature via a free app. The readings are updated continuously while the phone is touching the sensor.
Arc-resistant 50kA regenerative drive is ‘a first’
Rockwell Automation has announced a medium-voltage drive which, it claims, is the first arc-resistant 50kA MV drive with full regeneration capabilities. The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 drive incorporates a technology called ArcShield that redirects hazardous energy and gases created by arc-flashes away from personnel. When the drive is combined with an arc-resistant starter, it forms an integrated arc-resistant starter-and-drive system.
‘World’s strongest’ robot can lift 2.3 tonnes
The Japanese robot-maker Fanuc says it has broken its own record by unveiling the world’s most powerful robot at the EMO machine-tool show in Italy. Its new M-2000iA/2300 robot can lift 2.3-tonne payloads, thus outstripping the 1.7 tonne limit of the previous version of the robot.
Three-phase power loggers capture more than 500 parameters
Fluke has announced a pair of three-phase power loggers, which capture and log more than 500 power quality parameters automatically, and are the first of their type designed to work with the Fluke Connect wireless data-gathering system.
Next-generation drives ‘deliver 12% extra energy savings’
Mitsubishi Electric has announced a new generation of variable-speed drives which, it claims, can deliver an extra 12% of energy savings over standard variable torque curve operation. The FR-F800 drives are also said to offer other benefits including optimised speed control, simple start-ups, auto-detection of faults, enhanced communications, high reliability, and auto-tuning of induction or permanent magnet motors.
Atex-compliant geared motors handle harsh conditions
The Brazilian motor-maker WEG has launched a range of Atex-compliant geared motors which combine its high-efficiency W22X motors with gearboxes from its Austrian subsidiary, Watt Drive. The motors, available in IEC frame sizes 71–800 and efficiency classes up to IE4, are suitable for harsh processing applications in hazardous areas in almost any industry.
Twin-axis servodrives will cut cabinet space by up to 70%
Rockwell Automation has announced a two-axis servodrive that, it says, will help machine-builders to cut cabinet-space requirements by up to 70% and wiring requirements by up to 60%, as well as making configuration and commissioning easier.
Thermal camera has the highest resolution in its class
Flir Systems has released a high-definition thermal imaging camera that, it claims, is only off-the-shelf camera for electromechanical and building inspection that has a 1,024 x 768 pixel detector. The Flir T1020 (also known as the Flir T1K) is designed to find hotspots quickly, measure them precisely, and streamline work processes. Advanced image-processing features are said to deliver the highest quality images available from a compact camera system.
Next-generation device protects plants against cyber-attacks
Eaton has announced a new generation of the Tofino industrial security technology that it sells under its MTL brand. It claims that the 9202-ETS MTL security appliance provides the highest level of network security for process automation applications. The system is said to be easier to install than others and includes configurator software to protect industrial networks against cyber-attacks.
Open, modular control platform is ready for Industry 4.0
The German communications and automation specilaist Harting has developed a modular platform consisting of open hardware and software that can be adapted swiftly and economically to many industrial applications. The Mica platform consists of a compact, robust computer tested in accordance with EN 50155, and a “virtual industrial computing” software platform, based on Linux.
Brake controller and monitor needs no sensors
Mayr Power Transmission has developed an intelligent brake control module that not only energises brakes, but can also monitor them without using sensors. The Roba-brake-checker is said to be easy to integrate into existing systems and Mayr predicts that it will open up new possibilities for the monitoring of electromagnetic safety brakes.
Linear actuators with built-in controls simplify set-ups
The Danish linear motion specialist Linak has announced a range of linear actuators with built-in controllers which, it says, will simplify installation and set-up, reduce downtime and maintenance, and deliver greater accuracy. The IC (integrated controller) actuators provide customisable settings and feedback that help to tailor their movements to an application.
Data acquisition module ‘plugs a ControlLogix gap’
US-based Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI) has announced a high-speed, analogue-input data acquisition module for Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controllers which, it says, fills a gap in the range.
