News » Product News Smart camera in a vision sensor format ‘sets new standard’
Datalogic has announced a smart camera which, it claims, sets a new standard in machine vision by providing advanced smart camera functions in an embedded vision sensor form factor. The modular P-Series camera uses interchangeable embedded lenses and illuminators that can be mounted and replaced in the field.
Disconnect switch simplifies designs for global panel-builders
Rockwell Automation has announced a universal visible-blade disconnect switch that will help panel-builders to meet global standards, including UL, CSA, CE and CCC. Initially, the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1494U disconnect switch is available in 30A, 60A and 100A ratings, and will be extended up to 600A next year.
Maintenance-free industrial UPS has no batteries
Panduit has launched a maintenance-free uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that backs up industrial managed Ethernet switches using ultra-capacitors instead of batteries, thus eliminating the main cause of conventional UPS failures. The company says that its Industrial Network UPS will lower the risk of downtime due to battery failures by 39%, as well as doubling the return-on-investment and cutting the cost of ownership by 50-70% compared than conventional UPSs.
Gateway links IO-Link devices to industrial Ethernet
Comtrol has announced a device which, it says, combines the benefits of IO-Link sensor communications with EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP industrial Ethernet protocols. The IO-Link Master 4-EIP Master connects “smart” IO-Link sensors and actuators to factory networks, while shielding PLC programmers from the complexities of IO-Link. It is said to result in simpler EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP interfaces, cutting system development times and installation efforts.
Device converts existing wires into Ethernet rings
Phoenix Contact has announced a device that uses existing copper wires to create redundant Ethernet ring structures with data rates of up to 15 Mbps for two-wire operation or 30Mbps for four-wire operation. The device also enables Ethernet communications over distances of up to 20km, instead of the usual limit of around 100m.
Motion controller and EtherCat master handles 64 axes
The Israeli controls manufacturer ACS Motion Control has announced its most powerful line of motion controllers and EtherCat masters to date. The SPiiPlusEC controllers expand the capabilities of the company’s earlier SPiiPlus controllers and EtherCat network managers.
Fixed-mount imager checks for thermal problems and fires
Flir Systems has announced a fixed-mount temperature sensor that combines thermal and visible cameras in a small, affordable package. The AX8 sensor can be installed in tight spaces to perform continuous, automated monitoring of the temperatures of critical electrical and mechanical equipment. It can also be used to detect fires.
Condition monitoring integrates with machine controls
Rockwell Automation has announced a low-cost, condition-monitoring system for monitoring and protecting machinery that integrates with control systems. Instead of operating independently, the Allen-Bradley Dynamix 1444 system uses Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture system to assess equipment health, to predict potential issues, and to help avoid damage to critical machinery.
Device stops cylinders precisely at intermediate points
Festo has announced a module that can be positioned anywhere along the stroke length of a pneumatic actuator to create stops where they are needed. A “unique” follow-through function is claimed to allow faster cycle times after such stops.
All-in-one HMI-PLCs offer new screen sizes and dense I/Os
Unitronics, the Israeli manufacturer of integrated controller-HMIs, has announced several extensions to its range including:
Side-by-side modular drives save cabinet space
At next month’s SPS IPC Drives show in Germany, Siemens will be launching a second generation of its Sinamics G120 modular drives with significantly higher power densities than before. The new drives can be mounted side-by-side without derating, reducing not only space requirements but also the cost of the control cabinets.
Machine controller simplifies semi applications
Omron has announced a machine controller that is aimed at simplifying semiconductor industry applications and cutting development costs and lead times.
Modular blocks will slash software development ‘by 67%’
At next month’s SPS IPC Drives trade show in Germany, the Austrian automation manufacturer B&R will unveil a modular engineering software system that, it claims, will cut the time needed to develop the application software for new machines and systems by an average of 67%, as well as reducing service and maintenance costs.
Track-mountable breaker comes with worldwide approvals
E-T-A Circuit Breakers claims to have produced the first track-mountable electronic circuit-breaker with physical isolation that comes with worldwide approvals. The ESS31-T mechatronic breaker provides overcurrent protection against overloads and short-circuits when the current in a 24V DC control circuit exceeds the current-carrying capacity of the conductor or the rated value of a component.
Energy monitoring system ‘costs 30% less’
The French manufacturer Socomec has developed a modular energy measurement and monitoring system which, it claims, can be implemented in a quarter of the time of rival metering technologies, and at a cost that is 30% lower.
