News » Product News Tubular linear motors are ‘first’ with integrated controls
Dunkermotoren has developed what it claims is the first tubular linear motor with an integrated amplifier and controller, thus reducing and simplifying wiring. The efficient, low-maintenance ST11 motors are said to be faster than stepper motors with ballscrews and more precise than belt-drive systems.
3D profiler promises micron-level accuracy
Cognex has developed a 3D laser profiling system that provides readings in real units of measurement with micron-level accuracy, making 3D applications easier to understand and deploy. The system can perform inspections that would be too difficult for traditional two-dimensional machine vision systems.
Robots bend over backwards to reach new locations
Mitsubishi Electric has announced a new generation of vertical and horizontal robots, up to three of which can be controlled directly from modules mounted in an iQ PLC rack. The new Melfa F series includes six-axis vertical robots, claimed to have a larger working envelope than others of their type, and horizontal Scara-type machines, claimed to be the fastest in their class.
Sensor displays are programmable
Baumer has developed a programmable display for sensors and instruments that indicates relevant data quickly, and has a colour-coded background to show alarms and other states of alert. Initially, the IP67-protected devices are intended for use as temperature and pressure gauges, but they can also be used with other sensors with a 4–20mA output. Other versions are planned.
Laser instrument simplifies shaft alignments
Schaeffler has announced a handheld instrument that, it says, will allow faster, easier alignment of shafts in rotating equipment such as motors, pumps, gearboxes, fans and compressors.
Integrated linear actuator simplifies process applications
Festo has developed an intelligent linear actuator for process automation applications such as controlling knife gate valves and shut-off valves with regulated strokes, and for use with linear-actuated process valves. The DFPI actuator combines the functions of a linear actuator, a positioner and displacement encoder in an all-in-one cylindrical device that is easy to install.
Motion control joins Siemens' engineering framework
Hot on the heels of adding drives programming to its TIA Portal integrated engineering environment, Siemens is expanding the system further to support motion control functions. At the forthcoming Hannover Fair, it will be demonstrating how its Simotion motion control components can be designed, configured and commissioned via TIA Portal.
4mm micromotor delivers power from a standstill
The Swiss miniature motor specialist maxon motor has developed a 4mm-diameter brushless motor incorporating a gearhead which, it says, produces maximum power in the smallest possible space and can deliver power from a standstill – claimed to be unique for a motor of this size.
Encapsulated drive peripherals solve IP65 problem
REO has developed a range of encapsulated braking resistors, chokes and filters which, it says, solve the problem of using non-IP65 peripherals with IP65-protected drives.
Vibration meter fits in the hand
At the recent Southern Manufacturing show in the UK, Monitran launched a compact, handheld instrument for measuring machinery vibration and temperature levels. It says that the MTN/VM220 is ideal for detecting early signs of component wear or failure in motors, gearboxes, pumps and other mechanical assemblies.
Software collects plant data on one display
GE Intelligent Platforms has announced a new member of its Proficy software family – a dashboard called Proficy Vision that brings together Web-based content from other Proficy software software and third-party displays into one environment. By organising content in the context of the plant structure, the software delivers a single view of operations that can help to improve production.
Software modules ‘cut machine programming time by up to 75%’
Lenze’s Fast software, consisting of pre-configured modules that can handle up to 80% of machine software requirements, is now available to UK users. The software, first seen at last November’s SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany, is claimed to cut programming time by up to 75%, not only saving money but also freeing up engineers to work on other tasks.
Functional safety architecture cuts costs for CNC machine-builders
NUM has released a scalable functional safety architecture for CNC applications that can be applied to almost any machine tool – regardless of its complexity or number of axes.
Motor controllers offer a choice of starting and stopping modes
Rockwell Automation has announced a new-generation of electronic motor controllers and soft-starts with improved voltage outputs to maximise the efficiency of motor starts and stops.
Low-cost vibration monitor acts as a `check engine` light for machinery
SKF has developed a low-cost vibration and temperature sensor for monitoring non-critical rotating machinery. The Machine Condition Indicator (MCI) costs less than an accelerometer and can be used to track basic machine health on equipment that would not normally be monitored regularly.
