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28 March, 2024

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Rockwell claims that its IO-Link family is a first

30 October, 2015

Rockwell Automation has announced a new IO-Link master for its Allen-Bradley Point I/O system, as well as series of IO-Link-enabled sensors that, it says, go beyond detecting machine problems to enhancing machine productivity. It claims it is the only company to be offering controllers, an IO-Link master, and IO-Link sensors which, when used together, will simplify configuration, monitor machine health, and communicate data and diagnostics in real time using the IO-Link protocol.


Slip-resistant connection links encoders to motors

28 October, 2015

The motor manufacturer Kollmorgen claims to have come up with a new way of connecting motors to rotary encoders which, it says, will not slip, even when subjected to a 20-fold overload.


Compact EtherCat drive modules fit in tight spaces

26 October, 2015

ACS Motion Control has announced a series of compact EtherCat drive modules for use with servo, stepper and voice-coil motors. The UDMSD modules are based on a dual/quad-axis drive and are designed for motors with continuous power ratings from 10–100W (200W peak). Users can choose the type of motor, which can be set differently for each drive.


Servodrive controller is ‘first with IO-Link connection’

20 October, 2015

Festo has announced what it claims is the world’s first servodrive to be controlled via the IO-Link communication system. The low-cost CMMO-LK controller can be connected to any IO-Link master or Modbus TCP Ethernet port, making system integration simple across many applications. The built-in IO-Link connection (made via a cage-clamp connector) also makes it easy to replace the controller because as all of its parameters are stored in the IO-Link master. The controller was shown at the recent Motek handling show in Germany.


Safety-certified encoder will protect machine operators

19 October, 2015

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

16 October, 2015

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

16 October, 2015

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’

14 October, 2015

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

08 October, 2015

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

24 September, 2015

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’

23 September, 2015

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

16 September, 2015

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%

11 September, 2015

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

11 September, 2015

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

10 September, 2015

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.


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