News » Product News Dual-axis EtherCat servodrives challenge linear drives
ACS Motion Control has announced a dual-axis EtherCat drive that, it claims, provide a level of performance that was previously only achievable using linear drives, but without the drawbacks of such linear drives. The NPMPM PWM (pulse width modulation) drives are said to be significantly smaller, more efficient, better protected and cheaper, as well as producing less heat.
Alarm system will cut downtime and boost safety
Unitronics has added an alarm management system to its UniStream all-in-one controller, which combines the functions of a PLC and an HMI. Designed to comply with the ISA 18.2 guidelines for implementing, operating and managing alarm systems, the alarm system is supported by a new version of Unitronics’ application development software, UniLogic.
Multi-function power analyser is ‘world’s most accurate’
Yokogawa has announced a power analyser that it claims is the world’s most stable and accurate. The WT3000E analyser – an enhancement of the earlier WT3000 – has a 45–65Hz accuracy of 0.01% of reading, plus 0.03% of range, based on RMS values rather than the waveform peak values used by some manufacturers.
EtherCat motion system allows easy migration from PLCs
Taiwan-based Adlink Technology has announced an EtherCat-based motion control system consisting of a palm-sized master controller, and a modular I/O and motion control system. The combination offers low-cost deterministic control of automated processes and is said to be easy to develop.
Long-range inductive sensors ‘will revolutionise sector’
The German sensor-maker wenglor sensoric has announced a range of inductive sensors which, it claims, will revolutionise the sector. The sensors, which have switching distances up to three times longer than usual, can be mounted alongside each other without causing interference.
IR safety camera offers an alternative to light curtains
Sick has developed an infra-red (IR) camera that, it says, offers a convenient and reliable Type 3 alternative to safety guard light curtains in production and warehouse environments. The PL d compliant V300 camera has a 20mm resolution and can protect areas up to 1.5 x 1.5m – or larger, if several of the cameras are synchronised.
Non-sparking coupling is Atex-certified
The German manufacturer KTR has developed a coupling for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Its Rotex Non-Sparking coupling uses a newly-developed conductive plastic which is injected into the hub of the coupling to produce a device that is said to be failsafe and maintenance–free.
Mobile HMI can make changes to out-of-view applications
Rockwell Automation has announced a mobile HMI (human-machine interface) that allows users to make real-time adjustments to out-of-view applications. The Allen‑Bradley MobileView tethered operator interface has a 10-inch colour display with a resistive touchscreen and is designed for uses such as setting up, maintaining and calibrating machines.
Machine vision pattern technology avoids trade-offs
Cognex has announced a feature-location technology that “reinvents” its PatMax pattern-matching tool to maximise speed and performance. The PatMax RedLine technology, available in the latest version of its In-Sight Explorer software is optimised to run on Cognex’s In-Sight 5705, 8405 and 5705C five-megapixel vision systems.
Pulsed blowing can halve compressed air consumption
Parker Hannifin has developed a device that, it claims, can halve the air consumed in air-blowing applications – which account for almost half of all the compressed air used in plants – as well as improving their efficiency.
Motor protection relays help OEMs to cut costs
The Brazilian motors and controls manufacturer WEG used the recent Hannover Fair to launch a series of electronic motor protection relays with a wide current adjustment range of 1:5, allowing OEM machine-builders to stock fewer spares and to save time that would be needed when designing machinery to accommodate different relays with narrower specifications. The RW_E relays are also claimed to dissipate 87% less power than conventional thermal devices, thus saving energy.
‘World’s first’ wireless temperature sensor harvests heat energy
At last month’s Hannover Fair, ABB announced what it claims is the world’s first wireless temperature sensor that powers itself. The TSP300-W WirelessHart sensor needs no wiring, no external power supply and, in some applications, no replacement batteries.
Kit will help to develop drives and motor controls
Texas Instruments (TI) has announced a hardware and software kit that it says will make it easier to develop and evaluate drives for a variety of motor types, sensing technologies, encoder standards and communications networks. The DesignDrive kit can also be used to develop real-time Ethernet communications and functional safety topologies.
VSDs use same instructions as servodrives
Rockwell Automation has announced the first AC drive designed specifically to work with its Logix-based programmable automation controllers (PACs). The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 drive can be used in machines incorporating CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs, and Kinetix servodrives.
App-based shaft alignment system is ‘quick and easy’ to use
SKF has developed a shaft alignment tool which it claims is the first of its type to allow alignments using tablets and smartphones. The app makes it quick and easy to set-up motors, drives, fans, gearboxes, pulleys and couplings, even by operators who are using the instrument for the first time.
