News » Product News Multi-PC control expands floating transport system
Beckhoff Automation has issued a software update for its XPlanar levitating product transport system which allows it to be controlled by multiple computers, thus supporting many more movers operating over a much larger area. Beckhoff says that potential expansions are “infinite”.
On-machine I/O blocks with IO-Link will raise productivity
Rockwell Automation has released a family of distributed I/O blocks with built-in IO-Link functions that, it says, will help manufacturers to improve productivity at a low cost. The Allen‑Bradley ArmorBlock 5000 I/O blocks are designed for use on machines, enabling quicker installation, commissioning and troubleshooting, and reducing downtime.
Simulation software uses digital twins to optimise drives
Siemens has announced simulation software that can be used to engineer and commission variable-speed drives, based on digital twins. The Sinamics DriveSim Advanced software allows users to simulate, commission and optimise Sinamics drive systems virtually before building them in the real world. Siemens says it will increase the efficiency and productivity of drive systems and machinery.
Network tester helps to deploy IIoT and performs TSN testing
Keysight Technologies has announced a compact network tester for engineers deploying IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and automotive networks. The Novus mini tester combines traffic generation and protocol testing in one device, allowing users to test the performance and conformance of industrial networks. Keysight says that it has the smallest footprint in the industry, an “outstanding” cost per port, and ultra-quiet, fan-less operation.
Drives use film caps to cut harmonic distortion to 35%
The Taiwanese automation manufacturer Delta Electronics has launched a range of open-loop, variable-torque drives for fan, pump and compressor applications at the 2023 Hannover Messe. The VP3000 drives have been designed to make machinery more efficient and to reduce harmonic distortion in a wide range of fluid applications.
‘Ground-breaking’ encoders handle extreme conditions
Celera Motion has announced a range of “ground-breaking” absolute inductive encoders that deliver “next-level” accuracy angle measurements in demanding conditions – dusty, dirty and wet environments, or where high shocks and vibrations are present – that would not be suitable for conventional optical encoders. The Field Calibration IncOders are aimed at motion control applications and position feedback in robotics.
Drives cut harmonics by 97% without needing chokes
Siemens has announced a high-performance frequency converter equipped with a “clean power technology” that cuts harmonics by up to 97% without needing line harmonic chokes or DC link chokes. The Sinamics G220 converter is also the first Sinamics drive to be part of Siemens’ Xcelerator digital transformation platform. It is making its debut at the 2023 Hannover Fair.
Users access cloud-based HMI platform via Web browsers
Rockwell Automation has announced a new addition to its visualisation portfolio – a cloud-enabled HMI (human-machine interface) platform that allows users to design, test and deploy applications from Web browsers anywhere, at any time. The FactoryTalk Optix platform is said to deliver new levels of collaboration, scalability and interoperability, and will help users to improve their processes, efficiency and deliverables.
Gateway gives access to 80% of OT data that is usually lost
Siemens has come up with a technology that makes unused industrial field data accessible to IT systems, helping manufacturers to operate more efficiently. Currently only about 20% of shopfloor data is used, according to Siemens. In many production plants, it adds, there’s hidden potential for optimisation at the field level – for example, in automating machines and systems.
RS reveals plans to upgrade DesignSpark Electrical
RS is planning to update the electrical engineering version of its DesignSpark CAD software after several years of limited development of this part of the platform.
Rotating machine monitors help to raise reliability
Honeywell has introduced a range of transmitters for condition-based monitoring of rotating equipment such as pumps, motors, compressors, fans and gearboxes, designed to maximise uptime and reliability by providing users with insights into their performance.
20kg-payload capacity cobot weighs in at just 33kg
Omron has announced a new cobot (collaborative robot) with a 20kg payload capacity, which is suitable for tasks such as palletising, machine tending and material handling. The TM20 cobot has a reach of 1.3m, weighs 33kg, and has a small footprint.
‘Digital reality’ helps to solve production problems
The UK-based Manufacturing Intelligence division of the Swedish Hexagon group has launched a “digital reality” platform that uses cloud technologies, co-engineered with Microsoft, to unblock innovation bottlenecks, enabling global manufacturing teams to collaborate in real-time across the product lifecycle – from design and engineering, to production and quality – to solve design and manufacturing problems together, and accelerate time-to-market.
Robot simulation software joins the cloud
ABB has enhanced its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software by adding cloud support that will allow individuals and teams anywhere in the world to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs, using any device. New functions, such as automatic version control, are said to increase transparency and productivity, while a simpler interface and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.
Air-core motors could cut data centre energy costs by 15%
Infinitum, the US-based developer of air-core motors, has announced a next-generation, sustainable motor designed specifically for cooling applications in data centres.
