News » Product News Compact servomotors handle simple positioning tasks
At the 2017 Hannover Fair, Lenze launched a range of compact synchronous servomotors aimed at higher-power, medium-dynamic applications. The quiet, smooth-running m850 motors cover ratings from 2–9.2kW and, when combined with Lenze’s TopLine inverters, can deliver 4.8–200Nm of torque.
Wireless control panels link drives to smartphone apps
Danfoss’ VLT AC drives now come with a wireless operating panel that can communicate with mobile devices such as smartphones, making them easier to install, configure, monitor and control. The VLT Wireless Communication Panel LCP 103 (supplied with the company’s HVAC, Aqua and AutomationDrives) communicates with Danfoss’ MyDrive Connect app running on an IoS or Android device to display the same information as the panel with options for expanded graphic visualisations.
IP66-protected variable-speed drives can be used outdoors
At the 2017 Hannover Fair, the Welsh drives-maker Invertek unveiled a range of IP66-protected variable-speed drives that can be used outdoors. It was also demonstrating an app that allows users of its Optidrive VSDs to commission and monitor their equipment from their smartphones via a wireless Bluetooth link.
Electronic monitor for 24V circuits ‘ushers in a new era’
Eaton has developed an electronic circuit-breaker for protecting 24V DC control circuits which, it says, will usher in a new era in monitoring these circuits, as well as improving their reliability and reducing the time and space needed to install them. In addition to the selective overload protection provided by other electronic fuses, the PXS24 module offers extra control, switching and signalling functions.
Next-generation LabView caters for non-programmers
National Instruments (NI) has announced new generation of its LabView engineering system design software which bridges the gap between configuration-based software and custom programming languages with a new approach to measurement automation.
1.1kW synchronous drum motor is ‘the most powerful’
Interroll, the Swiss specialist in products for internal logistics, claims to have developed the world’s most powerful synchronous drum motor for belt conveyor systems. The new motor has an output of up to 1.1kW, delivers up to 100Nm of torque, and can achieve belt speeds of up to 3.34m/s.
Switch closes gap between unmanaged and managed devices
Rockwell Automation has announced an alternative to managed industrial Ethernet switches for manufacturers that use unmanaged switches but struggle with downtime or security concerns. The new “lightly-managed” Allen-Bradley Stratix 2500 switch provides the security, resiliency, segmentation and bandwidth-optimisation of a managed switch, without needing extensive configuration.
Tiny 700W drive launches ‘a new era for servodrives’
A Finnish drive manufacturer called Granite Devices claims to have set a new benchmark for servodrive compactness with a snap-on board-format 700W drive that measures just 70 x 37 x 7mm, yet has built-in motion control and SIL2 safety functions. Granite describes the Ioni drive as “the Swiss Army knife for motion control”, adding that it represents “a new era for servodrives” that will bring time and cost savings to machine automation.
Electronic cable-pull switch is ‘the world's most advanced’
Rockwell Automation has developed what it claims is the world’s first solid-state cable-pull emergency-stop device, which uses a microprocessor-based technology to monitor and compensate for any thermal expansion or sagging of the trip-wire.
Electrically activated e-stop buttons will save time and energy
The German safety expert Pilz has developed an electrically-operated emergency-stop pushbutton which, it says, can save time and energy, and allow machines to be returned to service more rapidly after a shutdown. The PITestop active device has a built-in light ring to indicate its status.
Manufacturers want to standardise push-pull M12 connectors
Molex, Phoenix Contact, Murrelektronik and Binder have agreed to work together to drive the standardisation of M12 push-pull connectors which interlock automatically when plugged in, avoiding the need for traditional screw connections. The interlock is based on Molex’s Brad Ultra-Lock technology, which is designed to bring the ease push-pull connections to IP67/68/69K sealed connections. It can be used without tools, simplifying mounting, especially in confined spaces.
Diagnostics tool shows all of the devices on a network
A Dutch specialist in Profibus and Profinet technologies has developed a diagnostics tool for Industrial Ethernet installations which can display all of the devices on a network and how they are connected, and provide an overview of the network’s health. Procentec says that its Atlas module will help to prevent unexpected and expensive downtime.
First hazardous area clamping enclosure is ‘97% faster’
Eaton has announced what it describes as “the first clamping enclosure for hazardous industrial environments”, and is hailing it as “a major safety enhancement” for explosion-proof enclosures.
Mechatronic drive targets materials applications
New from Lenze is a compact mechatronic drive that combines a motor with control electronics and software, and a gearbox that is integrated into the motor housing. The g350 drive is aimed, in particular, at materials-handling applications, where is it said to deliver high efficiencies.
EtherCat terminal system expands into hazardous areas
Beckhoff has expanded into process control applications with a series of EtherCat terminals with IS (intrinsically safe) I/Os that can connect directly to field devices in Zone 0, 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Using the company’s PC-based controllers, automation and process technologies can now be combined, and EtherCat benefits such as diagnostics applied in hazardous areas.
