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28 March, 2024

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Five-in-one instrument works with iPads or PCs

16 June, 2014

National Instruments has announced an all-in-one instrument that combines a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. Users interact with the VirtualBench device via software applications running on a PC or iPad.


New wireless standard promises ‘near wired’ reliability

16 June, 2014

Belden claims to be offering the first industrial wireless application of a new industry standard that allows wireless systems to overcome network failures without disrupting data transmissions. It says that the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) technology will allow wireless technologies to be used reliably for mission-critical industrial applications where distances or environments make wired installations expensive or challenging.


Wireless vibration analyser links to a smartphone

12 June, 2014

SKF has announced an entry-level vibration analysis tool designed to be used with an Android tablet or smartphone to assess problems with rotating machinery. The portable, compact and lightweight Wireless MicroVibe offers basic vibration data collection and analysis functions, including root cause analysis and small-scale route-based data collection.


Linear guides offer ‘the world's highest load rating’

11 June, 2014

The Japanese bearing-maker NSK has developed a range of linear guides that, it claims, have the world’s highest load ratings and will last twice as long as conventional guides. It has achieved this by developing a novel ball groove shape that optimises the contact surface pressure distribution, resulting in a significant improvement in operating lives.


Bluetooth rotary torque sensor handles heavy vibrations

10 June, 2014

US-based SensorData Technologies claims to have developed the only transducer to offer reliable Bluetooth-based wireless sensing of rotary torque in high-vibration environments, where conventional torque transducers often suffer from premature wear and failure. The BT4000 flange drive sensor can measure torque levels up to 8kNm at speeds of up to 7,000 rpm, and provide analogue voltage, digital or frequency signal outputs.


Wireless access point supports up to 19 IP addresses

10 June, 2014

Rockwell Automation has announced a wireless access point (WAP) with a work group bridge that allows users to connect up to 19 IP addresses simultaneously – thus helping to cut design times when integrating machines and equipment into industrial control networks. The Stratix 5100 WAP is said to make it easier for manufacturers to access critical production data, and is suitable for remote and difficult-to-reach areas.


Modular conveyor cuts material flow planning times

27 May, 2014

Interroll, the Swiss internal logistics specialist, has unveiled a modular conveyor platform that it describes as “the most important product introduction” in its 55-year history. The platform can be tailored to suit customer requirements and allows material flow systems to be planned more quickly and easily.


Wireless machine condition sensors create mesh networks

27 May, 2014

SKF has announced a wireless machine condition-sensor network that gathers vibration and temperature data for condition monitoring and machinery diagnostics. The battery-operated sensors communicate with each other, and with a wireless gateway, to create mesh networks. They are said to be ideal for monitoring rotating machinery spread across large plants, in awkward locations, or where traditional WiFi communications will not work.


Faster open-loop current sensors work up to 250A

22 May, 2014

The Swiss current and voltage sensing specialist LEM has announced a series of current transducers capable of measuring up to 250A. The HO sensors offer a choice of panel, busbar or PCB mounting, integrating the conductor or using an aperture measuring 15 x 8mm.


Colour touchscreen PLC targets SIs and OEMs

19 May, 2014

Unitronics, the Israeli specialist in integrated PLCs and HMIs, has developed a device aimed at system integrators and OEMs that need PLC control, but would usually choose simple text displays, rather than colour HMIs, due to limited budgets.


Thumb-sized 4kW servodrive ‘sets power density record’

14 May, 2014

UPDATED: Elmo Motion Control, the Israeli motion control specialist, claims to have set a new record for servodrive power densities with a tiny drive that produces more than 4kW from a package that weighs just 18g (or 22g with an EtherCat option) and occupies a volume of 8.7cm3.


Any field sensor or actuator can now link to SmartWire-DT

09 May, 2014

At the recent Hanover Fair, Eaton announced an enhancement to its SmartWire-DT technology that will allow any sensor or actuator to be linked into the system via IP67-protected M12 connectors designed to be used outside cabinets.


New-generation LV motors come in IE2 and IE3 versions

08 May, 2014

At the recent Hannover Fair, ABB launched a new generation of general-performance cast-iron LV motors in IE2 and IE3 efficiency versions. The company says it has enhanced the motors’ electrical and mechanical designs, and optimised their use of materials.


IPC and software combo gathers and analyses plant data

07 May, 2014

GE Intelligent Platforms has announced a combined industrial PC (IPC) and software appliance that uses the Industrial Internet to connect machines and turn raw plant data into actionable information. The rugged Proficy Historian IPC collects real-time production and process information and supports numerous data collection tags in a package small enough to install alongside machine controls in harsh environments.


Modular overload relay eases installation and maintenance

06 May, 2014

Rockwell Automation has developed a modular electronic overload relay incorporating a patented current-measurement technology that makes it one of the smallest on the market, while offering a wide 10:1 FLA (full-load amperage) range – thus simplifying selection and reducing inventories.


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