News » Product News Spindle-driven linear axis is just 20mm high
At the recent Drinktec exhibition in Germany, the German engineered plastics specialist igus unveiled a spindle-driven linear axis with an installation height of just 20mm and a width of 45mm. It also revealed a spindle linear module that can handle radial loads up to up to 1,000kg and axial loads up to 250kg. Both ranges are targeted at food and drink applications.
Low-harmonics drives can cut iTHD below 30% in HVAC apps
The Welsh drives-maker Invertek Drives will unveil a dedicated low-harmonics drive for building services applications at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany in November. The Optidrive HVAC Eco drive has been designed to minimise harmonics on the mains supply created by non-linear loads, such as AC drives, thus improving performance and efficiency.
Jetter opens up its automation systems via EtherCat
The German automation specialist Jetter will be launching new ranges of motion controllers, servo amplifiers, multitouch control panels and industrial PCs at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in November. The company, which is in the process of being bought by the Swiss Bucher Industries group, will be opening up its systems more than before and supporting EtherCat for the first time.
IE2 motors create drive-and-motor packages
Parker Hannifin has launched a range of square- and round-frame AC induction motors, allowing users to buy complete motor-and-drive packages from a single source. The IE2-efficiency MR motors cover power ratings from 0.09–524kW.
Distributed servodrives save time and space
At the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany in November, Siemens will be unveiling a range of integrated servomotors and drives designed to save cabinet space and cabling by being mounted in or on machinery.
Modular M2M router ‘will revolutionise remote access’
A Belgian industrial communications specialist called eWon has developed what is claims is the first flexible, modular machine-to-machine (M2M) VPN router. It predicts that the Flexy router will revolutionise remote access to remote industrial sites and machines.
I/O modules add special functions to any networked PLC
US-based Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI) has announced a distributed I/O system that allows users to add specialised functions, such as stepper motor controls and sensor interfaces, to any networked PLC or PAC. The AnyNet I/O modules are programmed via the host PLC’s software, simplifying installation, cutting costs, and avoiding the need to learn new software or programming languages.
Elevator drives and motors promise smoother rides
At the Interlift elevator show in Germany, Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer – sister companies in Emerson Industrial Automation – have previewed new ranges of variable speed drives and permanent magnet motors designed specifically for the elevator market. The E200 and E300 VSDs and the E27 synchronous, gearless motors are said to simplify commissioning and to improve ride comfort.
All-in-one PLCs ‘take half the time to program’
The Israeli controls developer Unitronics has launched a new generation of modular all-in-one PLCs that combine dual CPUs, HMI touch panels, and a variety of I/O. Users can customise the expandable UniStream controllers by snapping CPUs and compact I/O modules onto the back of the 7” or 10.4” HMIs to create systems capable of supporting up to 2,048 I/O.
Compact AC drives provide 'just enough' control
Rockwell Automation has announced a compact AC drive designed to offer machine-builders “just enough” control, and to cut the cost of developing, configuring and installing machines. The development of the PowerFlex 523 AC drive – an extension to the existing 520 series – was guided by requests from potential users.
Dual-processor safety PLC simplifies complex applications
ABB has launched a safety PLC which, it says, will speed and simplify the development of safe control systems for complex control applications. The AC500-S PLC has a dual-processor architecture that complies with SIL3/PL e functional safety requirements.
Hardware-based shutdown system is 'a first'
Red Lion Controls claims to be offering the only rugged, hardware-based system that monitors and provides fail-safe shutdowns of processes controlled by PLCs, RTUs and other automation devices. The Watchdog Relay is designed to help protect unmanned processes continuously.
Modular LV motors have internal cooling ribs
At next month's SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany, Siemens Drive Technologies will unveil a new low-voltage motor design without any external cooling ribs. Instead, the Simotics FD (flexible duty) motors use internal cooling ribs which locate the cooling close to the heat source inside the frame (the laminated core surface), and support various types of air and water cooling, including open and enclosed types with natural or separate ventilation. The portfolio will include water-cooled types with cooling jackets or air-to-water heat exchangers.
Electrical cylinder ‘combines the best of hydraulics and electronics’
Parker Hannifin has announced an “electro thrust cylinder” which, it says, combines the advantages of hydraulics and electronics, and can deliver thrust forces of up to 56kN, travel speeds of up to 666mm/s and accelerations of up to 10m/s2
Energy-saving drives target HVAC and water users
IMO Precision Controls has released its first two ranges of drives that target particular sectors – HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and the water industry. The new ranges of torque-vector-controlled Jaguar drives share the same hardware and both span power ratings from 0.75–710kW.
