News » Product News High-efficiency gearboxes are 42% lighter
The German motion and automation specialist Lenze has developed a new generation of small, lightweight gearboxes with efficiencies of 94–96% across their entire operating range. The helical, helical-bevel and shaft-mounted helical gearboxes will make their public debut at the SPS IPC Drives show in Nuremberg later this month.
Next-generation robots use less power and cost less to own
ABB has unveiled a seventh generation of large robots with the claim that they are faster, more accurate and have bigger payloads than their predecessors, as well as being easier to service and using 15% less power. They are also said to cost less to own.
PLC can cope with tough environments
Siemens has developed a controller specifically for use in tough environments. The Siplus S7-1500 controller has been designed to provide reliable operation in extreme conditions including the presence of high levels of humidity, corrosive vapours, salt and dust. In hot climates, it can cut energy costs because no extra air conditioning is needed.
Compact vision system uses a single Ethernet cable
National Instruments has announced a compact vision system that uses a single Ethernet cable to power a camera, send triggers and acquire images. The NI CVS-1457RT system has two independent GigE Vision ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology that support deterministic camera triggering over the Ethernet bus and are compatible with low-cost PoE cameras and non-PoE GigE cameras.
Online oil monitor gives early warning of gearbox problems
Schaeffler has announced an online lubrication oil monitoring system that can provide an early warning of damage or wear to bearings, cages and gears in industrial gearboxes. The FAG Wear Debris Check system, which needs no calibration, provides plant operators with a reliable way of preventing unplanned downtime and cutting maintenance and repair costs.
Modular overload relays can be tailored to an application
Rockwell Automation has developed an electronic overload relay that combines communications, a patented current-measurement technology, and time-saving I/O options, in a modular design. The modularity of the Allen-Bradley E300 relay is said to give users the flexibility to tailor the device to meet their precise needs.
Linear ball bearings will last up to 50% longer
SKF has announced a new generation of ISO-3 linear ball bearings which, it says, have operating lives up to 50% longer than their predecessors and load ratings up to 15% higher. The D series bearings are interchangeable with the previous LBC range and with competitor products.
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.
