News » Product News 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.
Floor-standing drives will ‘save time and money’
Yaskawa has announced a floor-standing, control-panel version of its A1000 vector control drive which, it says, will save time and money, and reduce the amount of work involved in the planning, installation and start-up of applications. The ready-to-install 400V panels are available with outputs from 90–355kW, and with IP23 or IP54 protection.
Thermal cameras ‘offer new functions for entry-level class’
Flir has announced of series of entry-level thermal imaging cameras which, it claims, exceed the capabilities of rival products in many ways, and offer functions not seen previously in this class of camera. The true thermal imaging cameras do not simply take spot temperature measurements or use blended techniques.
Power quality portfolio senses and mitigates problems
Rockwell Automation has announced a series of power quality identification and monitoring products and services designed to help identify power irregularities and to mitigate their impact.
IP67 integrated stepper drive supports EtherNet/IP
US-based Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI) has released an integrated stepper motor, drive and controller with IP67 protection and rugged M12 connectors.
Coatings protect bearings against electrical erosion
The British bearing manufacturer, Revolvo, has developed a range of ceramic-coated, deep-groove ball and cylindrical roller bearings, which are protected against the damaging effects of electrical erosion in rotating equipment such as traction motors.
DIN rail supplies are ‘narrowest and most efficient’
The power supply manufacturer TDK-Lambda has invested more than $5m to develop a new generation of DIN-rail-mounting power supplies that, it says, includes the narrowest and most efficient models on the market. It believes that that the new supplies will help it to more than triple its current 3% share of the $400m European market for DIN rail supplies by 2017. By then, the market is expected to be worth $465m, and TDK-Lambda hopes to have 10% of the business.
Voltage regulator chip boosts DC-DC conversion efficiency
The Californian chip-maker Maxim Integrated Products has developed a high-voltage regulator for industrial DC-DC converter applications which, it says, will reduce heat dissipation, improve reliability, cut space requirements by up to 50% and external component counts by 75%.
Safety system links up to 32 sensors and meets PLe
The German sensor company Sick has developed a technology that can cascade up to 32 safety sensors and switches from different manufacturers on a loop almost 1km long, while meeting the PLe performance level. The Flexi Loop system is said to offers new levels of scalability, diagnostics and I/O connection capacity in a compact space and at a competitive cost.
