News » Product News Motion control joins Siemens' engineering framework
Hot on the heels of adding drives programming to its TIA Portal integrated engineering environment, Siemens is expanding the system further to support motion control functions. At the forthcoming Hannover Fair, it will be demonstrating how its Simotion motion control components can be designed, configured and commissioned via TIA Portal.
4mm micromotor delivers power from a standstill
The Swiss miniature motor specialist maxon motor has developed a 4mm-diameter brushless motor incorporating a gearhead which, it says, produces maximum power in the smallest possible space and can deliver power from a standstill – claimed to be unique for a motor of this size.
Encapsulated drive peripherals solve IP65 problem
REO has developed a range of encapsulated braking resistors, chokes and filters which, it says, solve the problem of using non-IP65 peripherals with IP65-protected drives.
Vibration meter fits in the hand
At the recent Southern Manufacturing show in the UK, Monitran launched a compact, handheld instrument for measuring machinery vibration and temperature levels. It says that the MTN/VM220 is ideal for detecting early signs of component wear or failure in motors, gearboxes, pumps and other mechanical assemblies.
Software collects plant data on one display
GE Intelligent Platforms has announced a new member of its Proficy software family – a dashboard called Proficy Vision that brings together Web-based content from other Proficy software software and third-party displays into one environment. By organising content in the context of the plant structure, the software delivers a single view of operations that can help to improve production.
Software modules ‘cut machine programming time by up to 75%’
Lenze’s Fast software, consisting of pre-configured modules that can handle up to 80% of machine software requirements, is now available to UK users. The software, first seen at last November’s SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany, is claimed to cut programming time by up to 75%, not only saving money but also freeing up engineers to work on other tasks.
Functional safety architecture cuts costs for CNC machine-builders
NUM has released a scalable functional safety architecture for CNC applications that can be applied to almost any machine tool – regardless of its complexity or number of axes.
Motor controllers offer a choice of starting and stopping modes
Rockwell Automation has announced a new-generation of electronic motor controllers and soft-starts with improved voltage outputs to maximise the efficiency of motor starts and stops.
Low-cost vibration monitor acts as a `check engine` light for machinery
SKF has developed a low-cost vibration and temperature sensor for monitoring non-critical rotating machinery. The Machine Condition Indicator (MCI) costs less than an accelerometer and can be used to track basic machine health on equipment that would not normally be monitored regularly.
Two-pole HV motor ratings extend to 13.5MW
ABB has developed a two-pole, high-voltage motor for driving high-power pumps and compressors in chemical, oil and gas plants, as well as for water and wastewater treatment plants
