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18 March, 2024

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Hannover Fair 2013 exclusive show report

23 June, 2013

Igus has given its micro energy chains a makeover to make them sturdier and quieter than their predecessors. The E2 micro chains can handle loads up to 100% heavier and offer a maximum self-supported length of 1.25m – 25% longer than before. Initially they are available with inner widths of 20mm (and heights of 10mm or 15mm), and seven further widths are planned.

Another energy chain supplier, Kabelschlepp Metool, was showing a system for protecting its Robotrax cable carriers from premature wear. These carriers, designed for use on robot arms, can wear as a result of repeatedly touching the arm. The Protector is designed to prevent this from happening.

New from Kübler is an IP64-protected slip-ring that handles up to three load (power) and two signal transmissions between stationary and rotating platforms. The 60mm-diameter SR060 slip-ring has a service life of more than 500 million revolutions and can operate at up to 500 rpm. Its design prevents particles form escaping, thus making it suitable for clean applications.

The Lapp group has developed a stainless-steel cable gland with a rounded design with few corners or edges, minimising the accumulation of dust, dirt or food residue. The shape and material of the Skintop Inox gland (above) make it particularly attractive for food and pharmaceutical applications.

New from Nord is a motor-mounting distributed starter that provides soft-start and reversing functions for motors from 0.25–7.5kW. The SK 135E starter provides overload protection via thermistor monitoring, mains and motor phase failure monitoring, I2t monitoring and magnetising current monitoring. Instead of circuit-breakers, reversing contactors and brake rectifiers, it uses wear-free electronic switching.

Phoenix Contact has a new family of industrial relays ranging from 6.2mm-wide coupling relays to contactor replacements. The Rifline relays use the company’s push-in connection technology to save installation time and can use bridging materials from its existing terminal blocks for simple current distribution. Some of the relays can be upgraded to timers using plug-in modules.

Pilz has added two new functions for implementing applications with position-based safety functions to its PMCprotego S drive safety cards – SLP (safely limited position) and SLI (safely limited increment). SLP monitors end limits, while SLI limits transport steps when materials are fed into a process. The SLI function can be used with SLS (safely limited speed) to allow axes to be operated in a safe jog mode.

Pilz has also announced a series of new accessories for its PSENopt light grids, including post protectors, deviating mirrors and housings that provide protection up to IP69K, allowing the equipment to be used in environments subject to condensation or high humidity.

Rittal has developed a new generation of its TopTherm enclosure chillers in seven sizes with outputs from 8–40kW. The chillers are now housed in 600mm-deep enclosures instead of the previous 800mm. By placing the condenser fan on the enclosure roof, heat can now be dissipated to the outside, while internal heat loads can be avoided. New controller logic reduces on-off switching cycles of the main components, increasing energy efficiency. New options include 24V DC control voltages and water-cooled condensers.

Rittal has also announced a new housing for operator panels, made of sheet steel and aimed at the cost-sensitive machine-building market. There are nine standard sizes and the enclosure (above) is based on Rittal’s AE system. One-person assembly is possible.




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