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Allen-Bradley Guard I/O range

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Rockwell Automation have upgraded their allen-Bradley Guard I/O safety I/O range. Guard I/O provides all the advantages of traditional distributed I/O for safety systems. It reduces wiring costs and startup time for machines and cells, as compared to in-chassis I/O.

Guard I/O can be used with any safety controller that communicates on DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP networks. Several Guard I/O block variants are available, providing a variety of features for both in-cabinet and on-machine mounting.

maxon motor GP 26 A planetary gearhead

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The GP 26 A planetary gearhead for DC motors integrates a robust, optimised, preloaded ball bearing gearhead geometry, a high permissible motor speed.

This gearhead is part of a modular system and is available as one-stage to three-stage versions, with nine different reduction ratios, from 5.2:1 up to 236:1. The maximum continuous torque of the one-stage version is 0.75 Nm and of the three-stage version is 4.5 Nm. The short-term torques are 1.1 Nm and 6.2 Nm respectively. Due to the preloaded ball bearings, the tempered, rust-free output shaft has no axial play.

The GP 26 A gearhead can be combined with five different DC motor types, as well as sensor systems (encoders), to build powerful drive units. For the control functions, various 1- and 4-quadrant controllers, as well as positioning controllers, are available.

Applications fields include engineered robotics devices to battery-operated tools, from medical technology to industrial automation.

Phoenix Contact hybrid motor starters

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Phoenix Contact hybrid motor starters utilise Contactron switching technology that enables smooth switching and relieves the load on relay contacts. Hybrid motor starters therefore last up to 10 times longer than purely mechanical switching devices.

For motors of up to 4 kW on 22.5 mm, the hybrid motor starter brings together all of the functions of a classical reversing contactor circuit, including safety functions, into one device. Internal load and locking circuits minimise wiring costs by up to 75%.

The efficient wiring design continues with the connection of the motor starter to the SmartWire DT communication system. This practically eliminates complex parallel cabling at the control and signal levels for larger systems with a high number of consumers. Hybrid motor starters, as well as command and reporting devices, are easily and clearly connected with SmartWire DT and can also be integrated into fieldbus systems by means of a gateway.

There is also a model of the hybrid motor starter with integrated fuses that fulfils Classification Type 2 according to IEC/EN 60947-3-4. In the event of a short circuit, users can swap out the fuses and the hybrid motor starter is ready to go again.

Allen-Bradley Dynamix 2500 prtable data collector for predictive maintenance and vibration diagnostics

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Allen-Bradley Dynamix 2500 is a real-time, multichannel, Fast-Fourier Transformer (FFT) signal analyser and data collector used for predictive maintenance and machinery vibration diagnostics. The unit measures, processes, displays and stores a range of analysis functions.

The data collector includes a high-performance computing platform running Windows CE 6.0 and a sunlight-visible colour LCD. It is suitable for harsh environments, with a MIL 810 spec drop rating, IP65 sealing and an operating temperature range from -10 to 50°C.

The combination of the Dynamix 2500 data collector with Emonitor software provides users with tools for predictive maintenance using noise and vibration analysis. The data collector can also be used in other applications such as balancing or bearing analysis.

Telemecanique OsiSense XUE laser sensors

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Telemecanique OsiSense XUE laser sensors are designed for applications that require long-range detection. The sensors also offer enhanced accuracy over distance and long-distance background suppression. This includes measuring position in automation applications such as precise robot control, coil diameter monitoring, error proofing, overhead cranes and anticollision systems.

The OsiSense XUE laser sensors include flexible optical systems including diffuse and reflex measurement for enhanced accuracy, repeatability and long detection range. Diffuse measurement of over 6 m on white objects with background suppression are possible, and up to 30 m with a reflector for the reflex model.

Multiple programmable outputs provide extended flexibility through two configurable discrete NO or NC outputs (PNP) and a 4-20 mA analog output.

OsiSense XUE sesnors use visible red Class 2 lasers, which allow for a more rapid alignment between the sensor and object being detected. In normal operating mode, the sensor switches to the low-risk Class 1 mode for maximum operator safety.

Acromag IOS-7400 industrial I/O server

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Acromag IOS-7400 industrial I/O server has built-in carrier cards which interface up to four plug-in I/O modules to the CPU. The embedded computer supports video, audio, ethernet, serial and USB devices. A wide variety of I/O modules provide mix-and-match flexibility, high channel density and a clean cable interface.

The I/O Server's fanless design employs advanced thermal technology and high-performance components to accommodate a wide operating temperature range of -30 to 75°C. Conduction cooling plates and thermal pads wick internal heat away to the aluminium enclosure where external cooling fins dissipate the heat.

The IOS-7400 PC has an Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz CPU processor. PC Interfaces include VGA, for up to 2048 x 1536 display, speaker out and microphone in. DRAM is 1 GB DDR533, with a 2.5" 16 GB solid-state drive (SSD) option. There is also a Compact Flash card slot, two serial ports (1 x RS232 and 1 x RS232/422/485), two 10/100Base-T ethernet ports (switched) and four USB ports 2.0 ports.

More than 20 I/O modules are available for a wide variety of analog, digital and serial I/O functions and the unit has UL/cUL Class 1, Division 2, Groups A,B,C,D or non-hazardous location only approvals.

Telemecanique OsiSense XUK-S IP69K photoelectric sensor

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Telemecanique OsiSense XUK-S photoelectric sensor comes equipped with a metal flush level button that is, unlike most push-buttons, sealed into the device. This makes the sensor more compact and more suited to installation in strict hygiene zones, such as those in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biomedical technology and primary packaging industries.

The XUK-S has a resilient, 316L stainless steel housing rated at IP69K and Ecolab certified, well suited to harsh environments, being able to withstand the regular usage of strong disinfectants and high-temperature water rinses with peaks of up to 100°C.

Detection settings can be directly adjusted through the built-in teach button, which is fully lockable in operating mode to avoid unexpected use. An output status is programmable to NO or NC, and an M12 connector allows for rapid connection.

This range of OsiSense XUK-S photoelectric sensors also includes background suppression, polarised reflex and through-beam options, and they can be easily set up for detection through the use of a visible red light spot.

National Instruments PXIe-4357 RTD module

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

National Instruments has announced the NI PXIe-4357 RTD module as an addition to its SC Express sensor measurement family for PXI Express. The high-performance module is optimised for temperature measurements with Pt100 RTD sensors for a variety of thermal monitoring applications.

The NI PXIe-4357 RTD module integrates sensor-specific signal conditioning with 24-bit, delta-sigma ADCs to sample all 20 channels at 100 Sa/s and offers typical accuracies of up to 0.09°C. To expand a system’s channel count, engineers can integrate additional NI PXIe-4357 modules or use other SC Express modules to add complementary sensor inputs, including thermocouples, strain gages, accelerometers and FBG optical sensors, to the same system.

Phoenix Contact terminal blocks for energy management

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Phoenix Contact offers three terminal block types for the distribution, measurement and switching of energy.

Plug-in Combi terminal blocks, with a cross-section area of 10 mm², are suitable for the distribution of energy and for modular switching system constructs.

The PTME transducer disconnect terminal is designed for conductor cross-sections of up to 10 mm². The short-circuit connector automatically establishes a leading current transformer short-circuit. This ensures a high degree of safety and reliability in current transformer measuring circuits. In conjunction with the associated base terminal, incorrect user actions as well as destruction of the connected current transformers can be completely ruled out.

Signals and data from sensors in the energy management system can be switched in a space-saving manner using plug-in multilevel PT 2.5 terminal blocks. Several bridging options and switching ranges offer flexibility.

The terminal blocks are equipped with simple push-in connector technology. Conductor contact is made by plugging it in without the need for any tools. To remove the conductor, the user only needs to press the release button. The terminal blocks exploit the advantages offered by the ‘Clipline complete’ system, which includes plug-in jumpers, labelling and testing accessories.

Phoenix Contact Plugtrab PT-IQ monitored signal interface surge protection devices

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Plugtrab PT-IQ family from Phoenix Contact provides proactive functional monitoring for signal interface surge-protection devices. A yellow status signal indicates that the performance limit has been reached as a result of frequent surge voltages, while a small reserve capacity ensures that protection remains effective. The user is informed and can replace the protective connector before the protective function fails due to component overload. Failure is indicated by a red signal. Thanks to its remote signalling feature, users can inspect the system from any location and at any time.

The controller assumes the management of a strip equipped with protective devices. It acts both as a power supply and an evaluation unit for all status signals. The system is freely scalable. The only requirement is that an additional controller is added for each 28 surge devices to enhance performance of the power supply. The system can also be expanded to another mounting rail.

The installation design, which includes an integrated rail-mounted bus, allows for quick and error-free assembly. The power supply and status signal are connected as soon as a module is snapped on, thus minimising the wiring effort.

Schneider and Krohne collaborate on automation and instrumentation solution

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Schneider Electric has announced a partnership with Krohne that the companies say will provide customers with a complete automation and instrumentation solution, which will include Schneider’s PlantStruxure process automation architecture and Krohne’s instrumentation offer.

The companies said that Schneider’s open system architecture and Krohne’s customised instrumentation offer allows for easy integration of the solution, enabling customers to achieve increased energy efficiency, productivity and process optimisation.

“The integration of Krohne’s best-in-class instrumentation offer with Schneider Electric’s PlantStruxure offer will deliver some great synergies and superior customer benefits and is very much in line with what we hear in terms of what our customers need to cope with the evolving challenges in process and energy management,” said David Orgaz, Vice President, Process Automation Systems of Schneider Electric.

“The customers of Schneider Electric will benefit from our highly skilled sales and service staff. We look forward to contributing our engineering and application knowledge to projects in different industry segments such as oil and gas, water and wastewater, food and beverage as well as metals, minerals and mining,” said Stephan Neuburger, coCEO of the Krohne group.

Schneider Electric claims its PlantStruxure process automation architecture helps customers achieve energy and productivity improvement objectives by creating a single environment to measure energy use, process data, asset utilisation and machine performance.

To achieve this, Krohne claims it delivers matching and integrated measurement solutions for flow, level, pressure and temperature measurements as well as analytical tasks, providing the necessary information to monitor and optimise plant processes that involve liquid, gaseous or solid mediums.

CompAir launches dedicated Custom Engineered Products division

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

CompAir Australasia has launched a dedicated Custom Engineered Products division in response to growing customer demand for CEPs.

CEP Australasia is headed by David Laurenson. With over 20 years of compressed air industry experience, and having previously been responsible for the CompAir Asia Pacific CEP division, Laurenson is well placed to lead CEP as its director.

“We’ve been building Custom Engineered Products in the Asia Pacific for over 40 years, for customers in the oil, gas, petrochemical, industrial, mining, food, beverage, environmental, medical, electronics, waste and water treatment industry sectors, to name but a few,” said Laurenson.

“Where our customers require high quality compressed air in a range of demanding applications, the CEP division has the resources and expertise to deliver the most complex turnkey packages with the backing of decades of application and engineering experience.”

“We have a dedicated CEP facility equipped to the highest standard and a team of specialist project engineers, project managers, procurement staff and design engineers. This means that we can offer our customers a complete package, from initial project specification to installation, right through to providing essential advice and technical support throughout the service life of their equipment,” Laurenson said.

“With one point of order, service and, most importantly, communication backed up with nationwide sales, service and support staff, trained to the highest standard, we are always on hand to support our CEP customers in maximising the life and performance of their investment.”

Fluke Calibration celebrates World Metrology Day on 21 May

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The signing of the Metre Convention by representatives of 17 nations took place on 20 May 1875. It’s now celebrated worldwide as World Metrology Day. This year’s theme for World Metrology Day is ‘Metrology for Safety’.

Fluke Calibration joined the global metrology community to celebrate the importance of measurements on 21 May this year.

“Fluke Corporation is dedicated to facilitating workers’ safety through test and measurement tools as well as education,” said Fluke’s Chief Corporate Metrologist, Jeff Gust. “Fluke Corporation manufactures a myriad of products associated with safety.”

Fluke’s commitment to safety has prompted the company to develop an electrical measurement safety program, including presentations, videos, checklists and application notes. Fluke clients can access the videos and application notes free of charge, Gust said.

“The Fluke Product Evaluation group works with the Fluke Metrology team to ensure that all of the equipment associated with safety measurements is traceable through Fluke Primary Measurement Laboratories to National Measurement Institutes, which, in turn, are traceable to the International System of Units (SI), as determined by the Metre Convention,” said Gust.

“Complex systems of documentary standards, traceable measurements, laboratory testing and engineering help to provide people around the world with products that ensure their safety.”

Phoenix Contact RFC 460R PN 3TX Profinet controller

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

A redundant control system for Profinet can be created with the RFC 460R PN 3TX controller from Phoenix Contact. This makes it possible to reduce system shutdowns and prevent dangerous situations.

Two RFC 460R type Profinet controllers are used to build a fail-safe automation system. One controller controls and manages the process while, in the event of a failure, the second controller is seamlessly activated to perform processes at both the lower and higher levels.

To create redundancy, the user connects both controllers via a fibre-optic synchronisation cable and then programs one of the two controllers. The second PLC is automatically configured for all redundancy functions via AutoSync technology, after which it is automatically started. Both controllers are continuously synchronised.

The redundant controller for Profinet can bridge over distances of up to 80 km between controllers via fibre-optic cables, with an optional pluggable SFP module. A high-resolution display allows for viewing status reports and error message as plain text, and data visualisation is also redundant due to a redundancy-capable OPC server.

ABB PalletPack 460 pre-engineered palletising package

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

PalletPack 460 is a pre-engineered package of robotic palletising components featuring the IRB 460 robot designed specifically for the high-speed, end-of-processing-line palletising.

The 4-axis IRB 460 features a 110 kg capacity plus a reach of 2.4 m. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for integration into existing packing lines and convenient for high-speed bag or compact end-of-processing-line case palletising.

ABB’s PalletPack consists of an IRB 460 robot; a Flex-Gripper (either the claw or one-zone clamp gripper); an ABB control PLC; an ABB safety PLC; PalletWare support software; user documentation; and the ABB FlexPendant featuring an easy-to-use graphical human machine interface.

A feature of the PalletPack is the wizard-enabled se-tup and programming, which makes programming very similar to that used for a traditional PLC. This enables PLC programmers - without specific robotic experience - to program the system, eliminating the complications that can arise when a specific programming skill set is required. The programming and operation are carried out via the FlexPendant, the standard ABB Robotics human machine interface. This features a graphical interface with four user-friendly screens; pallet and pick set-up, pallet pattern set-up, path profile and movement edition.

Programming time for the PalletPack 460 is claimed to be reduced by as much as 65% compared to traditional methods, shortening the return on investment.

National Instruments PXIe-1066DC 18-slot chassis

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

National Instruments has introduced the NI PXIe-1066DC 18-slot chassis, which adds high availability features to the PXI Express platform to maximise system uptime. These features improve the system-level MTBF and MTTR of PXI systems in many demanding, mission-critical test, measurement and control applications. The chassis adds critical component redundancy and remote monitoring to the uptime-focused capabilities of existing NI PXI instrumentation.

The chassis features: redundant hot-swappable DC power supplies and fans; a front-accessible power supply and fan tray to provide flexibility in position-restrictive applications; and an ethernet port to give engineers remote, in-band chassis health monitoring capabilities, for advanced system management.

Female engineering graduates start to redress the gender imbalance

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The gender imbalance looks like it might be levelling out in an unexpected profession: the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering. The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies has experienced a steady increase in the number of female students enrolling and graduating over the last decade.

“While Engineering and IT student numbers have increased across the board, ten years ago the University had as few as 50 female engineering graduates. Last year we doubled that figure,” said Dr Tim Wilkinson, Associate Dean (Education).

“This year, the faculty is anticipating well over a hundred female graduates.”

Isobel, Merrilyn and Rebecca James are all engineering students at the University of Sydney

Although the number of women graduating as engineers has increased, the proportion of women to men working in the industry still leaves much to be desired: while 20% of engineering graduates are female, only 10.5% of practising engineers are women. The University of Sydney says this is occurring despite continuing efforts of academic institutions and employer interventions to address the gender gap.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies Professor Archie Johnston said the Faculty runs a number of programs to encourage female high school students to consider a career in engineering and IT, such as the Girls’ Programming Network workshop. Participants develop games, learn about digital media and create phone apps.

While acknowledging the numbers are encouraging, Professor Johnston says this should not breed complacency.

“We still need to focus on increasing the number of school students taking higher levels of mathematics and sciences to underpin growth in all of the engineering qualifications,” he said.

“And every effort must be continued to further lift the rates of women enrolling in engineering and IT undergraduate programs at Australian universities.”

Weidmüller IES21, IES31 and IES41 managed ethernet switches

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Weidmüller has updated its IES series of industrial ethernet switches. With three ranges to choose from, the series offers a broad choice of fast ethernet or gigabit ethernet managed switches with various port combinations. Users can select from entry level IES21 fast ethernet, IES31 fast ethernet with gigabit uplink, up to IES41 full gigabit ethernet switches. The switches feature ring redundancy with floating master, the latest security features, IGMP snooping and a built-in virtual cable tester.

These managed switches are equipped with Weidmüller’s W-Ring technology, which simplifies network requirements by eliminating master/slave settings in a redundant ring, while providing a network reinstatement time of less than 20 ms. They also feature MSTP for additional redundancy, providing the possibility of spare links that automatically provide backup paths should the active links fail.

The IES managed switches also have a built-in virtual cable tester (VCT). The VCT tests a twisted pair connection status by using time domain reflectometry. It is capable of identifying the type of fault as well as the distance from the switch port within 5 s.

Phoenix Contact Radioline wireless I/O system

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Radioline wireless system from Phoenix Contact is specifically designed for wireless signal transmission at large facilities. I/O mapping distributes signals from up to 250 stations within the system without any software. Here, input signals receive I/O addresses by means of thumb wheels, with these addresses being mapped to corresponding output modules. Because identical signals can also be outputted several times, it is possible to set up intelligent distribution and signal multiplication in the field.

Radioline and its integrated functions can be used universally for different applications, including I/O signals, serial data or the implementation of I/O to Modbus. The stations can be arranged as needed in point-to-point, star or mesh structures. Each station can also be used as a wireless repeater for other stations. The devices use this feature on the licence-free, 2.4 GHz frequency.

The I/O stations can be expanded modularly. The modules also feature high-quality galvanised channel-to-channel isolation and can be switched out easily while the system is in operation. Additionally, the digital channels are also equipped with wide-range inputs and relay outputs for many possible applications up to 250 V.

Turck Q42 IP69K long-range factor one inductive proximity sensor

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Turck Q42 is a long-range factor one inductive proximity sensor using FDA-rated materials for washdown applications that is available in a top-facing model and a front-facing model. The Q42 is designed to deliver optimal performance in applications that require frequent cleaning with chemicals found in food and beverage applications or where the sensor is exposed to wet environments, such as carwashes or outdoor applications.

The Q42 features an improved design with a durable stainless steel connector and PA12 thermoplastic housing that delivers resistance to chemicals and caustic cleaning agents, as well as shock from impact. Additionally, the upgraded housing materials are food safe and meet FDA Regulation 21CFR 177, 1500(9) for the US and FDA/EGVO 1935/2004 for the EU. The Q42 features integrated predamping that gives the designer flexibility to partially recess the sensor into their design.

The existing uprox+ washdown range of sensors from Turck comprises 12, 18 and 30 mm diameter barrels with sensing ranges between 4 and 30 mm. The Q42 offers a sensing range of 50 mm to all types of metals. This not only eliminates the need to change the position of the sensors for different metal applications, but also reduces the number of sensor types needed for plant operations. In addition to an extended sensing distance, the Q42 delivers reliable operation in temperatures ranging from -40 to 100°C.