June 2018

Iwis has developed a range of transfer chains with durable plastic attachments for conveying goods gently and cleanly to the next stage in a production process. The functional sections of the chain are enclosed, ensuring that the products stay clean and undamaged, and preventing the build-up of dust or dirt on the chain. The goods are conveyed on a flat surface, and there is no lifting of the load when the chain passes over the sprockets. There are three attachment versions – for standard, high- temperature and antistatic applications – all made from hard-wearing materials. Depending on the attachment and lubricant chosen, the transfer chains can be used in temperatures from –50 to +150°C. Special versions are available, such as nickel-plated, maintenance-free, food-grade or silicone-free. Iwis drive systems 0121 5213600 www.iwisuk.com 56 NEW PRODUCTS June 2018 www.drivesncontrols.com Rockwell Automation has announced a micro-PLC that supports applications with up to 304 I/O points, 280kB of memory and 20,000 program instructions. The Allen-Bradley Micro870 PLC can be scaled to match an application, thus helping machine designers to optimise control architectures. Usually several sizes of PLC are needed to cater for automation projects of differing complexity, complicating inventory management and maintenance. The Micro870 PLC allows designers to scale the controller to an application. It has a flexible design that accepts up to three plug-ins and eight expansion I/O modules, allowing it to be customised or expanded to meet the needs of individual machines. It can support up to two axes of motion. The PLC’s 280kB memory capacity supports modular programming and the use of user- defined function blocks to help cut design time. Machine-builders can also use the memory to maintain a single program for all models of machine that use the PLC. The controller communicates via EtherNet/IP and offers several communications options, including a USB programming port, a non-isolated serial port and an Ethernet port. It can be programmed using Rockwell’s new Connected Components Workbench software version 11, which can also configure Rockwell’s PanelView 800 graphic terminals, PowerFlex AC drives, Kinetix component servodrives, electronic overload relays, light curtains and safety relays. A conversion tool in v11 makes it easier for existing MicroLogix customers to upgrade to the Micro800 family. Rockwell Automation 0870 241 1803 www.rockwellautomation.co.uk Turck Banner is offering a range of IP69K-protected capacitive touch- buttons designed to overcome the problem of false triggering caused by conditions such as the build-up of detergents, oils and other foreign materials, as well as exposure to water sprays. Available with domed or flat touch surfaces, the K50 touch-buttons offer immunity to false triggering and electrical noise. The flat versions (called K50 Compact) need no physical pressure to operate and can be actuated with the touch of a finger, hand or palm, or when wearing gloves. They have a low- profile (17mm high) design and can be used in panels, cabinets and other space-constrained applications. Available in one-, two- or three- colour models, the K50 Compact’s LEDs are brighter than those of the domed models, and can be seen even in sunlight. They are available with latching or momentary outputs. Turck Banner 01268 578888 www.turckbanner.co.uk Micro-PLC scales to reduce the need for different PLCs ‘Affordable’ true-colour sensor can check every item on a line Micro-Epsilon has launched a range of colour recognition sensors for precise true-colour measurements in industrial applications. The colorSensor CFO100 (256-colour) and CFO200 (320-colour) sensors are said to deliver good colour accuracy and reproducibility, high measuring rates (up to 20kHz) and the ability to monitor every product on a line, leading to improvements in inspection, quality control, production efficiencies and quality, while cutting costs and waste. The sensors are suitable for applications such as colour sorting and inspection, quality control, and recognition of colour marks. They project a white light spot from a powerful LED, via an optical fibre, onto the target surface. Part of the light is back-scattered and directed via the same fibre onto a true- colour detector. The sensor can detect the finest colour graduations, even in high-speed tasks and on low-reflecting surfaces. It can also be used where space is tight, because the sensor head needs little space. Illumination, averaging and signal amplification adapt automatically to the task. Micro-Epsilon 0151 355 6070 www.micro-epsilon.co.uk Enclosed transfer chains offer gentle, clean conveying Applied Motion Products (AMP) has released a variant of its Stac6 microstepping drive for high- performance motion control that is certified for hazardous area use. Available in the UK from Mclennan , the STAC6-Q-H drive is aimed at applications where Atex, IEC-Ex or UL certification is required. The panel-mounting drive covers Atex and IEC-Ex certification for Class I, Zone 2 locations, and UL certification for Class 1, Div 2, Group C & D locations. These are areas where flammable gases, vapours or liquids are do not normally occur and, if they do, will persist only for a short time. Motion options include step and direction, analogue voltage, PC or PLC host control, as well as standalone multitasking control. www.mclennan.co.uk Touch-buttons tackle the problem of false triggering