June 2018

59 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2018 NEW PRODUCTS Novel bearing liner for linear guides avoids the need to dismantle DIN-rail patch panels offer a choice of connections Condition-monitoring module integrates with control and safety functions igus has developed a novel bearing for its drylin W linear guide system, with a liner that can be replaced rapidly on the rail without needing to dismantle the assembly. A simple tool is used to push the old liner out of the housing, clip a new one onto the shaft, and push it into the housing for a flush fit. Igus says that this can be done in 30 seconds, saving time and money, while maximising machine uptime. Traditionally, when changing the liner on a linear guide rail – which may be needed, for example, if abrasive materials are present – the entire linear slide has to be pushed off the rail. For linear axes or multi-axis gantries with toothed belt drives, this can result in long machine downtimes. The new bearing housing is designed to allow easy changing of the liner directly on the rail. The side cover of the bearing housing on the linear slide is removed easily with a screwdriver. Using a free tool, the liner is then pushed out of the carriage and removed. The replacement liner, made of the wear- and abrasion-resistant iglidur J200 tribopolymer material, is then clipped onto the rail and inserted into the slide using the tool. The new bearing housings can be retrofitted to any existing size 10 drylinW systemwith a shaft. Other sizes are planned. igus 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk/drylinw HMS Industrial Networks has announced that its eWon Cosy remote access gateway now supports 4G LTE transmissions, allowing users to access, troubleshoot, program, monitor and control machinery in remote locations where Ethernet is not available. The 4G router not only connects to LTE networks, but it also ensures an automatic fall-back to lower cellular connections. If the 4G network becomes unstable, congested or unavailable, the connection switches automatically to 3G (HSPA/WCDMA) to ensure continuity in connectivity. www.ewon.biz/products/cosy Toshiba has launched range of vertically articulated six-axis robots consisting of three models. The TVM robots are available in the UK fromTM Robotics and RARUK Automation. One model (the TVM900) has a maximum load of 20kg and a maximum reach of 1,124mm; the second (TVM1200) handles loads up to 15kg and reaches up to 1,418mm; while the third (TVM 1500) is suitable for loads up to 10kg and reaches up to 1,715mm. The operating range of each can be expanded by mounting the robot on an optional linear actuator. The robots can be used with Toshiba’s TSL3200 controller and are programmed in the Basic-like SCOL programming language. They are compatible with x TSVision3D robot vision recognition package. TM Robotics 01707 290370 www.tmrobotics.co.uk www.rarodriguez.co.uk Phoenix Contact has announced a range of eight DIN-rail-mounting Ethernet patch panels that enable quick, easy connections between field devices and control cabinet cabling. The patch panels offer a choice of connection technologies – including IDC, push-in and screw terminals – to simplify the installation of field cables. The cable shielding is connected without needing tools, and provides strain relief simultaneously, thus cutting installation times. Optional surge protection can be used to safeguard the connected end- devices. An additional shield current monitoring system provides diagnostics, indicating any shield currents – caused by different potentials or EMC – via an LED. Installation problems are thus indicated immediately, without needing extensive measurements. The patch panels are complemented by 12 PoE (Power over Ethernet) injectors, which can supply remote Ethernet devices with data and electricity via a shared cable. These injectors use the installation technology and protective functions of the patch panel for the first time. They can deliver up to 60W of power and an electrically isolated power supply. Phoenix Contact 0845 881 2222 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk ABB has released a condition- monitoring module that provides real-time monitoring of machines for increased availability. The FM502-CMS module, based on the AC500 control platform, can be used to perform condition monitoring, control, protection, safety and data-logging functions simultaneously using a single controller. The fast data-logging capability can be used to combine control and production information, helping to achieve to consistent high-quality production. The module can be used as stand-alone condition-monitoring device, or integrated into machine or process controls to create optimised, self-analysing automation systems. It alerts users to wearing parts before they affect production quality or cause disruptions. It also protects against machine faults, sudden damage, incorrect installation, or unnecessary maintenance and wear. Reduced downtime increases plant and machine availability and productivity. The module is supported in ABB’s Automation Builder software, which provides configuration and documentation functions, and example programs. ABB 01925 741517 www.abb.com Six-axis robots offer a choice of load capacities and reaches