June 2019

n HANNOVER FAIR REPORT involvingmore than six safety functions – more than any other gripper. The Co-act EGL-C, which is due to be launched by the end of 2019, will be able to handle workpieces up to 2.25kg. SEW-Eurodrive has expanded its range of gear oils to include synthetic polyglycol oils that lubricate gears reliably, even under heavy loads, as well as improving efficiency and extending the service lives of parts such as sealing rings. The GearOil Poly oils come in three viscosity classes and an H1 food industry version. They can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The German belt-maker, Steigentech , launched a range of polyurethane timing belts with the claim that they out-perform rival products by up to 30% in terms of wear resistance and strength. The Powerplus PU belts are said to be a cleaner alternative to rubber belts, and to offer good abrasion and shear resistance, as well as elasticity and flexibility. Steigentech also has a new range of CRE (cogged raw edge) V-belts that can be installed easily and do not need re-tensioning, maximising uptime and reducingmaintenance. The Powerplus EPDM CRE belts incorporate high-tensile cords to improve efficiency. Yamaha ’s factory automation division was demonstrating a range of robots that can handle payloads from 5–50kg. It claims it is the only manufacturer to offer a choice of four common robot technologies: Cartesian; Scara; single-axis; and multi-axis articulated. The portfolio includes clean-room, dust- and drip- proof and high-speed pick-and-place models. They can be used with bidirectional linear conveyor modules said to overcome the restrictions of conventional belt-and-roller transport systems. SENSORS, MEASUREMENT AND DIAGNOSIS ABB was demonstrating how its Ability digital powertrain condition-monitoring system can help users of equipment such as pumps and fans to gain a better insight into their operation. A built-in portal can be used to visualise operating variables, status indicators, availability, environmental conditions and faults. At Hannover, the Italian automation specialist, Gefran , launched a magnetostrictive position transducer that, it claims, offers a repeatability of 0.01mm, a resolution better than 0.5µm, an amplification 15 times higher than traditional designs, a high tolerance of vibrations and shocks, immunity to electromagnetic fields, and an operating temperature range from –30 to +90°C. The IP67-protected Hyperwave contactless transducer is almost wear-free and is available in direct-mounting or rod-style versions. Pepperl+Fuchs has a new family of inductive safety sensors in various cylindrical and rectangular formats, including flush and non-flush mounting versions. The TÜV- certified (to PL d Cat 2 / SIL 2) sensors do not need coded targets and can be used with standard metal actuators. There are no blind zones and the sensors have OSSD outputs for signals and diagnostics. P+F was also demonstrating a cloud-based system for monitoring production equipment. It uses RFID readers to identify assets, data fromwhich is sent via a gateway to the Neoception Cloud, where it can be viewed at any time from anywhere, making it easier to plan production processes. Schaeffler has a new generation of its ProLink multi-channel condition-monitoring system that requires no expertise to set up signal recording and vibration analysis functions to detect potential problems with bearings, gearboxes, motors, fans and pumps. With the help of a configuration assistant, the user inputs basic data about the components Tel: 01284 388 033 Fax: 01284 386 969 sales@ete.co.uk Eastern Transformers & Equipment Ltd ...In complete control of power • ETE are now cerƟĮed to design and manufacture UL Listed transformers • Designed to UL 5085 - 1 and UL 5085 - 2 standards • 25VA to 5kVA 1ph • Manufactured in the UK • Fast turnaround • Custom - built to your speciĮc requirements Wear-resistant: Steigentech’s Powerplus PU polyurethane timing belts Smartphone, smartwatch and thermal camera are intrinsically safe Pepperl+Fuchs has created a portfolio of intrinsically safe“smart”devices, including a phone, watch and thermal video camera designed to operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres. It describes the SmartEx 02 phone as“the most advanced intrinsically safe smartphone for Zone 1/21 and Div 1”operation, and the rst to be certi ed to Google’s AER (Android Enterprise Recommended) validation for these areas. It has a 5-inch display, runs the Android 9 OS and has global Ex and approval certi cations. P+F is selling the IS smartphone under its ecom brand, along with the Smart-Ex watch (based on a Samsung Galaxy) which has built-in GPS motion sensors that can help to monitor critical values and determine locations rapidly. It can be operated wearing gloves. The Ex-camera Cube 800, developed in collaboration with Librestream, is certi ed for use in Zone , Div 1 Ex environments, and allows simultaneous streaming of HD and infrared video. It can be operated hands-free, and allows remote diagnostics of processes and assets. No blind spots: Pepperl+Fuchs’inductive safety sensors