July/August 2019

n NEW PRODUCTS Renold Chain has launched a lubrication-free transmission chain that is available, with attachments, on a one-week turnaround service. The Renold Low-Maintenance chain is based on its Syno lubrication-free technology, applied to a standard steel bush-roller chain. It is suitable for applications that do not need the extra capabilities of Syno – such as special surface treatments and corrosion resistance. The lubrication-free technology uses a sintered bush containing a lubricant that is released onto the bearing surfaces while the chain running. When the chain stops, the lubricant returns to the sintered bush – similar to a sponge soaking up water. This keeps the lubricant in the chain and is suitable for applications where the presence of lubricant is undesirable, or where lubrication would be difficult or impossible. Under normal operating conditions, the chain should not need any extra lubrication during its lifetime. The chain is assembled with attachments to customers’ requirements at Renold’s UK Chain Centre. It is available in four sizes, in simplex, duplex or triplex, from 0.5–1” pitch, and with a choice of K1, K2, M1, M2 and extended pin attachments. Other sizes and attachments are available, but not within a week. The chain is ideal for applications where lubricants must be kept away from the end- product, but where corrosion resistance and the other capabilities of Syno are not needed. This typically includes packaging machinery and equipment, paper manufacturing, printing, and electronics. Renold Chain European Sales 0161 498 4600 www.renold.com Lube-free transmission chain is delivered in less than a week Ixthus is offering a tool for calibrating shafts with diameters from 25–300mm in the field, even if the shaft material is not known. The Metrix 9060-SCTS (Shaft Calibrator Touch Select) system is said to combine the performance of an eddy-current proximity measurement systemwith the flexibility of digital configurability. The field-configurable measurement system for position, radial vibration and speed, is paired with a digital proximity system to adjust the gap in pre-set micron-level increments for calibrating proximity probe systems. A typical system consists of a digital proximity transducer, interfacing cable and a signal conditioner, available as a driver for a machinery protection system or as a transmitter with a 4-20 mA signal for a PLC/DCS or Scada system. The system determines the proximity probe system output of a machine shaft or piston rod in mV/mil or mV/μm. It is compatible with 5–22mm diameter probe tips. Ixthus Instrumentation 01327 353437 www.ixthus.co.uk Baumer has introduced a range of miniature optical sensors said to provide reliable detection of ultra- black, shiny, transparent, angled or small objects (down to 0.25mm). The 0200 sensors have 8mm housings and support IO-Link, allowing automatic configuration and delivering extra information such as operating hours and switch-on cycles. A teaching function allows on-site configuration and protects against unauthorised access. A high-power mode ensures reliable detection of challenging objects such as black or angled items with high light absorption. This, combined with the sensors’ small size, means they can be mounted on robot arms. Options with integral V-optics and focused light beams ensure reliable detection of small, glossy or transparent objects. A built-in, reflector-free light barrier (called SmartReflect) enables safe detection over a range of up to 180mm. A special algorithm ensures immunity from ambient lighting, even in the presence of interfering reflections or LED lighting which can impair the performance of conventional sensors. Baumer 01793 783839 www.baumer.com/gb/en Shaft calibration tool works with unknown target materials Miniature sensors can detect difficult and tiny objects