September 2019

71 www.drivesncontrols.com September 2019 NEW PRODUCTS n Sick has launched a downloadable, easy-to-set-up SensorApp for its Inspector P family of programmable 2D cameras. The Presence Inspection 1.0 app extends the performance and versatility of the cameras for presence/absence quality inspection, validation and process control tasks. The app has been developed in Sick’s AppSpace environment to enable simple pass/fail quality inspection tasks onboard the smart cameras. Its image-processing capability can encompass wide fields of view and resolutions from 1–4 megapixels. Sick is planning to extend the app to encompass code reading, enhanced pattern inspections, a measurement capability, and communication outputs. The app will come as standard with certain Inspector P cameras and can be downloaded from the Sick AppPool. www.sick.co.uk Fluke has launched an electrical measurement “window” that provides access to voltage and current sensors inside energised electrical panels. The PQ400 Electrical Measurement Window allows power quality and energy measurements to be made using external access points without having to open the panel door, offering safer access and speedy connections. Fluke says it will cut maintenance costs and downtime. The device is installed using a step drill bit and a hole punch. Once installed, users simply unlock the window cover, lift the lid and connect analyser or logger leads. The PQ400 provides access to critical power quality and energy data, helping to cut the risk of arc- flashes and electrocution. Also, by reducing the hazards associated with taking measurements on open panels, troubleshooting times can be faster, and connections can be made without affecting operations. By automatically detecting the probes for Fluke’s 1740 and 1730 power quality and energy loggers and compatible clamps, the device eliminates the need to open a cabinet to check the clamp model. Compatibility with standard 4mm shrouded safety-socket voltage test leads simplifies voltage connections, increases safety by reducing the risk of accidentally touching live components, and avoids the need to buy specialised voltage leads. The PQ400 windows are safety rated to Cat IV 600V and Cat III 1000V. Full 360-degree rotation allows the window to be oriented in any direction. Fluke UK 0207 942 0700 www.fluke.co.uk PI (Physik Instrumente) has announced a range of “affordable” linear stages for precision motion, alignment and positioning applications where space is limited. The L-505 translation stages are available with integrated linear encoders providing resolutions to 0.005µm. Various motor and drive variants are available, from fast DC servomotors with linear encoders and low-friction ballscrews, to simple open-loop stepper motors. There are two basic layouts: a short, low-profile version with a folded drivetrain (where the motor is next to the platform); and a longer, narrow inline version. Both come in travel ranges of 13 and 26mm. XY and XYZ combinations are also available. There are four motor options: servo and stepper motors, in direct-drive or gearhead configurations. As well as the entry-level, open-loop stepper motor variants, there are closed- loop models with integrated linear encoders that provide direct position measurement at the motion platform, and offer better accuracy and repeatability than shaft-mounted rotary encoders. Encoders with 50nm and 5nm resolutions are available. The direct-drive versions can reach velocities of 15mm/s, and the gear-motor versions 1mm/s. PI 01234 756 360 www.physikinstrumente.co.uk The edge computing specialist, Adlink Technology , has announced an all-in-one software package for its DAQ and PXI PC modules. The Maps (measurement, automation and platform suite) is designed to improve efficiency and cut development times and effort for developers working with the modules. It offers them tools including a connection explorer, diagnostics tools, and test utilities that analyse device functions in one click. Adlink says that measurement and automation developers are often hindered by a lack of setup and development tools. After buying new systems and modules, they can spend hours visiting Web sites to locate drivers, diagnostics, analysis tools, and documentation before getting started on a project. It says that Maps eliminates this bottleneck. The Adlink Connection Explorer (ACE) is a single quick- access screen for exploring and validating functions for DAQ and PXI modules, which is said to end the need for back- and-forth searching for the root cause of an error. It also offers transparency when working with third-party PXI platforms from Keysight, National Instruments and others. Adlink www.adlinktech.com Measurement ‘window’ makes panel power measurements safer and faster Miniature linear stages fit in tight spaces Measurement and automation suite will cut development times