October 2019

Rittal has extended its range of cooling systems for machines and enclosures with new Blue e chillers with outputs of 11–25kW, said to use 40% less refrigerant than other chillers. The use of all- aluminium heat exchangers with a micro-channel technology improves efficiency and eliminates the risk of galvanic corrosion. Digital controls regulate the temperature of the cooling medium precisely. As standard, the hysteresis is ±2K, but precision (hot gas bypass) control to ±0.25K is an option. This prevents temperature fluctuations that could cause inaccuracies in machined workpieces, and ensures consistent quality. Overflow valves maintain a constant circulation of cooling water, protecting the coolant pump from overloads. www.rittal.co.uk 66 n NEW PRODUCTS October 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com Sick has launched a stereo vision sensor that can capture 3D colour images rapidly and precisely for quality inspection and robotic applications. The Visionary S camera combines stereoscopic vision with projected structured illumination to capture up to 30 high-resolution 3D images every second, and can output colour and depth values directly to a PLC or robot controller. With a working range of 0.5– 2.5m, the IP67-protected camera is claimed to simplify 3D recognition and dimensioning tasks for both moving and stationary objects. Its rapid on- board image processing and 50ms response times make fast picking frequencies possible at an “accessible” price. The camera delivers high-resolution 512 x 640 pixel depth and RGB image values in one snapshot, avoiding the need for an actuator. Its colour intensity perception, together with depth values to an accuracy of up to 0.7mm, can deliver high-quality data for inspection purposes. The camera offers powerful visualisation tools, a Gigabit Ethernet interface, and compatibility with a wide range of communications protocols and programming languages. Settings can be adjusted easily and the camera can be configured using Sick’s Sopas software engineering tool. A structured illumination system delivers reliable depth data using ambient lighting. With a 50 x 60 angle of view, the camera is suitable for robotic bin-picking, palletising and de-palletising applications, as well as for quality and completeness checking on high-speed lines. Sick UK 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk Mitsubishi Electric has added delta robots to its existing articulated arm and Scara ranges. The robots combine Mitsubishi servodrives with delta mechanics from Codian Robotics, resulting in high-speed pick-and-place systems, said to be easy to set up and program. The low-noise – less than 68dB(A) – machines are IP65- protected as standard, with IP69K as an option. The robots are based on Codian’s D2 or D4 ranges. The high-speed two- or three-axis D2 systems offer up to 250 picks per minute, payloads of up to 100kg, and a maximum working envelope of 1500 x 430mm. The three- or four-axis D4 robots offer maximum speeds of 200 picks per minute, payloads up to 35kg, and working envelopes of up to 1600 x 350mm. Machine-builders can control the robots using either Melsec PLCs or dedicated Melfa robot controllers. The PLCs can be combined with servos, HMIs and a handling application package and control program which can be used to configure the robot’s movements and functions. This approach is economical and flexible, and allows general automation components to be used, and the delta robot control to be integrated with other parts of a process. The alternative dedicated Melfa robot controller uses the same programming methodology as traditional robot systems, and the same tools that are used to program Mitsubishi’s articulated arm and Scara robots. Mitsubishi Electric Europe 01707 288769 https://gb3a.mitsubishielectric.com 3D stereo camera simplifies quality control and robotic applications Delta robots deliver high- speed pick-and- place operation Following its 2017 acquisition of Zub Machine Control, maxon has expanded its portfolio to include single- and multi-axis positioning systems and master controllers. The controllers offer drive synchronisation and Can and EtherCat networking, and support offer motion functions such as trapezoidal, jerk, cams, synchronous travel and kinematics programming. The three main Zub products are: n the MiniMacs compact programmable controller aimed at less complex applications with up to three axes, and offering CANopen master functions; n the high-performance MACS5 controller for up to six axes, which offers up to six encoder inputs and integrated amplifiers, and supports CANopen and EtherCat master/slave functions; n the flagship MasterMacs controller, which handles up to 32 axes, supports CANopen master/slave and EtherCat master/slave arrangements, and is aimed at dynamic motion control applications. There are also two Windows- based software tools: the Aposs-IDE tool for programming and networking fieldbus interfaces, and for testing using functions such as interactive editors, state machine support, and an oscilloscope function that records data for later analysis; and Aposs Win, for implementing complex motion controls. The programming language is similar to a high- level language such as C, but is more suited to motion controls, with an extended range of commands. maxon UK and Ireland 01189 733337 www.maxongroup.co.uk Acquisition delivers a trio of motion controllers