January 2020

47 www.drivesncontrols.com January 2020 NEW PRODUCTS n Sick has developed its most powerful and accurate 2D Lidar sensor to date for calculating the position, shape, volume or surface quality of items with a wide depth-of-field and over ranges of up to 3m. The LMS4000 sensor has a 600Hz laser scanning frequency and can produce more than half a million measurement points per second for applications such as automated palletising, pick-and- place positioning, shape and contour verification, and collision avoidance. The sensor can operate at high speeds, in low ambient light or when targets are matt black or glossy. It is said to offer a six-fold improvement in measurement resolution compared to previous Lidar sensors, no matter where an object is positioned – on a conveyor or pallet, or in a container or carton – or whether it is free-standing or touching another item. The sensor uses red laser light and time-of-flight measurements to deliver precise data on the positions and sizes of objects, and transmits this data for external evaluation, often in conjunction with an encoder. It needs no external illumination or additional line lasers. Because it is less sensitive to ambient light, and has a wide depth-of-field, it offers a cost- effective alternative to vision systems for 3D object profiling in some applications. The sensor offers an angular resolution of less than 1 degree. Several devices can be mounted together to extend the measuring range. Available in 10mW and 13mW variants, the sensors are quick to install using M12 connectors. Sick (UK) 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk ebm-papst is offering a series of six drive development kits covering different brushless motor technologies, as well as nine bolt-on drive motor/gearboxes, each using a different drive technology. The K4 kits cover power ratings from 99– 850W and torques from 24Ncm– 64Nm using a choice of planetary and 90-degree crown gearboxes. The 24V or 48V motors are ready to be plugged into a control interface, helping engineers to define and customise applications, which can be running within minutes of opening the box. The motors come with factory-set functions, allowing variable-speed motion in clockwise or anticlockwise directions, as well as three fixed speeds. The control box is equipped with a variable-speed dial, four switches for direction and set speeds, and the ability to monitor output pulses from the motor. The control box can interface with a PC using a supplied RS-485 adaptor kit. Drive programming software is included. Velocity, position and current control modes are supported. Users can alter speeds, introduce acceleration/deceleration and specify rotation numbers. Once a configuration is decided, the functions can be written temporarily or permanently to the motor. ebm-papst UK 01245 468555 www.ebmpapst.co.uk Warner Electric has released a series of pre-assembled electromagnetic brakes for stopping and parking applications. The modular ERX brakes can be specified in standard, high-torque or high- speed configurations, with a choice of accessories. The brakes provide braking torques from 5–60Nm as standard, increasing to 75Nm for the high-torque option. The high-speed version operates at speeds from 3,500 rpm (60Nm) to 7,000 rpm (5Nm). The brakes use a non-stick friction material developed by Warner to stop them from seizing when closed. This is important for processes where brakes are applied only occasionally, yet must be relied upon at a moment’s notice. Options include hand levers for manual release, an IP54 protection kit, a double brake with two magnets and two friction discs for full redundancy, a “silent” version that produces less than 55dB(A), and a contactless system for monitoring the position of the armature and providing feedback on wear measurements. An easy-to-use configurator allows users to order precise brake combinations. Warner Electric 00 33 6 83 99 84 08 www.warnerelectric-eu.com 2D Lidar sensor promises a six times higher resolution Kits help to develop brushless motor applications Electromagnetic brakes combine flexibility with performance Mitsubishi Electric has announced the option of using its Maps 4 Scada/HMI system as a cloud-based application with an IIoT agent that allows it to talk to third-party cloud- hosted environments.The app is independent of the cloud platform and has built-in OPC UA, Sigfox wireless and an MQTT protocol driver for secure communications with other cloud-based devices.The software includes an Excel bulk- configuration tool. Libraries are available for Mitsubishi hardware, and there are on-board drivers for more than 100 other PLCs and RTUs. https://gba.mitsubishielectric . com/fa/en/solutions Siemens has added new functions to two of its Simatic controllers by updating their firmware. V2.8 for the S7-1500 allows remote access via different IP networks, while aWeb server adds easy and secure data integration.The PLC’s diagnostics capabilities have been extended, including those for the OPC UA server.The v4.4 firmware for the S7- 1200 improves cross-platformdata transfer, while OPC UA data access as a server supports horizontal and vertical communications. www.siemens.com B&R Automation has added three model-based control functions to its Acopos P3 servodrive, said to improve control precision and increase machine productivity and speed. Withmodel-based control and virtual sensors, motor mechanics and payloads are taken into account in the control loop. A state controller reduces the resulting oscillations and compensates for external disturbances. By reducing vibrations and oscillations, the new functions can extend the service lives of machine components and cut maintenance costs. www.br-automation.com Binder has introduced 12-contact versions of its M8 sensor and automation connectors which, it says, are easy to install, cutting downtime and labour costs.The UL-approved Series 768-718 screw-coupling connectors are protected to IP67 whenmated, have a current rating of 1A, and a rated voltage of 30V.They are available in shielded or non- shielded versions.Themouldedmale and female connectors and panel- mount connectors have a vibration- resistant screw lockingmechanism, and can be supplied terminatedwith PUR cables or single wires. www.binder-connector.co.uk Oriental Motor has added an Ethernet/IP driver to its AZ series of closed-loop stepper motors, allowing them to be controlled using a single Ethernet/IP cable. Quick, easy configuration simplifies motor control. www.oriental-motor.co.uk