July/August 2020

48 n NEW PRODUCTS July/August 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com Phoenix Contact has announced a new generation of unmanaged Ethernet switches which it claims offer “best-in- class automation protocol traffic prioritisation”. The FL Switch 1000 series switches, which include both Gigabit and fast Ethernet versions for applications with different bandwidth requirements, also have narrower housings and higher port densities than previous generations. Power consumption has been reduced, reducing the switches’ heat outputs and their footprints. The first five variants have copper ports, with fibre optic models due to follow later this year. Using a “unique” accessory, the switches can be mounted flat on DIN rails, allowing them to be used in small or flat cabinets with limited space. Phoenix Contact 01952 681700 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk Beckhoff has announced an ultra-compact multi-core industrial PC with IP65/67 protection that can be installed directly onto machines or other equipment. When used as a control computer, the C7015 edge device also reduces the need for control cabinet space, and simplifies machine designs as well as later system expansions. The fanless IPC, which measures 85 x 167 x 43mm, can be used for high-performance automation, visualisation and communications purposes. Its applications range from classic machine control, to decentralised edge computing in Industry 4.0 applications. The IPC is based on Intel Atom CPUs with up to four processor cores. Beckhoff says that compared to ARM-based edge devices, it can support more demanding applications, as well as pre-processing data locally, and acquiring large volumes of data. The IPC can be used as a machine controller that reduces machine footprints, especially when combined with other Beckhoff components with high IP ratings – such as distributed servodrives and EtherCat P I/O modules. A power-carrying EtherCat P connection offers options for efficient sensor/actuator connections via the IP 67-protected EPP modules. A special mounting plate allows EPP modules to attach directly to the C7015. If required, extra EPP modules can be connected via EtherCat P. Beckhoff 01491 410539 www.beckhoff.co.uk Warner Electric has produced a “next generation” range of electromagnetic brakes incorporating a specially developed composite friction material said to achieve reliable stopping in challenging conditions. The modular FRCB brakes have an IP66 protection rating and are claimed to cut weight and costs in demanding applications. The W134 brake friction material, developed in-house by Warner, is designed to deliver consistent performance across varying operating conditions in heavy-duty applications. It provides static and dynamic braking with high torque stability, a high coefficient of friction, and non-sticking properties for outdoor applications. The brakes also offer a non- contact brake monitoring technology which is said to overcome limitations with traditional technologies such as microswitches, which can suffer from contact pollution affecting their accuracy, or proximity switches, which can be affected by temperatures increasing their hysteresis and affecting their sensitivity. The contactless WES (Warner electric sensor) technology ensures accurate brake monitoring, eliminates contact pollution and produces repeatable accuracy. At temperatures from -40° to 105°C, its hysteresis is less than 0.05mm. Warner Electric 00 33 6 83 99 84 08 www.warnerelectric-eu.com ABB has announced a pair of water-cooled motors that, it says, will deliver an average of 40% more power than fan-cooled designs. The constant cooling of the AXW 315 and 400 IEC motors extends their insulation and bearing lives, thus boosting uptime. Their small footprints save space. The water-cooled 180– 1,100kW motors, available for direct-on-line and VSD uses in ratings up to 6.6kV, offer more W/kg than conventional TEFC (totally-enclosed fan-cooled) motors, making them smaller and lighter, but just as powerful. The cooling configuration consists of an optimised water jacket combined with an internal air- cooling loop for better heat distribution and dissipation. This design avoids hotspots and keeps internal temperatures more balanced. The water-cooled motors are said to be ideal for dirty and dusty environments because contaminants do not affect their cooling capabilities. The absence of a fan also reduces noise levels and prevents dust blowing into the air where people are working. A rigid frame design increases stability so that the motor has low vibrations. The water-cooled motors are also available for the Nema market in the form of the 250- 1,750hp AXW 5000 and 5800 models. ABB https://drivesncontrols.news/ qhxyk Friction material allows brakes to stop accurately in tough conditions Compact IPC with IP65/67 protection can be installed on machines Next-gen unmanaged Ethernet switches save space and energy Water-cooled motors deliver 40% more power than fan-cooled