October 2020

56 n NEW PRODUCTS Celera Motion has announced a range of small-diameter inductive encoders from its UK subsidiary Zettlex for precision measurement of angles or angular speed in harsh environments. The non-contact inductive technology is said to make the Ultra IncOders more reliable than capacitive and magnetic encoders. It avoids the need for bearings, bushes or seals, and results in fit-and- forget, maintenance-free operation. The sensors’ accuracy is not affected by moisture, particles, grease or debris. The encoders, available in 37 or 58mm diameters, are pre- calibrated and offer up to 19 arc- second accuracy and 22-bit resolution. They are suitable for applications with small footprints, such as mobile robots. The flat, PCB-based ring design uses a powered stator to measure the absolute angular position of a passive rotor, with no motion required. Cables, shafts, sliprings and pipes can be fed through the IncOder’s bore, saving space. When used with expansion options, the encoders can measure weight, vibration, strain, shock, tilt, pressure and temperature. They communicate using ASI, SSI, SPI, BiSS-C and A/B/Z pulses, and operate on 5, 12 or 24V DC supplies. Ingress protection up to IP67 is available. The IncOders are distributed in the UK by Inmoco . Celera Motion www.celeramotion.com Inmoco 01327 307600 www.inmoco.co.uk ifm electronic has announced a range of safety interlocks that use RFID technology in combination with unique actuator coding to make tampering and unauthorised operation almost impossible. The MN7XX interlocks are suitable for PL e or SIL CL3 safety systems, and up to 32 devices can be connected in series without reducing safety. Also available are the MN2XX magnetically coded safety interlocks, which offer a cost- effective alternative for applications where unique actuator coding is not needed. The RFID interlocks are ideal for applications where robust tamper protection is vital. They can be supplied with pre-coded actuators that will function only with a specific interlock module, or with codable actuators that interlock modules can be programmed to recognise. Both versions have LED indicators that help to adjust the sensing range and provide confirmation when an actuator is recognised and within range. The MN2XX magnetic safety interlocks can be activated from various directions, simplifying installation. They can be concealed behind stainless-steel or aluminium covers. They can be series- connected to monitor multiple doors or guards and incorporate a non-safety signal contact to show which door or guard has been opened. The non-contact operation of both series means that they are not subject to wear or impact that could lead to misalignment. Both have IP69K ratings. ifm electronic 020 8213 2222 www.ifm.com/gb/en Omron has announced a mobile robot with a payload capacity of up to 1,500kg, that can carry large components such as car bodies and pallets that would traditionally have needed forklifts. The HD-1500 robot’s on- board battery can recharge in 36 minutes and can handle a full shift, thus reducing downtime. The high-capacity robots can be used to automate complex and dangerous tasks, and can transport large pallets containing heavy or bulky items. They can calculate the best route automatically, while collaborating safely with people and navigating around obstacles, without needing magnetic floor tapes or other guides. Lasers that scan 360 degrees are used both for localisation and for safety. Lidar technology is used to improve navigation using adaptive safety zones. The accompanying Fleet Manager software can control up to 100 mobile robots of different sizes, configurations and payload capacities, to automate complex material transport and logistics applications. Users can simulate arrays of up to ten robots, operating in up to three separate fleets. Omron https://industrial.omron.eu Mini inductive encoders deliver precision in harsh environments RFID-based safety interlocks resist tampering Heavy-duty mobile robots can replace forklifts and handle full shifts Rockwell Automation has updated its Studio 5000 design software with a new Simulation Interface tool that can transform how users design, test, validate and commission systems. It connects a system’s real or virtual controller to simulation andmodelling tools, simulating how products or processes with dynamic properties will behave in production. Rockwell has also updated its Application Code Manager (ACM) tool, while a new document template editor can save time by generating documentation automatically. A new import function can also help users to save time and reduce rework. www.rockwellautomation.co.uk Rocol has introduced a long- lasting grease that can operate for long periods at temperatures of up to 280°C. Unlike traditional greases, Sapphire Ultra is designed to lengthen relubrication periods and give maximumperformance in plain and roller bearings, small gears, slides, pins, valves, screws and plungers, across a wide temperature range. Its PFPE (perfluoropolyether) base oil gives it high resistance to water washout and a non-toxic formulationmeans that it does not have a detrimental effect on rubber, plastics or metal. www.rocol.com/products/ sapphire-ultra Wachendorff has launched redundant versions of itsWDGR andWDGE incremental and absolute encoders.The new devices, available in the UK from Variohm EuroSensor, combine optical andmagnetic measurement principles that are independently correlated, yet fully synchronised through separate processing electronics. Providing true redundancy and using as few similar components as possible, the products are a cost-effective alternative to expensive Pl d or SIL 3 based safety systems. www.variohm.com Sick has released Advanced variants of its AHS36 14-bit single- turn and AHM36 26-bit multi-turn IO-Link absolute encoders that allowmachine designers and end- users to use diagnostic information, such as temperature values, to streamline machine control and optimise maintenance.The encoders make it easy to generate real-time data to optimise service intervals, prompt alarms, as well as integrating with predictive maintenance systems.The encoders’digital inputs and outputs also enable triggering using simple push-pull I/O, which can be used to create smart tasks such as overspeed switching independent of the PLC. www.sick.co.uk October 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com