February 2021

48 n NEW PRODUCTS Ixon has launched the second generation of its IoT platform for machine-builders, allowing them to create their own IoT portals, connect machines, collect data, create alerts and troubleshoot remotely as if they were on-site – with just a few clicks. The redesigned Ixon Cloud 2 offers improved collaboration functions and gives users more freedom to customise and set up the platform to suit their needs. Ixon describes the new software, which includes Ixon Studio for portal customisation and dashboard building, as“the most complete IoT platform for the machine-builder”. An intuitive interface helps to eliminate distractions, while role- based user management provides advanced, customisable access and control rights. Ixon CEOWillemHofmans, says that collaboration is the central pillar of Cloud 2 and will allow machine-builders to maintain relationships with customers for decades.“We are on the eve of a significant transition where machine-builders start using all their knowledge and skills not only in the development, construction and installation of a machine, but where their knowledge and skills are of great value throughout the entire lifecycle of a machine.” Ixon www.ixon.cloud/new Carlo Gavazzi ha s launched a series of IIoT-enabled network blocks that connect up to eight smart devices to higher-level controls. It says that the IO-Link Y series devices can help to improve product quality, machine uptime and operating speeds, and to cut costs. The YL212 IO-Link master allows all sections of a plant to be connected in a single network, from the management level down to the field (sensors and actuators). Using an embedded Web server and IODD, the master can provide integration, communication and data exchange between different fieldbuses using protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, OPC UA or Profinet IO. The YN115 DIN-rail version can be installed in control cabinets and includes pluggable/removable push-in and screw terminal connectors for quick, error-proof installation of IO-Link devices and modules. An IODD interpreter provides easy access, configuration and diagnostics for the module and attached IO-Link devices via a Web browser. An OPC-UA architecture supports data transmission on many platforms and can be accessed remotely from PCs, tablets or smartphones without needing any extra software or PLCs. Carlo Gavazzi 01276 854110 www.carlogavazzi.co.uk The cable management specialist M. Buttkereit is offering Atex certification for many of its cable entry systems, including splittable cable entry frames and glands that allow the easy transit of cables into cabinets and enclosures and the sealing of the cables without needing to re-wire or cut them. The DES cable entry system can hold up to ten cable inserts for cables with diameters from 2– 34mm. Once assembled, it provides strain relief and IP66 protection. Atex certification is also available for most DES-PDM push-through single- and multi- cable entry plates. The certification is valid for Group II, Category 3, Gas Zone 2, Dust Zone 22 www.buttkereit.co.uk Schaeffler has added two more automatic lubricators to its Concept range. The Concept1 is designed for automatic relubrication of one lubrication point, while the Concept4 can independently supply up to four lubrication points. The Concept1 lubricator and Concept4 replacement cartridges can be filled up to three times in just a few steps, even with greases outside of Schaeffler’s Arcanol range. This cuts waste and maintenance costs, and protects the environment. The Concept1 is available in 60 and 125cm 3 sizes and is powered via electrochemical reaction avoiding the need for an external power supply. The Concept4 dispenses just 0.15cm 3 per actuation impulse and needs an external controller such as a PLC. www.schaeffler.de/lubricators February 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com IoT platform for machine-builders is ‘the most complete’ available IO-Link network blocks connect smart devices to controls Omron has announced a compact Scara robot that, it says, sets a new bar in the light-duty Scara market, promising the lowest total cost of ownership. The i4L robot has a 5kg payload and is available in 350, 450 and 550mm reach versions weighing 15-16.5kg. The high-speed robot offers “high-end” inertia and repeatability, and can automate material transport operations safely. “Unique” Ethernet connectors in the base simplify integration and synchronisation when deploying multiple robots, simplifying set-ups and reducing programming times. A multi- colour LED light dome indicates the robot status and helps to diagnose problems faster for maintenance. The easy-to-install robot can be mounted or a table or wall without needing extra hardware. Omron https://industrial.omron.eu Lightweight Scara robot ‘sets a new bar’ for performance and price Gigabit Ethernet switches allow real-time Profinet data exchange Red Lion has announced a series of eight-port Gigabit managed industrial Ethernet switches. With copper and fibre options in both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit configurations, as well as advanced security and traffic control, the NT4008 switches provide real-time Profinet data exchange. The switches have IP30 metal Din-Rail enclosures, redundant 12–58V DC power inputs, and shock resistance up to 50G. They integrate into Profinet networks using standard PLC configuration and management tools, and are certified to Profinet PNIO v2.34 Conformance Class-B standards. They are UL Class 1, Division 2 and Atex listed for use in hazardous areas. Red Lion www.redlion.net