53 www.drivesncontrols.com May 2024 NEW PRODUCTS n ifm has unveiled an IO-Link master for control cabinets, which can exchange data securely between OT (operational technology) and IT (information technology) levels. The AL19xx master modules act as decentralised gateways, enabling seamless data transmission from sensors to the eldbus, and protecting against unauthorised access. The secure connection to the IT level is achieved via a dedicated IoT Ethernet socket, with data transmitted via a TCP/IP JSON interface. This allows users to process crucial data at the IT level and integrate it with their ERP systems, while ensuring the safety of their Industry 4.0 installations. ifm’s free moneo|congure software detects entire IO-Link infrastructures automatically, organising them into tree structures for easy management. Masters and sensors are displayed with their parameters, allowing centralised control and conguration. M12 connection cables help to integrate sensors and actuators without screening. Connections are established using removable cage clamps on the IO-Link master, allowing up to eight IO-Link sensors to be connected per master, with total current ratings of up to 3.6A and cable lengths of up to 20m. ifm electronic www.ifm.com/uk AuCom is launching a series of frequency converters with Active Front Ends (AFEs) in two versions: one oers extremely low harmonics; the other is a regenerative drive that feeds energy back into the mains supply. The power range is 55kW to 4MW (380–690V) and they have a total harmonic distortion (THDi) of less than 5%, compared to 30–50% for standard converters. The IGBT-based drives are based on interchangeable modular Power Electronic Building Blocks (PEBBs), each representing an independent mains or motor converter. Several PEBBs are connected to a common control board to operate as a single unit. The PEBB concept is characterised by its redundancy, scalability, and easeof-use. Set-up is done quickly using plug-and-play functions. The AFEs are cooled via air-towater or water-to-water heat exchangers that handle water temperatures up to 35°C. Liquid cooling means that there is no need for costly air conditioning in switchgear rooms, and reduces noise levels. The PEBB modules are mounted in cabinets without a frame, so that a 2MW drive with liquid cooling ts into a 2.4mwide IP54 cabinet. The low-harmonic AFEs cut costs, for example in fan and pump applications. The regenerative AFEs cut energy consumption, especially in applications with frequent braking. A voltage boost function ensures that the full motor power is available even if the mains voltage ¤uctuates. The converters are insensitive to harmonics from other devices, which compensates for reactive power and reduces failures and unintentional switch-os. AuCom www.aucom.com AFE drives offer a choice of lowharmonic or regen versions Rockwell Automation has released enhanced rmware and an Add-on Pro le (AOP) update for its AllenBradley ArmorBlock 5000® IO-Link master blocks. Coupled with the blocks’ On-Machine capability, this is said to boost functionality and performance in demanding applications. A new generic IO-Link pro le allows compatibility with more IO-Link devices, while a process-data-only mode simpli es IO-Link integration by transmitting data speci ed by the IO-Link device. Automatic download of IODD les via IO-Link helps to simplify workows, speed up con gurations, and optimise eciency. www.rockwellautomation.com Celera Motion has launched a larger version of its lightweight IncOder Core inductive encoders. The new 70mm outer diameter sensor, available from Inmoco, is a frameless design, suitable for integration into OEM projects. The new encoder also increases resolution to 20 bits and raises positional accuracy to 0.035 degrees. The PCB-based hollow-bore encoder is intended for use in rotary actuators. With an inside diameter of 30.3mm, a height of 13.4mm, and weight of 24g, it provides precise feedback in demanding applications. www.celeramotion.com/ incoder-core Devices can now be imported from Eplan’s Data Portal into its eStock cloud-based device management system, allowing users to manage and maintain device data in a browser, including voltages, currents and component designations. Users can now see all devices in their own database as well as those in the Data Portal. They can open a device in the same window and, if it hasn’t been already, can import it with one or two clicks. Another bene t is that the direct integration with the Data Portal gives access to more than 1.5 million device datasets in eStock. www.eplan-software.com/ solutions/eplan-estock Thomson Industries has announced a range of miniature precision ballscrews that, it claims, deliver best-in-class load capacities. The miniature metric ballscrews use a unique multistart ball return design that maximises the number of circuits and loaded balls in the nut, thus supporting higher loads. They provides precise, smooth and quiet operation for applications requiring high load handling in conned spaces. The new ballscrews are available in 8 x 2.5, 8 x 5, 10 x 2, 10 x 3, and 12 x 2 mm diameters. Other sizes are being developed. Mounting options include threaded, ¤anged or cylindrical. To achieve high load capacities, designers of spaceconstrained applications often have to choose larger nuts, making the equipment bigger than it needs to be. The new multi-start ball return system results in smaller assemblies, while supporting higher loads. For example, it uses 168 balls in eight circuits to support 7.6kN of static load, compared to singlestart designs, which use 84 balls in four circuits to support 4.2kN. Maximising the number of balls in a single nut also extends the life of the ballscrew by spreading the load across multiple points. The return system ¤oats axially to compensate for misalignments. The carbon-steel ballscrews oer good repeatability (0.05mm backlash), and a lead accuracy of ±52µm per 300mm. Thomson Industries www.thomsonlinear.com/en/ products/ball-screws/ miniature-precision-rolled IO-Link masters act as decentralised gateways Small ballscrews deliver ‘best-in-class’ load capacities
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