Automation Parts

MVTec Updates Halcon Software MVTec will release version 9.0 of its Halcon software in January. Halcon v.9.0 offers valuable speedups, especially for automatic operator parallelisation, which distribute the processing to the available cores. This technique has been updated to increase the benefit of multi-core computers. Halcon 9.0 also provides new matching technologies. In the future, it will be possible to find 2D objects such as labels or work pieces with a corresponding structure, even in images with strong perspective distortions. Version 9.0 allows large images of more than 32k x 32k pixels to be processed.

Cluma Constructs Gantry For Waste Disposal System Cluma Engineering, as integrator of hoisting products under the trademark Verlinde, has constructed a travelling gantry to handle the containers of the Dilsen-Stokkem city waste disposal system. The Dilsen-Stokkem waste drop-off centre will be opened to the public in September 2008 About 10 containers, one per type of waste material, will be made available to individuals and professionals. These storage containers are located in two ditches next to the road. The gantry, delivered and installed by Cluma Engineering, is used to handle them and place them on the trucks that will then carry them to the processing centre. The gantry-type bridge is equipped with two electric Eurobloc VT3 cable hoists from Verlinde, each with a 12.5-tonne capacity. It is radio-controlled and can make translations of 28m laterally and more than 40m longitudinally. To avoid the risk of pulling out the electric supply when the trucks pass under, and for visitors&

Contrinex, the Swiss sensor manufacturer, has introduced a range of safety light curtains. Known as Safetinex, the modular design allows fully tested systems to be delivered on a very short time scale. Contrinex safety light curtains correspond to safety Category 4 (EN/ISO 13849-1) and Type 4 (EN/IEC 61496 -1 and -2) and are designed to be used wherever risks cannot be eliminated through machine design. A person or any part of the body entering a danger zone is detected by the light curtain, resulting in immediate machine stoppage. Safetinex light curtains consist of a sender and a receiver unit that demarcate the protection zone around the machine. The range comprises models with resolutions of 14mm for finger protection and 30mm for hand protection, with a maximum protective field width of 3.5m and 12m respectively. The maximum protective height is either 1685mm (14mm resolution) or 1822mm (30mm resolution). The signal processing method used in the Contrinex system ensures fas

TraceParts Improves Brand Visibility For SNR SNR is a manufacturer of bearings in France and develops parts for the industrial marketplace, automobiles and for the aerospace sector. The company has five production sites in France and six in other locations around the world. Its recent merger with Japanese company NTN was aimed at situating the new group NTN SNR to be ranked third in the world of bearing suppliers. Selecting a bearing is not only the result of simple geometric criteria. In addition, many parameters come into play such as speed, force, or conditions of utilisation. In the mid-1990s, SNR decided to develop a configuring CD-ROM, called ICAT, in order to help its clients define the appropriate equipment with clear criteria. Axel Rocher, marketing manager for the industrial markets at SNR, explains the objectives of this configurator: 'ICAT made it possible to select a bearing from our line using a certain number of formula fields. 'Customers could define geometric s

PVL Offers MFS Plastics Level Switches Pressure Vacuum Level is offering Riko's MFS plastics level switches. The switches have a gland at the cable entry point to prevent the ingress of moisture. A fitting enables a plastic tube to be fitted over the gland, enabling the level switch to meet the requirements of IP65. Each switch can be configured for normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) contacts by removing and reversing the float. Riko MFS level switches are compact, lightweight and need little maintenance. All wetted parts are white polypropylene or black nitrile, plastics that are not-conductive and are resistant to chemical attack and to the growth of bacteria and algae when used in float-switch applications. The precision plated reed switch contacts are sealed in an inert gas to prevent arcing. All Riko MFS level switches have unsinkable foamed floats, of nitrile (Buna-N) in the case of the nitrile models, and are available with straight or tapered threads, in versions fo

Bottle-Filling Plants Rely On Penko's Accuracy Penko's high-precision weighing systems can measure every drop in a filled bottle and ensure every bottle is filled perfectly. Rotating filling machines can handle bottles that vary in capacity and weight, with up to 400 bottles a minute being filled while the machine is rotating. Filling any vessel at such a velocity requires constant weight monitoring to ensure no liquid is lost. Makers of rotating filling machines rely on the accuracy of Penko's controllers. In typical filling machines, the Penko system checks weight, inputs and outputs every millisecond for maximum accuracy and to achieve the lowest standard deviation. For optimum results, weight and rotating forces have to be corrected while the bottles are in flight. Each bottle's weight is initially checked, then the bottle is filled in three phases, pre-fill, coarse and fine, before the bottle leaves the carousel after having its end weight checked. Only precisely-f

Spur Gears Feature Hub Fastening System A series of Modules 0.5, 0.8 and 1 spur gears from Quality Transmission Components features the Fairloc integral hub fastening system that eliminates marred shafts. These 20deg pressure angle precision gears conform to JIS N8 Grade standards The SUS303 stainless steel gears are identified as the SUSL Series. The Fairloc integral hub fastener is suitable where phase adjustment, timing, position adjustment and frequent removal of the component are factors in the specific application. In addition, Fairloc offers full component support along the entire hub section. These gears are compact, self-contained and offer a small gear hub envelope. They are designed to fit shafts ranging from 4mm to 10mm in diameter and are stocked with face widths ranging from 5mm to 8mm. Sizes range from 14 to 120 teeth. The Fairloc system consists of two slots that are machined into the hub, one orientated radially the other angularly, to create a transverse wedge that re

Parvalux Motors Have Integrated Electronics Twelve months after the launch of its range of its DC brushless motors, Parvalux has strengthened its offering with a selection of motors with Integrated Electronics (IE). Both the PBL42 and PBL60 square frame ranges now come with optional integrated speed controllers. This offers product designers the advantage of the motor and controller coming in one low-profile, compact unit with no interconnecting wires, thereby making the task of design, installation and maintenance much easier To coincide with the release of the IE models, Parvalux has published a new catalogue for the entire DC brushless range. In addition to the wider selection of motor and controller options, the 2009 catalogue highlights 36 recommended gearmotor combinations, as well as add-ons, extras and other customisation options.

Tentec Releases Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning Tools Tentec has brought out the Aero Model WTF range of hydraulic bolt tensioning tools for wind turbines, with 25mm piston/ram capability for one-pull uninterrupted tensioning. These tools can be supplied to suit different thread forms, such as Williams and Dyson threaded bars and ISO metric and Imperial Unified Thread forms. As the amount of thread protruding can vary between turbines, the tensioning tool has been designed to work in two different ways. When there is long stud protrusion from the foundation hexagon nut, a spare nut can be used on top of the Aero WTF tensioner, whereas with a short stud protrusion, an extended length puller can be used. This reaches down inside the tensioner to grip on to the short stud protrusion. Other features include the gear nut run-down mechanism, which offers a rapid and consistent method to seat the foundation hexagon nuts during the tensioning procedure. All WTF tensioners are fitted with a spring me

Viscometer Checks Food Product Viscosity Recognising the value of reliable viscosity measurement, a major manufacturer of spreadable cream cheese chose the XL7 on-line viscometer from Hydramotion. Installed in minutes, the XL7 was able to give production staff the data they needed right from the start 'We had tested other online viscometers but always had problems because of the stickiness of the cheese, which had previously caused errors in the measurements,' said an engineer. The XL7 has a clean-in-place, solid-rod sensor with a crevice-free, all-welded 316 stainless steel construction. The technology of the instrument deters material adhesion to the sensor, which can be mounted in any orientation and in any location using any size or type of fitting, including sanitary types such as quick-release tri-clamp, RJT, IDF or DIN. The company has gone on to adopt the same technology for other dairy products such as mayonnaise and salad dressings. 'The results have been very pos

AMCI Unveils Stepper Motor Indexer/Driver AMCI (Advanced Micro Controls) has introduced the 6A SD17060E stepper motor indexer/driver designed for Allen-Bradley's Ethernet IP industrial network. This integrated stepper indexer/driver saves money and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate controller in the PLC Microstepping, programmable current output, and anti-resonance circuitry are all standard features To add stepper axes, users simply attach another SD17060E to their Ethernet IP network. Besides connectivity to Allen Bradley's network, the AMCI SD17060E has many features that set it apart from conventional stepper motor drivers. Such features include anti-resonance circuitry that eliminates motor shaft jitter, unwanted vibration and stalling. It also uses vari-step velocity control, providing exceptional smoothness and performance, independent of the user's configured resolution. Smoothness is guaranteed even at the lowest resolutions. Mechanica

Sherborne Sensors Releases Linear Accelerometers Sherborne Sensors has launched the A545 range of highly accurate and robust multi-axis linear accelerometers. They measure vector acceleration and are available in either bi- or tri-axial variants. Highly accurate piezo-resistive strain gauge technology is used which, unlike fluid-damped devices, employs air damping so that accuracy remains essentially independent of temperature. The transducer is engineered for harsh environments and is packaged in a robust aluminium alloy housing incorporating positive mechanical stops that confer high shock resistance and overload protection. It is also fully compensated for the effects of temperature on both sensitivity and zero outputs. Typical applications include biomechanical investigations, data acquisition systems and more severe uses such as crash test, impact, shock and vibration analysis. Acceleration ranges are from +/- 2 to +/-500g and for customers with specific applications, the accelero

TURCK Inc. announces the new C12 interfacer™ relay featured in the new "RELECO by TURCK" catalog. The 2-pole changeover contact relay is used for linking PC or PLC logic to machine operation. C12 interfacer relays offer numerous advantages over conventional block, modular terminal strip or socket I/O products that require hours of wiring and potential downtime if a relay fails or needs to be replaced. The C12 interfacer provides a modular solution with a universal socket to allow both input and output relays with various voltages to be positioned on a DIN rail and replaced individually as needed. The relays also feature a built-in surge suppressor that eliminates the need to specify separate relays for AC and DC applications. C12 interfacer relays are industrial grade plug-in relays with rugged blade terminals that won’t easily bend or break and feature push-to-test and pull-to-lock latches for trouble-free testing. Further, the relay’s face label includes its electrica

Wisetools Adds Loops Module To Inview v5.5 Wisetools has added a loops module to Inview v5.5, allowing users to search for loops at the area or unit levels by loop name, measured variable, loop number, equipment number or PandID number. The loops report displays loops in a tree format and expands to display associated tags. In addition, documents are available for those loops and tags that have data, for example loop drawings, loop notes, datasheets, datasheet notes, alarms and trips, index attached documents, calculations, calibration values, hook-ups, I/O assignments, process data and calibration values. Inview is a comprehensive, web-based viewer for SPI/Intools users, plant maintenance and project managers. Inview has simple built-in searches, filters and customisable views/prints of: specs/datasheets, process data, panel strip reports, index attached documents, calculations, hookups, alarms and trips, I/O assignments and the loops module.

Rapid Electronics Launches Enclosures Rapid Electronics has launched a range of DIN rail-mountable ABS enclosures from Fibox, hand-held and wall-mounted enclosures from Pactec, and modular keyfob cases from Evatron. The Fibox Tempo range is fitted with an easy-to-install hinge, available with grey or clear lids, and IP65-rated RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, all Fibox enclosures are supplied with PUR gasket, screws for mounting plate and DIN rail, polyamide cover- screws and plastic hinges. Mounting plates, DIN rails, hinges, wall-mounting lugs and covers are all available separately. The XP series from Pactec is a range of hand-held enclosures for keypads, testers and other hand-held applications. Made of ABS-94HB polycarbonate material, the enclosures are secured by recessed screws and available in black or PC bone. Also from Pactec is a range of IP67-rated wall-mounted enclosures, suitable for harsh outdoor environments or indoor industrial applications, such as wireless communicat

BEI Kimco Magnetics Releases Product Brochure BEI Kimco Magnetics, a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies, has recently released a product brochure highlighting its brushless DC motors and drives. The brochure provides a brief overview of each of these product lines as well as matrix detailing product specifications and associated part numbers. Also included is a synopsis of BEI Kimco Magnetics' manufacturing and quality standards and market position. For the brushless DC motors, customers can determine part number requirement based upon the following criteria: peak torque (Nm); continuous stall torque (Nm); maximum speed (rpm); motor constant; rotor length; diameter (mm); axial length (mm); and weight (g). For drives, the order criteria include: supply voltage (VDC); nominal current; max; current; and input. For linear actuators, customers can determine part number requirement based upon the following criteria: peak force (N); continuous stall force (N); total stroke (mm);

Beko Extends Range With Owamat 11 Beko Technologies has extended its range of oil water separators with the launch of Owamat 11. Owamat 11 can be used on compressors up to 230 m3/hr capacity - around double that of the existing Owamat 10, which remains in the line-up It offers a cost-effective solution for condensate treatment in one of the most popular compressor size ranges. Owamat 11 is structurally similar to Owamat 10, with the additional feature of a filter warning indicator. It is also possible to fit a heating system Owamat 11, as with all its larger stable mates. Owamat is an oil-water separation system for dispersed condensates. Benefits of the new range include smaller footprint, greater separation efficiency, and the ability to treat some synthetic oils. Separation in the new Owamat range is achieved by the Oekosorb filtration material. Owamat 10 and 11 are suited for integration into portable equipment, and for mounting onto compressor packages due to the wall/floor bracke

Lithium-ion Batteries Set For PV System Trials A new Franco-German project is dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic systems. Saft, Conergy and Tenesol have announced the launch of Solion, a Franco-German project dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The objective of the Solion partnership is to develop an integrated energy kit able to be produced on an industrial scale for decentralised on-grid, residential PV systems. This project will introduce large lithium-ion batteries into PV systems on the largest scale ever tested in Europe. Lithium-ion technology is required in order to meet the need for 20 years' battery life in demanding environmental conditions. The 75 systems will be deployed in Germany and France. These trials will validate the performance of the system, its economic viability, the added value of energy storage

Sensors Measure Up To 30 Positions In One Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, and CANbus and Profibus sensors are able to measure up to 30 positions simultaneously. MTS Temposonics noncontact position sensors can now measure up to 30 positions along a common axis using only one sensor Depending on the number of measuring points, an appropriate number of position magnets that all generate an individual signal travel along the sensor housing simultaneously. Each magnet is firmly assigned to a mobile machine part. Simultaneous detection of several positions permits considerable savings compared with conventional displacement sensors and rotary encoders. Due to a decreased number of position measurement systems and the compact construction of the Temposonics sensor, the costs of displacement measurement and space requirements are reduced. Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, whereby CANbus and Profib

Wire Processing Kit Targets Railway Sector The new Nova range of wire processing equipment has been designed especially for the manufacture of wire harnesses for the locomotive and rolling stock industry. Wire processing specialist Spectrum Technologies is set to make a major move into the locomotive and rolling stock (LRS) sector. Using the InnoTrans 2008 show in Berlin as a platform the company will be introducing its new Nova range of wire processing equipment designed especially for the manufacture of wire harnesses for the locomotive and rolling stock industry. Nova is a modular range of wire processing products based on Spectrum's successful new Nova platform recently introduced to the aerospace industry. Nova wire processing systems incorporate ink jet or laser technology, as required, for direct wire marking and identification in place of expensive heat shrink sleeve marking systems. These marking technologies are embodied in a range of wire mark, measure and cut systems th

Consultants Model Novel Arresting System Project is aimed at developing new civil aircraft arresting systems for safely decelerating an aircraft that overruns a runway during landing or take off. Protection Engineering Consultants of Spring Branch, Texas, has chosen to add DEM Solutions' EDEM software to an already impressive arsenal of innovative software solutions used in multi-hazard assessment and protective design consulting work. Protection Engineering Consultants will use the EDEM modelling software in a current project aimed at developing new civil aircraft arresting systems for safely decelerating an aircraft that overruns a runway during landing or take off. DEM Solutions' EDEM software package will provide a way to model, test, and evaluate promising alternative granular materials and design options for the arresting systems by modelling the action of aircraft tires rolling through simulated aggregate arresting beds. EDEM offers a virtual representation of aggregate

Motor Protection Relays in SymCom Model 777 Product Family are more than simple overload relays. They are complete motor, pump and system protection devices. These protection relays combine voltage and current monitoring to provide robust motor management. The Model 777 overload relay can be used to protect any 3-phase motor drawing 2-800 amps (external CTs are required above 90A). It combines overload, underload, and voltage and power monitoring functions in one package and has a 3-digit display for viewing voltage, current, and last fault information to simplify diagnostics. Model 777 products are UL listed, CSA recognized and CE approved. Specialized Model 777 units are available to provide linear trip capability, handle medium voltage applications, provide low power trip functions for special pumping applications and more. See page 4 for descriptions of available specialized Model 777s. Adding an optional Modbus, DeviceNet™ or Profibus communications module enables communicati

Gearboxes & Couplings For The Big Apple Major subway car builders like Kawasaki, Alstom and Bombardier have all used Renold couplings in their propulsion systems with proven success. Renold has won a US $14 million contract to supply rail traction gearboxes and couplings to Alstom for trains ordered by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT). The contract is phase two of a three phase schedule and is expected to be fulfilled over an 18 month period commencing May 2008. The couplings are being fitted on the new R160 series trains destined for operation on the famous New York Subway. The subway system carried over 1.5 billion passengers in 2007 and the R160 cars will run on the highest traffic areas of the system, so reliability is an essential factor in design and manufacture. The new gearboxes and couplings are fitted in-between the AC traction motor and the drive axle. They allow the safe transmission of torque while the motor and gearbox shafts are misaligned, vertically and h

Strategy provides a holistic approach to saving energy in electrical drive applications. As a responsible solution provider and technology partner Lenze, the drive and automation technology specialist, actively supports the current efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and energy costs. With this in mind, Lenze AG has developed a three pillar strategy which provides a holistic approach regarding electrical drives. It allows the user to identify the potential for improvements in energy consumption. By increasing energy efficiency, energy requirements can be reduced with no detrimental affects on the process. In this way the strategy contributes directly to the reduction in greenhouse gases. In industry electrical drives are among the biggest consumers of energy. As a result, increasing their efficiency is a key factor for efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs. Although product oriented efforts will undoubtedly help reduce energy consumption, only a holistic approach focus

Accelerometer Gets The Measure Of Shocks Measurement Specialties has released the Model 3700 accelerometer for impact, structural and transient shock testing. New from Measurement Specialties, the Model 3700 MEMS piezoresistive shock accelerometer was specifically designed for use in impact and shock testing environments and is packaged in a rugged stainless-steel housing. The accelerometer is available in ranges from +/-2000 to +/-6000g and is ideal for long-duration shock transient measurements. The accelerometer incorporates mechanical overrange stops that offers shock protection greater than 10,000g. A PFA-jacketed cable, with customer selected cable length, provides reliable operation in transient environments.

Calculator Shows Sensor Savings With only a few pieces of information, TR Electronic engineers will evaluate cost-effective and innovative approaches to any existing sensor strategy. TR Electronic has added an online sensor calculator to its website, enabling visitors to to calculate the potential savings available. With only a few pieces of information, TR Electronic engineers will evaluate cost-effective and innovative approaches to any existing sensor strategy. The sensor calculator is free to use, and results will be provided within 24 hours. Whether the object of the exercise is a measurable reduction in spending (dollars saved) or a specific return on investment (ROI, NPV etc), TR Electronic reckons the sensor calculator will provide all the information required.

Valves Provide A Simple Alternative The Cartridge Valve is part of a family of direct-acting solenoid valves for air and liquid (including light oil) applications. Parker Fluid Control Division has released a new line of manifold mount Cartridge Valves. The valve is a simplified alternative to solenoid operators and stud mount valves. The Cartridge Valve is part of a family of direct-acting solenoid valves for air and liquid (including light oil) applications. These small yet powerful valves meet commercial, industrial, mobile, instrumentation and medical market needs. Economy models are available for less demanding applications. The manifold mount Cartridge Valve is offered in two and three-way models with a stainless steel body. It offers a space-saving approach, without manifold orifices to machine or press. The valve offers no loose parts to assemble together. The sleeve, plunger, spring and orifice are pressed together as one unit. Ultimately, less machining means lower manifold c

Online Learning Provides Engineering Qualification IDC Technologies' Advanced Diploma in Industrial Automation includes weekly live, interactive presentations over the web, presented by experts. IDC Technologies' Advanced Diploma in Industrial Automation is now attracting enquiries for the last intake of 2008 Registrations for this course close in September. Studying via distance learning, students in this year's two previous intakes are based in countries including Canada, Australia, the UK, South Africa, France and Argentina. The course includes weekly live, interactive presentations over the web, presented by experts. There are also assignments, readings and simulations to complete. IDC Technologies Engineering Manager, Steve Mackay said "There is a critical shortage of automation, instrumentation and control engineers around the world now due to retirement, restructuring and rapid growth in new industries and technologies". He said that a career in industrial

Telecommunications Deal Covers IET Resources The IET and Nortel certification programme provides easy access to additional information, training and qualifications for continuing professional development and career progression. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has signed an agreement with Nortel, a Canadian telecommunications company The agreement will give Nortel's certified technical community a fast track route to IET membership and allow its UK-based engineers and other IT professionals, who attain Nortel certifications, access to IET membership benefits including development and networking opportunities. Robin McGill, IET Chief Executive, said: "Increasingly, the IET is forming partnerships with other technological organisations as part of a collaborative approach to raising standards worldwide". "We are delighted that Nortel has taken this opportunity to give its UK employees access to the global knowledge network which the IET has establishe

Industrial Encoders for Dummies US manufacturer BEI has teamed up with the iconic "For dummies" brand to produce an innovative tutorial guide on industrial encoders. Aimed at novices and experts alike, "BEI industrial encoders for dummies" reaches beyond the primer to provide an interesting, informative and very readable 42-page reference covering optical encoder technologies and applications. This free guide, available from BEI's exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, Variohm EuroSensor, provides a detailed overview of incremental and absolute optical encoders and how they are applied in real world applications; with hints and tips on key specifications, system design information, installation procedures and environmental considerations. There is also a "things to know about your manufacturer" chapter that aims to deal with true cost of ownership issues and supplier evaluation. The book also takes time to entertain with some fascinating and surprising

HVAC Market Benefits From Building Boom Rising competition is squeezing electric drive manufacturers' profit margins, especially with the rising demand for smaller and low-cost HVAC drives. The boom in the construction business has rippled into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry in Europe, which, in turn, has buoyed the electric drives market This is because HVAC accounts for nearly 10% of its total market revenue. New analysis from Frost and Sullivan Electric Drives Market in the European HVAC Industry, finds that the market earned revenues of US $292.5 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach US $456.5 million in 2014. The HVAC industry's status as one of the major consumers of electrical energy among industries in Europe and the recent hike in energy costs have compelled electric drive manufacturers to develop energy-efficient systems. The passing of standards and directives stressing energy conservation bolstered this development. However, the

Asia-Pacific To Lead Machine Safety Expansion The worldwide market for machine automatic safeguarding products is forecast to reach US $2504.3 million in 2012, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. A new market study by Venture Development Corporation (VDC), covering 27 types of machine automatic safeguarding products, finds the worldwide 2007 market for these devices to have been US $1647.1 million. Product categories covered in the study were: emergency-stop controls (two types); presence-sensing safety sensors (five technologies); programmable safety systems (safety PLCs) - both stand-alone and integrated with machine controllers; safety controllers/modules/relays (six types); safety interlock switches (10 types); and two-hand safety controls (two types). The worldwide market for these products is forecast to reach US $2504.3 million in 2012, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. Via the implementation of these products users gain cost savings in

For over 50 years, Entrelec® by ABB has been one of the leading manufacturers of terminal blocks, with products in use all over the world. All terminal blocks are manufactured using only the highest quality materials and carry UL, CSA, VDE, IEC and other worldwide approvals. Entrelec® by ABB offers space savings, industry standard DIN rail mountable terminal blocks and a variety of colors, functions and connection technologies that customers demand. Product Offering AMS 500 Marking Systems PCB Connection Devices ATEX Terminal Blocks PLC Wiring System Blocks for 5.08mm Connections Power Terminal Blocks Cable Management System Screw Clamp Terminal Blocks Distribution Terminal Blocks Specific Terminal Blocks IDC (ADO) Terminal Blocks Spring Clamp Terminal Blocks Accessories Mini Terminal Blocks Test Connectors The industry’s most identifiable termination technologies are: # Screw Clamp technology remains the most popular in connection devices. # Spring technology

The Future For Programmable Logic Controllers PLC applications cut across discrete, process and hybrid automation segments, and are poised for steady growth across all manufacturing. Strong economic growth in Asia and Eastern Europe significantly boosted the programmable logic controller (PLC) market in 2007 And although economic expansion is expected to continue, future growth will be at a slower pace The worldwide market for PLCs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% over the next five years. The PLC market reached nearly US $9.0 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to grow to over $12 billion in 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study. Robust investments in manufacturing and infrastructure industries continued worldwide. "Emerging economies, such as those in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and Eastern Europe, helped propel the growth of the PLC market, which was driven by increasing consumer demand from the growing middle class in those countries, ad

Measurement Systems Spot Problem Components The ability to integrate multiaxis systems and controllers allows different faces of the parts can be simultaneously measured, matching the production timing. Automotive industry parts and assembly quality standards have moved from sigma level sampling to zero defect requirements This can be achieved through a combination of containment through 100% inspections (eliminating bad parts) and correction through immediate feedback and adjustment Manufacturers of critical parts and assemblies such as airbags, wheel bearings and pistons have achieved this by adding SMAC XYZ measurement systems to their inline manufacturing process. These linear motor based systems incorporate a "softland" capability that removes the need for expensive probes. Volumes up to 100mm3 can be covered by a single system. Robust guiding and the direct drive linear motor greatly reduce the need for periodic offsets, which are a major problem with standard commercia

Tablet PC Survives Tough Use The computer's SunView Screen has been developed to provide the best user experience in all lighting conditions, both indoors and in bright sunshine. JLT has released the JLT8404 rugged tablet PC, with an aircraft-grade aluminium chassis and 8.4in colour touchscreen, viewable in sunlight. The device offers integrated wireless communications including Bluetooth, WLAN and 3G/GPRS, as well as GPS, a choice of powerful processors and a Windows operating system. It lacks moving and external parts, offers an IP65 rating and has survived drop tests to 1.2m and temperatures ranging from -20 to +50C. The computer's SunView Screen has been developed to provide the best user experience in all lighting conditions, both indoors and in bright sunshine. Coupled with this is a new touch-screen that has advanced features including palm rejection and offers great accuracy without the need of a digitiser and active stylus. The JLT8404 is suited to a wide range of appl

Software Provides A Single Development Environment B And R Industrial Automation produces an integral software tool designed to cover all automation tasks By using a single tool, machine manufacturers no longer have to spend large amounts of money to implement interfaces between the controllers, drives and visualisation application. Innovative manufacturers generally invest heavily in developing, maintaining and updating application software. To secure this investment over the long-term, characteristics like modularity, scalability and reusability of software modules and functions are becoming increasingly important. Software needs to be flexible when it comes to machine configurations and options. Connecting ERP systems, E-CAD tools and automation tools enables the creation of individual machine software based on automated processes. With Automation Studio, B and R Industrial Automation provides a single development environment for control, visualisation, motion control and communicat

Magnetic Encoders Boost Dragster Speed Visitors to Renishaw's stand at Mach 2008 (hall 5, stand 5140) will be able to see Team Salakazi's KTM Super Twin nitromethane fuelled dragster which takes just 6.7 seconds to cover a 402m race track, achieving speeds of around 322km/h. Aided by Renishaw's rotary magnetic encoders that monitor crankshaft position and clutch speed, this 360kg 'rocket' generates 1417kW from just a 1995 cc engine. Not many people would even consider sitting astride a snarling 1417kW engine travelling at over 300km per hour. But Jaska Salakazi from Finland has made a career of it, becoming the first person in the world to break the seven-second barrier over 402m on a Super Twin Top Fuel bike. Since 2000, the speed-obsessed six-man team at Salakazi Racing has continually designed, built and refined its KTM Super twin powered Dragster. A recent modification is the addition of two RM22 compact high-speed rotary magnetic encoders, produced by Renishaw&

Inductive Switches Meet SIL2 And SIL3 Standards IFM Electronic has released inductive sensors which meet SIL2 and SIL3 safety standards. The proximity sensors are available in in M12 (SIL2) or M18, M30 and cube styles (SIL3). Designed with two output signal switching devices built in, the new fail-safe series will work with conventional safety relays and safety PLCs. No special demands such as shielding, twisted wires or separate laying are placed on the industrial standard M12 connection. The sensor is simply connected to existing evaluation units, safety controllers and safe bus systems using a common unscreened 4-core cable. The IFM electronic fail-safe inductive system continuously monitors coil damage and component health. Any fault, at any time is instantly signalled. All failsafe inductive switches from IFM electronic are constructed with full redundant internal circuits, certified by the TUV Rhineland. They provide all the advantages of an inductive sensor: with no moving parts

3D Software Runs To Virtual Challenge The Virtual Plus Reality Challenge is a novel technological experience from Dassault Systemes in support of the Paris-Beijing race being run by renowned marathon runner Philippe Fuchs. In addition to hosting a technologically advanced mini-website based on the latest 3D solutions allowing the general public to watch the run in real-time, the company is hosting a global premiere for science and sports with the Marseille Motion Science Institute using Philippe Fuchs' biomechanical data to model his stride, and a charity event in partnership with Sports Without Borders allowing the general public to join the marathon through an innovative Facebook application. The Virtual Plus Reality Challenge will continue through to Philippe Fuchs' arrival in Beijing during the Summer Olympic Games. In addition to helping companies to design, produce and recycle products from aircraft to shampoo bottles, Dassault Systemes' 3D software is also being used

Pressure Transducer Keeps High-Volume Costs Down Applied Measurements has released the Pi600E pressure transducer, designed to meet the needs of medium to high-volume users seeking a balanced price/performance ratio. Available in pressure ranges from 0-5bar to 0-200bar the Pi600E has a stainless steel body housing a ceramic diaphragm and ASIC conditioning electronics. The pressure connection is 1/4in BSP male with the option of electrical connection via an integral cable or a miniature DIN type plug and socket. Available electrical output configurations are millivolts per volt, 0-5V DC or 4-20mA. All the transducers are fully compensated for the effects of temperature and offer an overall accuracy of better than 0.5%/FSO static.

Small Force Sensor Offers Mounting Options Designed for tension or compression force measurements where space is tight, RDP Electronics' Model 3124 sensor can be mounted in an existing system within a restricted work area. It suits applications when space is limited, such as fluid power transfer, hydraulic piston monitoring or structural development tests It can be directly mounted to the side of a hydraulic cylinder. Side-mounted cable connections allow cable assemblies to be supported without affecting movement of the cell during tension or compression loading. Ease of mounting and affordability make these cells well suited for simultaneous testing of multielement systems. Contained in a compact, small-diameter carbon steel housing the Model 3124 is available in ranges from 20 to 125kN.

SM-EtherCAT extend the functionality of Control Techniques' variable speed drives, providing support for real-time, high-performance Ethernet communication. Control Techniques' Product Manager, System Integration Products, Imad Rajraji said 'EtherCAT is the first in our planned range of real-time Ethernet solutions with more protocols to follow'. The module is for use with Control Technique's full range of AC and servo drives from 0.37kW simple conveyor or pump control, through high-precision servo applications and 1.9MW multimode drives. This allows customers to standardise their network across the whole machine. The SM-EtherCAT module is the latest in a wide range of communication options that already include Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP as well as traditional fieldbus. EtherCAT is being requested by customers because of its excellent performance and bandwidth, allowing users to get good dynamic performance from their drives. It covers the whole range of comm