Automation Parts

MTS has released absolute linear-position sensors, which are now available as versions approved for installation in hazardous areas. The explosion-proof versions of the Temposonics R- and G-Series position sensors are suitable for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere containing flammable gases (groups IIA, IIB and IIC) and dusts. An independent test body certified the sensors in compliance with the European ATEX directive 94/9/EC. With above-ground applications, the position sensors meet the requirements of instrument categories 3D (Zone 2) and 3G (Zone 22). When the sensors are operated in these zones, although the atmosphere presents the corresponding explosion risk, there is no hazard of inflammation. The transducers are available with rod- or profile-shaped housings and analogue, CAN, SSI or Start/Stop interfaces. The maximum surface temperature is 135C in a gas-containing atmosphere and 100C if dust is present in the environment. Various protection types preclude the pos...

IFM Electronic has launched the AC007S module, designed to connect safety devices such as fail-safe sensors and light curtains to the safety version of ActuatorSensor-Interface (AS-i). Ideal for use with IFM Electronic's safe proximity sensors, the SIL3-compliant AC007S module takes OSSD (output signal switching device) signal input from a sensor or other ESPE (electrosensitive protective device) and checks the integrity of that signal for cross faults, for example, as well as the switching status of the ESPE and its own internal integrity and transmits this data via As-i Safety at Work. Overall safety is ensured on the AS-I Safety at Work system by the safety monitor, and the safe data transmission on the AS-i bus has been approved by TUV and BIA. It is suitable for signal transmission up to the highest category 4 to EN 954-1 and IEC 61508 / SIL3. IFM's IP67-rated AC007S safe input module can be field-mounted along with other standard or safe devices on the AS-i cable...

LMS has announced a partnership with the Brussels-based Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI). This collaboration will promote joint research, technology and development projects and consultancy activities in aero-acoustic modelling and testing. It combines LMS' numerical vibro-acoustics simulation and data acquisition expertise and VKI's wind-tunnel testing, measurement techniques and flow phenomena modelling know-how. VKI's knowledge of environmental and applied fluid dynamics, wind technology, measurement techniques and flow phenomena simulation will help LMS develop and validate methods and software technology. In the aero-acoustics field, these activities cover heating, ventilation and air-conditioning projects, whereas fluid-structural interaction applications are useful in wind noise transmission research.

Kew Technik has introduced a telescopic pole that lets users make safe contact with exposed conductive parts on electrical equipment such as fluorescent luminaries, fans and air-conditioning units. The hollow pole can be extended up to 5.6M in length. It is available with or without an R2 test probe, which can be quickly fitted to the end of the pole, removing the need for ladder towers or scissor lifts. The telescopic pole has a polyester resin-baked coating for added durability.

Migatronic has added two models to its range of super compact, mono-phase Delta welding machines, both of which can weld thicker plates than the three present Delta machines. The Delta 200 HP TIG/MMA machine features a pulse function and high output in the current range 5-200A, while the Delta 180 E MMA machine operates in the current range 5-180A. The increased power has no effect on the weight: Delta 200 HP weighs 10.7kg and Delta 180 E weighs 9.5kg. In addition to assembly and repair jobs, the two machines are also suitable for workshop use. With casings of aluminium and plastic available, the operationally reliable welding machines are both portable and sturdy. With the scratch ignition, the Delta 180 E MMA can also be used for simple TIG welding. The welding machine features hot-start, arc power functions and protection against fluctuations in the mains voltage, and the welder has the option of a plus or minus pole on the electrode clamp. The Delta 200 HP machine features ope...

Tekscan has released the High-Temp Flexiforce Sensor HT201, which can measure forces in environments as hot as 200C. The ultra-thin, highly-linear (typically +/-1.2 per cent) High-Temp Flexiforce sensor is ideal for non-intrusive force measurement in a variety of processing applications, including injection moulding, heat sealing and heat-sink applications. Industries that will benefit from these high-temperature force measurements include automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, printing and food and drink processing. The sensor can: detect and measure a relative change in force or applied load; detect and measure the rate of change in force; identify force thresholds and trigger appropriate action; and detect contact and/or touch. The HT201 sensor is available in two force ranges, low and high.

Airborne Composites has bought Fibersim software from Vistagy to reduce lead times for new products by 20 per cent and for redesigned and scaled versions by more than 30 per cent. Airborne Composites will begin by using Fibersim to design and tool the composite overhang panels for the empennage wing surfaces of the Gulfstream G650 business aircraft. The panels are a sandwich structure comprised of carbon fibre/epoxy skins and a honeycomb core. Airborne Composites is subcontracting for Stork Fokker on the G650 programme. The biggest challenge Airborne Composites faces with the G650 programme is short lead times and the need to make quick design changes during definition of tooling, plies and processes. Wiard Leenders, general manager of Airborne Composites, said: 'Fibersim is completely integrated into the Pro/Engineer Wildfire CAD system and allows for redefinition of the CAD part while defining the plies, which enables our engineers in analysis and design to work in parallel ...

Mclennan's 23HT18C and 34HT18C hybrid stepper motors provide a solution for EMC compatible motion control. The NEMA 23 and 34 frame range includes a rear housing extension complete with a UTO type metallised connector. The range has now been augmented with the addition of a rotary encoder option to allow position feedback for applications where position verification is important. A choice of encoder resolutions is available with quadrature output complete with a Z marker channel for accurate axis homing. Encoder interfacing via a D-type connector, also EMC compatible and fitted to the rear housing, completes the assembly. Optional mating plug and screened cable assemblies for both motor and encoder are available to simplify installation and maintain EMC compatibility on the customer's machine. The high torque 23HT18C and 34HT18C range includes a neodymium magnet system for holding torques from 0.39Nm to 7.35Nm with usable speeds up to 10,000 full steps per second. With f...

JW Winco has announced that it is now offering GN 602 series Ergostyle zinc die-cast adjustable levers. These RoHS-compliant hand levers are suitable wherever parts have to be clamped in a confined space or in a particular lever position.The slightly arched shape of the lever is designed to provide the operator a comfortable and safe grip. The insert is connected to the lever via serrations, which can be disengaged. Pulling the lever upwards disengages the serrations, allowing it to be swivelled to the ideal clamping position. When the lever is released, the serrations automatically re-engage. Available in a variety of sizes, the levers come in tapped, blind bore and threaded stud types. The handle is zinc die-cast and the insert, screw and spring are steel with black oxide finish. A matte black, pebbled finish is offered as well as orange, red and silver. Special colours are available upon request.

Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of compact radar sensors for automated doors, lifts and escalators, which offer intelligent detection and simple, flexible installation. The RAD01 and RAD02 radar sensors utilise Doppler shift in a K-Band (24,125GHz) signal to detect motion towards or away from the device and provide SPDT relay output, which operates the door. Sensing is bidirectional in the case of the RAD01 and bi/unidirectional for the RAD02, enabling the latter to detect motion towards and away from the device. The radar sensors are compatible with all types of domestic and commercial automatic door, including sliding, swinging, folding, revolving, and overhead doors. They can also provide access to lifts and for automatic starting of escalators. Housed in glossy or translucent black polycarbonate, the new devices require a small 118 x 80mm footprint and weigh just 150g. Built-in microprocessors compensate for the effects of temperature and atmospheric conditions and also fil...

Sprint Electric has brought out digital DC drives that function up to 1850A (800 KW/1080 HP). The digital DC drives are available in two-quadrant and four-quadrant options. They control DC motors used in heavy-industry applications such as mining, metal working or the cement industry. The high-voltage models are available for supplies up to 690VAC to enable control of DC motors up to 750VDC. Centre-winding macros, spindle orientation and a controllable field allow the user to control DC motors in heavy-industry applications. The PLX is configurable by the user and comes equipped, as standard, with a comprehensive suite of application blocks. A configuration checker detects any conflicts in the configurations generated by the user. The motor-protection features reduce downtime. A four-button keypad and large alpha-numeric display make it easy to quickly navigate through a range of software functions. The PLX has a number of fieldbus communications options, including: Profibus, Devi...

ICP DAS USA has announced the launch of the NS-205PSE, a compact, five-port, unmanaged Ethernet switch that connects network elements while supplying up to 15.4W of power per port. Each of the ports supports 10/100Mbps speed auto-negotiation while the device offers 3.2 Gbps of high-performance memory bandwidth, so it can handle some traffic. The NS-205 transitions between different configurations with its auto MDI/MDI-X crossover technology for plug-and-play adaptability. Other notable features include fully duplex IEEE 802.3x and half-duplex back-pressure flow control to avoid data interference, store-and-forward architecture and IEEE 802.3af compliance on its four power-over-Ethernet ports. The NS-205PSE has both auto-detection of powered devices and automatic power management. The unit can operate within a temperature range of -30C to 75C, sports over-temperature, over-current and over/under-voltage detection and is robust. Its LED indicators allow users to quickly monitor its ...

Parker Hannifin has launched a range of air filters that incorporate aerospace technology for optimised air flow and more efficient filtration. As a result, the Moduflex Extras filters can reduce energy costs and help organisations minimise the environmental impact of pneumatic applications. The flow management system uses a number of features based on aerodynamic principles, allowing flow rates to be increased. These features include a 'bell mouth' inlet, which provides an unrestricted path for air entering the filter element, and a smooth elbow that directs air into the filter element more efficiently than the sharp 90 corner inside most conventional filters, said Parker. Many of the models in the range feature specially designed turning vanes, which channel the incoming air to reduce pressure drop and further increase efficiency. The Moduflex Extras filters feature deep pleat element technology and specially treated filtration media to offer 400 per cent greater surface...

Trelleborg Automotive has developed a damping plate that allows PSA Peugeot Citroen to reduce noise and vibration caused by diesel-engine knocking. Trelleborg Automotive used its NVH experience to produce a specially-cut shear plate, engineered using the company's Duru-LAM material. Resistant to both heat and oil, Duru-LAM is a proven material for damping sound and vibrations in internal engine applications and, in the shear plate design, it comprises a layer of rubber sandwiched between two layers of steel. The shear plate is then positioned according to the packaging requirements of different core engine designs and can be used in gasoline, as well as diesel variants. Arvid Norberg, research and development NVH manager at Trelleborg Automotive, said: 'The conventional solution to reduce vibration is to increase engine block stiffness, but in many cases this only shifts the noise to higher frequencies. 'The introduction of the shear plate enables us to reduce vibratio...

Proving reliable time after time, these Intelligent Logic Modules are the ideal controller for simple automation tasks. A new fifth-generation of FL1E Series SmartRelays offer functions to give you even more flexibility and convenience. Advances include extended memory, a brighter display with higher LCD contrast, improved analog and high-speed inputs, an external text display, and upgraded programming software. Why wait? Replace your complicated system of Relays, Timers and Counters with just one IDEC SmartRelay! It's safe to say we all want to reduce workloads while saving money, and with IDEC SmartRelays it's easy. These all-in-one controllers require less space in your control cabinet. And as you know, space in your panel is money in your pocket. Combine that with low maintenance and you have got a cost-effective product you can count on for all your control operations! With an ever changing market and tough competition, you need an edge to stay on top. SmartRelay has...