Automation Parts

WEG Germany has won a major contract from Outotec, the global leader in sulphuric acid plant design and delivery, for a total of 21 MV motors, including slip ring types up to 5200kW, 24 WEG transformers, six liquid rheostat starters, and project management to install and commission the package. The equipment is being installed and commissioned in the World’s largest sulphuric acid production facility, currently under construction at Ras Az Zawr, a mining and industrial city in the kingdom of Saudia Arabia. Ras az Zawr is a purpose built industrial city/zone on the Arabian/Persian Gulf coast in a region that is one of the richest natural and mineral resources areas in the world. One of the key activities within the Ras az Zawr zone is processing of phosphates for use in fertilisers. This involves phosphate concentrate being processed in a fertiliser production facility, consisting of a phosphoric acid plant, a sulphuric acid production facility, an ammonia plant, a DAP granulation p

WEG W22 high efficiency motors are providing energy saving operation on 100 pumps and blowers – some up to 160kW - in a major new waste water treatment plant commissioned by Canal de Isabel II, a Spanish public water company. The wastewater (sewage treatment) plant is a new project designed and implemented by project engineers Grupo Sacyr y Vallehermoso, using motors supplied by WEG Spain. The €21.5 million project to build the new EDAR Arroyo Quiñones sewage treatment facility was begun in November 2009 and is now nearing completion. The plant is ultra-modern; has a capacity of 45,705.60 m3/day, and serves 172,500 inhabitants in San Sebastian de los Reyes, a municipality in the community of Madrid. Among the total of 100 W22 motors supplied by WEG Spain for the EDAR Arroyo Quiñones project are four 160kW machines for the blowers. These blowers were supplied by Aerzen – which add air to the biological and other processes: another three 15kW motors, also for blowers; four sludge r

WEG Electric introduces its new CFW100 Mini Drive with advanced technology features in a small package. The CFW100 is a single-phase variable speed drive designed with OEM’s and end users in mind. It is the smallest VFD with HMI on the market and is designed to handle 150% overload for 60 seconds at 50°C ambient temperature rating. The WEG CFW100 Mini Drive has power ranges of 1/4HP, 1/3HP, 3/4HP and 1HP at 230 VAC with single-phase in and 1.5A, 2.6A and 4.2A three-phase output current. Its simplicity and flexibility are unsurpassed with design features such as built-in HMI, DIN rail mounting, detachable fan for easy maintenance and plug-in modules for communication and I/O options. All this in a size no larger than a typical panel contactor. Programing is easy with the built in keypad that monitors two different parameters at the same time along with operation status, alarms and faults. A remote keypad CFW100-HMIR connected through a USB cable or remote serial connection for lon

For applications where the elements are a factor the W40 can be specified with WPI or WPII levels of environmental protection depending on the frame size. WEG Electric is releasing its newest line of open three phase induction motors, available with standard frame sizes from NEMA 254T to L6808/09. Key features of these newly designed motors are their competitive cost, highly efficient cooling and lightweight and compact construction. In most applications a least one frame size smaller can be specified over a TEFC motor. In addition, for applications where the elements are a factor the W40 can be specified with WPI or WPII levels of environmental protection depending on the frame size. This new motor design can be used in compressors, blowers, oil well and fire pumps and industrial refrigeration applications. All models meet or exceed NEMA standards as well international efficiency requirements. The W40 motor line comes with standard features such as a rated output of 60Hz at 15

LED lights are more energy efficient with longer life expectancy than Fluorescent. SCE's LED Light Fixture can be mounted to light channels in the top of an enclosure or on the front flange of most enclosures. The fixtures have a door activated adjustable switch, which can be removed and relocated. There is a terminal block on each end of the fixture, making it easy to wire and daisy chain multiple lights continuously. LED bulb with PVC frosted white protective light diffuser included. The housing is made from steel and powder coated white. LED light fixture is designed to provide interior lighting for an enclosure. Can be mounted to light channels in the top of an enclosure or on the front flange of most enclosures. Door activated adjustable switch, switch can be removed and relocated. Terminal block on each end of fixture, making it easy to wire and daisy chain multiple lights continuously. LED bulb with PVC frosted white protective light diffuser included.

Marathon Special Products is proud to announce an addition to our Power Terminal Block product line. This addition will fill a void in the market for UL approved terminal blocks to distribute power at high amperage and voltage levels in a smaller footprint. The Mini Bulk Fastening Power Block (mini BFPB) is available in multiple configurations to suit individual requirements. This product is ideal for power distribution options when terminating flexible stranded wire with crimp lugs or flexible bus bar. It accommodates din rail spacing, is available in 750 and 1500 amp models, and the modular construction allows for assembly of one or more terminal positions. The Mini BFPB is suited for use across multiple industries including industrial controls, commercial HVAC, solar and oil & gas. This product offers SCCR 25kA rating with no over current protection device. Hinged covers are also available for added safety.

Toshiba International Corporation announces the latest addition to the V200 Series of Micro Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with the launch of the V200 Micro PLC CPU with Ethernet Port. The Ethernet Port provides client and server networking solutions while preserving the exceptional size and affordability of the V200 Series. The new V200 Micro PLC CPU (pictured right) features one Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet port, two serial com ports for peripheral connections and one USB port for programming. As a server, the module can be programmed simply as intelligent I/O to a high level controller – only performing network control in the event of a network interruption. Client features of the port include master controller capability for small independent Ethernet networks. The V200 Series also includes native protocol for Toshiba’s Adjustable Speed Drives. The V200 Series is used for machine-control, process skid-control and in any island of automation. The controllers also are UL rated

Toshiba International Corporation (TIC), one of Toshiba Corporation’s fastest growing businesses in North America, today introduced the latest addition to its Operator Interface Station (OIS) lineup. The new OIS42 multicolor backlit 3” touch screen is ideal for compact installations where cost is a primary consideration. Red, green, blue, or any combination of the three display colors is possible, and screen colors can be determined by the status of the connected devices. The OIS42 PLUS features an RS485 port compatible with industrial devices. Built-in protocols allow for simple connection to Toshiba industrial products, including Toshiba’s adjustable speed drive (ASD) protocol. The new OIS42 PLUS also features a built-in ladder logic editor which shares a tag database with the screens for creating interlocks and permissives. Language selection capability is also available for description of cryptic trip and alarm codes from ASDs and other industrial devices. Attached I/O includ

The latest model of Toshiba’s G9000 Series of uninterruptible power systems (UPS), the 1,000 kVA G9000, has received the ENERGY STARTM qualification backed by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The complete G9000 Series product line, from 100 kVA to 1,000 kVA, now exceeds the required 94% efficiency rating defined by the specification framework. ENERGY STAR is a federal initiative created by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers to identify quality products that meet strict energy-saving guidelines, as well as to protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. The entire G9000 Series product line was recognized as meeting the stringent standards set by the EPA for ENERGY STAR compliance. The Toshiba G9000 UPS is purpose-built from the ground up to allow for flexible, custom installations for data centers, co-locations, call centers, and financial institutions. Using Toshiba IGBT technology in the rectifier/converter, DC/DC chopp

RK46C-VarOS variable object sensor scores with two adjustable sensitivity levels levels and automatic sensitivity readjustment. The RK46C-VarOS object sensor is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor which, unlike normal sensors that detect selectively, detects objects over a 50 mm band area. In packaging systems and intralogistics, the object sensor detects objects in the light-band with various sizes and shapes as well as surfaces with openings. In the past, multiple sensors and considerable work was necessary for this purpose. Adjustable sensitivity levels and automatic sensitivity readjustment (ALC) support high system availability in the event of soiling and changing environmental conditions – even stretch-wrapped or shrink-wrapped objects are reliably detected. The special lens enables reliable detection over the entire light-band width in two adjustable sensitivity levels (8 and 12 mm). Common parts from standard sensor technology and compatibility with established mounti

The high operating distances and cost-effective price, makes the S3Z series in the miniature format with dimensions and standard fixing affirmed in the market, in particular in Far-East. Different models are available: 15 through beam, 4 m polarised retroreflex, 70 cm diffuse proximity and narrow beam for between 50 and 150 mm. Moreover, a new 5 to 25 cm background suppression model with multi-turn mechanical trimmer setting is available. Versions with NPN or PNP output, with dark or light operating mode and with cable or M8 connection are foreseen. The plastic housing is completely overprinted, guaranteeing maximum mechanical protection also in presence of frequent washing.

The photoelectric sensors of the S2 series are enclosed in sturdy plastic housings, developed to guarantee the complete protection of the control panel and connection terminals. The free voltage versions present a relay output, while the 10-30 Vdc versions have a double NPN and PNP output, both available with 1 or 2 m proximity, 5 m polarised retroreflex, 3 m polarised retroreflex  and 10 or 50 m through beam optic functions. The red output LED and the green stability LED are visible through the IP66 hermetically-sealed cover, that also protects the terminal block and commands, such as the sensitivity adjustment trimmer and dark/light operating mode selector. The versions with output timing present a trimmer to regulate the time up to 16 s. and a selector to set 5 different functions.

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, announced today the release of the Plug and Drive 8400 protec frequency inverter drive for decentralized applications and those requiring integrated positioning. "For decentralized applications that require precision positioning, the 8400 protec frequency inverter is in the right place—mounted on the line or wall adjacent—ready to start, on the spot,” says Darrow Hanesian, Global Director of Inverter Products, Lenze Americas. The Lenze 8400 protec inverter ships ready to install with innovative Plug and Drive Technology, in addition to standard mains, motor, brake and communications connectors. All terminals of the 8400 protec, ranging from the shielded motor cable to the power supply and the fieldbus link, and including the terminal for the sensors, are equipped with standardized connectors to reduce installation time and increase plant availability a

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, has launched the new 8400 HighLine Inverter Drives, part of the Lenze L-force 8400 portfolio. Designed for positioning applications, the HighLine model features integrated point-to-point positioning for up to 15 position destinations, and stores the corresponding travel profiles directly in the inverter. “Positioning in motor drive systems used to require a separate motion controller. Most applications don’t require a higher cost servo drive. Dynamic speed, torque and precision motion control can be achieved with a powerful inverter in combination with an asynchronous motor,” states Darrow Hanesian, director of inverter products, Lenze Americas. “Our streamlined HighLine delivers all the cost savings and benefits of combining two drive elements—the motion controller and the frequency inverter — into one.” The HighLine inverters’ integrated components transl

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, recently launched the Lenze 8400 Inverter Series. The 8400 series features L-Force automation technology for tailored motion control solutions that deliver stable and high dynamic performance in a range of material handling and logistics applications. “The 8400 product family runs the gamut from basic inverter to ‘servo’ inverter. From simple continuous motion applications, like driving a conveyor, to controlling complex synchronized pick-and-place applications, there is an 8400 inverter right-sized for the job,” said Darrow Hanesian, director of inverter products, Lenze Americas. “Matched with high efficiency Lenze motors, gearboxes and brakes, the 8400 series steers the whole drive package.” Most mechanical processes have variable power requirements that depend on external parameters, such as the production volume. A frequency inverter matches the speed a

Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of the Potentiometer Option for SMVector NEMA 4X Inverter models. According to company sources, the Potentiometer option is built right into the terminal cover, providing direct front panel access. Steve Dextraze, Inverter Product Manager at Lenze-AC Tech, calls it robust and easy to maneuver and states that the potentiometer knob takes the place of the up/down buttons on the drive keypad, giving the operator manual speed control over a 0-10V analog output. “The potentiometer option is great for use in hands-on applications where speed must be ramped up/down, such as conveyer applications or food/beverage process applications.” says Dextraze, adding, “In single use installations the potentiometer provides just the right amount of control without the user having to use the keypad.” Dextraze explains that the SMVector inverter drive provides all the features required by demanding applications, including four modes of operation – V/Hz, Enhanced

Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of Additional I/O Modules for SMVector NEMA 1 and NEMA 4X Inverters. Available for the NEMA 1 and 4X SMVector models, the Additional I/O Modules are available in two configurations (ESVZAL0, ESVZAL1). The modules supplement the standard I/O functions by providing 1 programmable form C relay output (ESVZAL0) or 1 programmable form C relay output and 2 programmable digital inputs (ESVZAL1). The I/O module does not add to the overall size of the SMVector inverter as it fits right into the SMVector inverter terminal cover allowing for easy field installation. SMVector inverters that are fitted with an additional I/O module option will no longer have the capability of accommodating an optional communication module. “The additional I/O module is great for applications requiring a relay and/or more digital inputs.” says Steve Dextraze, Inverter Product Manager at Lenze-AC Tech. “The two extra digital inputs are just that – supplementary – and allow t

Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of EtherNet/IP as an optional communication protocol for the SMVector Drive available in NEMA 1, NEMA 4X and with Integral Disconnect. According to Mike Bailey, Product Sales Manager at Lenze-AC Tech, the SMVector AC Drive can seamlessly operate on an EtherNet/IP network with the addition of a simple plug-in communication module. “Other network protocols are also available as option modules including CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus and Modbus RS-485,” states Bailey. EtherNet/IP is a member of the DeviceNet and ControlNet family of Common Industrial Protocols (CIP) developed by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation – ROK). As a member of the CIP family, EtherNet/IP can utilize the same set of pre-defined common objects, thus making communication between devices from different manufacturers much easier. “We first added EtherNet/IP to our PositionServo Drive and since then, our customers have been looking for EtherNet/IP for their AC Drive Solutions,”

Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of the EtherNet/IP as a standard communication protocol for the PositionServo drive in addition to the Modbus TCP/IP protocol. The EtherNet port on the front of the PositionServo drive can seamlessly operate on either a Modbus TCP/IP or an EtherNet/IP network. Other network protocols are available as option modules including CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus and RS-485. EtherNet/IP (the IP stands for Industrial Protocol) is a member of the DeviceNet and ControlNet family of Common Industrial Protocols (CIP) developed by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation – ROK). As a member of the CIP family, EtherNet/IP can utilize the same set of pre-defined common objects, thus making communication between devices from different manufacturers much easier. Allen-Bradley remains the largest implementer of EtherNet/IP, with most applications in the packaging and automotive markets. “Adding EtherNet/IP protocol to the PositionServo is a direct result of our strong

Lenze-AC Tech announces the release of the SMVector Frequency Inverter with a highly visible Internal Disconnect switch. Available on NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosed drives; the switch removes power to facilitate service and maintenance. According to Lenze-AC Tech officials, use of the Internal Disconnect Switch in decentralized “point of use” operations including conveyors, fans, pumps, material handling, stackers and sorters will result in reduced downtime, with operations getting back on-line faster. Mentioning how local electrical codes in many parts of North America require a means of power disconnection at the motor, Lenze-AC Tech VFD Product Manager Steven Dextraze states, “The minimal footprint of the SMVector with Internal Disconnect helps electricians, installers and OEMs meet those codes with one piece of equipment.” According to Dextraze, besides saving valuable real estate on the production line, the Internal Disconnect reduces equipment cost by eliminating the need for a sepa

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, has introduced to the market the MH Series of high efficiency motors rated at 80 to 92 percent efficiency. The new Lenze IE2 L-force three-phase asynchronous (AC) motors meet or exceed global regulations aimed at reducing energy consumption, while improving overall drive system performance. “Energy consumption in drive systems is a major cost factor, especially in material handling applications with long running times, acceleration and lifting operations,” states Wayne Lazzerini, Mechanical Product Manager at Lenze Americas. “The MH series of motors, especially when combined with the right transmission, allow users to improve efficiency and significantly reduce energy usage—gaining efficiencies and increasing savings for Lenze customers.” The IEC 60034-30 standard, Rotating electrical machines – Part 30: Efficiency classes of single-speed, three-phase cage

Lenze Americas (MODEX - Booth #4105), a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, introduces the Servo Inverter i700. Designed for multi-axis applications, the i700 simplifies machine design, build and commissioning. Well-suited for material handling systems, the new drive system features an easy assembly concept and is notably compact and flexible. Extremely short cycle times, 32-bit signal resolution and an overload capacity of more than 200 percent make the new i700 equally suited for simple positioning tasks and highly dynamic, precise, multi-axis applications in handling and packaging machines or robot applications. “Together with the Controller 3200 C, the Servo Inverter i700 constitutes the heart of the Lenze controller-based automation system for machines with central motion control,” states Joel Thomas, Business Development Sales Engineer, Lenze Americas. “The reduced space requirement, lower number of compon

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, has enhanced its new, decentralized 8400 motec frequency inverter drives to enable plug-and-drive communication via real-time Ethernet networks. The addition of plug-in interfaces for PROFINET and EtherCAT make it possible to seamlessly integrate the relatively simple variable speed 8400 motec drives into existing, high-performance communications networks. “Our extensive portfolio of integrated gearboxes, motors and motor inverters opens up a wide range of solutions for decentralized drive tasks,” states Craig Dahlquist, Product Leader Applications Engineer, Lenze Americas. “The upgraded 8400 motec drive delivers easy Ethernet communication, without any detours, which offers significant benefits over conventional bus systems.” The 8400 motec inverter drives are power dense, energy efficient and a dynamic solution for controlling motion at the source. Suitab

Lenze Americas, a leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, has improved the functionality of its 8400 TopLine inverter drives, which now include an automatic axis bus system and special function blocks for speed and angle synchronization. The new 8400 TopLine inverter drive automatic axis bus works with the standard CAN system bus and fits seamlessly into servo applications. The 8400 TopLine inverter drive also supports SinCos absolute encoders (Hiperface®) and SinCos encoders. “Simplicity and flexibility of configuration are clear advantages of the enhanced 8400 TopLine inverter drives. The axis bus enables easy construction of direct and cascade configurations. This optimizes the bus bandwidth through synchronization at the hardware level,” states Craig Dahlquist, senior applications engineer, Lenze Americas. Designed for applications using electrical shafts for synchronization, two fundamental topologies can be

Leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, Lenze Americas recently expanded its successful PC-based controller series with the recent release of the cabinet controller c300 and panel controller p300. “Delivering uniform engineering and superior system availability, our integrated controller portfolio makes motion control automation easier,” states Craig Dahlquist, automation team leader, Lenze Americas. “Able to control an array of conveyors for better factory flow, the c300 and p300 are powerful enough to run PackML and provide data via OPC, which fills an important data gap for our packaging customers.” Equipped to quickly and easily implement basic controller-based motion applications and sequence controls, the new cabinet controller c300 is the most compact small control system with motion functionality in its power range on the market. The c300 features I/O modules, which can be connected in series, and integrat

Leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, Lenze Americas recently introduced its innovative Smart Motor designed for applications ranging from material handling to packaging automation. Blending the simplicity of a conventional AC motor with electronic drive control technology, Lenze’s versatile Smart Motor was showcased at PACK EXPO in September. “In a complex world of motors, Smart Motor keeps it simple,” states Robert Gradischnig, electro-mechanical business development manager, Lenze Americas. “The Smart Motor gives packaging customers the power and freedom they want in motion control, with freely adjustable speeds, programmable I/O and integrated functions for conveying needs. Fully programmable from a smart phone, the Smart Motor makes commissioning and diagnosis easier than ever.” Offering a highly versatile and powerful package, the Smart Motor delivers maximum standardization—drastically reducing (by up to

Leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, Lenze Americas has introduced its new g500 gearbox range, developed to transform motor speed into torque as intelligently and accurately as possible. Designed for mechatronic integration with the Lenze Smart Motor, the finely tiered series of g500 gearboxes enable efficiency of over 94 percent across the entire transmission range. “Intelligence is all about rethinking existing solutions to suit how they are used in actual applications, and bringing them to life in a way that offers maximum benefit to mechanical engineers and plant operators,” explains Robert Gradischnig, electro-mechanical business development manager, Lenze. “The MF motor enables speed-controlled operation with frequency inverters. In tandem the g500 gearbox and Smart Motor give customers the freedom of fixed speeds to be set at will in applications.” The new g500 gearboxes minimize losses, so the motor can

With the new MLC 511 (SIL 3, PL e) and MLC 311 (SIL 1, PL c) safety light curtains, Leuze electronic responds to the specifications of AIDA with regard to the pin assignments of the sensor modules and connection cables. In addition to the basic functions of the "Basic" MLC series, such as the LED display, automatic start/restart and operating range adjustment, the new light curtain models also feature a 4-pin, M12 plug. These sensors thereby satisfy the AIDA requirements. AIDA is the Automation Initiative of German Automotive Manufacturers, which is supported by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and VW. Focus of the initiative is on working with safe sensors and actuators in the IP6X environment. An important requirement of the initiative is to ensure the functionality and compatibility of sensors on the sensor and actuator modules across manufacturer borders. It requires that the pin assignments on the modules, the connection cable and, thus, the connection of the sens

Fully metal-enclosed ultrasonic sensors with degree of protection IP 67, longer operating ranges and thus broader areas of application expand the Leuze electronic line of ultrasonic sensors. The HTU 418B and DMU 418B switching and measuring devices, respectively, have an operating range of up to 1300 mm; the DMU 430B measuring devices have an operating range of up to 3000 mm. The series are available in cylindrical M18 as well as M30 metal housings – with much shorter design compared to the predecessor models. They can thus be easily installed in application locations with limited space using the lock nuts on the external threads. Both series were equipped with an improved teach function: two push buttons for defining two independent switching points simplify setup and increase flexibility when using the sensors. Device types with an IO-Link interface ensure the intelligent, simple and user-friendly connection and activation of the sensors. Temperature compensation prevents measu

Leuze electronic has expanded its successful product range of protective sensor sets with models MLC-UDC and MLCSET with safety light curtains. In the MLC-UDC sets, an MLC safety light curtain is premounted in the sturdy UDC device columns in such a manner that its height and alignment can easily be adapted to the application. This eliminates both the need to search for and combine individual components as well as the complicated setup and start-up processes. The device column includes a complete mounting kit for exact floor assembly. Special spring elements in the foot of the columns ensure automatic resetting after mechanical impacts. The protective field heights are dependent on the respective set. On request, sets with all MLC devices are possible, be it for standard applications or for demanding applications with blanking or muting. In such cases, the MLCSET with prealigned muting sensors is used. Such sets consist of modules perfectly matched to one another (muting sensor s

The LV463 fiber optic amplifier has been equipped with an IO-Link interface. With the new interface option, now the settings can be made directly through the control, i.e. without having to manually actuate the slide switch. This pertains to the three different teach modes and settings for the range, sensitivity and time functions. The signal value, and at the same time the switching threshold, are shown on two easy-to-read displays. The LV463 amplifier is a powerful device which, together with its KFX plastic fiber optics, is always most convincing when it is crucial to reliably detect in extremely confined spaces. All 27 KFX models are equipped with top-quality bending protection on the light exit side. This effectively prevents damage at the critical transition point. Altogether, Leuze electronic offers a comprehensive amplifier program with numerous fiber optic cables made of glass fiber or plastic for high-precision object detection. Thanks to their diverse head shapes and

The LRS 36 switching light section sensor from Leuze electronic can now be conveniently taught directly on the device with a new teach function. The three standard applications of the LRS 36 teach as area scanner, as area scanner with background suppression and as multiple track completeness monitoring device ("track scan") can now be simply taught and configured via the control panel and the clear menu navigation directly on the device display. An area scanner detects objects at any position within its detection range, e.g., on a conveyor line. The object size to be detected can be preset in three levels (fine, medium, coarse). With the new teach function, the otherwise time-consuming commissioning and configuration via PC are no longer necessary. Nevertheless, the configuration defined by means of teaching on the device can be read in by the LRSsoft software and further processed in greater detail. Line range sensors (LRS) from Leuze electronic do not work with indivi

With the new MSI-EM-4RO relay extension module for the MSI 200 safety controller, users can control multiple devices via potential-free output contacts. Most modern safety sensors and active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) are equipped with semiconductor outputs today. With such electronic safety-related switching outputs (OSSDs), high voltages in excess of 24 volts cannot be connected, however, and they are not suitable for controlling devices with high power consumption, e.g., contactors, locking devices, pumps and motors. In such cases, the new MSI-EM-4RO extension module with its four, one-channel or two, two-channel relay outputs helps out. At a maximum switching voltage of 250 V AC/DC, it delivers high switching power in a rugged and compact design with housing width of 22 mm. Four, freely configurable message outputs indicate operating states of the total system. The extension modules are simply connected to the base module (MSI 200 safety controller) on the DIN

MLC 500 safety light curtains are now also available as linked versions. In cases where multiple-sided access guarding is required or point-of-operation guarding is to be combined with area protection as stepping-behind protection, the use of cascaded MLC devices reduces the cost of installation and cabling considerably. Rigid L and U-shaped connections as well as variants with flexible cable connections can be used. The host-guest variants are type 4 devices. They provide reliable protection without dead space and with maximum system availability. Additionally, they are unusually slim (29 x 35 mm) and extremely sturdy due to the slightly set back front screens, reinforced side walls and metal end caps. The installation of the MLC safety light curtains is very easy due to the large variety of possible mounting brackets.

Datalogic, a global leader in Automatic Data Capture and Industrial Automation markets, is pleased to announce two major enhancements in the DataVS2 Vision Sensor product family: new DataVS2 Infrared (IR) models, and the DataVS2 GUI 1.5 Software Release. DataVS2 IR models feature an embedded powerful LED illuminator with Infrared emission and an ambient light filter eliminating stray light from the surrounding environment. The combination of the illumination and filter dramatically reduces the influence of environmental lighting influence on the DataVS2 IR.  The result is a new DataVS2 IR model with superior inspection reliability and consistency ideal for machine builders and operators. The 1.5 Software Release introduces several important new functionalities to the award-winning DataVS2 GUI configuration software such as QR-Code reading capabilities, Chinese language support, updated sensor configuration backup and simplified program downloading (‘save all’). With the lates