Emerson has launched an industrial controller which, it claims, is the first to bridge small and large control applications, allowing manufacturers to scale its use up to DCS (distributed control system) applications, and down to PLC (programmable logic controller) applications. The DeltaV PK Controller offers scalable automation to process and discrete manufacturing users who have previously had to rely on complex, non-integrated PLCs with limited capabilities.
B&R has released software for its automation systems that allows Windows or Linux to run alongside the company’s own real-time operating system. This allows users to combine control and HMI applications on one PC, for example, or to have an industrial PC double as both a real-time controller and an edge controller that sends pre-processed data to higher-level systems and the cloud via OPC UA.
RS Components has added a range of easy-to-install and use AC inverters to its RS Pro own-brand portfolio. The range consists of 17 AC inverter drives for single- and three-phase AC induction motors, most of them being IP65-protected for washdown duties, with two models being rated at IP50.
Leroy-Somer has announced an integrated drive that can be used to control its IMfinity induction motors with ratings from 0.25–7.5kW. The Commander ID300 drive is said to deliver dynamic performance and high efficiency, while its decentralised configuration provides flexibility in machine and plant design, as well as saving the space normally needed for a cabinet. Eliminating the need for cables between drive and motor cuts costs and reduces power losses and emissions.
Rockwell Automation has announced a family of industrial computers, thin clients (the first from Rockwell) and monitors that, it says, will allow manufacturers to modernise standalone or distributed HMI applications to support smart manufacturing.
EXCLUSIVE Rockwell Automation is expanding its family of medium-voltage variable-speed drives, adding sensorless vector control technology that will deliver improved performance compared to the previous V/Hz technology – including the ability to deliver 100% starting torque, compared to around 40% before.
Festo has announced an IoT gateway that connects components and modules from the field level to the Festo Cloud via OPC UA. Using the CPX-IoT gateway, it is possible to have preconfigured, customisable dashboards for each component.
Omron has announced a third wave of factory automation (FA) devices that comply with its Common Design Platform, saving space in control panels, or allowing panel-builders to include more components in panels and increase their functions.
The US robot technology developer Roboteq has announced what it claims is world’s first dual-channel variable-frequency drive (VFD), capable of driving two AC induction motors simultaneously. Each motor can draw up to 60A at up to 60V, or 3.6kW per channel.
Omron and its US subsidiary, Delta Tau Data Systems (DT), have collaborated to develop a range of programmable multi-axis controllers (PMACs) in both standalone and PC-based formats. The PMACs, which can control up to 32 axes in the standalone format and 128 axes in the PC format, allow users to program their own motion algorithms and motion control functions – such as trajectory calculations and position compensation – in C and other programming languages.
The pneumatics manufacturer Aventics has developed a tool that, it claims, will simplify and speed the adjustment of cushioning systems for pneumatic cylinders. Optimal adjustment of cushioning is important to achieve high cycle frequencies, quiet running and trouble-free operation of cylinders.
Schneider Electric has announced a robot controller that can control multiple delta robots and Scara robots, as well as third-party six-axis robots. The PacDrive 3 controller also provides discrete and motion control functions, allowing synchronised control of production lines from a central point, as well as providing integrated safety and simplifying machine topologies.
Yokogawa has announced a portable instrument for capturing, recording, analysing and displaying electrical and physical parameters. The DL350 ScopeCorder combines oscilloscope functions with those of a high-performance data acquisition recorder.
Rockwell Automation has announced a range of safety light curtains with a patented technology that uses plug-in modules to determine whether a transceiver operates as a transmitter or receiver. Once powered up, the Allen-Bradley GuardShield 450L transceivers adopt their functions from the module.
A German cable-maker has developed what it claims is the world’s first 500V drag-chain cable with four layers. Hradil Spezialkabel says that its 18.8mm-diameter, 61-conductor High-Endurance cable can replace up to five individual drag-chain cables, “massively” reducing the downtime when an energy-chain cable fails.
