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SPS IPC Drives 2014 exclusive show report
Published:  03 January, 2015

added a Drive-Cliq encoder interface to its TPM+ family of servo actuators, allowing them to be connected to Siemens’ Sinamics S120 motion controls.

Yaskawa has expanded its family of linear direct drives with a new iron-core linear motor that delivers peak forces of up to 7.56kN (when using an optional water-cooling system). The SGLFW2 motors (below) are smaller and more efficient than previous models, and have low force ripples to ensure precise, smooth movements. The rotor is located between two permanent-magnet rails so that the opposing magnetic fields cancel.

Yaskawa has also announced a smaller version of its Motoman MPP3 delta robot, aimed at demanding picking tasks in confined spaces. The MPP3S four-axis robot can move loads of up to 3kg at up to 150 cycles/min (or 1kg at 185 cycles/min). It has a 684mm-diameter footprint and a working area diameter of up to 800mm.

SENSORS AND MEASUREMENT

Balluff has launched a series of miniature, metal-housed photoelectric sensors with separate amplifiers that can be located outside the sensing area. The company has developed a patented process to manufacture the precision micro-optical components used in the Micromote sensors, which are aimed at applications where space is tight and low weights are needed. Balluff sees them as an alternative to fibre optics in some applications. The range includes diffuse, through-beam, high-vacuum and fork sensors.

Another new range of tiny photoelectric sensors from Balluff is the plastic-housed BOS 6K family, which includes 70 variants including diffuse, through-beam and reflective sensors, with and without background suppression, as well as analogue distance sensors. They offer IP67 and IP69K protection and Ecolab approval. They are the same size and price as their predecessors and are installed in the same way.

Baumer has expanded its VeriSens XC series of vision sensors to include models that can identify and inspect colours (below). An “intelligent assistant” called Color FEX helps to set up the sensors to identify colours and shades and visualise them in 3D as colour spheres.

Baumer has also added two photoelectric and three ultrasonic sensors to its robust M18 portfolio. The OR/UR18 sensors are taught by touching their housing with a metal object such as a screwdriver. The photoelectric versions do not need reflectors.

Reflector-free sensors also feature in series of stainless-steel photoelectric sensors that Baumer has released for the food industry. The O500 sensors are available in hygienic versions or IP69K washdown variants, and include retro-reflective models.

A laser class 1 model has been added to ifm’s PMDLine O5D range of photoelectric sensors which combine background suppression, visible red light and high excess gain.

The German couplings manufacturer KTR has developed a measuring system that calculates angles and direction of rotation of shafts, as well as torque and speed. The Dataflex system (below) has a sampling rate of 10Hz and a measuring range of 10–1,000Nm (with an extension to 5kNm planned). To calculate shaft speeds, an encoder provides two signals phase-shifted by 90 degrees, with a resolution of 360 or 720 pulses/rev.

Kübler was showing several additions to its range of encoders at SPS, including: a series of IP67-protected 36mm magnetic multi-turn encoders (Sendix M36); a range of IP54 40mm optical incremental encoders in shaft or blind hollow shaft versions (Sendix Base K140); a family of 58mm multi-turn absolute encoders with hollow shafts up to 15mm and Modbus interfaces (F5868/F5888); and versions of its Sendix absolute encoders that support the open-source BiSS interface.

Pepperl+Fuchs announced a long-range 2D laser scanner that uses a pulse-ranging time-of-flight technology to detect gaps in