Audon Electronics has announced a range of DIN-rail-mounting digital and analogue I/O modules with built-in Web servers. The ControlByWeb modules can be monitored and controlled via the Web or any other IP network, using a browser running on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
PiezoMotor, the Swedish developer of piezoelectric-powered motors and actuators, has developed a 17mm-diameter piezo motor with a built-in absolute encoder.
Rockwell Automation claims to have solved the problem of integrating machines into plant networks when an OEM's IP address assignments do not match those of the end-user network. This can be a challenge for machine-builders and end-users because the IP addresses are not usually known until the machine is being installed. This can add time and cost to the commissioning process, and delay production start-ups.
Stober has announced a range of inline planetary gearboxes and geared motors with helical gearing which, it claims, are the first in their product and price categories. Compared to standard spur gear systems, the compact ServoFit PE gearboxes are said to deliver lower noise levels and smoother operation at a similar price.
At the recent Hannover Fair, Siemens announced a range of frequency converters targeting the chemical, oil and gas, and process industries. The Sinamics G180 converters, available with output ratings from 2.2–6,600kW and for voltages from 230–690V, incorporate industry-specific functions such as dV/dT and line filters, and Atex-certified PTC monitoring for Ex motors.
B&R Automation has come up with a low-cost way of offering redundant control using two of its standard X20 controllers working together – one providing active control, while the other runs in standby. This results in a redundant control system that is much cheaper than a dedicated system, allowing it to be used for smaller applications.
ABB has released an engineering development suite for industrial automation projects that, it says, will cut project development times by up to a third. The Automation Builder suite provides an integrated development environment for control and motion systems based on PLCs, safety PLCs, robots, motion controls and related automation components.
A new multifunctional motor starter from Eaton combines four functions – direct-on-line starting, reversing starting, motor protection and emergency stopping. The EMS electronic starter is said to cut wiring requirements compared to conventional switchgear assemblies by up to 60% and the number of hardware components by up to 70%.
Parker Hannifin has developed a new generation of compact linear actuators with an innovative design using four guide rods to prevent rotation and allow large lateral forces to be applied. The Origa ORD-E actuators can deliver stroke lengths up to 500mm and forces up to 2kN.
The German safety specialist steute has developed a two-channel wireless communications technology designed to be reliabie and to operate effectively in the same area as other wireless systems. The system, called sWave 2.4GHz-safe, is based on a pseudorandom frequency-hopping technology with the hopping pattern known only to the transmitter and receiver.
Residual currents can occur in industrial plants as a result of various problems including: inadequate insulation of terminals or cables; humidity; contamination; or ageing materials. Simple monitoring relays are available that raise and alarm or trigger a shutdown when they detect a rise in residual currents.
The German geared motor and drive systems manufacturer Stöber has expanded its modular drive and automation portfolio with a sixth generation of its drive controllers and motion controllers that use the Codesys v3 programming and controlling software. The two types of controller can be combined to create a drive controller that can be operated in a controller-based mode.
At the recent Hannover Fair, the Brazilian motors and controls manufacturer WEG emphasised the breadth of its low-voltage switchgear portfolio, with several new arrivals including lines of modular contactors and motor protection circuit-breakers.
ABB is continuing to expand its ACS880 family of drives which made their debut in 2011. It unveiled several new developments unveiled at the recent Hannover Fair.
The Californian automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced a new way to build and deploy simple, scalable operator interfaces based on computers and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
