January 2021

48 n NEW PRODUCTS RS Components is offering a range of own-brand handheld instruments including digital multimeters, clamp-meters, voltage/current indicators, insulation testers, temperature calibrators, and accessories. The RS Pro clamp-meter, for example, has a flexible coil that can bend around obstacles. It allows users to take readings from cables without touching them. It can measure AC currents from 0.5–3,000A and has a built-in datalogger. The data can be transferred to a laptop via Bluetooth. A large backlit LCD makes measurements easy to read. The RS Pro insulation tester helps to check that wiring insulation is safe. The RS14 digital multimeter measures capacitance, voltage, current and resistance, and offers a diode and continuity check. A specialist HVAC multimeter provides true-RMS measurements and connects to an app via Bluetooth. RS Components https://uk.rs-online.com/web Drive specialist maxon has launched a new generation of multi-axis motion controllers for dynamic positioning tasks. The MiniMACS6-AMP-4/50/10 controllers are aimed at applications where PLCs would be too expensive or might not meet customer needs. The controllers offer precise control of up to six DC motors or four BLDC motors (up to 540W continuous and 1.6kW peak output power). They can be programmed using ApossIDE software and license-free motion control library written in C. Integrated bus interfaces enable efficient data exchange with higher-level controllers. It is also possible to run complete process sequences autonomously, without needing a PLC or PC. Maxon motor 01189 733 337 www.maxongroup.co.uk Rockwell Automation has released a range of industrial PCs and software to improve the reliability and security of visualisation applications. The Allen-Bradley VersaView 6300 PCs and thin clients combine with Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View HMI software and ThinManager thin- client management software to create secure visualisation systems. The release of the products follows Rockwell’s recent acquisition of the Italian industrial computing specialist, Asem . Users can use ThinManager redundancy or VersaView 6300 PCs running local and remote applications to help ensure reliability if server communications are lost. The PCs are designed to minimise or remove common points-of- failure such as fans and connectors. Using the new industrial PCs with ThinManager also enhances cybersecurity. Multiple PCs with locally stored applications can be spread across a factory to reduce security risks. The ThinManager software allows applications to run and be maintained from a secure central location. Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com Fanuc has launched a compact robot with a 16kg payload capacity and a reach of 1103mm. The small-footprint M- 10iD/16S is said to offer good operational versatility for compact spaces on production lines, including top- mount applications. It can be used to create small robotic cells, especially where complex tooling or heavy workpieces need to be handled. An integrated hose pack and cable management system allows cables to be fed through the robot’s hollow arm, wrist and body. This makes it easier to route sensor and camera cables, air pipes and other utilities, eliminating external cables that could interfere with other equipment. The robot can be controlled by Fanuc’s R-30iB Plus controller, and supports intelligent functions such as its iRVision system. The Roboguide simulation tool can be used to improve cell designs. Fanuc UK www.fanuc.eu/uk/en Industrial PCs and thin clients help to create secure visualisation systems 16kg capacity, small-footprint robot fits in tight spaces Rockwell Automation has released a new version of its FactoryTalk Historian Site Edition (SE) software, said to be the most reliable and secure release to date. To help access data faster, the software uses client-side connection balancing and failback which balances user connections across multiple servers, instead of connecting all to a primary server. The software also allows users to schedule historical archiving during down-periods or off-hours, reducing the risk of archiving occurring during critical processes, when it could affect server performance and slow access to data. The new release is part of Rockwell’s PlantPAx 5.0 DCS and uses the same FactoryTalk Services as other software in the DCS. www.rockwellautomation.com Micro-Epsilon has extended its optoControl 2520 series of optical laser micrometers, doubling the maximummeasuring range to 95mm, and allowing measurements on larger diameter parts without needing to add or combine extra sensors. The new optoControl 2520-95 model is characterised by its high accuracy and repeatability. Measurements can be taken at any position within the light curtain, while preset optimum distances are selectable in the controller. Due to its high linearity (<±15μm), repeatability (≤6μm) and measuring speed (2kHz), the sensor is suitable for applications where large measuring ranges are needed. www.micro-epsilon.co.uk Stratus Technologies has enhanced its ztC Edge computing platformwith the release of Stratus Redundant Linux (SRL) version 2.2 and a preview of a new edge systems management system called ztC Advisor. An enhanced application interface provides more information via the Web about ztC Edge’s virtual machines and their state, allowing users to optimise infrastructure performance and utilisation remotely. SRL 2.2 also includes other software and security updates. www.stratus.com January 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com Instrument range includes HVAC and insulation testers Multi-axis motion controllers can replace PLCs