March 2021

47 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2021 NEW PRODUCTS n The “world’s first hybrid energy chain” is now available in two new sizes – the YE.56 with a 56mm inner height which can carry unsupported lengths of up to 8.5m, and the YE.108, with a 108mm inner height and a length of up to 9.5m. The igus chains, made of polymer and steel, are 50% lighter than steel chains and can safely move large hydraulic hoses and high fill weights vertically. The supporting chain links are made of steel, whiles the pin/bore connection, outer links and crossbars are made of a high- performance polymer. www.igus.co.uk Phoenix Contact has expanded its line of unmanaged switches to include five- and eight-port Gigabit devices with galvanically isolated Power-over-Ethernet capabilities. The switches can be DIN-rail-mounted and operate with both SELV and PELV power supplies. The slim switches offer automation protocol prioritisation and jumbo frame capabilities. www.phoenixcontact.co.uk Portescap has added 16mm motors in 36 and 52mm lengths to its Ultra EC mini brushless DC range. The 16ECS high-speed (up to 75,000 rpm) brushless motors have an enhanced magnetic circuit that reduces iron and recirculation losses which can cause motor stator heating at high speeds. A proprietary coil is said to provide higher torque and power than similar motors. www.portescap.com KTR developed a general- purpose coupling aimed at main and auxiliary drives in mechanical and plant engineering. The backlash-free, torsionally soft Evolastic coupling comes in ten sizes and ten versions for nominal torques from 100–5,600Nm. A non-slip elastomer element transmits the torque to the contacts via vulcanised aluminium jaws. The elastomer is connected to the hub or flange by radial and axial screws, ensuring reliable torque transmission along with a precise pre-stress in the elastomer. The low-maintenance coupling compensates for axial, radial and angular misalignment and absorbs overloads elastically. It can compensate for permanent misalignments of up to 3 degrees. KTR 0114 258 7757 https://www.ktr.com/en/product s/evolastic-highly-flexible- coupling Wenglor has announced a new generation of long-range laser distance sensors with an operating range from 50mm to 10m, a maximum reproducibility of 3mm, and insensitivity to ambient light levels up to 100,000 lux. The Wintec sensors, available in plastic or stainless- steel 316L housings, are said to generate precise measurements even with weak signals. The sensors detect objects based on transit time measurements, and are unaffected by the colour, reflectivity, surface structure or inclination of an object. They emit short light pulses in the nanosecond range, and the signals are evaluated to calculate the distance. The sensors can be installed next to, or opposite, each other without interference. Other nearby sensors or contamination in the working range do not affect their performance. The sensors are set up using an illuminated teach-in key which is visible even in dark environments. They are said to have a low power consumption compared to conventional transit-time sensors. Using IO- Link communications with COM3, they can store data, issue temperature or ambient light warnings, and record impact and shock loads. The IP69K-protected stainless steel versions can withstand high-pressure cleaning up to 100 bar and water temperatures up to 80°C. Wenglor Sensoric 01536 313580 www.wenglor.com Coupling handles permanent misalignments of up to 3 degrees The UK motion specialist Trio has launched a pair of I/O slices that allow OEMs to measure and control temperature, and to connect three-wire devices, in a compact footprint. The slices click into Trio’s P366 EtherCat Flexslice I/O coupler or 64-axis Flex-6 Nano Motion Coordinator. Compared to a PLC, they save space and costs, while their use of push-fit connections into cage clamps increases connection security – particularly for applications which could be subject to vibration – improves reliability, and results in faster wiring without needing extra tools. The P367 thermocouple slice has a 16-bit resolution, and four thermocouple inputs alongside four outputs for controlling heaters or other switched loads. The P362 Power Connect module allows fast, simple integration of sensors, relays and output devices. It simplifies the connection of three- wire sensors into the I/O system and avoids the footprints and costs of extra terminals. It has two banks of 10 x 24V and 0V connectors. Trio Motion Technology 01684 292333 www.triomotion.com I/O slices extend machine control capabilities Datalogic has announced a fixed image-based code reader for industrial applications which, it claims, can read challenging DPM (direct part marked) and printed labels. The Matrix 320 reader uses a new 16:9 2MP CMOS sensor which provides 3MP performance in a compact modular design. The high-speed reader has a wide field of view and long depth of field. It can be used hands-free and can replace many of the operations carried out by human operators using handheld scanners, helping to ensure hygiene and safety, and speeding up production and logistics operations. Visual feedback is built in to simplify set-ups, and problems can be diagnosed using an online tool. Accessories include lenses, configurable lighting and filters. A rotating connector allows the reader to be mounted in tight spaces. Datalogic 01582 790020 www.datalogic.com Image-based code reader can be used hands-free Laser distance sensors have a 10m range