April 2021

48 n NEW PRODUCTS A pair of wireless vibration sensors from ifm offer a cost-effective way of upgrading machinery by adding condition monitoring for key mechanical components. The battery-powered VW sensors comprise the VW001 model for measuring single axes, and the VW002 for three perpendicular axes. The IP68-protected sensors, which can measure v-RMS values from 0–25mm/s and 10–1000Hz, are said to be easy to install even in awkward locations. They are designed to be used with ifm’s ZB0929 network gateways, with which they communicate wirelessly using a mesh topology that combines data security with reliability. The gateways can be connected to a plant network or fieldbus system wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. Each gateway can support up to 30 sensors, making it easy to set up monitoring systems even for complex machines. Data can be visualised and analysed using ifm’s LR SmartObserver software, which allows alarms to be set, or can be used in systems based on ifm’s moneo IIoT platform. Ifm electronic 0208 213 2222 https://www.ifm.com/gb/en April 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com Wireless vibration sensors can be added to existing machinery Belden has released a new version of its Hirschmann Operating System (HiOS) with an embedded OPC UA server. It claims it is the only manufacturer to offer switches that can run this communication protocol natively, and says this will result in more tightly integrated factory automation networks, offering openness, interoperability and scalability. OPC provides a bridge between all levels of the automation architecture, from embedded components on the factory floor to the enterprise level. www.belden.com Portescap has extended its Ultra EC range of motors with new sizes, and diameters from 16–35mm.The motors are said to deliver good performance, low iron losses, high efficiency and cool operation. A special coil design uses straight copper turns tomaximise magnetic fields, with coil heads integrated into the compact motors.This helps to optimise the motor size and enables them to deliver up to 30%more torque than a conventional BLDC motor of the same size, as well as cutting iron losses. www.portescap.com Aerotech has launched a 3D beam deflection system for laser micro-machining. The thermally stable, three-axis AGV3D laser scanner is aimed at precision manufacturing of complex components. Most previous 3D scanners have used a third rotary galvo motor with a tangential arm for tracking the focusing optics. But these designs can become thermally unstable, limiting their dynamics and precision in continuous operation. The new system operates dynamic linear tracking of the focusing optics directly with high-resolution feedback. Positioning errors are reduced because of the high rigidity and accuracy of the linear module. The new system is said to provide superior dynamic performance with smooth motion, as well as high-resolution positional feedback for accurate and repeatable focusing. It is also claimed to achieve the largest working volume of any 3D scanner, over a wide range of laser wavelengths. Aerotech 01256 855055 www.aerotech.com 3D laser micro-machining system ‘delivers higher precision’ n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA Web site aims to boost digital manufacturing ROIs Mitsubishi Electric has launched aWeb site that helps managers to make decisions on smart manufacturing investments to maximise profitability and accelerate growth. Using an approach called the Smart Manufacturing Kaizen Level (SMKL), it helps manufacturers to navigate through digital manufacturing by defining shared actions and expected outcomes with the aim of achieving high ROIs. The site offers examples of companies that have achieved real ROIs by reducing energy consumption, improving productivity, and cutting costs by 30% tomore than 90%, by using Mitsubishi’s e-F@ctory digital manufacturing technologies. https://drivesncontrols.news/35en2x AR app speeds up maintenance response times Fanuc has launched an app that uses augmented reality (AR) to provide remote support for its customers. The Far (Fanuc Assisted Reality) app allows service engineers to identify problems using real-time videos and overlaid digital content, ensuring that the correct spare parts and tools can be determined during an initial call. It also helps to improve the planning of service visits, by optimising error analysis. The app is expected to cut average response times from initial call to machine repair, from 28 hours to less than 24 hours. The software has been designed to operate in environments with low data transmission rates. End-to-end encryption provides security. https://www.fanuc.eu/uk/en Standard parts catalogue runs to more than 1,000 pages WDS Components has updated and expanded its range of components and standard parts and is presenting them in a new catalogue – its first for four years – that runs to more than 1,000 pages. The catalogue is said to be make part selection quicker and easier. There is new layout for easier referencing, with user-friendly tables and extra technical information. Each page has images of the components and details of the sizes and colours available. There are pictorial, alphabetical and numeric indexes, and colour-coded sections to help users to find parts grouped in recognisable categories. NewQR codes take users directly to theWDSWeb site for fast ordering. www.wdscomponents.com App offers alternatives to Neugart gearboxes Apex Dynamics UK , the planetary gearbox manufacturer, has developed an app for iPhone and Android phones that helps engineers to find the alternatives to Neugart gearboxes. Users click on drop-down menus and choose a Neugart product type and size, and then select a ratio and, if appropriate, shaft and backlash options. The app suggests an Apex alternative which, the company says, can usually be supplied faster and cheaper. Apex is planning to add more manufacturers and information to the database. https://www.apexdynauk.com