June 2021

47 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2021 NEW PRODUCTS n E-chains halve assembly times and cut noise levels Any sensor with a pulse output can be turned into a speed monitor with a local display and two adjustable switching setpoints, using a mini-display module from ifm electronic . The DP2122 module reduces the load on a PLC compared to using it to evaluate sensor pulses to determine speed. Typical applications include monitoring belt and screw conveyors, fans, centrifuges, separators and other equipment where speed must stay within a specified range. The module can be used with inductive, capacitive or photoelectric sensors, and has an M12 connector, allowing it to be mounted on the sensor or connected via cable. The two switching outputs can be configured as normally open or closed. An IO-Link interface provides real-time transmission of the speed, and can also be used to configure the module. Alternatively, settings can be made via built-in pushbuttons. The four-digit LED display shows the speed in green when it is between the upper and lower switching points, and red when it is outside this range. Separate LEDs show that the module is powered, and the status of the switching outputs. Ifm electronic 020 8213 2222 www.ifm.com/gb/en Igus has announced an e-chain for small and medium loads that, it says, will halve assembly times and cut noise levels by 10dB. The two-piece E2.1 chains (with chain links and crossbars) improve on the earlier E2/000 series. They can be filled quickly from the side or the top, along the inner or outer radius, using a chain opener or screwdriver which can open 1m of chain in 2s. There are more than 850 chain combinations with inner heights from 10–48mm. A “lens-shaped” brake ensures quiet travel with low vibration and noise. The optimised interior offers more space than an E2/000 with the same outer height. Assembly of the interior separation is said to be up to 50% faster than before. The openingmechanism of the crossbars is simple, allowing fast filling with cables or hoses. Rounded edges of the crossbars and separators ensure a long hose and cable service lives. Notches and a positioning scale optimise separation. A QR code simplifies assembly and spare parts ordering. The e-chains are also available as swarf-resistant enclosed energy tubes (the R2.1 range) with 26, 40, 48 and 75mm inner heights. Igus UK 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk Module transforms pulse output sensors into speed monitors Delta has announced a multi- core Codesys-based industrial PC that can control up to 64 motion axes via an EtherCat interface. The AX-8 PC allows PLC, motion control and Windows OS functions to operate simultaneously without affecting each other’s performance. Delta has integrated the Codesys automation suite into its DIAStudio environment to create a tool called DIADesigner-AX that offers: programming using IEC61131-3 languages for PLC programming, and PLCopen for motion control; commissioning tools including a digital oscilloscope; a simulation mode to test PLC and motion programs without needing physical devices; planning and execution of single- and multi-axis applications; a graphical interface for creating electronic cams; and planning and execution of CNC and robotics applications. The compact, fan-less PC uses the Windows 10 IoT operating system and an Intel J1900 quad- core processor. Interfaces include: three 1Gbps Ethernet ports; four USB ports; an HDMI port; and an SD card slot. Push-in connectors give easy access to the power supply and extra I/O ports, including 16 digital inputs and outputs, incremental and SSI encoder interfaces, and an RS- 422/485 port. Built-in kinematic transformations for Scara, Cartesian, tripod and other robots avoid the need for dedicated controllers. Robots, servodrives, inverters, I/O modules and other machine devices can be controlled in the same project. Delta www.delta-emea.com Codesys PC can handle PLC functions and up to 64 motion axes Omron has announced a new generation of Scara robots which, it says, are the first with an on-board “health” indicator that allows users to take remedial action depending on the colour being displayed. The i4H robots can handle payloads up to 15kg and are suitable for applications such as machine loading and unloading, palletising and pick-and-place, especially in mass customisation applications where high mixes of products are needed at low volumes. The robots, which are available with reaches of 650, 750 or 850mm, can be mounted on the floor, wall or ceiling. There are options for 210 or 410mm long quills. An EtherCat module on the arm allows the robot to synchronise with other automation devices, simplifying assembly, insertion and mounting processes that need high accuracy and throughput. It can also integrate with vision systems for quality control and other applications. The robots incorporate a new generation of embedded controllers that save space and reduce the need for maintenance. Their high speed and precision allow components to be assembled accurately. Omron 01908 258258 http://industrial.omron.eu 15kg-capacity Scara robots are ‘first’ with on- board health indicators