August 2021

62 n NEW PRODUCTS July/September 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com Siemens is offering a range of flameproof low-voltage motors in ratings from 0.25–460kW that are suitable for applications involving gas groups IIB and IIC. The Simotics XP motors are said to operate reliably under extreme conditions in aggressive atmospheres, both on the mains and on the frequency converters, and they meet the requirements of the new, stricter EU Ecodesign Directive (ErP). The motors are available in IE3 efficiency ratings required for explosion-proof motors since July, with many also available in IE4 versions. From July 2023, Ex eb motors with increased safety will need to be at least IE2, and the XP motors already offer IE3 efficiency as standard in Ex eb versions. The IIB versions can be used in zone 1 areas. If hydrogen or acetylene are present, IIC versions are required. Optional premium insulation enables speed-controlled operation with any converter up to 690V, without a filter. Variants with reduced starting currents are available, and options include PTC thermistors and PT100 thermal sensors. Siemens www.siemens.com/simotics-xp NSK has announced a series of hgh-performance linear guides that, it says, achieve twice the running distance of its standard alternatives. The DH/DS guides are said to offer“world-leading” dynamic load ratings, and will allow engineers to downsize designs, reducing weight, friction and energy consumption. The new guides are interchangeable with the NSK’s standard NH/NS series. Much of the gain in operating life is the result of a proprietary material (called TF) and a special heat- treatment technology that controls the amount of retained austenite in the steel to extend the fatigue life of components such as linear guides and bearings. Options include high- performance seals, protectors and lubrication systems. NSK Europe 00 49 2102 4811280 www.nskeurope.com Fluke Networks has announced an instrument that simplifies troubleshooting when building or maintaining networks, including analysing the speed-handling capabilities of Ethernet cabling. The LinkIQ Cable+Network tester combines switch diagnostics with cable measurement to troubleshoot network cables or to connect Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) devices to a network. The instrument is operated via a gesture-driven touchscreen and provides a bullet-point summary of key information. A single test provides the appropriate measurements based on what is at the other end of the cable. For an open cable, it shows its length and pairing. If the cable is terminated with a supplied remote device, it shows the maximum data rate that the cable can support, up to 10Gb/s. If the cable is connected to a switch port, the tester shows the switch and port names, VLAN, speed and duplex. For PoE installations, it shows the power and class (up to 90W or Class 8) and then loads the switch to verify that the power can be delivered. It provides simple pass/fail test reports using Fluke’s PC-based LinkWare cable test management software. Fluke Networks www.flukenetworks.com/Meet LinkIQ Flameproof LV motors meet EU’s strict new ErP requirements Linear guides promise ‘world-leading’ dynamic load ratings and much longer operating lives Handheld network troubleshooter combines cable testing with Ethernet switch diagnostics Sick has launched a family of matchbox-sized inductive safety switches which can fit into the tightest machine spaces. The IQB2S switches uses non- contact activation by metallic machine parts to deliver reliable, safe position, presence and area monitoring. They can be used, for example, to check the safe position of the axes of rotating tables, or for safe presence monitoring of loads on AGVs. The IP67-protected switches measure 12 x 26 x 40mm and have a 4mm sensing range. They can be screwed into place, and do not need separate actuators. With twin self- monitoring OSSD outputs, the sensors can be connected directly to safe control systems such as Sick’s Flexi Soft and the Flexi Loop cable-saving connection system, supporting applications up to PL d /SIL 2. The non-contact operation means that the wear-free sensors need little maintenance, ensuring high machine availability, even in environments with high levels of dust or moisture. The precise switching points mean there is no blind zone, allowing rapid alignment and adjustment. Sick 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk EAO has introduced a family of 56mm two-phase stepper motors that offer up to 40% higher torque than earlier models, reducing cycle times and improving positioning speed. The Sanyo Denki SanMotion SM256 motors are available with depths from 41.8–85.8mm and holding torques from 0.77–2.5Nm. Noise levels have been reduced by 3dB(A) compared to existing Sanyo Denki steppers and efficiency boosted by 3%.These improvements will cut power consumption and help to reduce vibration. www.eao.com/sanmotion Wago ’s mini rail-mount terminal blocks, launched last year, are now also available for nominal cross-sections of 2.5mm², as well as the original 1mm². The compactTopjob S blocks can fit in the terminal boxes of motors, pumps or in control cabinets.The 2.5mm² version (max 4mm² without a ferrule) can be used in applications up to 24A (32A without ferrule) at 800V. A spring pressure technology provides reliable, vibration-resistant connections.The blocks can be mounted on 15 x 5mm DIN-rails or onmounting plates with snap-in feet or mounting flanges. www.wago.com Inductive sensors can fit into the tightest spaces