August 2021

Codesys-based motion controller simplifies programming Yaskawa has announced a small six-axis industrial robot which, it claims, achieves the highest performance in its class, with a 163% faster synthesis speed than the previous MH3F model as a result of each axis being capable of high speeds. The Motoman GP4 has a payload capacity of 4kg, a maximum reach of 550mm, and is aimed at assembling, transporting, boxing, sorting and inspecting small parts in industrial applications. The long reach expands the effective motion area near the robot, improving access to workpieces, while saving space. All axes have IP65-protected smooth surfaces, limiting the build-up of dust and liquid and allowing the robot to be used in harsh environments and for hygienic applications requiring washdowns. The programming pendant displays faults instantly, allowing a rapid response and simplifying maintenance. Motoman Yaskawa 01295 272755 www.yaskawa.eu.com Delta has announced a series of compact, mid-range motion controllers based on the Codesys development environment. The AX-308E controllers, which can handle up to eight EtherCat servodrives, as well as inverters, remote I/O modules and third- party devices, are said to reduce programming times. The controllers are compatible with Delta’s AS PLCs and support a range of industrial communication protocols including EtherCat. They also support extra I/Os, temperature sensing, and load cells via AS expansion modules. The minimum EtherCat synchronisation time for eight axes is 2ms, and the minimum execution time for basic instructions is 5ns. The AX-308E can control up to four pulse-train drives using fast digital outputs. Its interfaces include Modbus TCP/RTU, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA. There are 16 digital inputs, eight digital outputs, two serial ports, two incremental encoder interfaces, and an SSI port. The motion controllers follow Delta’s recent announcement of the Codesys-based AX-8 multi- core industrial PC which can control up to 64 motion axes via an EtherCat interface. Delta www.delta-emea.com Small robot is ‘best performer in its class’ n NEW PRODUCTS Tel: 01284 388 033 sales@ete.co.uk www.ete.co.uk Eastern Transformers & Equipment Ltd ...In complete control of power • Custom ‐ built to customer’s own specifica ons and requirements (from 25VA to 500kVA) • Single ‐ phase and three ‐ phase op ons • Insula on Class E, F, or H • Full range of IP23 ‐ IP55 enclosures • Designed to EN 60742 / EN 60076 ‐ 1 • 219 stock transformers also available Baumer has released a “smart” multi-profile sensor for inspection and measurin. The OXM200 is designed to integrate into image-processing systems and supports inline or offline testing without needing detailed image-processing expertise. The sensors can perform operations such as such as height and axial diameter measurements, as well as surface inspections. They can also be used for inline quality control of objects in the 0.1mm range, as well as edge, crack, gap and flush measurements. Other roles include position control of feed parts, vision-guided robot positioning, pick-and-place control, and tracking the positions of moving parts. The IP65-protected sensors do not need external illumination. A single cable can carry both power and communications using Power-over-Ethernet. Supported protocols include Profinet, Modbus TCP, IO-Link, as well an analogue output. IT systems and the cloud can be connected via OPC UA. Baumer 01793 783839 www.baumer.com/gb/en Multi-role sensors can be used on- or off-line inspection and control Stäubli has launched five new sizes of its MPS tool-changers with payload capacities from15–80kg, making them suitable for most robots and payloads.Themodular tool-changers have a repeat accuracy of ±1.5 μmand support a variety of transfer technologies.The systems, for payloads up to 80kg, attach directly to robot ISO flanges. www.staubli.com New guidelines (v 5.0) for Profinet cabling and connectors published by the Profinet organisation PNO include Harting ’s ix Industrial mating face as a new standard for Ethernet applications.The guidelines provide Profinet users with rules for industrial cabling.The iX interface is said to be 70% smaller as well as beingmore robust than RJ-45 systems. www.harting.com