January 2022

47 www.drivesncontrols.com January 2022 NEW PRODUCTS n Binder is offering two-piece M12 panel-mount circular connectors, with square-flange housings and multi-position, lockable A-coding, that simplify secure sensor/actuator connections in factory automation and robotics applications. M12 circular connectors with A- coding (in accordance with DIN EN 61076-2-101) avoid mis- mating, ensuring precise assignment of the pin and socket contacts. They are typically used in DC signal transmission applications over 3–12 pins. The principle of partial assignment of the contacts ensures plug-in compatibility of product variants with different, but lower, pin counts. Multi-position coding is advantageous, for example, if installations have to be carried out at different angles due to the mounting conditions. At the field level, both inside and outside control cabinets, A-coded M12 signal connectors support efficient, cost-effective sensor/actuator communications. Binder UK 01442 257339 www.binder-connector.com/uk Micro-Epsilon has introduced a thermal imaging camera with an Ethernet interface and automatic hotspot finder function, enabling it to operate autonomously without a PC for automatic monitoring of hot and cold spots. The thermoImager Tim41 is a robust (IP67) camera with a 384 x 240 pixel resolution and a –20°C to +900°C measuring range. An “auto hotspot finder” function can detect hot or cold spots even on moving objects. Measurements can be output to a PLC which can trigger actions such as alarms, opening of doors, cooling or switching. Machines can be shut down automatically if overheating is detected. With communications and data available via the Ethernet port and support for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), cable lengths of up to 100m are possible. IR images are transferred with a frame rate of up to 25Hz and can be viewed on free software. Measured temperature values can also be output via a 4-20mA interface. Micro-Epsilon 0151 355 6070 www.micro-epsilon.co.uk Thermal camera can shut down overheating machines Hybrid terminal blocks support internal and external control cabinet connections Square-flange M12 connectors simplify sensor connections Eplan has announced a fee- based version of its eManage cloud-based software, which provides the first steps towards roundtrip-enabled automation engineering. eManage was previously available in a free version that allowed users to upload, share and manage Eplan Platform projects in the cloud. The full version allows master data and supplementary documents to be accessed in the cloud, and promises improved performance and extra capacity. Collaboration is at the heart of the application, which networks OEMs, system integrators, machine-builders and operators. The paid-for version offers access to all data and documentation relevant to a project, including bills of materials. These become interchangeable. Projects from the Eplan Platform 2022 can are now backwards-compatible with earlier versions, eliminating the need to maintain multiple versions of the software. With the free version, users had access to 10Gb of storage in the Eplan Cloud. With the full version, this increases by 10Gb for each “seat” in a company. Eplan 01709 704100 www.eplan-software.com/ emanage Full version of cloud software offers more functions Pepperl+Fuchs has announced a family of precision vision sensors that can capture a wider range of data than sensors designed for specific tasks, opening up new application possibilities. There are two versions of the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D sensor based on the same hardware platform, user software and data output, but offering a choice of technologies – stereo vision or time-of-flight (ToF) – thus cutting integration costs. The stereo vision version has two high-resolution cameras that produce a precise 3D point cloud image that can be used to check and count objects, or to detect the volume of masses. The ToF version has a camera with a 640 x 480 pixel VGA resolution and a measuring rate of 30Hz. It is suitable for applications with long measuring ranges, where fast reaction times are needed. Pepperl+Fuchs 0161 6336431 www.pepperl-fuchs.com/great_ britain/en/index Phoenix Contact is offering range of hybrid terminal blocks that allow different connection technologies to be used for the interior and exterior sides of control cabinets. The PTU 4 hybrid disconnect terminal blocks offer a combination of simple push-in connectors for use inside cabinets, and screw connections on the user side. The blocks can handle conductor cross-sections from 0.2–6mm2. Signals can be separated quickly and reliably, and checked easily, because the terminals have individual separation zones and 4mm test sockets. The compact design and front connections allowwiring in confined spaces. As well as the hybrid blocks, there are feed- through, protective conductor, transformer and multi-conductor terminal blocks in the same shape. Phoenix Contact 01952 681700 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk Vision sensors offer a choice of technologies