DAC February 2022

45 www.drivesncontrols.com February 2022 NEW PRODUCTS n Schneider Electric has launched an LV switchboard designed to enhance fire prevention with BS EN IEC 61439-1 and 2 type-tested functional units. The robust PrismaSeT switchboard has reinforced frames and doors, making it easier and safer to operate and maintain. The modular switchboards can be modified easily to add new functional units. There is also a new generation of Schneider’s ComPacT MCCBs (moulded-case circuit breakers), said to simplify maintenance. Modular plug-and-play accessories expand the MCCBs’ capacity for advanced monitoring. The breakers are the same shape and size as their predecessors, making them easy to retrofit, and allowing users to extend the capabilities of existing installations by adding digital intelligence, for example. New wireless auxiliaries give improved insight into distribution systems, while semi-transparent front faceplates make it easy to check that components and auxiliaries are correctly installed. Schneider has eliminated the use of plastic packaging for the new switchboards, and is using recyclable cardboard instead. This will cut waste and disposal costs. Schneider Electric https://www.se.com/uk/en/ Baumer has developed a software suite for selecting, implementing, parameterising, testing and evaluating IO-Link devices. The Baumer Sensor Suite (BSS) can be used to develop applications by connecting IO-Link devices to a choice of IO-Link masters. It allows users to access a variety of sensor functions and settings for new parameterisation concepts and new control models, such as dual-channel. The functions can improve plant efficiency and flexibility. A plug-and-work function speeds up development processes, while intuitive visualisation supports fast, precise parameterisation. A save-and- restore function helps users to transfer optimised parameters to IO-Link devices while also supporting error analysis to improve maintenance. The downloadable PC-based suite is based on future-proof software architecture using elements of Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. A basic version of BSS includes an Apps Catalogue, Device Library and Device Cockpit. It is the starting point for other Baumer apps and digital services. Baumer 01793 783839 www.baumer.com/gb/en Software suite provides a variety of IO-Link functions LV switchboards are more robust and enhance fire prevention Schaeffler has launched a new generation of FAG plummer block housings for rolling bearings of various diameters and widths, and for shafts from 20–160mm. The robust SES series housings, which replace the earlier SNV and SNG models, are said to increase bearing lives“significantly”. The modular housings are made of flake graphite cast-iron. For demanding applications, they are available in spheroidal graphite cast-iron. The housings are said to optimise load distributions in the bearings, reducing wear and extending bearing operating lives by up 50%. Indentations indicate the shaft and bearing centres for rapid and simple alignment of housings, thus cutting costs. Seal options include double-lip, felt, V-ring and labyrinth types. There is a choice of plastic or steel covers. Schaeffler also offers a compatible range of split spherical roller bearings. The housings are also interchangeable with others on the market and adhere to common standards, making it easy to replace rival products. Schaeffler https://bit.ly/34OHQfX New generation of housings extends rolling bearing lives B&R Automation has made machine vision tasks using its Smart Sensors up to four times faster by implementing a new quad-core processor and a just-in-time (JIT) compiler. The latest version of B&R's Halcon machine vision library has a JIT compiler that generates executable machine code when the application is loaded, rather than interpreting it at runtime. For measurement tasks, the time savings can be better than 75%.The quad- core processor can almost halve application cycle times. B&R says that the developments will allowmachine- builders to increase machine outputs without needing costly dedicated PCs for machine vision. www.br-automation.com Ifm has released a range of inductive proximity sensors that are compatible with existing installations, while offering extra functions for new applications. To ensure backwards compatibility, the IF60xx sensors provide both analogue and programmable switching outputs. They also incorporate an IO-Link interface. The sensors can act as drop-in replacements for older devices. They can provide accurate distance sensing over a restricted operating range set via IO-Link. This can be used to monitor machines for small positional changes that could indicate early signs of wear. Accessing the sensor data via IO-Link avoids errors caused by conversion losses and electrical interference. There are 17 versions, including threaded cylindrical types with M12–M30 diameters, and rectangular devices measuring 40 x 40 x 54mm. There are flush and non-flush types with 4–20mA and 0–10V analogue outputs. Sensing distances range from 0.2–35mm. The sensors are protected to IP65 or higher. An optional single-port IO-Link master allows them to be parameterised from a PC via a USB link. Ifm electronic 0208 213 2222 https://www.ifm.com/gb/en Proximity sensors can be retrofitted or used in new applications