DAC February 2022

48 n NEW PRODUCTS February 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com Celera Motion has announced a multi-turn inductive angle encoder that performs precise, reliable absolute angle measurements over multiple revolutions, even in harsh environments. The non- contact Multiturn IncOder has no gears or bearings, making it wear- andmaintenance-free. It does not need a battery backup and the number of turns is retained in non- volatile memory, even if the power supply is lost. The easy-to-install encoder is based on the technology developed by UK-based Zettlex, which Celera acquired in 2018. It is aimed at applications where motion exceeds one turn, such as rotary-to-linear motion and geared rotary systems. The fit-and-forget encoders are suitable for robot joints, servomotors, linear stages and Cartesian robots – especially where there are space or weight limitations, or if they need to operate in harsh environments. They are not affected by foreign matter. The low-profile ring encoders have large through-holes and are available in sizes from 75- 300mm. They are pre-calibrated and offer up to 19 arc-seconds of accuracy, depending on size. The sensors provide up to 21 bits of single-turn resolution and 12 bits of multi-turn resolution (or 8 bits for SSI versions). Communications protocols supported include BiSS-C, ASI (asynchronous serial) and SPI. Celera Motion www.celeramotion.com/ multiturn-incoder Igus is offering bevel gears made of high-performance plastics as a cost-effective and maintenance- free alternative to metallic gears. The lightweight gears, suitable for low-to-medium loads, do not need external lubrication, cutting maintenance times and costs, and increasing hygiene and cleanliness. The gears are available in two durable, abrasion-resistant plastic materials: iguform S270, which is characterised by a low coefficient of friction and lowmoisture absorption; and igutek P360, which offers high wear resistance and toughness, making the drive elements shock-resistant. Bevel gears transfer drive forces at right-angles, and can transmit forces around corners. The new gears are available in six different ratios, plus seven modules for power transmission. Igus can produce customised, non- standard versions in a few weeks. Igus 01604 677240 https://www.igus.co.uk Multi-turn inductive encoders are wear- and maintenance-free Plastic bevel gears need no lubrication, thus cutting costs n NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN ATA AND MULTIMEDIA Collaboration simplifies motor controls selection RS Components and Schneider Electric have collaborated to design an online product selection tool that helps engineers to configure motor control systems quickly and easily. The Ask the Expert motor control configurator uses a talking avatar called Stan to guide users through the process of inputting parameters, such as power supply voltage, motor power and contactor coil voltage. It then presents suitable products including drives, contactors and motor starters. Kristian Olsson, global vice-president of automation and control at RS, says that the development of Ask the Expert “demonstrates the potential of digital interactive tools in simplifying product selection”. https://drivesncontrols.news/vrw994 Automation Web site can be accessed from any platform The robotics and automation specialist, RMGroup , has launched a Web site showcasing its expertise. The company designs and manufactures packaging machinery and robotic automation systems. The site is accessed easily via desktop computers, tablets or smartphones. Searching by product or industry produces images, specifications and supporting material, including testimonials. The site also provides information on RMGroup’s service and support capabilities, as well as a media and resources hub containing brochures, case studies, videos and press releases. https://rmgroupuk.com PLCopen publishes guidelines on object-oriented programming PLCopen has published a document offering information and advice on using object-oriented programming (OOP) as defined in the third edition of the IEC 61131-3 standard. The new document, called PLCopen Guidelines for usage of Object-Oriented Programming Version 1.0 , forms part of the framework of the PLCopen Software Construction Guidelines. OOP allows many choices in the way programs are structured and decomposed, providing an alternative look-and-feel, especially across different systems and platforms, creating alternative training guidelines and differences in maintenance. It does not replace classical programming: upwards compatibility means that both programming styles can be used in parallel. www.PLCopen.org Podcast discusses automation technologies and issues Mouser Electronics has released a podcast that delves into industrial automation technologies and machine learning’s ties to the automation sector. The podcast – part of the company’s Empowering Innovation Together series – includes discussions about functional safety, cobots, machine learning and more. It is hosted by Mouser’s director of technical content, Raymond Yin, who is joined by Clara Vu, co-founder and chief technology officer of Veo Robotics. The podcast is available on Mouser’s YouTube channel as well as podcast hosts. https://www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation Phoenix Contact has announced RJ-45 patch cables for industrial applications that handle data speeds up to 10 Gbps in accordance with Cat5 and Cat6A and are suitable for industrial Ethernet and Profinet applications. The overmoulded connectors have protected locking clips and high vibration resistance. Up to five different cable outlet directions are available, and there are versions for drag chain and robot applications. They have CE, cULus, and EAC approvals. www.phoenixcontact.co.uk