Drives & Controls April 2022

53 www.drivesncontrols.com April 2022 DRIVES AND CONTROLS SHOW n of the event, you will find a Dutch company called Sensata Technologies Holland (C16), which develops sensors, electrical protection components and sensor-based systems, including controllers and software. With more than 19,000 employees and operations in 13 countries, in 2020 it generated revenues worth $3bn. It ships 1.1bn items per year. Sensata says it helps to make products safer, cleaner and more efficient, electrified and connected. As well as all of these last-minute bookings, several existing exhibitors have released details of what they will be showing on their stands at the NEC. For example, the automation and controls specialist Beckhoff UK (E60) will be showing its recently announced XTS linear transport systemwith no-cable technology (NCT) for the first time in the UK. The system goes beyond the standard XTS, with each mover fitted with a motor module that allows cable- free continuous power supply and synchronous real-time data transmission to the movers. Beckhoff says the machine can achieve microsecond synchronisation accuracy. Beckhoff UK MD Stephen Hayes, says that the system“presents many opportunities for machine-builders. For example, the XTS with NCT has the capability for on-the-fly measurement due to the embedded electronics on the movers. This technology makes it possible for the weight of products to be measured, which is ideal for the pharmaceutical industry with its need for controlled filling processes.” The system can be used to perform functional testing of products, or to operate as a multi-robot system, with all the movers being able to become a moving handling system. The movers can pick up, deposit, transfer, stack and align products, and can adapt to different product sizes. Beckhoff will also be showcasing its XPlanar system, which combines conventional transport technology with magnetic levitation. EAO (G102) will be showcasing its latest stepper motors, drivers, fans, HMIs and switches. These include the next generation of Sanyo Denki’s hybrid stepper motors which promise up to 40% higher holding torques, 3dB(A) less noise and 2.4% higher efficiency than conventional steppers. EAO will also be showing the latest advances in cooling technology, including long-life, waterproof, dual-bearing AC and DC axial and centrifugal fans, together with matching PWM- and IoT-enabled controllers that monitor cooling sensors and fan speeds. Elsewhere on the EAO stand, you will find food-grade capacitive pushbutton switches that support IO-Link, as well as 22mm, IP69K- sealed industrial switches in metal and plastic bodies. The controls and automation specialist, Carlo Gavazzi (G74) will be making its Drives Show debut with items including a“radical” single-phase motor starter that uses a patent- pending algorithm to start a motor without needing a start capacitor, thus cutting starting currents by up to 70% compared to DOL starters. Gavazzi will also be demonstrating how IO-Link sensors can deliver increased data availability, standardised wiring, remote configuration, monitoring and simple device replacement. The company will also be promoting solid-state relays, as well as easy-to- install energy meters that can monitor each stage in a manufacturing process. In the Smart Industry Expo section of the exhibition, the sensor and controls specialist ifm electronic (J64) will be showcasing its edgeGateway, which provides an easy way to send sensor data to the cloud. It translates the sensor data into readable information and sends it to the IT infrastructure. It supports Miscrosoft Azure, Google, AWS and Cumulocity. Users can opt to set-up the IP65- protected gateway via aWeb front-end or a 12’’multitouch display. A special demonstration tank will show how ifm’s new LW2720 radar level sensor can measure liquid level in deep vessels with an accuracy of ±2mm at ranges up to 10m. Also on display will be the company’s TCC self- monitoring temperature sensors, aimed at applications where precise temperature control is essential and deviations could have costly implications. To witness these technologies for yourself, and to discuss them face-to-face with experts, you can register to attend the Drives & Controls Show and other events via theWeb address given in the panel. n SHOW FACTS Where: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham When: 5–7 April, 2022 Entry: Free Web site: https://www.drives-expo.com Hashtag: #DrivesExpo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/18272382/admin Twitter: https://twitter.com/drivesncontrols Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrivesnControls ifm electronic’s edgeGateway offers an easy way to send sensor data to the cloud. It translates the sensor data into readable information and sends it to the IT infrastructure.