Drives & Controls April 2022

60 n NEW PRODUCTS April 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com Phoenix Contact has announced a series of plug-in extension modules for its PLCnext open control platform, in addition to the ability to download functions from the PLCnext store. One of the new left-alignable modules can be added to the AXC F 2152 controller and two to the AXC F 3152. If this is not enough, there is a device that allows up to three extension modules to be linked to each controller. The modules include: one that acts an Ethernet interface with its own MAC address, allowing networks to be separated physically from each other; a Profibus master, which exchanges data with up to 125 Profibus participants, both cyclically and acyclically; one that acts as a safety-related controller to SIL 3, allowing 32 PROFIsafe devices to be coupled; one that adds a Coral Edge to a TPU AXC F 3152 controller for processing AI applications; and one that acts as an Interbus master, supporting continued use of existing Interbus-based applications. The modules communicate with controllers via PCIe, allowing the interface to be used by third- party devices. When a module is plugged in, the system checks whether the proper firmware version was used. Phoenix Contact 01952 681700 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk PI has announced a compact three- axis nanopositioning stage that uses air bearing linear slides, and closed- loop voice-coil, direct-drive linear motors. The stage is suitable for precision dynamic positioning, scanning and alignment applications. The stage, which has an 80 x 90mm footprint and fits in the palm of a hand, provides 10mm of XYZ travel, nanometer resolution, and can be used for 24/7 automation applications. Its high reliability, speed, and precision are supported by its use of non-contact, frictionless linear motors and air bearing guiding systems. http://www.pi-usa.us A new software update gives users of IDS ’NXT all-in-one embedded vision system new functions, including multi-ROI (region of interest) for AI-based object detection. It is also possible to use different neural networks for different ROIs in one image via Vision App. In addition, there are improvements to binning, linescan mode, performance and configuration. IDS is now offering customers a free one-month trial to test its NXT lighthouse AI training software, and is supporting Microsoft Azure Cloud Services to host the software, in addition to AWS. www.ids-nxt.com Igus says that the design of a new range of pillow block bearings is based on the structure of trees. Flattened radii, like those found at a tree’s base, ensure maximum strength against mechanical stresses. The lubrication- and maintenance- free plastic housings are a real alternative to cast-housing bearings, according to the company. Cast housings with metal ball bearings can suffer in dusty, wet and dirty environments. Heavy contamination and a lack of lubrication are responsible for 80% of premature bearing failures in these applications, says igus. And there is a risk of metal corrosion. The polymer pillow block bearings with lubricant-free, chemical-resistant inserts made of high-performance plastics are available in 20, 25 and 30mm sizes, allowing one-to-one replacements. There are also two- and four-hole flange stops in 20, 30 and 40mm versions. Two design techniques ensure that the plastic pillow block bearings remain robust. First, fibres and fillers strengthen the plastic to withstand high surface pressures and edge loads, even under continuous loads. And second, the designers have optimised the shape of the housing supports (collars) and avoided constant radii to distribute the forces more evenly, making the bearings highly resilient. The absence of lubricants reduces the need for maintenance and cleaning, and improves environmental protection by eliminating leakages. Igus UK 01604 677240 https://www.igus.co.uk/info/ spherical-bearings-spherical- bearings Delta Line has announced a series of smart stepper motors with integrated electronics that, it claims, achieve cost savings of 20– 40% over stepper motors with separate drives and controls. The ISI57 (size 57) and ISI60 (size 60) motors use stepless control technology for 65,536 steps per revolution and have torque ranges from 0.55–3.1Nm. The IP65-protected motors simplify physical integration, parameterisation and start-ups because the drive and controller are matched to the motor. The controller recognises the motor parameters and feedback configuration automatically. Delta says the motors save space, not only by eliminating the need for a separate drive and controller, but also by avoiding the need to run power and feedback cables to an external controller. The reduction in cabling also simplifies integration and improves efficiency, reliability and electrical noise, helping to keep encoder signals free from interference. Encoder options include magnetic incremental, single-turn absolute, or multi-turn absolute. Communication options include CANopen, Modbus RTU, EtherCat, Modbus TCP/IP and Profinet. Delta Line 00 41 91 612 85 00 www.delta-line.com Pillow block bearing designs are inspired by nature All-in-one smart stepper motors can cut costs by up to 40% Extension modules add new capabilities to open control platform