Drives & Controls June 2022

47 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2022 NEW PRODUCTS n Rockwell Automation ’s has almost doubled the input voltage capacity of its PowerFlex 6000T medium- voltage drives up to 13.8kV, in a footprint that is 2,310–3,010mm wide. The drive is suitable for 3– 4.16kV applications, and HV feeds can be connected directly to the drive from the main distribution line without a step-down transformer or extra substation equipment. The compact A-Frame design is suitable for new or retrofit applications where space is limited. The drives are said to allow fast commissioning with adaptive control, and to save energy using an economiser mode. www.rockwellautomation.com/en-gb Micro-Epsilon has announced a version of its optoNCDT 1900 laser triangulation sensor with an EtherCat interface for direct connection to controllers, eliminating the need for an external interface, and reducing installation effort and wiring. With the optoNCDT 1900-EtherCat, signal conversion takes place in the sensor, without losing speed. After rebooting in EtherCat mode, all the sensor settings are applied automatically to TwinCat software, which means it is no longer necessary to make time- consuming settings in TwinCat. www.micro-epsilon.co.uk Electrified Automation has launched an electric motor dynamometer that combines performance testing technology with advanced monitoring software. The dyno can test motors from 24– 144V and 0.5–60kW, and can be set up and operating within hours. It is said to deliver good speed regulation and control, and to provide users accurate data to help maximise the performance and efficiency of their motors. The monitoring software gives live speed, torque, voltage and power indicators, as well as on-screen throttle control. www.electrifiedautomation.com/ dyno Emerson has announced a family of compact programmable automation controllers (PACs) designed to help OEMs to minimise the need for specialised software engineers. The PACSystems RSTi- EP CPE200 controllers offer large PLC capabilities in a small IIoT- ready form factor so machine- builders do not need to sacrifice performance for price. Security-by-design, open programming and open communications are built in, simplifying connections to external software, while cutting cost and complexity. Support is provided for OPC UA Secure and other industrial protocols, flexible connections via high-speed Gigabit Ethernet, and programming using the IEC 61131 languages and C. Engineers can write and run high- performance algorithms for proprietary production strategies and advanced automation technologies. Emerson Automation Solutions 0870 240 1978 www.emerson.com/en-gb Fanuc has announced its first stainless-steel food-grade delta robot for picking and packing food products. The IP69K- protected DR-3iB/6 Stainless robot has an enclosed body with a mirror-like surface that resists chemicals and high pressures and temperatures for strict washdown environments. Any microbial contaminants can be washed away cleanly. The robot meets USDA and FDA food safety standards. The robot has a 1.2m reach (400mm height) and a four-axis design that can move 6kg payloads at high speeds. It operates with Fanuc’s R-30iB Plus controller, offering intelligent functions such as force sensing, collision guarding and Zero Down Time. As well as the stainless body, the robot uses NSF H1 food-grade lubricant, self-draining surfaces, and secondary oil catch basins with viewing windows to monitor potential leaks. Fanuc UK 024 7605 3130 www.fanuc.eu/uk/en Stainless-steel delta robot can be used for food Celera Motion has launched an inductive linear encoder for accurate, reliable position sensing in harsh environments. Distributed in the UK by Inmoco , the Lintran linear position transducer is aimed at applications where electrical contacts or optical transducers could be unreliable. The maintenance-free absolute encoders offer full-scale measurements from 200–800mm in 100mm increments, with customised versions available. The inductive technology is not affected by liquids or debris, maintaining accuracy even in contaminated environments. Measurements have a 12-bit resolution and 0.025% accuracy across the full scale, with a repeatability at 0.050% or ±1LSB. Linearity is ±0.25% across the full scale and the update rate is 1kHz. IP67 protection is provided against liquids and particles, and the encoder can operate in temperatures from –40°C to +85°C. There are no bearings, bushes or fine wires, resulting in a rugged design in a sealed package. The encoder is field- programmable without needing a PC. It is said to be a cost- effective alternative to LVDTs, which can require costly controls, as well as to magnetostrictive devices and precision potentiometers. The device consists of a target and a stator, with the output of the stator showing the relative position of the target. Both parts can be moving or stationary. The output is 4–20mA or 0–10V DC, and the device is powered by a 24V DC supply. Inmoco 01327 307600 www.inmoco.co.uk Inductive linear encoders operate reliably in harsh environments Compact controllers have built-in security and support open protocols