Drives & Controls Magazine February 2023

46 n NEW PRODUCTS February 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com Carlo Gavazzi has launched a range of inductive sensors with five-position rotatable heads that provide accurate, reliable detection of actuating parts in applications such as material- handling systems and escalators. The IRC40 sensors have 40 x 40mm rectangular housings with IP69 enclosures, protecting them against water and moisture penetration during washing cycles The sensors have a sensing distance of up to 40mm, making them suitable for conveyor applications. A push-to-unlock mounting system offers flexible installation, while LEDs on four corners provide good visibility of status from any direction. Diagnostic functions monitor short-circuits, overloads, switching and operating status. Shielded or unshielded versions are available with NO+NC, NPN or PNP outputs. Carlo Gavazzi UK 01276 854110 www.carlogavazzi.co.uk Inductive sensors with rotatable heads have a 40mm range Laser tool aligns shafts quickly and easily Smart vibration sensor can be retrofitted to motors Fluke has announced a laser- based shaft alignment tool that simplifies shaft alignment, making it practical to align most machines, not just a select few. The Fluke 831 tool allows quick, precise alignment without advanced training or complicated programs. Misalignment is reponsible at least half of all damage to rotating machines, but instead of fixing the problem, maintenance personnel often just treat the symptoms by replacing bearings, couplings and seals because they think alignment would take too long. The new tool has an tablet- based guided user interface said to make it more user-friendly than other methods, and allowing coupled shafts to be aligned quickly and easily. A“unique”extend mode handles gross misalignments, while a thermal growth calculator automatically factors dynamic machine changes into the results. Adaptive alignment allows maintenance teams to address horizontal, angular and vertical alignment issues. Built-inWi-Fi transfers data from the tool to Fluke’s ARC 4.0 PC software, and to the cloud where it can be shared. Fluke says the tool will allow shaft alignment to become part of regular maintenance routines, saving energy by eliminating reaction forces inside rotating machinery, as well as increasing reliability, and cutting costs by reducing the need for spare parts and extending parts lives. Longer machine lives will also lead to extended maintenance intervals. Fluke 01603 256613 www.fluke.com Weidmüller has developed a wireless vibration sensor with integrated data processing that monitors motors in rotating machinery for early signs of potential problems. The u-sense sensor analyses time and frequency signals to detect any abnormalities in the vibration patterns. It has been designed for condition monitoring of pumps and drives in continuous operation. It complies with DIN ISO 20816 for measuring and evaluating vibration. The sensor can be retrofitted to existing installations. It is powered by a replaceable, long- life lithium-ion battery. Data transmission is via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0. No cabling is needed either for the power supply or to transmit measured values. Weidmüller’s IoTGW30 gateway can transfer the data collected by the sensor to a local system or the cloud. The IP66-protected sensor can be used in hazardous areas up to zone 2, and in ambient temperatures –20°C to +80°C. Mounting options include M8 screw connections or mounting adapters. Weidmüller 01162 823470 www.weidmuller.co.uk igus has expanded its in-house toolmaking department and can now deliver injection-moulded, lubrication- free polymer plain bearings in special dimensions within a fewdays, at“cost- effective”prices.The FastLine Service is aimed at orders of 1,000 parts or more, where 3D printing or machining parts frombar stock would be too expensive. Customers can compare the costs of these techniques using an online tool into which they enter the bearing dimensions, choose amaterial, and specify the number of bearings required. www.igus.co.uk Westermo has expanded its range of industrial cellular routers that provide resilient data communications for remote sites. The new Merlin 4400 series of ultra- compact, rugged LTE Cat 4 wireless routers has been developed to provide extremely secure remote access to equipment and systems in demanding applications. High connection security gives users the confidence to expand their IP networks to include remote assets, helping to increase visibility and improve operational performance. www.westermo.co.uk Omron has announced EtherCat versions of its i4L Scara robots for payloads up to 5kg.The EtherCat connectors in the base, together with integrated controllers, allow users to deploymultiple robots and cut set-up complexity and programming times. Omron says that these capabilities take the robots“to the next level”.Their speedmakes them suitable for material-handling tasks, while freeing humans for other tasks.The robots are available in 350, 450 and 550mm reach options, for table or wall mounting. https://industrial.omron.co.uk/en/ products/i4l