Drives & Controls March 2023

47 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2023 NEW PRODUCTS n Thomson Industries has announced a family of compact linear systems that make it easier to implement complex applications in small spaces. It allows machine designers who need single, compact thrust and bearing supports to create bespoke systems from components including stepper motors, leadscrews, profile rail guides, shafts, linear ball bushing bearings and end blocks. Many aspects can be customised, including screw diameters and leads, and mounting holes. Thomson offers a 3D modelling tool that optimises designs by revealing trade-offs in real time. The tool helps designers to tailor motor sizes, stroke lengths and other variables to achieve a system for specified load and space parameters. The resulting design is used to produce a prototype for testing. Because of the close user involvement in the design process, the number of design iterations is reduced, along with the likelihood of mistakes. The linear systems are aimed at applications requiring accurate linear axes in confined spaces. They are available with Nema motor sizes 14–23, in stroke lengths up to 1m and in load capacities up to 9.3kN. Thomson Industries www.thomsonlinear.com/ en/products/ compact-linear-systems Baumer has announced a range of compact inductive distance- measuring sensors that detect objects and distances within a 10mm range. The IF200 dual- channel sensors combine a large sensing range with precision, providing linearised measurements with a resolution of up to 3μm, either via IO-Link or as analogue voltage signals. The IO-Link variants are dual- channel capable and allow easy parameterisation, as well as providing diagnostic data such as histograms, temperature, switching and boot cycles. They also offer additional switching, or analogue voltage outputs. There is a retrofit option with the same pinout as Baumer’s existing conductive measuring IWFK sensors, making replacement easy. A compact digital variant removes the need for shielded cables and high- resolution A/D converter cards. The sensors, measuring 20 x 42 x 15mm, have robust plastic housings and can withstand temperatures up to 75ºC. They boast a temperature drift of just 2% across the sensing range. Baumer 01793 783839 www.baumer.comgb/en Delta has announced two area sensors for verifying conveyed items. The standard AS-E sensor and the robust AS-T version for outdoor use, are designed to detect and register products, ingredients and components. They support no-dead-zone detection in their working areas. One potential application is to spot items if they fall from conveyor belts. The sensors can also identify items that are being moved to incorrect destinations. This reduces losses and helps to avoid material wastage and the transportation of wrong items. The AS-E sensor can detect opaque objects larger than 30mm over a range of up to 4m. It is enclosed in a thin, strong aluminium alloy case, and can be front-mounted without a bracket. Its connector makes wiring simple. The AS-T version can identify items as small as 3.4cm over a range of up to 3.6m. Its case is made from a thickened aluminium alloy, and it is available in six lengths. It uses a tubular waterproof mechanism and has an IP67 protection rating. The sensor has a configurable NPN/PNP output. Delta Electronics 00 31 20 655 09 06 www.delta-emea.com/en-GB/ products/Smart-Sensor/3669 Inductive distance-measuring sensors have a 10mm range Area sensors check items as they are being conveyed Igus has announced a hygienic slewing ring bearing that can be installed in food applications, without a separate cover. Slewing ring bearings for rotating components in a bottle- filling plants, for example, are rarely available in hygienic, food-contact- compliant designs. Classic bearing designs offer a lot of“attack surface”for bacteria and are usually not easy to clean, sometimes needing special hygienic covers. The hygienic version of igus’ iglidur PRT slewing ring bearing is made of stainless steel and an FDA-compliant, wear-resistant polymer. It can be cleaned in place without creating residues or needing to be removed from a machine. There are no 90-degree corners, welds or edges and all levels have a gradient of at least three degrees, so that water runs off. Full disassembly is not needed for cleaning – users can simply rinse the bearing with detergents to remove any residues. The stainless-steel rings move on sliding elements made of high- performance plastic with solid lubricants, allowing low-friction, dry running. Igus 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk Hygienic rotary bearing can be cleaned in place in food applications Linear motion system brings modularity to compact apps