Drives & Controls March 2023

48 n NEW PRODUCTS March 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com ABB has launched a new version of its Ability Symphony Plus DCS (distributed control system), which provides simplified, secure OPC UA1 connections to the edge and the cloud, without interfering with core control and automation functions. It also allows users to access process and alarm data from mobile devices through the ABB Mobile Operations application, allowing them to react faster, cut downtime and save costs. Critical data can be viewed anywhere, anytime, thanks to HTML5Web-based operation and engineering tools that support collaboration. Flexible field device management has also been enabled using ABB’s Field Information Manager (FIM), making it quicker and easier to configure, commission, diagnose andmaintain fieldbus instruments. A newly added SD Series e- Class process controller offers a low-risk, low-disruption retrofit for Harmony Rack (HR) installations. It brings higher speeds and capacity, and more functions to HR systems. It enables plant-wide digitalisation, while minimising the impact on process operations and system infrastructure. ABB www.abb.com DCS helps to accelerate digital transformation Light curtain system is ‘first’ to allow safe flows of boxes EtherCat slave controller and I/O coupler extend machine functions Sick has launched an “industry- first” light curtain system designed to allow safe flows of cartons or cube-shaped items at the entry or exit points of protected areas, while protecting people from materials-handling, conveying or packaging machinery. The plug-and-play Smart Box Detection system uses intelligent pattern recognition to detect cuboid objects – and even some cylindrical goods with cuboid-shaped silhouettes – and to differentiate them from people. It avoids unnecessary stoppages – for example, at the in- and out-feeds of packaging machinery. The light curtain safeguards the protected area above the material. Sick claims this is the first system of its kind to facilitate safe material flows without having to receive signals from a machine controller. It removes the need for muting sensors, which take up space, need maintenance and can be damaged. It can also replace the tunnel guards often used to protect the openings of machines. As a result, the maximum distance to the hazard can be reduced by more than half. The system, which uses Sick’s deTec4 safety light curtain technology, offers protective field heights in increments from 300–2,100mm and a choice of finger (14mm) or hand (30mm) resolution, providing protection against operator intervention in accordance with ISO 13855 in applications up to 21m. The box detection system is configured quickly using dip switches integrated into the SP2 systemplug. There is no need to use PCs or software. There’s also no need for any extra teach-in, programming, mounting or wiring. If objects of different heights and lengths are being detected – on a conveyor, for example – there is no need to teach them in or adjust the configuration. Boxes can be measured without additional sensors by transmitting beam data via IO- Link. Users can combine this with speed data to calculate volumes. Diagnostic information accessed via NFC or IO-Link makes it easier to investigate stoppages in real time. Sick (UK) 07928 809035 www.sick.co.uk CTC (Control Technology Corporation) has released an EtherCat slave automation controller with built-in I/O that can be used with various master controllers to allow flexible, scalable machine extensions, and integration for servo and stepper axes as well as I/O-connected devices. The EtherCat coupler and automation controller is available from Inmoco . The slave controller can be used with an EtherCat master controller to extend motion axes. It also offers the option of increasing control functions by using I/O cards. It integrates with CTC’s EtherCat master controller or with EtherCat controllers from other manufacturers including Beckhoff. The controller has a 200MHz 32-bit ARM processor and executes high-speed EtherCat control with 100 Base-T performance. It can coordinate up to 16 motion axes. There are two Ethernet ports, four serial ports, and a USB port. There is a choice of high-density digital and analogue I/O modules, including a two-, four- or eight-slot racks that accommodate up to 256 I/O points. The controller can also support a local HMI, as well as protocols such as Modbus. The controller also provides a hardware interface for integration with CTC’s PC-based Incentive motion control programming suite. IncentivePLC is a multitasking programable controller that runs motion commands. Inmoco 01327 307600 www.inmoco.co.uk Binder has added several M12 connector products to its portfolio including single-cable connectors that combine seven signal contacts with two power contacts, thus allowing power and signals connections via a single device. It can carry currents up to 12A and voltages up to 63V for power supplies, and 0.5A and up to 12V for signal transmission. Binder has also announced M1 connectors with outer push-pull locking to complement its threaded products. The connectors are backwards-compatible with M12 screw locks on the device side. www.binder-connector.com/uk The Turkish CAD software specialist cofaso has developed a tool for designing decentralised machines using Murrelektronik I/O systems. Called cofaso MurrCAD, the tool is an add-on module for cofaso’s CAD platform, which is used to design electrical and mechatronic projects (including power distribution and PLCs) and panel layouts. It generates reports automatically on items such as terminal and cabling plans, wiring lists parts lists and bills of materials. It performs error and consistency checks as well. https://cofaso.com