62 n NEW PRODUCTS April 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com Omron has launched a timesaving, PLC-based palletising system for cobots (collaborative robots), that can fit into small spaces and work safely alongside people, while relieving them from heavy, repetitive lifting tasks. The system is said to cut programming times when changing pallet patterns, and to simplify these changes. The system uses a new palletising function block running on Omron’s NX1 machine controller, and can be used with Omron TM20 cobots with payload capacities up to 20kg. The software allows pallet patterns to be defined rapidly, with easy step-by-step setup and calibration. It also provides a production dashboard and monitors the cobot’s operation. The machine controller communicates with the cobot controller, and handles the various input and output devices and tools needed for palletising, such as a grippers, conveyor belts, safety components, sensors and servomotors. The complete sequencing can be performed from the PLC which can be linked to an HMI. Omron https://industrial.omron.co.uk/ en/home Cobot palletiser allows rapid changes of pallet Flexible linear guides can extend to almost any distance Gigabit Ethernet switches simplify configuration Igus has released a modular, lubricant-free linear guide with a rack-and-pinion drive, which can be extended to any length at low cost. Unlike a belt drive, separate carriages in the drylin EGW (endless gear) linear module system can travel in different directions and at different speeds. For long tracks (10m or more) conventional linear axes with toothed belt drives can start to sag and the elongation of the belt makes it difficult to drive them accurately. They also lack flexibility. Several carriages cannot travel at different speeds on the rails, or in different directions. The new guide is said to overcome these drawbacks. There is almost no limits in terms of travel length, and extra rails can be added at any time. The modular system, supplied in 2mlong sections, makes handling and transport easy. Several carriages, each with its own motor, can travel in different directions and at different speeds. The rails are made of anodised aluminium with round profiles, on which the slides glide. A profile in the middle accommodates the polymer rack-and-pinion modules. Drive carriages sit on four plain bearings made of plastic iglidur J200 plastic. An electric motor drives a gear wheel that engages the rack. A third component is a towing carriage attached to the drive carriage, on which items such as robots or sensors can be mounted. In tests, a carriage with a 200N load moving at 1m/s over a stroke length of 15m, showed no significant wear after 45,000 cycles. External lubrication is unnecessary, because solid lubricants are integrated into the plastic material and released over time. Igus 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk/info/n22endless-gear-egw Red Lion has announced a series of Gigabit managed layer 2 Ethernet switches designed to improve network security and reliability. The N-Tron Series NT5000 switches offer advanced management and diagnostic capabilities, network redundancy and layered security. A simple graphical interface includes a logical view showing active ports, power supply, temperature and contact relay status of the switch, as well as colour-coded gauges for port traffic and events, allowing administrators to identify and address possible network disruptions in real-time. The switches are available in 6, 8, 10, 16 and 18 port configurations in all-copper, or a mix of copper and fibre. The switches are designed for rapid deployment. The graphical interface includes a configuration wizard that takes users through the initial setup. Security functions include password encryption, multilevel user access and Mac security. Administrators can view the event and syslog to see the state of the network in real time and receive notifications about access attempts or configuration changes. The switches can be set to disable user or port credentials after failed access attempts. Red Lion www.redlion.net/nt5000 Omron has added electrostatic discharge (ESD) and cleanroom versions to its i4H series of Scara robots. The ESD models are designed to prevent the build-up of static electricity that can damage sensitive electronic components, while the cleanroom models comply with the stringent needs of environments that require low particle emissions – such as the pharmaceutical, medical and semiconductor industries. The i4H robots have a 15kg payload capacity, reaches of 650, 750 or 850mm, and table- or wall-mounting options. http://industrial.omron.eu/i4H Mitsubishi Electric has released a 24V DC digital input plug-in module for its FR-E800 VSDs. The FR-E8DS module uses a low-voltage supply to keep core functions available if mains power is lost. It cuts energy use and allows maintenance to be performed without needing 200V or 400V sources. The operating panel remains active, as do Ethernet and RS-485 communications between the VSD and other devices. The module can also turn on and off any I/O terminals linked to the drive. https://gb.mitsubishielectric.com/fa Sensor Technology has introduced low-capacity versions of its non-contact torque sensors that offer accurate measurement from 0.2–1Nm, making the full range available 0.2–13,000Nm. The TorqSense SGR 510/520 torque sensors are based on four-element strain-gauge bridge designs, and can measure and record sudden spikes in torque loads. The sensors measure torque 4,000 times per second and use high-performance signal conditioning to provide corruption-free, highbandwidth monitoring. They have 250% over-range and 400% overload capabilities. www.sensors.co.uk Aerotech has released version 2.4 of its Automation1 control platform, which includes API support of Python API, as well as Python help files. Aerotech has also improved machine set-ups, data visualisation, and the homing help module, and simplified the handling of MCD files. There have also been changes to the drive hardware, while the MachineApps have been further optimised. https://uk.aerotech.com Fanuc has added two ultra-hygienic versions to its range of Scara pick-andplace robots. The cleanroom-standard, pedestal-mounted SR-3iA/C (3kg capacity) three-axis and SR-6iA/C (6kg capacity) four-axis robots boast anticontamination functions to meet the highest safety and hygiene standards in challenging food, pharma and manufacturing settings. The IP54-rated robots are protected against the ingress of water, dust or other contaminants. They also meet ISO Class 5 cleanroom standards. A white epoxy coating provides extra durability. www.fanuc.eu/uk/en
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