46 n NEW PRODUCTS October 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com ifm has launched a new generation of optical distance sensors which measure distances up to 2m with an accuracy of 1mm, even with reflective, multicoloured, fast-moving or other challenging targets. The OGD sensors use PMD time-of-flight technology, said to deliver better performance than laser and redlight sensors. Unlike earlier versions, the new models allow users to choose between three operating modes, optimised for range, precision and frequency. This means fewer sensors are needed to cover all possible applications. The sensors offer good resistance to reflections, and background suppression. Their range is independent of angle and colour, allowing them to operate reliably even with targets such as reflective metal surfaces. As well as distance, the sensors also measure target reflectivity, providing information that can be used, for example, to sort products. The sensors are available in heavy-duty versions with stainlesssteel housings, or in light-duty versions with plastic housings. Both can be supplied with either two transistor switching outputs, or one switching and one analogue output. Outputs can be configured to operate based on range or reflectivity. An IO-Link interface provides access to range and reflectivity measurements. A built-in display shows the measured value and can change colour to indicate out-oftolerance or alarm conditions. ifm electronic 0208 213 2222 www.ifm.com/gb/en Sensors measure up to 2m with an accuracy of 1mm Stepper drive offers real-time position correction Software platform delivers energy savings of up to 15% for machine users Kollmorgen has introduced a stepper drive with closed-loop position control that offers realtime position correction and is programmable, enabling servolike versatility, precision and repeatability. The P80360 drive uses a stepless control technology to deliver smooth, quiet motion across the full speed range. It can be used with motors with phase currents up to 3A rms. Closed-loop control is useful, for example, in systems where gears, couplings or heavy loads can cause motor missteps. By correcting for position errors, the drive reduces the risk of scrap or equipment damage. This function also improves efficiency, so the motor uses less power and runs cooler. As well as open-loop stall detection, the drive can track load position via encoder feedback and correct automatically for any overshoot or undershoot errors. The drive is programmed via a graphical user interface and a programming language in the free Kollmorgen Space software. This allows users to create simple point-to-point movements as well as linked motion sequences. The software eliminates the need for an external PLC or indexer for single-axis applications. A Motor Wizard allows users with Kollmorgen motors to get machines up-and-running faster, requiring only initial profile velocities and acceleration times to be input. Kollmorgen www.kollmorgen.com/enus/products/drives/stepper/p8000 The Dutch machine monitoring specialist Samotics, has launched a platform that allows industrial users to achieve energy savings of up to 15% and to cut their CO2 emissions without needing dedicated hardware. The Energy Analytics platform provides insight into the efficiency of rotating equipment, benchmarks performance against best practices, and delivers prioritised savings recommendations. The platform is compatible with existing measurement infrastructure. Organisations simply enable access to historic telemetry data from existing infrastructure such as Scada systems, which is then mapped, cleaned and pre-processed for analysis. Fragmented datasets are transformed into recommendations on how to cut energy costs and emissions. Samotics says users can achieve energy savings of up to 15% through continuous optimisation, without the investment and complexity of installing hardware. The software is based on the company’s years of experience monitoring electrical signals to assess the efficiency of rotating equipment. Energy Analytics complements Samotics’ SAM4 technology ecosystem which uses electrical signature analysis to enable continuous monitoring of asset health, performance and energy efficiency. Samotics www.samotics.com Sick has launched a series of compact streaming cameras for 3D inspection and measurement tasks, with factory-calibrated fieldsof-view from 26.6–1680mm, and heights down to 0.8μm. The Ruler3002, 3004 and 3010 cameras use blue 3R lasers to give the rapid exposure times needed to capture tiny 3D details at high speeds. There is also a mid-range version – the Ruler 3060 – with a 740mm field-of-view, aimed at applications in the automotive and consumer goods industries. The cameras are said to achieve good repeatability on light, reflective and metallic surfaces. A patent-pending technology called Surface+ can reveal the tiniest scratches on shiny metal surfaces. The cameras also perform well with items with low light remissions, such as tyre walls. By capturing 3D images, reflectance and scattered light measurements in one scan at speeds of up to 46KHz, the cameras can distinguish differing material properties. Their good light sensitivity and dynamic range also help to optimise inspections independent of contrast or differing light remissions. They can verify shapes and positions of robot-dispensed glue beads, for example. Sick www.sick.co.uk 3D inspection cameras reveal the tiniest scratches
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