46 n NEW PRODUCTS March 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com Advantech has introduced a vibration-sensing device designed monitor equipment RPM and to detect frequencies in challenging environments. Unlike piezo vibration sensors, which need high-speed DAQ cards and calculations performed on a remote IPC, the WISE-2460 sensor can acquire, process and publish data on-board within seconds. Advantech says it “it easily outperforms costly and inefficient traditional setups” and “sets a new standard in vibrationsensing technology”. The device can identify vibrations at frequencies from 5–10,000Hz through single-axis measurements. Its enhanced sensitivity enables the sensor to detect potential problems not visible at lower frequencies. It also provides vibration data for four machine classes across four levels. By analysing these vibration characteristics, operators can diagnose motor problems rapidly, allowing maintenance teams to tackle issues before they deteriorate, thus reducing downtime and avoiding expensive malfunctions. The device includes an ARM Cortex-M7 processor, a highdetection-range Z-axis accelerometer, and a temperature sensor, all housed in an IP68 enclosure. It transmits data using RS-485 and supports the Modbus/RTU protocol. Advantech’s Wise Studio utility can be used to configure, manage and monitor IoT devices and to create dashboards. It also simplifies configuration and alarm threshold management and can be used for cloud connectivity and firmware updates. Advantech www.advantech.com/en-eu Vibration-sensing system ‘sets a new standard’ Modular robots are up to 700kg lighter and reduce TCOs DC controller extends precision over speed and torque control Kuka has announced a range of robots designed to reduce TCO (total cost of ownership) and to save resources. The KR Fortec robots are up to 700kg lighter than their predecessors, while a modular design reduces spare parts storage costs. With high dynamic performance, the robots are said to achieve short cycle times. Their compact dimensions with small footprints make them ideal for tasks such as handling and spot welding. Energy consumption and maintenance requirements are said to be low. The range includes an extended arm that can handle 240kg loads with a reach of 3,700mm. Two waterproof and dustproof in-line wrists have been adopted from Kuka’s KR Quantec and Fortec ultra models. The robots can operate in temperatures from 0–55°C, while foundry variants are available for harsh, dirty environments. The robots’ working envelope can be expanded using the modular KL 4000 linear track in lengths from 1.5–30m. Kuka’s KR Quantec robots also ¡t on the track, allowing two types of robot to operate on the same track. Kuka www.kuka.com/en-gb Maxon has released a speed and current controller for brushed and brushless DC micromotors up to 30A/1.8kW continuousduty (60A/3.6kW peak). The Escon2 controller, which OEMs can integrate into their products, o¢ers ¡eld-oriented control (FOC) as well as acceleration and velocity feed-forward for good response times and high accuracy. The controller provides fourquadrant operation, giving control over forward and reverse directions, as well as braking. FOC delivers smooth, precise operation. High control cycle rates enable rapid, accurate speed and torque adjustments to suit changing conditions. The controller can integrate with absolute or incremental encoders, as well as Hall sensors. The device can operate as a standalone controller with analogue and digital signal command capabilities, or as a CANopen slave. It supports USB and RS-232, enabling operation from Windows or Linux. The con¡gurable digital and analogue I/O include eight digital and two analogue inputs, and three digital and two analogue outputs. The controller is available in a PCB module format, measuring 67 x 43 x 7.8mm. There is also a compact version with ready- ¡tted connectors. Maxon’s free Motion Studio graphic interface provides easy interaction with the Escon2, for simple con¡guration, monitoring and diagnostics. It includes an autotune function, helping to optimise motor control performance. maxon www.maxongroup.co.uk New inductive distance sensors from ifm electronic measure the distance to metallic targets with micrometre precision, without needing expensive measuring systems. The P|Prox cylindrical sensors are said to be easy to install and set up, and can interface with almost any control system via IO-Link. The factory-calibrated sensors are ready to use out of the box. They output distance-to-target data continuously via IO-Link. For the highest precision, simple one-point calibration, or more accurate three-point calibration, are possible. The results are una¢ected by the type of target metal. The IP69K-protected sensors have an operating temperature range of –25ºC to +70ºC. They are available in ©ush and non- ©ush mounting versions with 60mm-long M12, M18 or M30 threaded stainless-steel housings. They resist external magnetic ¡elds, and incorporate four LEDs for status indication. The measuring range depends on the model. Flush-mount M12 versions, for example, have a range of 0.2-2mm, while non- ©ush M30 types have a range of 1.5–15mm. All types have a minimum process cycle time of 3.2ms. ifm electronic 0208 213 2222 www.ifm.com/gb/en Inductive distance sensors promise micrometre precision at a low cost
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