Drives & Controls Magazine July/August 2025

60 n NEW PRODUCTS July/August 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com ifm has launched an IO-Link input/output module that simplifies the integration of sensors and actuators into control systems. The 43mm-wide AL5121 module is suitable for both control cabinet and field applications requiring low IP protection. The module supports the integration of up to 16 digital devices, including sensors and actuators. Each port can be configured as an input or output. A spring clamp system provides rapid, secure wiring. A built-in DIN-rail mount saves time and resources during deployment. The module can supply up to 1A to external actuators via an IO-Link A-port master. The device can be used in protected machine housings, clean rooms, and other lowIP protection environments. With IO-Link, users can access and configure sensor data centrally at the IT level. ifm electronic 020 8213 0000 www.ifm.com/gb/en Copa-Data has released a new version of its zenon software, designed to bridge the gap between OT (operational technology) and IT (information technology). Zenon 15 adds more than 230 enhancements, delivering intuitive engineering, advanced data usage and crossplatform operation — from the machine to the cloud. The new version expands support for HTML5-based Web visualisation, enabling fast, intuitive screens that work across browsers. New functions include enhanced dashboards, and Webbased matrix recipe visualisation in batch production. The zenon Service Engine – the runtime software that executes control logic, processes data and manages system communications – can now be deployed as a process server in mixed OS environments. Only one engineering environment is needed whether the final project runs on Windows or Linux. The zenon Logic programming environment also now supports Python as well as IEC 61131-3. This allows engineers to use an additional programming language to automate processes, analyse data and integrate AI functions in the control layer. Copa-Data www.copadata.com IO-Link I/O module targets low-IP protection applications Güdel has developed a seventhaxis linear track for collaborative and lightweight robots, extending their working range by up to 5m. The Cobomover allows robots to serve multiple workstations and perform a variety of tasks without manual repositioning. It is compatible with more than 60 cobots and small traditional robots. The Swiss-made axis offers mounting positions at 0 and 180 degrees. Its maximum payload, including the robot, is 78kg. It has a top speed of 2m/s, a maximum acceleration of 2m/s2, and provides a repeatability of ±0.05mm. The drive system uses a toothed belt combined with an angular gearbox. It is available in stroke lengths from 1–5m. Güdel www.gudel.com Software upgrade transforms IT-OT integration Seventh axis extends working range of small robots to 5m igus has announced that its polymer plain bearings in the iglidur G, X and H ranges are now available free from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – known as Teflon. This has been achieved without affecting the materials’ high wear resistance and low friction. Igus has now found PTFE-free alternatives for its top five iglidur plain bearing materials, which cover 80% of all applications. The European Chemicals Agency is working on a possible ban on PFAS chemicals (including PTFE) for environmental and health protection reasons. www.igus.co.uk/info/iglidur-pfas Thomson Industries has announced an enhanced synchronisation option for its Electrak HD electric linear actuators. It provides position-based synchronisation in the actuators’ onboard electronics for applications requiring instant load balancing of multiple Electrak HD devices. The option supports up to eight actuators that connect via CANbus. A heartbeat signal in each actuator maintains position awareness for all devices. If one actuator senses a heavier load, it signals the others to slow their speed to maintain the same position. The actuators can handle dynamic loads of up to 16kN. www.thomsonlinear.com Apex Dynamics has launched a series of planetary gearboxes designed for AGV (automated guided vehicle) applications. The GV/GVR boxes offer rigidity for high radial loads, and have short lengths for high reduction ratios and optimised use of space in mobile automation machines. Precision taper roller bearings give the gearboxes a high loading capacity. They can handle vertical loads of up to 1,450kg and output torques from 54–418Nm. www.apexdynauk.com Micro-Epsilon has extended its range of confocal chromatic measurement systems with two new controllers that enable higher precision for noncontact distance and thickness measurements on most surfaces. The confocalDT IFC2416 is the fastest in its class with a measuring rate of up to 25kHz, achieved through a greater LED light intensity. It enables precise, stable measurements at high speeds, even on challenging surfaces, with resolutions of up to 2nm. The confocalDT IFC2411 is up to 300% smaller than comparable controllers and weighs 335g, and can be mounted on DIN-rails in small cabinets. It has an adjustable measuring rate of up to 8kHz and a resolution of 2nm. www.micro-epsilon.co.uk OEM Automatic is offering a range of linear slides from the Japanese manufacturer, Sugatsune. The MLG, LGB, and MRS series slides deliver smooth, compact, and stable motion for demanding industrial and commercial applications. They have operating lives of more than 500,000 cycles. The MLG series, with its multiroller mechanism and anodised aluminium or stainless steel rails, supports precision movements in robotics, food equipment, and medical devices. The MLGX25’s Dual-X design enables 120N loads in any orientation and excels under moment loads. The polyacetal/stainless steel LGB series and the ultraminiature MRS guides offer reliable performance in tight spaces. All models are tested for durability and consistent motion. OEM Automatic www.oem.co.uk/manufacturers /sugatsune Linear slides have lives of more than 500,000 cycles

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