Thomson Industries has upgraded its online sizing and selection tool, making it easier to optimise its linear systems. Improvements include an interactive application matching grid, improved visualisation, more flexibility when adding accessories, additional tailored vendor recommendations, and an enhanced ability to share bills of materials. The tool automates the selection and sizing process for linear systems including shafts, leadscrews, and guide and carriage configurations. Users can configure components online following a three-step process in which they enter motion parameters such as stroke, speed and distance; load parameters such as weight and force; and then choose from options that suit their application. www.thomsonlinear.com/en/products/linear-motion-systems Configurator helps to pick cabling for controllers Phoenix Contact has announced an online configurator for controller system cabling that allows the quick and easy selection of tailored cabling. An intuitive user interface and 3D models make the tool easy to use. With a few clicks, you can select components such as front adapters, system cables and signal transfer modules. A chosen product can be displayed as a 3D model for visual feedback. Once the cabling system has been chosen, an ID is assigned, which can be recalled via the Web site, when required. A PDF file is also generated that describes the components in detail, and is available for download. www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/configure/ system-cabling-for-controllers Videos answer questions about motor technologies Alva Industries, the Norwegian manufacturer of frameless motors, has produced a series of educational videos that answer common questions about motor technologies. Topics covered in the six-part series, called Tech Torqs, include: Slotted vs Slotless Motors; What Is a PM Motor? Cogging Torque vs Torque Ripple; What is Magnetic Saturation in Motors? and Torque vs Current, Voltage vs Speed – Motor Physics Explained. Alva is planning a second season that will cover similar topics. www.youtube.com/@AlvaIndustries Online portal offers tools for comparing Nema motors ABB has launched an online portal that helps users of Nema motors to understand the financial and environmental implications of upgrading them. Called the Motor Connector, the portal acts as hub for accessing applications and information. It offers access to online tools, including the RPM AC Wizard, that helps to choose the best motor for an application; and an Energy Savings Calculator, which allows users to examine the energy use, costs and CO2 savings of upgrading to Nema Super Premium motors. https://nema-customerportal.us.abb.com/applications 48 n NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA October 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com Phoenix Contact has released version 3.1 of its mGuard Secure Cloud, which allows secure remote access to machines and systems worldwide. New functions include: China VPN+, which allows reliable and officially approved VPN connections to China; additional router support; and Cloud Client devices. An Asset Migration Tool makes it easier to migrate from version 2 to version 3. The naming conventions for VPN configuration files have also been optimised. www.phoenixcontact.co.uk Linear system sizing tool gets an upgrade Schneider Electric has announced a surge protection device that it says is the first plug-in SPD designed to integrate with UK-style “fishbone” distribution boards. Designed to protect against transient overvoltages, the new SPDs offeri a simple, compact and cost-effective product with embedded protection that can be placed directly into a distribution board. The Acti9 and KQ Type 2+3 devices offer protection against overvoltages, caused by phenomena such as lightning strikes, or electrical load issues, which can damage electrical equipment powered via a distribution board. They are designed for low-voltage industrial or commercial systems. Until now, protection against transient overvoltages in distribution boards has required SPDs that do not fit directly into a board, especially if it is densely populated or compact. Existing designs need upstream external disconnectors, additional enclosures, and complex wiring. The new SPDs have an integrated, all-in-one design with an embedded backup fuse that removes the need for a separate overcurrent protective device. They are designed for use with Schneider’s Acti9 Isobar P and KQ Loadcentre distribution boards, and plug directly into the boards with no additional kits or tools, cutting installation time and costs. Surge protection is a growing regulatory requirement under BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2. Schneider Electric www.se.com Norelem has unveiled a range of actuators designed to deliver precise, intelligent motion control across a wide spectrum of handling and automation applications. Engineered as complete mechatronic systems, the actuators convert motion commands into mechanical motion. Each actuator integrates a battery-free multiturn encoder, gearbox, motor, and integrated power and control electronics to create self-contained, intelligent adjustment devices. The IP67protected actuators are available in 18 versions and deliver 5Nm outputs. They support communications via Profibus, EtherCat or IO-Link, and can be mounted on machine shafts with diameters of 8, 10 or 12mm. There is a choice of stainlesssteel or aluminium construction. The actuators can be paired with other Norelem products such as linear devices with trapezoidal leadscrew drives, and aluminium square linear systems offering low deflection, high load stability, and easy handling. Norelem https://norelem.co.uk Actuators convert commands into mechanical movements Surge protectors are ‘first’ plug-in devices for UK distribution boards
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