Industrial Technology

Panel Building

Quick and easy cam mounting for swinghandles

The Dirak Swinghandle system from FDB Panel Fittings is now enhanced with the introduction of their 3-440 Bearing Plate RS bases. These intermediary mounting accessories enable use of swinghandles with a single point polyamide latching cam or alternatively with standard cam and multi-point rod locking if required. Installation is quick and simple with initial clip attachment to the swinghandle base, then twin screw fastening for security and sealing. These internal support plates secure the swinghandle through doors of 1mm up to 3mm thickness and provide 270° limitation with the locking position engaged at 90°.

24th April 2020

Smart plastic sensor for glide bars in e-chains

High speeds on long travels are distinct challenges for energy chain systems. To overcome these issues, Igus has developed a more wear-resistant glide bar, which has a service life that is five times longer. Integrated into the rail is the smart plastics EC.T sensor monitors the condition of the rail and alerts the maintenance team in advance of a breakdown. The new glide bars with the sensor are suitable for a number of applications, including linear robots in automotive production, on gantries in machine tool construction or on the 7th axis of industrial robots. The EC.T sensor measures the condition of the rail and gives maintenance recommendations when needed. It works wirelessly.

24th April 2020

Industrial Ethernet for time-critical communications

Maurice O’Brien, strategic marketing manager at Analog Devices, examines robust Ethernet physical layer solutions for time critical communications in harsh industrial environments.

24th April 2020

Controlling a textile factory... from home

Samuel Tailored Bonding has developed the traditional craft of bonding leather, textiles and other materials for clothes, shoes and upholstery into a modern industry using automated processes and international business techniques. Founded nearly forty years ago, the family owners still live on site in the glorious Marche region of eastern central Italy – which is clearly a pleasant place to work.

24th April 2020

Relec supports Team Bath Racing Electric with cockpit display

Relec, is celebrating the success of Team Bath Racing Electric (TBRe) in the recent Formula Student UK. TBR sponsor Relec supplied an eight-inch letterbox LVDS TFT display which was integrated into vehicle. The colour active matrix display consists of a TFT panel, a driving circuit, and a backlight system.

24th April 2020

Igus adds two new sizes to twisterband range for compact installation spaces

Igus has now added two new sizes to its twisterband HD range with inner heights of 11mm and 18mm. The key advantage over slip ring systems is that it guides electrical, fibre optic and pneumatic cables all together. Target applications include rotary tables and robots. The twisterband HD energy chains are already being used successfully in woodworking machines as well as in workpiece positioners in the automotive industry. They enable rotary movements of up to 7,000 degrees in horizontal installations and 3,000 degrees when mounted vertically, even at speeds of up to 180 degrees per second. Instead of integral hinges, the twisterband HD has a strong pin and hook connection between each of its links. This results in a defined bending radius and ensures greater strength.

24th April 2020

Complete RFID system in a compact housing

With its long user-adjustable operating range, robust construction and choice of fieldbus interfaces, HF RFID systems in the new DTE60x range from IFM Electronic are ideally suited to production line applications. The new units provide RFID antenna, evaluation electronics and fieldbus interface in a single compact module, which makes them easy to install, even when space is limited. Their IP67 ingress protection rating ensures reliable operation in challenging environments. DTE60x RFID systems are available in versions to suit all of the most widely used fieldbus systems: the DTE601 has a PROFINET interface, the DTE602 an Ethernet/IP interface and the DTE604 a TCP/IP interface. All types incorporate an integrated web server which makes configuration easy as well as providing access to powerful diagnostic and monitoring functionality. Additional connectivity is provided in the form of two digital inputs and outputs.

24th April 2020

Seamless connectivity from the workpiece to the cloud

Warren Harvard, Product Manager at Festo, looks at how improving connectivity supports machine builders.

20th March 2020

Elegant and fully functional hand-held enclosures

Hammond Electronics has launched its new 1552 family of hand-held enclosures. Initially available in six sizes, the IP54 rated UL94-V0 flame-retardant ABS enclosure features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably into the hand, enabling it to be used for long period in applications such as a machine controller or an electric hoist control. The end panels are removable for easy modification, and for use with flying cables, an alternative end panel with an integral rubberised cord protector and a strain relief bracket is available. An optional wall mounted holder allows the unit to be stored in a convenient location when not in use.

20th March 2020

Siemens Logo logic module series now offers direct cloud connectivity

The latest Logo Version 8.3 will be available from Autumn 2020 and features a direct cloud connection. The Logo Soft Comfort engineering software is getting a functional update to enable configuration of the new devices. With Version 8.3, it is possible to activate and configure the cloud connection and use the new free Logo web editor to create user-defined website and dashboards in the cloud. Users can also design their automation projects and operate them from the cloud via smartphone, tablet or PC. The webserver can be directly hosted in the cloud, enabling individual visualisation and centralised control of switching and automation solutions.

20th March 2020