Ethernet/IP Network I/O Video from Balluff

Video overview of Balluff's Ethernet/IP I/O:

New Balluff Low-Profile Transducer - Micropulse PF®

Today more applications than ever in automation need linear position feedback.  Many of these applications have requirements to fit them into smaller spaces. To give us more space saving options Balluff has released the PF or "Perfect Fit" Micropulse® transducer.

The Micropulse® PF series provides accurate, reliable linear position feedback, in a sleek, industrial, low-profile anodized aluminum housing.

• Low-profile, space-saving housing
• Non-contact magnetostrictive technology
• Absolute analog output
• Stroke lengths up to 180"
• Accurate, rugged, and reliable
• 5-day standard delivery
• Assembled in the USA

Less than 1" high, the Micropulse PF is ideal for space critical applications. The rugged, compact, extruded-aluminum housing fits into even the tightest space.

The Micropulse PF is available with voltage (0…10V, -10…+10V) or current (0.1…20 mA or 4…20 mA) outputs. The sensing element and processing electronics are contained within the Micropulse PF’s low-profile housing. No additional processing electronics are required.

ZERO and SPAN can be easily and quickly programmed anywhere within the active stroke. Programming can be done through the connector, either manually or by using the optional in-line programming box.

The Micropulse PF® has an industry-standard M12 connector.  The integrated bi-color status LED provides at-a-glance confirmation of operational status, and also provides visual feedback during stroke scaling.

Want to learn more?

Download the Micropulse PF® brochure

Need application assistance or an onsite product demonstration?

Contact Scott Equipment

Pneumatic Stepper Actuator

New video of the Bimba pneumatic stepper actuator.  Sorry for the poor video quality,  we only had a day to get some video of the product before we had to ship it back out and unfortunately all we had to film with was our iphone.

New Bimba Electric Actuators - (OLE) Original Line Electric

Electric actuators from Bimba have been been available as customs for several years now. With the press release from Bob Kral (Bimba OLE Product Manager) yesterday, Bimba has officially released their standard rod-type electric actuators.  From the press release:

Issued by: Bob Kral kralr@bimba.com, Product Manager - April 15, 2010 

Original Line Electric (OLE) rod type actuators, Bimba’s first standard rod-type electric actuators, are designed to provide the longest life, greatest durability, highest speed, and greatest thrust per dollar. Their modular design enables them to be purchased as a complete actuator, motor, and control solution, or as an actuator by itself ready to accept the user’s preference of motor, stepper or servo. Prices start at $299.

Model availability - Most models and options are available now, including the reverse parallel mount. Exceptions are the reverse parallel with rear clevis or pivot, which will be available May 15, and the NE option (no motor with coupler for a 12mm shaft) which will be available May 1. Delivery of standard models is 4 days (for orders of 5 units or fewer).

Models and options - OLE models are available in 1.5, 2, and 3 inch diameters, in strokes up to 18 inches, thrusts up to 350 pounds, and speeds up to 24 inches per second. Standard options include trunion, block front, clevis, pivot, and foot mounts, step motors, drivers, and encoders, brakes, washdown ratings, female rod threads, and switches and switch tracks. 

The warranty on the OLE is a 1-year warranty covering workmanship and materials, expandable to 2-years free of charge with registration.  Additionally, in case you missed it we would like to draw attention to the starting price of $299.  This is the lowest entry price we have seen for an "industrial" electric actuator.  Leave it to Bimba, who revolutionized air cylinders with the non-repairable crimped body cylinder, to revolutionize industrial electric actuators in 2010.

At Scott Equipment we are excited about Bimba's release and we have a demo case arriving in early May.  If you would like additional information or to schedule a demo contact our OLE product manager Dave Lange (dlange@scotteq.com).

Links to Additional Information:

Bimba OLE Catalog (with Pricing)

Bimba OLE Manual
Bimba OLE Video Overview (Flash)
Bimba OLE 3-D Models
To Order - Contact Scott Equipment or call us at 1-800-222-2903

Balluff EtherNet/IP machine mount I/O Blocks

Balluff has introduced a new line of EtherNet/IP™ machine mount I/O blocks. Balluff's EtherNet/IP™ line consists of twelve versions of IP67 of machine mount I/O blocks and an IP 67 unmanaged switch.

[High Resolution Picture Link]

I/O Block Network Features:

• Easy, flexible IP addressing methods
• BOOTP/DHCP
• IP67 quick change addressing plug (IPAP)
• Addressable display (100 series only)
• Webserver interface
• Certified by ODVA to ensure reliable operation and complete interoperability
• Operates at 10 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s speeds for maximum throughput (auto recognize)
• Rugged M12 (D-coded) ethernet connector
• Supports star topology for increased reliability, accurate troubleshooting, and fast commissioning

Highly Visible Status LEDs

Status LEDs are vital during setup, preventative maintenance, and unplanned downtime. Traditional LEDs often become unreadable in the harsh and crowded manufacturing environment, but Balluff's LEDs are big, bright, and easy to see.

Detailed Level of Diagnostics

Many diagnostic features including monitoring low voltage conditions on the auxiliary power connector, short circuit and overload status.  

Powerful and Safe Outputs

Output current of up to 2 amps the output blocks are capable of driving almost any load.  Each output incorporates low trip overload protection with LED indication and a latching feature for easy troubleshooting.

Innovative Housing Design

This fully potten housing survives being stepped on, hit, improperly mounted, covered with debris, and splashed with caustic liquids. Super low-profile helps keep cables tucked safely out of harm's way. Rounded corners offer highly visible locations for channel markers. Strong metal housing requires only two mounting points and is tolerant of over-tightening.

Local Storage of IP Address

Unique IP67 Address Plug (IPAP) stores the block’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address. The IPAP has the additional features of user defined LEDs (which can aide in troubleshooting) and has an attachement strap to fix the IPAP to the network cable.

Addressable Display (100 series only)
Backlit display shows IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address. Push buttons allow the setting of any octet of the above addresses. The display can be locked out via the controller.

User Defined LEDs (100 series only) 

Similar to the IPAP, the display has the additional feature of red and green LEDs, which aid in troubleshooting.

For more information:

• Balluff EtherNet/IP™ Catalog
• To Order - Contact Scott Equipment (product is available for order via phone 800-222-2903, online ordering coming soon).
• Video - Link to Balluff EtherNet/IP YouTube Channel

Integrated Control Drive Motor - New from Tolomatic - ICM Plus

Tolomatic has released the new ICM Plus all-in-one integrated control, drive, and motor.  This solution combines the power of a servo motor with an integrated digital drive and control.  The ICM Plus has the following capabilities:

• Indexer programming
• Infinite positioning
• Stand-alone operation
• Mid-stroke positioning with sensors
• Stepper mode (pulse/direction)
• Analog position mode
• 100% duty cycle for continuous operation
• 24 Vdc opto-isolated I/O, NPN, or PNP
• 8 Inputs
• 2 Outputs
• IP65 Option - For protection against water and dust ingress

The ICM Plus can be used on almost all Tolomatic electric actuators.

Flexible Operation

The ICM Plus has 4 flexible operation modes:

• Stand-alone mode: PLCs or switches /sensors can send commands to the actuator via digital I / O to invoke indexer program for motion or other logic events.
• Communication mode: PLC or PC sends position commands or register changes over RS-232.
• Stepper mode: PLC or motion controller sends pulse / direction commands to actuator initiating motion.
• Analog position mode: PLC or motion controller sends 0 - 10 VDC analog signal to actuator which equates into an actual position (contact factory for Analog Torque Mode).

Powerful Software - Intuitive Interface

Additional information on the ICM Plus Integrated Control Motor system is available on Tolomatic's Website at tolomatic.com.

If you have an application, would like a demonstration, or would like to receive more information please contact Scott Equipment.

Analog feedback for Grippers

Many applications have a need for precise jaw position feedback on pneumatic grippers.  Precise jaw position feedback may be needed for higher process speeds or improved quality control.  A few of ideas for use of the analog feedback on pneumatic grippers are to:

• Differentiate objects by physical size based on jaw position.
• Feedback to an analog pressure control circuit to control grip pressure based on position to prevent object deformation while ensuring a secure grip on the object.
• Part present in gripper detection.

Balluff offers a number of sensors and technologies ideal for analog feedback relative to jaw position on pneumatic grippers:

Measurement with analog magneto-inductive linear sensors (BIL or Micro BIL)
An analog sensor that uses magneto-inductive linear technology is attached to the gripper in a position where it will sense the grippers internal magnet mounted on the piston.  The Micro BIL unit (pictured below) can slide into the t-slot of many modern grippers, taking the place of existing hall-effect or reed-switches and providing analog feedback.

Measurement with analog inductive sensor
To use this method you utilize an analog proximity sensor.  The analog proximity sensor measures position based on the amount of the sensor face  covered by a moving target on the gripper.  The image below shows an example of how this could be mounted and used.

Analog prox sensor detects jaw position.

Direct measurement of a inclined target

Better suited for large grippers with longer strokes a inclined target, like shown below, moves with the gripper jaw.  An analog inductive sensor detects the inclined target and feeds back jaw position.

For more information contact Scott Equipment.  We will be glad to assist you in specifying a Balluff analog sensor for your application.

SMC CBG1 End Lock Cylinders

Need your cylinder to hold position if you lose air pressure?  The SMC CBG1,  that is now manufactured in Indianapolis, may be the answer.

The SMC CBG1 series is based on the CG1 series cylinders.    In addition to the features of the CG1 series the CBG1 series also includes:

• Three available end locking types: Head side, rod side or both
• Standard with a choice of manual override: Locking or non-lock type
• Very low 2mm maximum locking backlash
• Lock holding force of up to 5390N (1,211 lbs.)
• Very low maximum lock release pressure of 0.15Mpa (21.75 psi)
• Standard with urethane bumper or available with optional air cushion for extra end of stroke kinetic energy absorption capability
• The design of the CBG1 allows for rod seal replacement if necessary
• Available with optional internal magnet for end of stroke sensing capability
• 8 bore sizes from 20mm to 100mm

For more information contact Scott Equipment.  We will be glad to assist you in specifying a CBG1 for your application.

New Industrial Bumpers

ITT Enidine has released a line of high performance industrial bumpers.

These products are individually sized to decelerate moving loads under various conditions and in compliance with industry mandated safety standards. They are engineered to conform with OSHA, AISE, CMAA and other safety specifications such as DIN and FEM.

Typical Applications

• Control of Bridge Cranes (Cab Operated)
• Portal Cranes
• Harbor Cranes
• Gantry Cranes
• Stacker Cranes
• Large Container Transport
• Ladle Transfer Cars

Features and Benefits of Enidine Bumper Products

• The bumper is manufactured of expanded polyurethane resin.  The special microcellular structure consists of open and closed cells. This enables the buffers to provide high performance with excellent elasticity and energy absorption.  This proprietary, anti-aging material is self-extinguishing and offers long service and shelf life.
• Rugged design suitable for outdoor use. 
• Temperature capability from -40ºC (-40ºF) to +80ºC (175ºF)
• A steel safety chain is encased within each bumper and attached to the metallic support. This safety feature prevents potential injury or damage to property due to the bumper breaking away from its mounting in the case of catastrophic impact.
• Resistant to mechanical wear, oil, grease and gasoline.
• Stud and four bolt mounting configurations available.

For more information contact Scott Equipment.

Link:  ITT Enidine High Performance Bumper Catalog

Virtual Demo Room

The link below will lead you to a Microsoft Photosynth of our demo/training room in Charlotte, NC. Microsoft Photosynth is a innovative technology that takes a group of photos and splices them together in three dimensions to create an immersive viewing experience.

Our fully operational demo room is open to all customers.  Contact us to schedule a visit.

Full window link:  View full photosynth

New True Color Sensor

Tri-Tronics has released a new true color sensor. From the Tri-Tronics market release:

Designed to work as well as an instrument or spectrometer, this sensor can solve the most difficult color applications at higher speeds than color cameras or the closest priced competitive product. The 4 Channel Monitor provides a visual confirmation of performance without having to switch channel selections or touch the sensor in any way.

Benefits:

• Low cost color solution; vs. color camera, competitive sensors, or spectrometers 
• Visual verification of individual channel performance 
• One model fits all applications; selectable outputs, timers, resolution, speed, etc. 
• Internal logic removes the need for extra processing; ex. Input for latch reset 
• Quick disconnect for easy changeover 
• Solves shade-to-shade or color-to-color applications 
• Capture colors from HMI, PLC, or remote button 

Features:

• 4-Channel Monitor for At-A-Glance performance feedback 
• 4-Digital Outputs; NPN or PNP (selectable) 
• 3-Analog Outputs; 0-5VDC - XYZ or xyY (selectable) 
• Light On, Dark On, or Mute selection for each channel 
• Speed versus Resolution (selectable) 
• Color versus Color + Intensity (selectable) 
• Remote Color Capture 
• 14-Wire, 6 Foot Cable, or 6 Inch Pigtail ¼ Turn Connector 
• Input for Latch Reset/Inhibit or Windowing 
• Adjustable Light Intensity; 1 to 100 
• Adjustable Tolerance for each channel; 1 to 50 
• Adjustable Timers; 1 millisecond to 10 seconds 
• Off Delay 
• On Delay 
• One Shot 
• Latch

We are enthused about this new sensor and the sensor's potential to make improvements for our customers.  At approximately $750 each this sensor can solve applications that  previously required much more expensive and complex solutions.

If you would like to see a demo of this sensor, or would like us to test an application in our sensor lab please contact us.

Custom Fitting Solutions

Some OEM applications require specialized fitting solutions that can't be found in a catalog.  The fittings in the image are specialized fittings we developed for a OEM application.  These fittings greatly reduced the size and complexity of the product.

If you have a custom fitting application Scott Equipment can help, contact us today.

mk QuickDesigner - 3D Guarding Configurator

We just finished our first hands-on with mk Technology Group's 3D Guarding Configurator mk QuickDesigner. Designing guards can be a very time consuming process. In the past there have been some software options but most were a plug into AutoCad or simply allowed you to access 3D models for use in any CAD software. While helpful these packages did little for those of us that did not use Autocad. mk Quickdesigner overcomes most of these limitations since it is a standalone full featured program.  From the sofware overview on mk's webpage:

Our new "mk QuickDesigner" software reduces engineering and order processing times by up to 80%.

"mk QuickDesigner" is a state-of-the-art and standalone pricing, planning and design tool for the easy and fast creation of perimeter guards made with mk Aluminum Framing Systems.

An easy to use 3D interface allows the quick design of a custom guard either by automatic equipping of 2D floorplans with 3D panels or by allowing the user to build and configure one panel at a time.

For now the final version comes packaged on a CD and can be requested free of charge via our website or email to sales@scotteq.com.   A downloadable copy would be nice, and we have requested that option from mk but at around 750 meg it would be a pretty large download.

When the CD is first inserted you are presented with a couple of options.  The first option is to run the program directly from the CD and avoid any installation.  Personally, I would advise against this.  Most CD drives are relatively slow and if your experience is anything like mine the program runs too slowly directly from the CD.  If you select install the program it installs like any other software.

Like any program once loaded it takes a few minutes to get familiar with the various options and buttons  available.  Thankfully mk included a 46 page PDF user guide that can be accessed by clicking on the '?' on the top program menu.  The pdf guide is well done and will get you started with the program basics.

You have a couple of different options when drawing your guards.  The first option is inserting the first section and building from that module forward.  This method is easy thanks to the connection points method of adding sections.  Using this method, basic guards are quick to configure.

As you can see in the image on the right the panel we just inserted has 3 connection points on each side and a center point where we can modify what is inside the panel.  Clicking on any of these green connection points brings up options to add the next module.

The second option for generating a new guard is using the "Automatic Guard Generation"  tools.  This tool works with a 2D line drawing tool inside the software or you can import a CAD drawing from a floor plan.  Think of it as drawing a guard in 2D in top view with simple lines.  Once drawn you can automatically generate the guard.  This will generate a solid guard that you can go back into the 3D view and change panels to doors, adjust sweep heights, and other features.  I would imagine this would be the preferred starting method when drawing more complex guards.

As a learning experience I decided to create a basic guard with a door and a conveyor entry point.  The basic guard shown in the image on the left took me about 10 minutes to create.

As you can see I was able to easily adjust the sweep height for the conveyor entry.  It even has some basic shapes (box, tube, person) you can add to represent other items in the environment.

Once drawn you can export this guard drawing to most 2D & 3D formats.  Additionally, with one click you can generate your Bill of Materials right into excel.  The Bill of Materials includes everything in varying levels of detail across 5 excel tabs.   The tabs are:

1. Price Calculation - Basic pricing and part number information and quantities per assembly. (22 parts lin the assembly shown above)
2.  Parts List - More detail, every part in every sub-panel assembly down to the fasteners. (54 parts in the assembly shown above)
3. Cut List Extrusions - Summary of extrusions used and the total lengths as well as the number of cuts. (7 different extrusion / cut combinations for the assembly above including the sealing gasket)
4. Cut List Panels - The type of panels (e.g., wire mesh, pvc, etc.) used and their dimensions.
5. Material Requirement List - A summary showing the entire parts list shipping weight.  (282.81 lbs. in the example above).

We are very impressed with the software and have copies available free of charge for anyone designing guards using mk extrusion.  To receive your free copy please send an email to sales@scotteq.com or contact us online.

New SMC LEY Series - Rod Style Electric Actuator

SMC has released a new rod style electric actuator, the LEY series.  Built into a compact package the new LEY series has the following features:

• Max stroke 500 mm (19.68")
• Speed control
• Position control (Max. 64 points)
• 2 Motor types
• Stepper Motor
• Servo Motor
• Optional drop prevention via a non-energizing operation type lock mechanism.
• Rod Scraper
• 3 Sizes with a maximum pushing force (LEY32 with 4mm Lead) 707N or 159 lbs.
• Max Speed 500 mm (19.68" / s)

The LEY series is typically sold as a set with a LEC controller.  The LEC controller is programmable and features 11 inputs and 13 outputs with up to 64 stored positions.  Additionally, the LEC controller has RS485 (Modbus protocol compliant) serial communication.

For the features series LEY is has a very good market price.  Complete systems including actuator, controller, and cables range from $1,300 - $2,000 depending on the options selected.  A teach pendent is available as an option but was not included in the pricing estimates above.

More information on SMC series LEY can be found in the  LEY Series Catalog

If you have application questions or need pricing and delivery please call (1-800-222-2903) or contact Scott Equipment online.

Registration mark sensor with (5µs) repeatability

Tri-Tronics Company, Inc. has introduced the new SMARTEYE® X-MARK™ Photoelectric Registration Mark Sensor with a 10us response time and 5us repeatability.  This is the ideal sensor for registration mark sensing in today's packaging, printing and converting applications where higher speed and accuracy are demanded.

If you would like a demonstration or to test the sensor in your application give us a call  (800-222-2903) or contact us online.

New Line - LinkTech Couplings

Scott Equipment is proud to announce the addition of the LinkTech line of quick couping solutions.  LinkTech offers a wide range of standard and unique custom couplings.  LinkTech’s industry interchangeable quick couplings are particularly well suited for use on durable and disposable medical equipment, analytical devices, and food & beverage applications, among others. The standard LinkTech product line is very broad, including a complete range of threaded, panel mount, in-line and elbow configurations. In addition, LinkTech has the capability to produce custom solutions to meet unique application requirements.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Audible “click” ensures a secure connection
• Intuitive thumb-latch design
• Connects with other thumb-latch type couplings
• The only industry interconnect guarantee
• 350 standard coupling styles and sizes to choose from

MATERIALS:

• POM (Polyacetal Copolymer, DuPontTM Derlin®)
• Polypropylene (Industrial & Gamma Stable Medical Grade)
• ABS (Medical Grade)
• Chrome Plated Brass (Food Grade)

PERFORMANCE:

• Operating Pressure: Vacuum to 250psi (Vacuum to 17.3 bar)
• Operating Temperature: -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C)
• Flow Capacity: 1/8” to 1/2”

These products will be added to our online site soon.  If you have current applications please give us a call (1-800-222-2903) or Contact Us online.

[Link] to visit the LinkTech website