IMPACT 67 & MVK

IODD ON BOARD

Now you can set up machines and systems with IO-Link devices even faster. Murrelektronik is the first manufacturer to offer "IODD on board" which allows you to "Plug & Play" when integrating IO-Link devices.

An IODD (IO Device Description) file describes sensors and valves. It contains information about the device's identity, parameters, process data, diagnosis data, communication properties and other details.  Murrelektronik's new MVK Metal and Impact67 fieldbus modules will have the ability for IODD files (for participating manufacturers IO-Link devices) integrated into the GSD file. If those devices - like IO-Link sensors or valve clusters - are included in an installation, this database is available and can be quickly integrated.  Prior to this each new IO-Link master had to be individually integrated into the software taking up valuable time. If a large number of identical sensors had to be connected, the process had to be repeated for each new device on the network - a time consuming and error-prone process.

Now, with "IODD on board", the IO-Link master is configured by the control - and the setup is complete. Just "Plug & Play" and the job is done. You also have the option to integrate IO-Link devices by asynchronous access.

All of Murrelektronik's new IO-Link modules correspond to IO-Link specification 1.1. and are equipped with IO-Link Class A and B ports.

For more information click the link below:

Minimizing Electrical Noise in Actuator Drive Systems

Electrical noise is common in industrial environments.  Erratic movements, random system faults, and communications loss, are just a few of the symptoms.  Proper system design and wiring can minimize electrical noise to the point where it doesn't interfere with system reliability.  For more information check out Tolomatic's Whitepaper:

Minimizing electrical noise in actuator drive systems for maximum reliability and performance 

          Introduction:

Electric drives and actuators often need to operate in harsh factory conditions that subject the equipment to dust, moisture, heat and vibration. This same environment will also include electrical noise that can disrupt actuator control signals and cause erratic movements or precipitate complete system failure. By understanding electrical noise, system designers can take steps to minimize this interference and ensure higher reliability and maximum performance from electrical drives and actuators. This paper will discuss the
cause of electrical noise and its effects on communication loss, while also providing tips on how to minimize noise and maximize electric drive system performance.

Click here to continue reading the whitepaper 

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.

Tolomatic SmartActuator

The SmartActuator from Tolomatic is a controller, drive and servo motor integrated into one compact, durable, electric linear actuator. The result: reliable, affordable power that is remarkably easy-to-use.
The ICR rod-style electric SmartActuator Series comes in two motion control packages:
The ICR Basic for simple extend and retract operation and the ICR Plus with indexer programming and network communication capabilities.
Both ICR Basic and Plus electric screw SmartActuators offer:

• 100% duty cycle for continuous operation
• 24 Vdc opto-isolated inputs, NPN or PNP
• Two ball screw selections
• IP65 option for protection against water and dust ingress

All SmartActuators are built-to-order and shipped in 5 days or less.
Additional information is available here.