Laser Sensor with OLED graphic display

 

SMARTEYE® SmartDot™

TRI-TRONICS® has introduced a unique Laser Sensor with an OLED graphic display that provides visible feedback of proper setup and continual monitoring of performance.

The SMARTEYE® SmartDot Laser Sensor is designed for General Purpose sensing applications, and can also be used for precise, small parts detection at long ranges. The consistently small laser beam is used to detect such things as a tab on a battery, a misaligned or missing bottle cap, or a cross-threaded can lid. The SmartDot Laser Sensor is easily aligned, easily set up, and designed for repeatability of performance from sensor to sensor. It is useful in general purpose applications such as a product detector for vision systems, and simple inspection applications. The sensor can also be used in high precision applications for small parts detection, critical identifying feature inspection, and detection of micro electronic packages.

The SMARTEYE® SmartDot Laser Sensor has an OLED display providing the kind of visual confirming information which makes setup a breeze, and instills confidence in the user as to the longterm performance of the sensor. Displaying all the necessary information to determine proper setup for maximum up-time was the ultimate deciding factor in including the OLED display in this highly capable sensing device. For any applications, either general purpose, or those requiring small spot precision, the SmartDot Laser Sensor from Tri-Tronics is an excellent choice.

Features

• OLED Graphic Display
• 180° Rotating Connector
• NPN and PNP Outputs
• M12, 5 pin Connector, or Cable
• 240μs Response Time
• Threshold and Set-Point Numeric Graphic
• Timers; On Delay, Off Delay, One Shot
• Sensor Scope Diagnostics
• Built-in Digital Instructions

Benefits

• Easily Align Replacement Sensors
• See Through Tight Spaces at Long Distances
• Easy Setup
• Low Maintenance
• Confident Setup
• Robust and Durable
• High Speed
• Accurate
• Repeatable

Applications

• Edge Detection - Packaging, Wafers, etc.
• Shaft Key Orientation
• Small Parts Detection
• Container Cap Alignment
• Vision System Trigger
• Metal Thread Detection on Machined Parts

Additional Information:
Brochure Link:  SmartDot Brochure (PDF)
Tri-Tronics Website:  http://www.ttco.com/
Contact us:  800-222-2903 / sales@scotteq.com

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 

Smallest Volume VFD on the Market - WEG CFW100

WEG has released the smallest volume Variable Speed Drive (VFD) on the market.  This tiny VFD is a single-phase variable frequency drive developed for simple applications ranging from 1/4 to 1 HP (0.18 kW to 0.75kW).  This drive is an ideal solution for many OEMs.  Connect this small drive to your induction motor and you get selectable scaler (V/F) or voltage vector control (VVW), along with a HMI for setup and monitoring.  The CFW100 is built around a plug & play philosophy so that installation and operation is fast and easy.

Features & Benefits

• Power range: 0,18kW, 0,25kW and 0,75kW (0,25, 0,50 and 1,0 HP)
• Single phase
• Power supply voltage: 200-240 V
• Scalar (V / F) or sensorless (VVW)
• Plug-in modules: I/Os, USB, Bluetooth®, Infrared and Fieldbus communication
• SoftPLC function built-in
• HMI with 2 Parameters built-in
• Ambient temperature 122 ºC
• All the electronic boards are conformally coated classified as 3C2 according to IEC 60721-3-3
• Protection Degree IP20
• External RFI Filter (optional)
• Flash memory module: In few seconds, it is possible to download the programming from a CFW100 to others without powering them up
• SuperDrive G2 free softwares

Easy Configuration

Human Machine Interface

Applications

• Machinery
• Centrifugal pumps
• Process dosing pumps
• Fans / exhausters
• Stirrers / Mixers
• Lift doors
• Roller tables
• Granulators / palletizers
• Rotary flters
• Small handling applications

Certifications

Downloads

Catalogs, Brochures, Manuals, CAD

Need assistance or more information?

Email Scott Equipment or call 1-800-222-2903

IP Ratings and the Manufacturing Environment

Gary Rosengren - Director of Engineering at Tolomatic has posted an excellent white paper that discusses environmental conditions and how IP ratings may be applied when rod-type and rodless linear actuators are used in these environments.

Click below for the full whitepaper:

IP ratings and the manufacturing environment: How to apply linear actuators for quality, safety and long service life.   (pdf)

Application Spotlight - Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors - Sound solutions for object detection and measurement

Whether your application is position detection, distance measurement, or the detection of solid, powder, or liquid media: BUS ultrasonic sensors are precise all-around performers. They remain high-performance independent of color, transparency, and surface properties. Even poor lighting conditions and dark, transparent, or highly reflective objects pose no problem.

Ultrasonic sensors show their true strength when long operating ranges with high accuracy are needed. In dusty, humid, and hazy environments, they are sometimes the only alternative. Even in the case of heavy debris, BUS sensors have proven themselves.

Ultrasonic sensors can be used in many application areas

Foil tear monitoring Ultrasonic sensors
with switching output can be used for foil tear
monitoring. If large waves are formed in the foil,
the sensor should be operated as a diffuse
reflective sensor. This operating mode functions
reliably even if the sound is reflected by waves in
the foil.

Height and width measurement
Through the use of multiple BUS M30 or
BUS 18M ultrasonic sensors, three-dimensional
measurements can be made for everything from
small boxes to large cartons.

Presence verification BUS detect filled or
empty pallets and measure the content of
transport containers. If a box or a container is to
be inspected with multiple sensors, they can be
synchronized with each other.

Robot positioning Due to their small dimensions, BUS are
ideally suited for exactly positioning robot arms:
BUS 18M ultrasonic sensors in threaded
sleeve and BUS R06K in block-style housing.

Control foil sag and monitor roll diameter Using an ultrasonic sensor with analog output, the material on a roll or a coil is detected and the roll drive or a brake readjusted. Another sensor with analog output readjusts the material infeed at the dancer roller as a function of the cable loop.








Scott Equipment offers a complete line of ultrasonic sensors from Balluff.  For additional information on Balluff ultrasonic sensors contact us or visit the Balluff Website.




Application spotlight provided by Balluff: 
Balluff, Inc.
8125 Holton Drive
Florence, KY 41042
www.balluff.us

New hygienic designed electric cylinders are IP69K, stainless steel and USDA approved.

Tolomatic has just released two new sizes of ERD electric cylinders that are hygienically designed, IP69K rated with a USDA Accepted Equipment Certification for meat (livestock), poultry, and dairy food processing applications.

The new hygienic stainless steel design of ERD electric cylinders offer:

• Thrust capacities to 4500 lbf [20,017 N]
• Increased strokes to 39.4 inches [1000 mm]
• Increased speed capacities to 57.5 inches [1460.5 mm]
• Choice of ball, or roller screws 
• Lowest cost stainless steel actuator– with IP69K as standard equipment available out of the catalog with fast delivery 

With the expanded force range the ERD can handle the most demanding jobs such as pressing, cutting, chopping and can replace most pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders with excellent efficiency and operating flexibility.

Get all the details.  Download the ERD brochure, and contact us for an onsite demonstration.

If you are attending the Process Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL you can see the ERD in action at Booth #1316

Pluto Safety PLCs Now with Analog Inputs

ABB Jokab Safety has expanded the range of Safety PLC modules with the Pluto D20, which features 4 safe analog inputs. The I/O configuration is the same as for the Pluto B20 with the added benefit that 4 of the inputs can be used as either ordinary safe inputs or as safe analog inputs 0-10V or 4-20mA.

This allows Pluto to be used in applications where proximity sensors, temperature sensors, pressure and flow sensor monitoring is required for the Category 4/SIL3 PLe protection of personal around hazardous machinery.  The key advantage of Pluto Safety PLCs over conventional Safety PLCs is that the Pluto modules can see each other’s inputs and outputs, enabling simple communication, programming and changes to the safety system.  More Information

Download Pluto Safety PLCs product Overview (PDF)
Download Pluto D20 fact sheet (PDF)
Watch video:  "Machine safety systems"
Request Catalog
Request a quote

SMC's VEX3 Valve - True 3-Position 3-Way Poppet Valves

SMC's VEX3 valve can simplify, improve, and increase the performance of many pneumatic and vacuum applications.  The VEX3 valve is a true 3-way, 3-position closed center valve.  Available in internally-piloted solenoid, externally-piloted solenoid, and an air-pilot version the valve can be applied in applications from low vacuum to 145 psi.

What makes this valve unique and versatile is the valve's pressure balancing poppet design.  What are the benefits of a poppet design?

• Fast Response - When actuated the valve port is immediately open to full air flow.
• High flow rates - up to 37 Cv with a VEX3
• Closed Crossover - When shifting the valve closes one flow path before opening another.  Unlike spool valves this means you have no transitional state where leakage can occur.  This provides you more precise control between positions.
• Longer Life - Poppet valves have a longer life than spool valves.  The poppet valve design results in less wear on the seals.

Where can you apply a VEX3?

• Vacuum Suction, Release (or blow off), and all ports blocked - The VEX3 is ideal for vacuum applications where people traditionally applied multiple 3-way valves or plugged ports on a 4-way.  Using 4-way valves in this application can result in blow by when switching positions and sluggish response.  The VEX3 allows full vacuum and pressure flow immediately with no blow-by when switching from vacuum to pressure.  You can select between pressure, vacuum, or all ports blocked.

• Operation of Double Acting Cylinders - In this application you use two VEX3 valves, one to each port of the cylinder.  In this application you can put the cylinder in one of 9 different states (3 valve positions x 3 valve positions) including slow stopping, acceleration and deceleration.

• Selector or Divider Valve - The pressure balancing poppet permits flow in any direction and allows you to use the valve as a pressure selector or direction divider valve.

For additional information see the specifications at the link below:

SMC VEX3 Specifications

Why use Mencom M23 instead of MIN Style Connectors?

From Stefanie Schumacher / Mencom:

"Why would I use the M23 12 pole or 19 pole instead of the MIN style?"  That's a great question and I asked it myself.  There are two predominant reasons:

1. The encoder industry uses M23's almost exclusively.
2. In every other country outside of the USA, M23's are used instead of MIN's, so you will be seeing these more and more.

These connectors are manufactured in Oakwood, GA by Mencom.  See the flyer link for more information.

Flyer Link:   M23 Cables & Receptacles

Proportional Air Motor Control

Check out these videos taken at the 2012 Pack Expo show.  The first demonstrates proportional control of an air motor using Enfield servo valves.




The second video below demonstrates proportional control of a rack and pinion rotary actuator.