Archive for June, 2010

	Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of their next generation of high performance robots. The new lineup includes the SD-Series and SQ-Series which are the traditional stand-alone configuration and the iQ-based configuration respectively.
While both types will continue to use same compact arm design that made the SSeries successful, new motion control and amplifier designs offer performance improvements that can affect cycle time up to 30% and accuracy to 70%. In addition to performance, there are notable improvements in ease of use, integration and safety. A robust set of standard features and interfaces position the SD and SQ as a value product among many competitors.
While the SD and SQ share the same level of performance and speed, their hardware configurations are slightly different. The SD models have a self contained drive unit that also houses the CPU, communication modules and I/O. The SQ still requires a separate drive unit but the CPU module (Q172DRCPU) moves to the iQ rack and the user must add appropriate communication and I/O modules to the system on the rack. Standard Features: Additional axis interface- plug and play SSCNETIII connection to MR-J3 servos Serial encoder interface- 2 channels for conveyor tracking (standard on SD, under development for SQ) Ethernet communication port- easy integration to Vision or other accessories, PC connection ) USB and RS232 – quick connect to PC (SD only) GOT direct connect- no need for PLC code for GOT connection Collision Detection- user defined safe zones of possible impact definable by plane and level of impact Singularity Avoidance- control will automatically calculate movement around singularity points Selectable movement modes – Standard, High Accuracy, and High Speed modes allow user to optimize application with moves that are appropriate for the task Optional Interfaces for SD: Profibus DeviceNet

Flexible I/O:

General Purpose I/O is designed to be easily changed without opening the controller. Changing from sink to source type or vice-versa is an easy board swap.

The basic design concept is that robots will have no pre-installed I/O except for hand inputs which will have factory default settings of sink type for –S11 models and source type for –S12 (CE) models. This can be changed by the user with a switch setting. Hand outputs still require 2A-RZ365/375 cards to be activated. Sink or source type must be matched amongst the hand inputs and outputs. The other exception is that all CE models will have 32/32 source type GP I/O preinstalled. This is still field-changeable.

Remote I/O modules are available for SD models in sink or source configuration. Note however that onboard I/O and remote I/O now use different cables 2D-CBL** vs. 2A-CBL**.

I/O for SQ-Series configurations are selected from the standard Q Series modules

New Teach Pendants:

	The release of SD/SQ robots includes 2 new pendant options, R32TB and R56TB. R32TB is the new “basic” pendant. It has a new larger display of 8 lines x 24 characters, very user friendly, more ergonomic and allows easy right or left handed operation of the 3-way switch. R56TB is an enhanced pendant that boasts a 6.5”VGA touch screen interface. Additional features of the R56TB include: RT-TOOLBOX functionality on screen User definable screen capability Easy Navigation High-speed Ethernet connection to the controller Comfortable right hand or left hand operation USB connection for program /parameter access or firmware upgrades

Software:

RT-Toolbox 2 is the latest setup software for MELFA robots. This title is used for programming, setup, parameters, maintenance, and simulation. For users not requiring simulation, order RT-Toolbox 2 LT. MELFA-Works is a more comprehensive programming environment for 3D cell design, simulation and range of motion testing. This title also includes a 3D CAD to motion tool. MELFA-Works is an add-on to SolidWorks. MELFA-Vision is a setup tool for users of Cognex “In-Sight” cameras. MELFA-Vision allows for quick integration to the vision system and part identification.

Global Acceptance and Safety:

SD and SQ robots are built to the ISO 10218-1 standard for safe robot manufacture This standard has recently become the accepted robot safety standard in the USA.

SD and SQ robots are CE compliant. This is the version that MEAU will stock.

SD (but not SQ) robots are available in UL compliant versions. These are special order.

Warranty:

All Mitsubishi robots come with a full 2 year warranty covering parts and labor for replacement of defective items. This is longer than all of our major competitors. In addition to this, TSS offers warranty contracts to extend the original parts and labor term and/or add on-site warranty coverage.

Applications:

Mitsubishi robots are designed for precision applications of small to medium payload capacity across many industries. Typical applications include: machine tending, material handling, assembly, inspection, material removal, QC/test, laboratory work, and education.

 

For more information, here is the MELFA Robot Product Selection Guide

 

Carlo Gavazzi is proud to launch the BFD Series, one of the most advanced light curtains for guarding industrial doors. Thanks to a unique design, the BFD can distinguish between normal door operation, and foreign objects blocking the door. Unlike standard door sensors located in one or two locations along the door track, the BFD guards the entire height of the door, so a raised forklift is detected without fail.

The BFD is loaded with features that make it an excellent choice for any industrial door-guarding application:

• 39.4 foot (12m) sensing range
• Edge sensing and side sensing versions for fit in every installation
• Two height options: 6.6 ft. (2m) and 8.2 ft. (2.5m)
• 10 – 30 VDC and 18 – 27 VAC rectified supply
• Static opto-mosfet output
• Normally Open and Normally Closed output selectable
• Dynamic blanking function allows sensor to recognize vertical door closure
• Built-in test function assures safe, reliable operation
• LED indication for power supply, system status, and alignment
• Color-coded emitter and receiver cables, with M12 connectors for simple installation
• Optional mating cable kit available
• IP54 versions for indoor use, and IP65 versions for wash down areas

The BFD Series is an excellent choice for all types of industrial doors, including sectional doors, high speed rolling doors, fire doors, freight elevator doors, and many more. With UL, CSA, and CE approvals, your assurance of high quality is unmatched.

 

For more information, here is the BFD Brochure

 

Baldor Electric Company is announcing even greater flexibility for one of the most versatile servomotor drive ranges in the world. The e100 drive family has been re-engineered to become compatible with no less than three industrial Ethernet standards – EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and Powerlink – as well as standard TCP/IP networks and Baldor’s own highly popular Mint system building environment. The drives offer system builders a choice of servomotor, closed-loop vector or V/Hz motor control modes, combined with an array of features and configuration options that provide exceptional versatility of use.

The new drives are versions of Baldor’s e100 single- and three-phase drives. Up to now, these drives have been compatible with the real-time Powerlink Ethernet standard, TCP/IP and Baldor’s Mint system building environment. With this release, Baldor upgrades the capability of the drives to additionally be configured for EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP networks. These two communications protocols greatly extend the applications potential of the drives in PLC-controlled applications.

Baldor’s MicroFlex e100 and MotiFlex drives have earned a reputation for being extremely easy to configure and use – through features such as wizard application software which removes the traditional complexity of drive set up.

The drives also offer many novel hardware capabilities that PLC users can benefit from. The three-phase drives are energy efficient, offering a DC bus system that can share regenerated power with other axes. As well as their own local I/O and CANopen expansion, many drives also have option card slots, providing a high degree of configurability for specific applications including almost all fieldbuses. Other features include universal encoder feedback input, and programmable notch filters to eliminate mechanical resonance effects, as well as the ability to be used with servomotors, closed loop vector motors or in V/Hz motor speed control modes.

“Our new drives support multiple standards – out-of-the-box – at no extra cost and without any need for plug-in cards,” says Baldor’s product manager David Greensmith. “They provide system builders with a universal drive platform that can be used in many different ways to suit different customers and applications – from standalone motion control systems to networked systems hosted by PLCs or other devices.”

In addition to the new drive functionality, Baldor now supports all of the Ethernet networks on its NextMove e100 motion system and machine controller. This combines network control capability with control facilities for up to seven analog or stepper drives, and may be used standalone or in conjunction with PLC or PC hosts.

 

For more information, here is the Motiflex & Microflex Brochure

 

Rugged, highly connected Cobalt C0405 RFID integrated controller/antenna bring fast and low cost RFID to the factory floor. The C0405 offers direct serial connectivity and network connectivity via Datalogic’s series of Gateways. The microprocessor architecture used by all C-Series family products accommodates advanced automation features such as C-Macro™, plug’n'play hardware replacement and modular system expansion. Industrial M12 connectors ensure trouble free operation inside the industrial environment for manufacturing applications such as machine control, work-in-progress and other factory automation applications.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• COBALT HF family architecture including C-MACRO™ command software for easy integration with industrial control systems.
• Rugged M12 Connectors and industrial design assure protection from moisture and dust in harsh environments.
• Easy to read LED indicators provide helpful diagnostics.
• Advanced electronics permit longer read/write distance, and reduced sensitivity to the proximity of metal in the field for higher performance in difficult environments.
• C-Macro™ command software, and advanced micro-processing reduce network traffic between reader and host Integrated controller/antenna design eliminates cabling restrictions for easier installation.
• Plug ‘n’ Play allows effortless installation of additional Cobalt controllers on a network.
• Multi-tag firmware allows groups of tags to be read in the same field at the same time.

APPLICATIONS
This product series has been developed to satisfy to requirements of the following reference applications:

• Automated pharmaceutical
• Packaging machines
• Electronics manufacturing
• Hard disk drive manufacturing
• Work-in-progress
• Tool tracking

 

For more information, here is the Cobalt Datasheet or for other solutions check out the RFID Product Guide.

 

Carlo Gavazzi is proud to launch a rugged family of inductive proximity sensors in full metal housings, constructed of durable, 304 stainless steel. These sensors feature metal faces, which can withstand impact, abrasions and various types of chemicals and cutting oils that would typically destroy sensors with plastic sensing faces.

The new IAxxF series is loaded with features that make it an excellent first choice for many challenging applications:

Available in M8, M12, M18 and M30 housing sizes Long and short housings 10 – 30 VDC supply NPN and PNP versions Normally open and closed 100mA output options Quick-disconnect plug or pre-wired with 2m cable Bright LED indication for output Flush and non-flush versions Sensing ranges up to 15mm Reverse polarity, short circuit and transient protections

Like all Carlo Gavazzi inductive proximity sensors, the new full metal sensors come with our standard 10 year warranty! They also have all relevant North American approvals, assuring you of a safe performance.

 

For more information, here is the Inductive Metal Housing Proximity Brochure

 

Ulyxe lasers, 6W@1064nm, belong to the category of DPSS Active Q-Switched lasers. This family is extremely compact (only 42cm, 16.5”) but offers all the most advanced technological concepts. Ulyxe family provides the best price/performance ratio in the laser marking world. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and competitive positioning together with its immediate use, the Ulyxe family becomes the first choice in marking solutions even when compared with traditional marking techniques. Thanks to its extreme compactness, this laser family represents the ideal laser marking solution both in stand-alone configurations as well as in industrial production lines.

THE ALL-IN-ONE LASERS

The air cooled laser sources offer an ultra-compact design and include the scanning head, digital control and monitoring functions. The whole units are equipped with a specifically designed high-tech case, available in different materials (polyurethane and metal) depending on different application requirements.
The operator can easily interact and monitor the most important laser status and functions with an user friendly LCD/touch screen control display.
This compact laser family is available in 2 different configurations – Ulyxe and Zeux.
Ulyxe perfectly combines compact dimensions with USB connection ease, and the user-friendly Ulyxe Editor software, specifically developed to offer all key marking functions.
Zeux offers great compactness and full compatibility with the new marking platform (iMARKPCI board and Lighter software).

LASER MODEL	ULYXE	ZEUX
Wavelength	1064nm
Nominal power	6W
Beam quality	M2<3
Peak power	15kW
Repetition rate range	10-200kHz
Aiming beam	Class 2M Red Diode Laser; λ=635nm ± 5nm; 3mW
Power supply	24Vdc – 300W
Cooling system	Air cooled
Operating temperature	+10 to +35° C (46 to 95° F)
Conformance to EEC Rules	2004/108/EEC: “Electromagnetic Compatibility” – 2006/95/EEC: “Low Voltage”
Conformance to EU Standards	EN 61000-6-4, EN 61000-6-2, EN60204-1, EN60825-1

Options:

• Remote LCD with touch screen
• Second beam focus pointer
• Power supply
• Basic or Evo control box

F-THETA LENSES *	F100	F160	F254
Marking area (mm2)	60 x 60	120 x 120	180 x 180

 

For more information, here is the ULYXE Brochure & ULYXE User Manual or the Laser Marking Product Brochure

 

Take Full Advantage of the Web for HMI Design, Publishing, Runtime and Support.

This new, affordable Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solution fully leverages the wide availability of web browsing software to enable distributed HMI software, remote support and application sharing on the Internet and IP Networks Interact Xpress HMI applications are developed, edited, published and run in an HMI that is a Web Server, allowing users and OEMs to easily publish upgrades and applications to any global location with an Internet connection and a web browser. Interact Xpress combines a rich, graphical runtime interface with HMI development tools that can be accessed from either the HMI panel or any PC running Internet Explorer®.

 

Interact Xpress Features

• Sophisticated graphics look and feel with ease of development
• Integrated Web Publishing capability for distributed applications
• No version control issues with Web published development.
• Applications can be served, created and edited online from any PC with Internet Explorer.
• Available offline, development software allows work on applications when a live Internet connection is not available.
• Advanced security for single or multi-user applications
• Tools for historical alarm data
• Capacity for complex graphics and animations
• Standard Ethernet port for both networking and controller communications
• More than 35 device communication drivers
• Unlimited tags
• Color depth to 262,144 colors
• XPR PowerStation industrially-hardened hardware with steel backshell construction
• Industry-leading 2-year warranty

Simplify and Cost-Reduce Your Distributed HMI Applications

Interact Xpress™ software is a revolutionary product that takes full advantage of the Internet and the wide availability of web browsers to design, publish, run and support your Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications without sophisticated Windows-based software and hardware.

• Optimized runtime client performance using Adobe Flash technology
• Bundled with CTC’s new, CE-based XPR PowerStations
• Unlimited tags included
• 35+ device communication drivers included
• Affordable HMI for multi-site, multi-station and standalone machines, particularly when remote control, monitoring and support are desirable
• Supervisory stations created by simply publishing the local HMI screens to supervisory software or a simple Web browser

Simple, Yet Powerful, Development Tools:

Integrated development environment where applications can be designed and edited on the runtime system HMI designer/editor supports multiple runtime versions, easing version control management headaches Easy, object-based screen development using a “Tool Bin” of preconfigured panels tools and “drag and drop” editing Panel Tools include: pushbuttons, numeric entry, selection entry, numeric displays, bar graphs, meters, gauges, sliders, message displays, time/date display and more 3-D, shaded panel tool graphic are available in multiple styles with no additional work. Includes an Integrated Graphics Library Jpeg (.jpg) and Flash (.swf) image support Complex animation capabilities and video support Web link support Preconfigured Alarm tool with automatic collection of Historical Alarm data Integrated Tag Editor with “drag and drop” tools and import/export to Excel and other software packages Development software for offline design/editing supports Windows®2000 and Windows® XP operating systems

Feature-Rich Runtime Operation:

• Runs on CTC’s new, XPR PowerStations (see back page)
  – available with 6”, 8” and 10” touchscreen displays and CompactFlash non-rotating storage media
• Hardware/software integration optimizes performance, storage and connectivity
• Rich, graphical runtime interface that is scalable to various screen sizes
• Runs sophisticated graphics, animations and video to enhance the operator experience
• Built-in networking, publishing and web browsing from any operator station
• Advanced security tools support single and multi-user applications, as well as integrated development from operator interface

Advanced Networking and Web Publishing:

Interact Xpress provides industry-leading Web publishing and multiple client support in a very affordable Distributed HMI package . . .

• Supports local or remote development – no version control issues or online development costs
• OEMs can easily publish upgrades and applications, using a client/server approach, to any global location with an Internet of IP connection.
• Publishes station-level runtime screens in supervisory level software via Internet browser tools – with no preset limit on connections!

Ready for Global Remote Support:

By far, the most cost-effective way to support machinery installations or remote stations across geographical distances is via the Internet or other IP connections. Xpress makes it easier than ever to develop, edit, monitor, diagnose, share and control machine applications online, whether working in real time or downloading/uploading files for local installation . . .

• Remote Maintenance and sharing of applications available over the Web – reduces support costs
• Local or Remote Monitoring can be accomplished via the same process.
• Web-enabled architecture eases implementation of remote diagnostics and support on a global scale.

HMI Power and Connectivity In a Durable, Affordable Package

Interact Xpress software is pre-installed and bundled with CTC’s new XPR PowerStation hardware, which is designed to optimize the performance, storage and connectivity features of Xpress HMI. This NEMA4/4X-rated family of CE-based workstations is available with 6”, 8” and 10” TFT touchscreen display models, embedded fanless CPU technology, 256MB DRAM and a full range of standard features such as CompactFlash storage, 2 USB ports, 2 RS-232 and RS-232/422/485 ports and a 100BaseT Ethernet port.

With standard 128 MB CompactFlash storage, XPR models use non-rotating storage media for high system reliability. And like all CTC Powerstations, these units are quality tested to endure more harsh conditions in a day than most operator stations see in a lifetime. That’s why we’re able to offer an industry-leading, 2-year limited warranty with free phonebased technical support for all of our products. XPR PowerStations offer durability and no moving parts, to complement Xpress software in providing a high-value, Distributed HMI solution.

 

To Download this information, here is the CTC Parker Xpress Brochure