Archive for July, 2010
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the latest addition to the RV-Series of high performance vertically articulated robots.
The RV-2 extends an already broad range of vertical robots which now ranges from 2Kg-12Kg. The new model is available in both SD and SQ formats 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 S-Series 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.
The RV-2 is rated at 2Kg with a 3Kg maximum payload and 504mm reach. This new robot is dexterous and fast with many new design features enabling it to outperform its competitors. A new offset arm design allows for greater total range of motion. The slim profile of the arm and wrist allow the RV-2 to work and reach into confined spaces. The J1 axis has an unmatched range of 480º eliminating the typical rear dead zone. J2 range has also been extended to 240º which improves motion especially in ceiling mount applications. The speed performance of J4-J6 has been optimized to address fast and frequent posture changes common in assembly work. Maximum composite speed is 4400 mm/S enabling a 0.6S cycle time without compromise to repeatability. RV-2 is ideal for precision and high-throughput applications.
As with all Mitsubishi robots, the RV-2 offers ease of integration and connectivity. Connection to additional axes, GOT, Vision, Safety and other third party hardware is simplified. Powerful programming and simulation software round out a product offering that delivers high performance and value.
For more information, here is the RV-2SD/SQ Brochure
HEIDENHAIN Corporation offers a new generation of rotary encoders with IP64 protection, absolute position-value formation, and functional safety, all within a 35 mm diameter housing size.
These small rotary encoders are known as HEIDENHAIN’s 1000 Series and are designed to be especially useful as single-encoder measurement feedback systems in safety-oriented applications.
HEIDENHAIN’s safety-oriented position encoders with functional safety provide two independently formed position values via a serial EnDat interface. They are certified according to the EN ISO 13849, EN 61508 and EN 954-1 standard for performance level d, safety integrity level 2 and category 3, respectively. The EnDat 2.2 version of these new absolute rotary encoders with serial data transfer offers a single-turn resolution of 23 bits, and a multi-turn resolution of 12 bits. The supply voltage range is from 3.6 V to 14 V.
Eight new rotary encoders round out HEIDENHAIN’s 1000 Series including the ECN 1013, ECN 1025, EQN 1025, EQN 1035, ROC 1013, ROC 1025, ROQ 1025 and ROQ 1035.
For more information you can download the Rotary Encoder Catalog
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Mitsubishi Electric has recently released a version upgrade for the F700 Variable Frequency Drive Series. This latest version incorporates many new features and functions tailored to meet the requirements of the Water Handling Industry. |
The F700-N4 is a special version of the popular F700 series and incorporates new features and functions tailored for Fan & Pump applications.
It is currently available from 1HP to 75HP in both 230V and 460V models. When combined with the FR-PU07-01 keypad, additional user friendly functions are accessible.
New F700-N4 functions include:
- Complete 2nd PID function including set point and PID gain adjustments
- Pre-charge function for pressurizing a pump system. PID automatic activation after Pre-charge is selectable from the following methods: Feedback pressure based, Timer based &Input terminal enabled
- PID sleep mode is improved by allowing controlled motor / pump deceleration at sleep activation
- Loss of PID feedback is improved by allowing the user to select the inverter’s operation reaction if this situation occurs: Continue operation at last speed maintained, Fault and relinquish motor control, Decelerate motor and then fault, & Continue operation at pre-defined speed.
When used with the new option FR-PU07-01 operator panel, additional functionality is enabled.
- Unit indicator of PID control: PSI, GPM, CFM are among 40 unit choices
- Direct entry of the PID set point, in the desired unit indicator
- User selectable 3 line monitor screen
- HAND/AUTO buttons with display indication
Additionally, a new level of flexibility for customer specific applications is possible using the new built-in PLC function.
- 4K memory steps
- 32 bit math
- 50 data registers linked to parameters
PRODUCT FEATURES:
NEMA 1 UL Type 1 Enclosure Designs: Drive can be mounted as a stand-alone unit.
Single Phase Input: UL/cUL listed for use with single phase input supply.
Ease of Programming: Taken to higher levels with the new DU07 programming dial and FR-Configurator programming software.
Windmill Start: F700 measures residual motor slot ripple to determine both the speed and direction of rotation of a coasting motor and can swiftly and smoothly bring it under control when required – whichever way it’s spinning.
Enhanced Energy Savings: An improved version of Mitsubishi Electric’s famous energy-optimization software boosts motor efficiency to unprecedented levels and intelligently maximizes energy savings.
Power Dip Ride-Through: Allows the inverter to continue to run during short power supply interruptions – reducing nuisance tripping.
Overvoltage Avoidance: The F700 measures DC bus levels when decelerating and controls drive speed to eliminate nuisance tripping.
Remote I/O Capability: Drive I/O can be configured over a network to work independently of the drive, reducing cost and making more efficient use of the available network nodes.
Independent RS-485 Connections: Allow serial communications and keypad operation at the same time with no options needed. F700 supports Modbus RTU as well as the standard Mitsubishi Electric protocol.
The F700-NA Version Up is backwards compatible with both the previous F700-NA and F700-N4 models.
For more information check out the F700-NA Version Up Presentation, F700 Series Brochure or Pump Application Note.
Static ionizers are an important part of any static control program as an efficient, non-contact method of removing surface charges that otherwise would damage sensitive electronics or allow dust to adhere to a product. However, there are two main operating factors that can cause waste, and thus increase the operating cost of using this solution:
- Air Consumption – Static Ionizers require a source of compressed air in order to effectively and quickly remove static charges. Using an excess amount of compressed air is costly and should be minimized as much as possible.
- Discharge Needle Wear – The discharge needles that are used in ionization systems are a consumable product. They typically have a usable life of around 10,000 hours before they need to be replaced. By keeping the ionizer active at all times, you will accelerate the end-of-life for these components, rather then use them on an as needed basis.
SUNX has created an ionizer lineup that strikes a balance between effectiveness and efficiency by including advanced features that will help minimize the resources that are used. The ER-V series, for example, has an input built-in to externally control the ion discharge of the unit. This makes it possible to only activate the ion production when it is needed. By using the ionizer product along side other SUNX sensors, such as the EF-S1 static sensor and CX-400 photoelectric sensor, it is possible to create a closed loop system without the need for any extensive PLC programming. To do so, you would use the following steps:
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Step 1 - Use a CX-400 series photoelectric sensor to detect the presence of the target that needs to be ionized. |
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Step 2 – The output of the CX-400 sensor would activate the trigger input on the EF-S1 static sensor to perform a measurement of the static level on the part. If the surface static is outside of a preset window threshold, the sensor’s output will activate the ER-V ion discharge as well as a small solenoid valve to begin airflow. |
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Step 3 – Once the surface charge is dissipated, the output turns off allowing the process to continue on to the next part while cutting off the air flow to the ionizer as well as halting the ion discharge until the next part advances into position. |
In this example, the EF-S1 static sensor controls the process by determining the static level only when there is an object present. The single output of the EF-S1 sensor provides the only feedback that a PLC needs in order to stop and start the motion in the process.
The ionizer and air supply are only used if there is an abnormal static condition present, thus saving the discharge needle and air consumption in the process.
For more information, here is the EF-S1 Brochure, ER-V Brochure, ER-VW Brochure, & ER-TF Brochure
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is very proud to announce that global sales of our popular MELSEC-F Series micro PLCs have eclipsed 10 Million in CPU sales.
Mitsubishi Electric launched the MELSEC-F Series PLC in 1981 and from its inception quickly became one of the leading pioneers of the microcontroller genre. Controllers from this new segment were defined by having a built-in power supply, fixed inputs and outputs (I/O), and maintenance free memory (EEPROM) in an ultra compact package.
The MELSEC-F Series PLC was one of the smallest and most flexible hardware architectures on the market during its introduction and still today is the benchmark for compact CPU designs. MELSEC-F has a long tradition of offering the most powerful feature set in any micro controller and combined class leading programming environment that enables many machine builders to gain a competitive edge. We would like to thank our customers from around the world for choosing MELSEC-F and Mitsubishi Electric for their automation needs.
In conjunction with this historic event, we plan to launch a series of special promotions to commemorate this achievement. Be on the lookout for more news and continue to promote the industry’s most popular micro-controller.
For more information, here is the FX3 Series CPU Catalog, and the complete FX3 Series Catalog (17Mb)
Ultra-Slim type 4 light curtain designed specifically with small machines in mind
Introducing a Type 4 light curtain that combines high end performance with an ultra-slim enclosure. The SUNX SF4C series has been designed to offer a machine safeguarding solution without sacrificing productivity. Its size and shape allow for it to fit efficiently into small machinery while maximizing the usable working space for the equipment operator.
Large multipurpose indicator
The bright LED indicators located in the center of both sides of each light curtain can be illuminated green or red by using external inputs. There is no need for setting up a separate indicator, so that equipment is consolidated.
Applications
Slim size for efficient applications
The slim size of the SF4C allows for the available workspace to be increase from the previous model.
IP67 rated enclosure
An IP67 (IEC / JIS) rating is achieved with an ultra-slim size for protection from environmental factors.
Integrated safety input
Contact outputs such as an emergency stop switches or a safety door switches can be connected to the light curtain. This allows for a streamlined output setup for machines that include multiple safety devices and saves panel space which is often a premium in small equipment.
Direct connection of safety devices
Bipolar NPN/PNP output configuration
PNP transistor output and NPN transistor outputs are combined in a single model. This provides universal application worldwide without the need for purchasing separate NPN or PNP models as your project needs change.
Convenient beam axis alignment indicators
The beam channels of the light curtain are displayed in four blocks so that incident light position is shown at a glance. When the beam channel at the bottom most channel (or topmost channel), which is used as a reference for beam-axis alignments, is correctly aligned, the LED blinks red. After this, each block lights red as the beam axes successively become aligned. When all channel beam axes are aligned, all LEDs light green. The display also has a stability indicator (STB) added so that setup can be carried out with greater stability.
Built-in safety control circuit
The light curtain has a built-in external device monitoring function and an interlock function. This allows a safety circuit to be constructed so that a separate safety controller is not needed, and the control box has become smaller to help to achieve to lower costs.
Built-in muting/blanking control function
The light curtain has a built-in muting and blanking functions, which offer advanced functionality when objects passing through the beams while the machine is running. There is no need for a separate muting controller which saves money and space. The muting sensors and muting lamps can be connected directly to the light curtain. Furthermore, the large multi-purpose indicators can be used as muting lamps, which contribute to less wiring troubles, improvement of safety and productivity, and cost reduction.
For more information, here is the SF4C Brochure