Automation Update - issue 69

AUTOMATION UPDATE

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Issue 69

Components and Solutions for Automation Technology

P

eco OWER AC

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AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Laura Sharpe 01843 580 460 laura@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Jodie Little 01843 580 460 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@automation-update.co.uk Advertising Exec Jamie Simmons 01843 580 460 jamie@automation-update.co.uk

Automation Update is an engaging, editorially led publication & directory giving the reader news and updates on new products and services to our ever Progressing industry.

Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge, Spratling Court Offices, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

www.automation-update.co.uk

Forerunner.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving.

We have been a forerunner from the start, and we are working on standardizing industrial communication. Among other things, we make sensors that are capable of transmitting data to control systems and the cloud via IO-Link and OPC-UA.

www.leuze.co.uk

Leuze_Kampagne_Wegbereiter_UK-BH_190x130_RZ-oMHW_en.indd 1

23.03.2020 10:50:21 Automation Update - 3

Take a fresh look at Shemesh Automation’s enhanced range of packaging machinery Having sold numerous machines of its kind to major manufacturers all over the world, Shemesh Automation has recently bolstered its flagship monoblock round wipes packer, the XPANDER with a host of improvements and upgrades.

The XPANDER is a robust, fully automatic, servo driven vertical index machine. It is specifically designed as a single block for the downstream packaging of round, nonwoven wet wipes in cans.

With its unique all-in-one monoblock packaging machine design, the XPANDER encompasses all aspects of round wipes downstream packaging from cans & wipes loading, dosing, and sealing through to capping, labeling, built-in QC and smart weight checking. The XPANDER has a throughput of up to 35ppm and is the only machine of its kind available on the market today.

Its sister unit, the XPANDER+ includes fully automatic feeding, so long as the lid and canister hoppers are kept filled (typically 2 or 3 times per shift), the XPANDER+ can be operated completely ‘hands free’ - delivering even greater operating efficiencies.

Truly universal, all XPANDER machines support both round, conic, rectangular & oval shaped cans, screw 4 - Automation Update

and push lids, and wrap around or front and back labelling.

Customers across the Food & Bev, Cosmetics, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals sectors have already been benefiting from the enhancements made to Shemesh’s flagship STRATUM Automatic servodriven liquid filling machine.

The STRATUM is Shemesh’s advanced in-line automatic double-servo driven piston filler for viscous and free flowing liquids. Applicable to containers of most common shapes and sizes in the market, STRATUM is capable of filling speeds of up to 180ppm.

The advanced technologies built into the STRATUM significantly lower utilities consumption and overall production costs as well as offering best-in-class filling accuracy. It features FESTO Double Servo Filling technology both in the pistons and the diving nozzles for production consistency and a staggering +/0.25% of liquid volume accuracy.

All Shemesh machinery comes with the following high-end specification as standard: • Industry 4.0-ready • FESTO (Germany) pneumatics and servo systems • Complete SST304/316L design • FDA approved piping as applicable • SIEMENS (Germany) PLC, HMI and MOTORS • BANNER sensors • E-stop buttons and safety interlocks wired through CAT IV safety controller CE Marking With over 30 years’ in the industry, Shemesh Automation is a global leader in the high-end packaging machinery arena. If you’re looking to upscale your production across any sector now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at Shemesh Automation’s portfolio of complete turnkey packaging lines and monoblock solutions.

Power Security & Back-Up

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Ala

GB Precision invests in 3D Printing for in-house and customer tasks

Precision engineering sub-contractor, GB Precision, has invested in a Stratasys F370 3D printer to tackle a range of tasks, from in-house “specials” to fixturing for machining and measuring customer components.

The company, which specialises in low-volume, high value, high accuracy work for sectors such as aerospace and autosport has been considering such an investment for several years.

As Director, Paul Turner, comments; “It was obvious some time ago that 3D printing could be applicable to various aspects of precision engineering, but we had felt the technology was not quite there. When we saw the Stratasys F370, we decided that moment had arrived for us to see for ourselves what we could do with the technology.”

Several features of the F370 recommended themselves to GB Precision, firstly the large build tray (355 x 254 x 355 mm) providing the ability to create relatively large components, the wide (and expanding) range of materials available, and the four material bays, ensuring uninterrupted long build runs.

As Paul explains further; “As with every new technology, we find that you really need to have it installed on your own shop floor to start to understand what it can do for your business.”

“As soon as the machine was up and running we found we had a list of items

we wanted to create on it, the first of which was fixturing. Because a lot of our work is for short run components, our fixturing tends to be bespoke and specific to each job – the F370 has proved ideal for this.

Then there were some niggling issues with a couple of our machine tools that had been irritating us for a while, but for which there had been no simple costeffective solution. One of these was the need for a collar connection between an extractor pipe and a machine, the other

was for a simple but very particular waste grille, again the F370 enabled us to create a bespoke item that provided the ideal answer in each case.”

So far, the 3D printer has been used to support GB’s customer tasks mainly in the creation of fixturing, but the company believes that there could, in the future, be a role for the F370 in creating components as well – particularly in conjunction with more traditional machining methodologies.

As Paul says, “The trick is to get the balance right – to use the optimum combination of methodologies for each task. We see 3D printing as providing a really useful addition to our machine shop. It isn’t going to change everything we do, but it will enable us to do some existing tasks in a new and better way, and do some things we cannot now do at all. Although, at the moment we are still very much on a learning curve, we are very excited with the opportunities we see opening up.”

GB Precision 1 Port Hope Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, West Midlands, B11 1JS, www.gbprecision.co.uk tel. 0121 766 7008 email: info@gbprecision.co.uk

6 - Automation Update

PRODUCT SHOWCASE – ON THE SHELF Stock items available immediately

Tempmaster PRO Precision Thermometer The Tempmaster PRO from Labfacility provides very high precision temperature measurement with Pt100 sensors. www.labfacility.com

L300 8 Zone Temperature Alarm / Controller with Pt or TC inputs The Labfacility L300 Pt100 and TC temperature alarm / on-off controller can be used in conjunction with a PC to provide accurate monitoring and alarm or on-off control of up to 8- zones simultaneously www.labfacility.com

L60 Thermocouple & Fine Wire Welder The Thermocouple Welder, manufactured by Labfacility, is a compact, simple-to-use instrument designed for thermocouple and fine wire welding. www.labfacility.com

Labcal PRO Precision Thermometer The Labcal PRO from Labfacility is fully characterised for Pt100 sensors and all major thermocouples. www.labfacility.com

Bognor Regis 01243 871280 | Sheffield 01909 569446 sales@labfacility.com

www.labfacility.com

Croft Filters - The Easy Way to Order a New Filter or Manufacturing Component increased. The layer-bylayer manufacturing process that is used in our additive manufacturing process provides design freedom to create parts that cannot be made conventionally.

Do you use filters in your manufacturing process?

If so, then Croft Filters can help you save costs with their specially designed and manufactured filters.

We are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of filters, with over 30 years in the industry, supplying bespoke filters to a variety of industries including the Chemical, Oil and Gas industries, Power Generation, Pharmaceuticals, the Food and Beverage sector plus many more. All of our filters are produced in-house, using microplasma, seam, arc, spot welding and CNC punching to create the filter you need to the highest specification.

Saving you costs We work with companies to help them lower their overall costs by swapping single-use filters for cost-effective reusable 8 - Automation Update

alternatives. The Croft Filter Exchange programme allows organisations to save money and also save the planet by reducing the number of filters being sent to landfill each year.

Saving costs is a top priority for many businesses right now, and investing in reusable filters instead of paying again and again for disposable ones is one of the easiest ways your company can save money.

Our Bespoke Service What sets Croft Filters apart is our fast, bespoke service. We are known in the industry for our quick turnaround and excellent customer service, which drives everything we do.

Croft Filters are renowned not just for the quality of our products, but for the flexibility of our service.

We are able to produce high-quality, bespoke filters in low quantities when needed. This ability to

create a variety of different components on a single build plate means your company gets the filter you need, fast.

What about non-filter parts?

Croft also specialises in additive manufacturing (3D printing), which means that as well as filters, we can produce parts in any size or shape that you require. With additive manufacturing, the possibilities of what is achievable are significantly

Additive manufacturing allows parts to be created that are lightweight, which decreases overall waste levels and transportation costs but are also strong and durable, owing to the unique latticework which is used to create the parts.

We can produce filters, brackets, low production runs, parts which have been designed specifically to add value and save your company costs; the possibilities are endless.

Start saving your manufacturing business from unnecessary costs today – get in contact with us to find out more about our bespoke filters and additive manufacturing services.

Enquiries For more information about our products and services, please visit our website www.filters.co.uk, call us on 01925 766 265 or email sales@filters.co.uk.

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NORDAC PRO FREQUENCY INVERTER

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SICK Launches its IntegrationSpace Digital Services Platform SICK has established a new web-based platform, SICK IntegrationSpace, to be the home for its growing data-based digital software and services portfolio.

Seen as a key strategic development for the company, its aim is to align the operating efficiency goals of its customers in automated factory, process and logistics with enterprise-wide business improvement systems.

As the distribution channel for a modular portfolio of digital tools, services and cloud-based applications, SICK IntegrationSpace will enable users to vertically integrate sensor data from device through to the Cloud, creating transparency for users both to the sensors themselves, and the data they generate.

Though SICK IntegrationSpace, data from SICK sensors and other third-party devices becomes a valuable raw material to be collected, represented and manipulated using the appropriate web-based service.

All SICK IntegrationSpace modules are non-sector specific and are designed to work seamlessly with SICK’s sensor technology portfolio and its AppSpace software framework to serve the company’s wide-ranging customer-base across factory, process and logistics automation.

A range of asset-focused digital services are among the key foundation modules included in the initial launch: • The SICK Installed Base Manager database smartphone app • The SICK AssetHub digital-twin asset management system • The SICK LiveConnect real-time access capability from sensor to cloud • The SICK Monitoring Box real-time analysis and condition monitoring tool.

Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging explains : “The modular concept of SICK IntegrationSpace allows you to subscribe

10 - Automation Update

only to the services you use. You can connect your SICK devices in three simple steps: Firstly, create a virtual representation (digital twin) of your device, then pair the real device with the virtual representation. Finally, via the virtual device, manage how the data is routed and forwarded to other SICK data applications, such as individual dashboards, digital maintenance services, as well as to your third-party dashboards or business improvement systems.”

Customers may choose to start their IntegrationSpace journey by using the SICK Installed Base Manager smartphone app to build a database with fingertip access to information about both SICK and third-party installed devices. By simply tagging the 2D code label on the SICK device, users can collect data on their entire installed sensor inventory. The SICK Installed Base Manager also enables nonSICK devices to be added.

For every SICK device, the App will automatically detect and log the serial number and its age, assign it to the machine and plant, with the option to add photos and the exact GPS location.

Individual sensors can then be located quickly using the search function, with quick access to technical data and product manuals. All stored device data can be exported for use in the customer’s own systems.

A key foundation of the IntegrationSpace platform, the SICK AssetHub is a webbased enterprise asset management (EAM) that enables users to manage a digital twin of their assets along their entire life cycles. The AssetHub presents a feature-rich and interactive view of all sensors, systems and other devices.

The SICK AssetHub evaluates device data so that maintenance happens at the right times, software and firmware are up to date and that inventories are well planned and optimised. The AssetHub also provides transparency for SICK field services to support customers effectively

and enables maintenance programmes to be optimised.

In order to access the virtual representation of the sensor and its data, SICK uses LiveConnect to deliver a standardised connection from an edge gateway, such as the SICK SIM1012 or the TDC-E, to the SICK Asset Hub. This visualises the sensor status, thereby providing a foundation that opens up new opportunities for optimising plant availability and process efficiency. The LiveConnect service creates a digital trail linking hardware to SensorApp, and to the Cloud.

The SICK Monitoring Box allows for the early detection of status changes in sensors, machines, and plants. It enables visualization of data in a browser-based dashboard for condition monitoring and real time analysis. Integration with sensors is facilitated through standard SensorApps for SICK devices and implemented via the SICK cloud, or at a customer’s premises.

Process changes can be tracked directly from devices and users have real-time access to sensor parameters, for example whether pre-set limits have been exceeded. Alarms and notifications can be set up, and historical data and events are presented clearly in a log book format, so they can be used to make applicationspecific predictions.

Guided by the principle of standardised, secure, open frameworks, and easy customisation for individual business processes, SICK IntegrationSpace promises to add value to many business processes. SICK plans to release further modules for the IntegrationSpace platform at a rapid pace supporting asset-focused digital value adding services, as well as cloud-based processes and applications.

For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. www.sick.co.uk

We bring colour into view!

Compact pressure sensors and switches with 360° custom-colour status display

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RS Components stocks Bluetooth®-enabled Smart Torque Wrenches from FACOM® for faster and more precise tightening The new torque wrenches leverage Bluetooth connectivity and digital interface for accurate and efficient fastening and full traceability RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, is now stocking the FACOM® E.516ST range of Smart Torque Wrenches for greater precision and safety in critical fastening applications. The digital tools leverage Bluetooth® connectivity, enabling fast and accurate torque tightening and a transparent audit trail across a variety of workshop and maintenance applications.

The Smart Torque Wrenches can be paired to any mobile device in seconds thanks to a dedicated FACOM app.

Torque values can be entered into the tool via the app, enabling users to make all necessary tightening adjustments quickly and accurately. To speed the process further, favourites can be recalled from the app database for recurring tasks where required torque values are repeated throughout the day.

Another key feature is the haptic sensory warning that is emitted through the handle whenever a user is nearing the required torque level. A positive audible and tactile ‘click’ then notifies the user when the maximum permitted torque is reached, reducing the risk of over-torque.

Users can also monitor, at a glance, how tightening is progressing thanks to four LEDs that change from amber to green to a red flashing light. The fastening status is also displayed on an OLED screen and on the connected device through the app. The LED light, screen and app also alert users when calibration is required and provide updates on battery level and memory status.

Full traceability is another key benefit that the Smart Torque Wrench range brings to users. All values entered throughout the day are recorded and synced via the FACOM app database, generating a log of tightening tasks with related applied torque figures. In this way, workshop, garage, or production managers can count on accurate 12 - Automation Update

activity analysis and a reliable audit of the work completed for the end customer.

Other features include a robust charging dock that can be installed horizontally, or wall mounted for greater flexibility and resistance to water and dust ingress in line with IP54 requirements.

The Smart Torque Wrench is ideal for a variety of applications including fastening of cylinder head nuts, vehicle, aviation parts production, railway maintenance, and industrial repair in workshops and small-to-medium production lines.

The FACOM® E.516ST Smart Torque Wrench range is now available exclusively from RS in the UK.

Top Marks!

Because our efficient labelling is top of the class.

Industrial labelling systems from Murrplastik.

In 1986, history was made: Murrplastik developed the first computerised labelling system, including CAD/CAE data integration for single wires, terminals, control and signalling equipment, as well as conduits and systems. Today Murrplastik is one of the world’s leading suppliers of labelling and engraving equipment. Our labelling software will help you produce individual labels with the aid of plotters, engraving machines, printers and laser machines.

We offer labelling as a special service aswell. With an extensive range of high-quality labelling materials, Murrplastik can improve your labelling - so you achieve top marks too!

Cable drag chains

Cable protection conduits and fittings

Cable entry systems and holders

Labelling

www.murrplastik.de Murrplastik is represented in the UK by Murrelektronik • phone: 0161 728 3133 • sales@murrelektronik.co.uk

MetLase launches ‘smart’ products to connect and increase speed of manufacturing processes One of the UK’s leading specialists in tooling, intelligent fixturing and components is launching a new range of ‘digital’ solutions that will connect manufacturing processes and enable easier, faster automation.

MetLase, a joint venture between Unipart and Roll-Royce, commissioned a dedicated team to develop ‘smart’ products, including the Digital Gauge (conducting a digital dimensional inspection process), Smart Bench (ensures no-fault forward in the assembly process as well as connecting up-front supply chains) and Smart Cell.

The latter covers multiple manufacturing processes and can enable human interaction with cobots and robots. This means tasks, including stock control and direct-to-bench supply of components, can be more easily automated. Engineers at the Rotherham-based firm haven’t stopped there, taking a similar approach to Smart Machining by creating a smart fixture that can gather critical data from a component such as clamping forces, vibration, temperature, and dimensional measurement. This provides better process control and ongoing improvements.

Richard Gould, Business Development Manager at MetLase, commented: “Our digital products have to deliver bottom-line benefits to our clients, who operate in the automotive, aerospace, construction and renewables sectors.

“This involves taking traditional manufacturing principles focusing on assembly, bonding, measuring, workholding and assembly workstations, and exploring how we could digitise them in a way that would allow them to provide their core function whilst also gathering data.

“For us, digital manufacturing is not a standalone entity. Instead, it should be a critical aspect of the process and operation, and it should revolve around data and, specifically, digestible, actionable data.”

14 - Automation Update

He continued: “With these new products, we have been able to demonstrate how easily and cost effectively data can be harvested, automatically digested and analysed, and then put to use immediately, in order to get the maximum benefit from it.”

MetLase’s digital products are already having an impact on industry, with one of the most striking examples being a project with Kautex Unipart Ltd and a leading supercar manufacturer to support in-line composite pre-form measurement.

Digital gauges are being used to support the inspection of blowmoulded plastic fuel tanks in just four seconds, replacing an inspection system that would usually take 45 minutes, during which time the line would churn out parts.

If a fault was found at this stage, all the components made in that period would be destined for the scrap pile.

In addition, it also allows data to be collected that is ‘actionable’ for process improvement and machine learning.

Richard added: “This is just the start.

More and more customers are switching on to the benefits of digital manufacturing in the overall process. And we’re not just talking about impact on shopfloor. One project we’re currently exploring is the introduction of a Smart Bench to support a maritime application, where a global business has won a contract that includes an element of regenerating a region’s manufacturing sector.

“The bench potentially helps in that it instructs and inspects so well that operators, who are not highly skilled engineers, can now carry out a complex operation, providing more people with employment opportunities and a vital start in manufacturing.”

He concluded: “This goes back to the point about making the benefits of digital manufacturing easy to understand. If done correctly, it will help companies improve their operations, become more productive, and create employment and commercial opportunities for UK manufacturers.”

MetLase is hosting a number of Manufacturing Masterclasses to help UK industry embrace new processes and technology. All of the webinars are free to attend and can be found here Click here.

For further information, please visit www.metlase.com or follow @metlase on twitter

RK Rose + Krieger RK Rose+Krieger have been

making them ideal for height,

manufacturing components

width and length adjustment of

for automation and machine

packing machines in the food

building for over 40 years. Our

industry.

extensive range of products in the fields of linear adjustment, profile technology, connecting and module technology are renowned and respected for their reliability and performance.

As a company we are always striving to look for new ways to advance our products.

For example, we have recently introduced a new 100% corrosion resistant unit to our popular range of E type tubular linear units within our linear technology range of products.

These units available in sizes 30 and 40 have stainless steel trapezoidal threads which are self-locking and have an

The end elements incorporate stainless steel ball bearings and have drain holes.

The range of guide carriages made from 1.4308 grade stainless steel, have a guide bush as standard and additional stainless steel slot covers can be added to protect from dust or limit the stroke.

Within our range of connecting elements, we have our robust clamps.

These are made from corrosion resistant 1.4308 grade stainless steel.

They are extremely strong, vibration proof with good impact

upgraded working temperature

and shock loading.

range of -30 to +80 degrees

Stainless steel clamps are

C. They can operate with FDA approved lubricants and are suitable for wash down areas

16 - Automation Update

particularly important for users working in the fields of chemical and food technology.

The demand for stainless steel clamps is especially high for the bottling, packaging and processing technology as well as for outdoor appliances and equipment bearing thermal loads.

We work constantly and with great dedication on innovative products and solutions for our customers.

The range of linear, lifting column, profile and connecting technology products include catalogue as well as tailor-made products, system solutions such as platforms, work stations and special projects. We are happy to advise you in choosing a product or to develop a tailor-made system solution with you from our extensive modular product range.

RK Rose+Krieger 26 Faraday Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8RY 01296 611660 www.rose-krieger.co.uk www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk

Automation Update - 17

Atlas Copco introduces SMARTCLAMP performance monitoring solution for compressors under 30 kW Atlas Copco has launched SMARTCLAMP, a solution for compressor and vacuum pump performance monitoring where no built-in controller is fitted.

The easy-to-install SMARTCLAMP gathers valuable insights on the running hours and service status of equipment rated up to 30 kW. Paul Clark, Business Line Manager of Atlas Copco Compressor Technique Service Sales & Marketing commented: “With SMARTCLAMP, no extra energy source is needed for operation, as it is simply attached to the incoming power cord to harvest energy from the machine while it is running.”

SMARTCLAMP has been developed to operate with specific types of equipment that feature an electrical cubicle and nominal power ratings of 2-30 kW but operate without a controller. The SMARTCLAMP function is particularly suited to small to medium compressed air users, such as garages and workshops.

Supported machine types include fixed-speed compressors – to monitor running hours and loaded hours – and for monitoring the running hours of VSD compressors, as well as dryers and vacuum pumps.

Installation and commissioning is a quick and easy procedure. It comprises the simple steps of checking the machine power of the installation and the suitable SMARTCLAMP configuration for the equipment. This is followed by adjusting the clamp-on unit’s rotary switch to match the right value, scanning the QR code, then simply clamping to the incoming power cord.

An in-built permanent SIM chip allows remote performance data monitoring via 3G smartphone connection to the equipment installation. This enables the SMARTCLAMP to upload the running hours from the compressor/dryer/pump at specified intervals. This data can then be used to identify when the next service is imminent. Furthermore, the option of signing up to a monthly report revealing the total running hours over a given period helps to highlight which type of regular service best suits individual operators’ needs.

SMARTCLAMP is the latest addition to Atlas Copco’s suite of SMARTLINK data monitoring and remote connectivity solutions that include SMARTLINK Service, Uptime or Energy program software, the SMARTBOX compressor monitoring internet modem, and the SMARTLINK SPM which allows users to analyse the condition of main rotating components, compensate for speed variation and maximise operational life.

For more information please contact: Joanna Canton Long, Marketing Communications Manager, Atlas Copco Compressors +44 (0)1442 222240 or joanna.canton.long@uk.atlascopco.com Chris Butcher, Account Director, Publitek +44 (0)1582 390980 or Christopher.butcher@publitek.com 18 - Automation Update

New laser triangulation sensor offers unique combination of size, speed and accuracy for a wide range of control and automation tasks Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon continues the development of its comprehensive laser triangulation sensor range with the addition of the optoNCDT 1900.

Ideally suited for both dynamic and high resolution measurement tasks, it features a completely new compact sensor housing with innovative mounting sleeves that ensures a repeatable sensor position and alignment to the target. This new performance class of laser sensor is perfect for high speed distance, displacement and position measurements in a wide range of automation tasks, including machine building, robotics, automotive production, 3D printing and coordinate measuring machines.

The new optoNCDT 1900 laser triangulation sensor offers a unique combination of speed, size and performance. The sensor itself has dimensions of 70 x 31 x 45mm and weighs just 185g. The measuring rate is continuously adjustable up to 10kHz and can be individually adapted to suit each measurement task.

Newly developed, high performance optics create a small spot size onto the target, which enables tiny objects and surface details to be measured. A new larger aperture for the receiver ensures greater accuracy and repeatability when compared to other sensors of similar measurement range. The sensor itself is also extremely robust with the ability to withstand high shock and vibrations, like those seen in vehicle testing, as standard.

time or amount of light produced by the laser sensor is optimally matched to the reflection characteristics of the target surface, which enables reliable measurements even of difficult, changing surfaces. The sensor is extremely resistant to ambient light interference and so can be used in high illumination environments including those situations where lasers are combined with Vision Systems and their associated LED lighting. The new software algorithms compensate for ambient light up to 50,000 lux, which means operation in direct sunlight is also improved.

Mounting sleeves and highly flexible cables Mounting the sensor is also fast and easy, with new fitting sleeves provided that automatically align the sensor in the correct position.

This enables both easy sensor replacement and ensures continued high precision measurements to be taken with confidence that the new sensor is looking at the same point on the target. Highly flexible cables and a robust IP67 protected aluminium die cast housing make the sensor ideal for industrial use.

Two-stage averaging

Using the now familiar Micro-Epsilon web interface, the optoNCDT 1900 is incredibly easy to set up and use without requiring any installed operating software.

For the first time, a two-stage measurement average is available for signal optimisation. This enables the sensor to provide a clean signal output at edges and steps. The high performance averaging ensures a stable, precise signal output and is particularly suitable for high speed measurements of fast moving parts.

The settings for the measurement task can be quickly selected using application-specific, predefined presets. These are available to suit a wide variety of materials and surface types, including metals, plastics and organics. These presets enable rapid, straightforward set up and help to optimise the sensor for specific tasks.

The sensor uses the newly developed Advanced Surface Compensation (ASC) algorithm that allows it to operate almost regardless of the target material and colour. The exposure

New advanced features for peak separation and peak width determination enable reliable measurements on coated materials, measurement objects located behind

20 - Automation Update

glass and on film-sealed components.

Data output is via analogue or digital RS422 interface. By using the MicroEpsilon IF2030 interface module, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are also available.

Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at MicroEpsilon UK comments: “The combination of enhanced performance, compactness and wide range of new features result in a laser sensor that sets new benchmarks for advanced automation tasks. Due to its compact design, integral controller, flexible mounting options and advanced surface compensation features, the optoNCDT 1900 is extremely versatile and will solve a wide variety of applications on industrial plant, machines, automated production lines and robots.”

The optoNCDT 1900 series is available in measuring ranges from 10mm up to 50mm (with higher ranges from 100mm up to 500mm planned for launch in 2021). Linearity is from <± 2.0 microns.

For more information on the optoNCDT 1900, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on 0151 355 6070 or email info@micro-epsilon.co.uk

“

Hygiene and safety are top priorities.

„

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Easy-to-clean design especially for the spray zone Reliable connections ensured, even with daily cleaning Protection against water jets and aggressive cleaning agents IP69K rated, Ecolab approved and complies with EHEDG guidelines

One Range. No Limits: www.HARTING.com/UK/en-gb/connectors-food-industry

Protecting Your Plant Before

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used whenever information or monitoring of shaft rotation, position, direction, speed, slip etc is required!

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used for indication, control, interlocking, protection, sequencing, alarm initiations and many more functions!

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used wherever materials are transported or processed By conveyors, elevators, screws, mixers, etc!

ROADSTONE

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AGGREGATE

…AND MANY MORE!

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