08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
automation mag
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COGNEX ENTERS NEW MARKET WITH LAUNCH OF IN-SIGHT SNAPP VISION SENSOR
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SCHUNK PRESENTS USER-FRIENDLY CMS MANUAL CHANGING SYSTEM
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IN THIS ISSUE…
4 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION AND BIC TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH PLEX MES
6 EMERSON RECEIVES BOSCH GLOBAL SUPPLIER AWARD RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABILITY AND EMISSIONS PROGRESS
7 CORETIGO RECEIVES INVESTMENT FROM AMAZON INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION FUND TO ACCELERATE INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIVITY
8 DELTA LAUNCHES NEW EUCO ARENA SPORT LED DRIVER WITH D4I PROTOCOL FOR IOT CONNECTIVITY INTEGRATION
9 COGNEX ENTERS NEW MARKET WITH LAUNCH OF IN-SIGHT SNAPP VISION SENSOR
10 BAUMER PRESENTS INDUSTRIAL CAMERA WITH INTEGRATED COOLING PIPE 12 ACCELERATING TIME-TO-MARKET USING DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY 14 FOUR “EYES” SEE BETTER THAN TWO 18 OPC UA TUNNEL INCREASES SECURITY FOR OPC CLASSIC COMMUNICATION 19 ARM COMPATIBILITY EXPANDS APPLICATION RANGE OF EDGECONNECTOR PRODUCTS FROM SOFTING INDUSTRIAL
20 SCHUNK PRESENTS USER-FRIENDLY CMS MANUAL CHANGING SYSTEM 22 NEW CMMT-ST FROM FESTO OFFERS BIG SAVINGS BY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STEPPER AND SERVO DRIVE
24 DRIVE YOUR DIGITALISATION WITH A COST-COMPETITIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLLER
25 PCH NETWORK PORTAL PROVIDES FACTORY AUTOMATION WITH NEW ETHERNET COMMUNICATION MODULES
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26 WENGLOR B60 SERIES: MASSIVE POWER THROUGH NEXT LEVEL MACHINE
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AUTOMATION Mag is the ultimate source for automation engineers: industry 4.0, IA, motors, sensors, controls, software… Our international team covers product developments, application stories, and technical articles, as well as offering comprehensive analysis of the latest engineering trends.
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30 EMERSON INTRODUCES HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY’S FIRST INTEGRATED MANIFOLD SOLUTION FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEVICES
32 LEUZE INTRODUCES NEW TOWER LIGHTS IN ROBUST ALUMINIUM HOUSING 34 CREATE A PICK-AND-PLACE APPLICATION IN MINUTES 36 TSE’S AGRICULTURAL CANOPIES: PCVUE AT THE HEART OF A SYSTEM OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SHADES
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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION AND BIC TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH PLEX MES Rockwell Automation aids iconic BIC to shift towards standardized and paperless operations with its Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES). the automation of production integration, a significant change for people on the shop floor. Plex MES also serves as a foundation for BIC’s broader Smart Manufacturing Initiative, including the integration of additional elements within the factory to help shift from a paper-based system to Plex MES and support self-sufficiency with a 360-degree view of the factory floor. Rockwell Automation has been a key partner in this initiative, supporting BIC’s vision of connecting operational technologies and the IoT world, bridging the gap between these two spheres and seamlessly integrating them into the company’s operations to provide one single source of truth for manufacturing data.
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ockwell Automation announced the successful one-year implementation of the Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, at its plant in Bizerte, Tunisia.
BIC’s primary business drivers for digitalization and transformation are the standardization of production processes and integration across machines, people, and business layers. Plex MES was selected for its broad functional scope and technical capabilities, with cloudbased Software as a Service solution offering comprehensive support to BIC’s standardization process. The deployment of Plex MES began in 2020 with a pilot project at BIC’s production facility in Bizerte, Tunisia. The Plex MES system offers live reporting, enabling real-time visibility, automation of data collection, and tracking of production KPIs. The benefits of this project include improved inventory control, waste reduction, reduced error from manual processing, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE). It has also allowed for
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BIC is poised to continue this digital transformation beyond the Bizerte plant and Dafni Vakasi, Smart Manufacturing Manager at BIC described how this approach will be applied across the other BIC factories in Athens, Manaus, and Mexico with the Plex MES solution playing a major role in the journey. The expansion will also deliver benefits beyond BIC’s factory walls, helping to integrate suppliers on one side and delivery on the other to fully realize the goals of Industry 4.0, including driving actionable insights from data to empower decisions. With Rockwell Automation’s support, BIC’s journey is set to revolutionize its operations and establish a new standard in the manufacturing industry. www.rockwellautomation.com
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Hutchinson can support the fast growth of the medical applications market thanks to its material expertise and a large experience in manufacturing and designing. Our teams develop innovative rubber magnet rings for sensors to improve efficiency and precision. Our custom sensing solutions for speed and angle detection are designed to be easily integrated into robots.
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EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
EMERSON RECEIVES BOSCH GLOBAL SUPPLIER AWARD RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABILITY AND EMISSIONS PROGRESS Prestigious award honors Bosch’s best suppliers, highlights Emerson’s significant efforts to achieve ambitious net zero emissions goals. Emerson accepts the 2023 Bosch Global Supplier Award for Sustainability in Dresden, Germany, placing the company among Bosch’s leading global technology partners. Left to right: Bosch’s Executive President Global Business Services, Joerg Mimmel; Bosch’s Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Dr. Arne Flemming; Emerson’s Director Business Development for its Discrete Automation Group business, Andre Jungbauer, and Emerson’s Global Key Account Manager for its Discrete Automation Group business Robert Brezni.
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lobal technology and software company Emerson (NYSE: EMR) received the 2023 Bosch Global Supplier Award, placing the company among a select global group of Bosch’s most valued suppliers helping drive innovation in pursuit of sustainability targets and their commitment to climate neutrality. Emerson earned the Global Supplier Award for Sustainability, recognizing the company’s exemplary commitment to climate neutrality and comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Sustainable supply chains strengthen global prosperity and benefit society,” said Dr. Arne Flemming, Bosch’s head of supply chain management. “We especially honor our suppliers’ commitment to climate action with an award in the special ’Sustainability’ category.” Emerson is a longtime automation partner to Bosch. Emerson’s global factory automation solutions portfolio helps companies meet their carbon 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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neutral milestones. Emerson recently announced it has achieved a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from the 2018 baseline, surpassing its original 20% target six years ahead of schedule. Emerson has an Ascore from the Carbon Disclosure Project and prioritizes advancing solutions that impact the environment: 70% of its revenue* is tied to sustainability-enabling technologies for customers. “Emerson is deeply honored to receive the 2023 Bosch Global Supplier Award in the Sustainability category,” said Emerson Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Train. “Our efforts are having a measurable impact as we partner with customers to make the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable. We will continue to take actions that tackle emissions across our global operations while supporting our customers in their decarbonization efforts and the broader communities we serve.”
Since 1987, Bosch has presented these awards every two years to its top suppliers in categories covering sustainability, purchasing of indirect materials and services, and raw materials and components. From its approximately 35,000 global suppliers, Bosch recognized Emerson and 45 other suppliers from 11 countries for the Global Supplier Awards on July 14, 2023, at the International Congress Center in Dresden, Germany. For more information on Emerson’s environmental sustainability programs and initiatives, visit https://www. emerson.com/esg h t t p s : // w w w . e m e r s o n . c o m /e n us/news/2023/07-emersonreceives-global-supplier-award-forsustainability Additional resources: • J o i n t h e E m e r s o n E x c h a n g e 365 Community • Connect with Emerson via Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube
CORETIGO
CORETIGO RECEIVES INVESTMENT FROM AMAZON INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION FUND TO ACCELERATE INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIVITY
CoreTigo’s enhanced wireless communication drives flexibility, agility and operational excellence.
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oreTigo, an industrial wireless automation solution provider, announced today that Amazon has joined their Series B1 round of fundraising. Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund investment brings CoreTigo’s Series B1 round to a total of $18M and joins CoreTigo’s strategic investors, including, Emerson Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures LLC, and Verizon Ventures, among others. “We’re thrilled to have Amazon as an investor,” says Eran Zigman, CoreTigo’s CEO. “Amazon and CoreTigo share a vision of seamless reliable connectivity, and Amazon’s investment is the next step in advancing our mission to create gamechanging solutions for the entire space.” “Amazon continues to accelerate robotics deployment across our operations, and we see first-hand the need for more seamless, reliable, and scalable communications for industrial machinery,” said Matt Peterson, Director of the
Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. “With CoreTigo’s solutions, machine builders and manufacturers are able to eliminate wired communication constraints and enable their equipment to be much more flexible and adaptive across a number of different environments.” CoreTigo’s solutions address challenges in a variety of industries. In logistics specifically, CoreTigo’s wireless technology enables connection across robots, smart conveyance and sorting systems, machine tooling, and other rotating units. This yields numerous benefits, such as adaptive machine designs that can support a large variety of products and reduce energy consumption, maintenance, and footprint in a cost-effective manner. As an example, wireless connectivity in conveying and sorting systems allows for performing tasks during high-speed motion, effectively minimizing complexity
and enhancing the handling flexibility and speed of transported items. In robotics, eliminating the cables and dresspacks increases the maneuverability as well as reducing maintenance operations. In addition, CoreTigo’s Industrial IOT, machine optimization, and data collection solutions facilitate accessibility even in demanding environments. This empowers businesses with valuable insights to enhance operational excellence and improve overall efficiency. CoreTigo shares Amazon’s vision of a future of manufacturing and logistics systems that are highly flexible and capable of responding quickly to changing market demands, customer needs, and supply chain innovation. The goal is to create an agile, resilient, and adaptive industrial space by connecting people, devices, and machines. https://www.coretigo.com/solutions/ 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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DELTA ELECTRONICS
DELTA LAUNCHES NEW EUCO ARENA SPORT LED DRIVER WITH D4I PROTOCOL FOR IOT CONNECTIVITY INTEGRATION
Delta, a global leading provider of power and thermal management solutions, today announced the release of the EUCO-2.1kW LED drivers, the newest models of its EUCO Arena Sport Series with DALI 2/D4i and DMX/RDM versions.
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he new DALI model is certified with D4i standard, an extension of the DALI-2 lighting protocol, to meet demands on integrating IoT connectivity into LED sports lighting and other industrial and commercial lighting applications. Tim Lee, Vice President, Delta EMEA, said, “By providing a broad portfolio of power solutions with industry-leading energy efficiency, Delta has become one of the market leaders in LED lighting power. We launched the EUCO Arena Sport Series LED drivers to support LED lighting systems in sports stadiums with easier installation and remote-control functions
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to optimize the experience for on-site and TV audiences. The new EUCO-2.1kW LED drivers are designed for today’s customer requirements for IoT connectivity and high energy efficiency.” The EUCO-2.1kW LED drivers consist of three programmable independent output channels with a max output power of 700 W/channel. The driver is capable of achieving a very low peak-to-peak current ripple (<1%), which allows high-resolution TV broadcasting of sports events. Energy conservation is also boosted by its 97% energy efficiency. In addition, it features a wide operating temperature (-40°C ~ 50°C) and achieve a rated IP66 to ensure
a suitable operation for the most rugged environments applications. The drivers also offer a 200-meter remote control function. Traditionally, LED drivers are placed on high masts, making it difficult to setup, maintain and replace. With the remote control function that allows a 200-meter distance between the driver and the luminaire, the driver can be installed on the ground to support safe installation and easy maintenance. https://www.deltaww.com
COGNEX
COGNEX ENTERS NEW MARKET WITH LAUNCH OF IN-SIGHT SNAPP VISION SENSOR The innovative product brings new levels of accuracy, simplicity, and functionality to industrial sensors.
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ognex Corporation announced the launch of the In-Sight SnAPP vision sensor, redefining standards for ease of use, accuracy, and functionality in an industrial sensor. This product expands the Company’s capabilities into the vision-sensing space and adds an additional $1 billion to its served markets. “The In-Sight SnAPP, designed for maximum simplicity and ease of deployment, provides customers a new, accessible on-ramp to machine vision,” said Carl Gerst, Executive Vice President of Products, Platforms, and Solutions at Cognex. “We’re now making Cognex’s industry-leading edge learning technology accessible to more businesses around the world, in nearly every end market, enabling users to quickly improve efficiency and streamline their manufacturing processes.”
The In-Sight SnAPP sensor solves a range of common quality control challenges, including presence/absence inspections, assembly verification, and defect detection. Vision-based detection is a step-up from conventional laserbased sensors, providing the superior capability to locate features and parts in any position and to detect subtle defects. In-Sight SnAPP is trained using just a few examples and does not need any programming or vision knowledge by the user. Additionally, the web-based user interface allows customers to plug in and run In-Sight SnAPP from anywhere using a standard web browser – the first Cognex product to not require software for installation.
“The In-Sight SnAPP is our easiestto-use product to date, combining our industry-leading vision capabilities and edge learning technology with a sharper focus on user experience,” commented Robert Willett, President and CEO of Cognex. “Expanding into the vision sensing market with the In-Sight SnAPP will help propel our Emerging Customer initiative, broadening our customer base and contributing to our long-term growth objectives.” For more information on In-Sight SnAPP, visit cognex.com/in-sight-snapp www.cognex.com
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BAUMER
BAUMER PRESENTS INDUSTRIAL CAMERA WITH INTEGRATED COOLING PIPE Baumer’s industrial cameras with integrated cooling pipes ensure temperature stability in a compact design.
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raditionally for high-temperature environments, the camera housing would be surrounded by external cooling components to ensure constant camera temperatures. Such effort is time-consuming and results in additional camera dimensions. To counteract this drawback, Baumer has extended the CX series with cameras with integrated cooling. The patented cooling pipe of the CX.XC cameras winds its way inside the camera housing, saving space and ensuring thermal stability within an instant.
Semiconductor production calls for high-precision measured values Particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, thermal stability of the cameras is key. In wafer bonding, for example, inspections must ensure that individual wafer markings precisely align with each other. This will achieve high-precision image acquisition since measurement tolerances are within the nanometer range. For such accurate data, thermal stability of relevant camera components during the measurement cycle time is indispensable. The integrated cooling pipe designed by Baumer offers two decisive benefits: It not only ensures the required thermal stability, but also cools down to constant values within a few minutes, which is significantly faster than achieved with conventionally used external devices. This will save users time since the active cooling by Baumer cuts down on waiting times in data acquisition.
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BAUMER
CX.XC cameras with ultra-precise image acquisition ensure accurately aligned marks in wafer bonding
Integrated cooling pipe for constantly low camera temperatures Unlike external cooling from outside of the housing, the integrated cooling pipe dissipates the heat exactly where it is generated: close to sensor and lens. Thanks to effective heat dissipation, the CX.XC cameras acquire images at very low noise with very few defective pixels. Cooling via integrated pipe utilizes compressed air (2 to 3 bar) or liquids such as water (up to 6 bar). Further to semiconductor production, further application examples for the Baumer cameras with integrated cooling pipe are industries where excessive ambient temperatures prevail: glass and metal processing, large bakeries and many more. The CX.XC cameras deliver reliable image data even at up to 65 degrees Celsius present at the housing. The Baumer CX.XC cameras with integrated active cooling are based on the CX series with more than 70 models
and hence provide an extensive sensor portfolio for cross-industry standard applications in industrial image processing. Standard variants in 29×29 mm design offer a wide range of functions and feature the latest Sony Pregius, Pregius S, STARVIS, Polarsens as well as onsemi PYTHON CMOS sensors to put future-oriented applications into practice. Models with standard-compliant GigE Vision or USB3 Vision interface, with polarization sensor detecting the linear polarization surface state as well as with global, rolling or global reset shutter allow for multifaceted application solutions.
www.baumer.com
The CX cameras offer very good image quality and high frame rates – with the use of an ROI (Region of Interest) even with far more than 1000 images/s. Easy camera integration with changing light conditions is ensured thanks to auto features for exposure, gain, white balance, and colour transformation.
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BECKHOFF
ACCELERATING TIME-TO-MARKET USING DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY By Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, discusses the transformative power of digital twin technology, highlighting its instant ROI for manufacturers, enabling innovation and competitive edge in the fast-paced market.
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igital twin technology empowers manufacturers to simulate and optimise their operations with unprecedented precision. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, manufacturers can analyse and optimise manufacturing processes in a risk-free virtual environment. This capability allows them to identify bottlenecks, test alternative strategies and optimise efficiency before implementing changes on the shop floor.
For example, manufacturers can leverage digital twins to predict the performance of production lines as well as identifying potential failures and optimising maintenance schedules, resulting in reduced downtime and improved productivity. Additionally, digital twins enable the exploration of different operational scenarios, helping manufacturers uncover the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. By finetuning processes virtually, manufacturers can minimize wastage and reduce production errors — enhancing overall operational performance. Digital twin technology can also revolutionise product design and development processes. Manufacturers can create virtual replicas of their products, allowing them to simulate and test various design iterations before investing in physical prototypes. This iterative approach enables rapid prototyping, accelerating the product development lifecycle. With digital twins, manufacturers can analyse product behaviour under different conditions to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Using this approach can identify potential design flaws and validate engineering assumptions, optimising product characteristics based on real-time data. This feedback loop enhances the quality of products while reducing costly design errors and rework. Furthermore, digital twin technology facilitates collaboration between different teams involved in product development. Designers, engineers and stakeholders can access and interact with the virtual replica, fostering cross-functional
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collaboration and knowledge sharing. This streamlined communication helps align efforts and ensure that the final product meets customer expectations. Digital twin technology goes beyond just optimising manufacturing processes and product design — it also plays a crucial role in predictive maintenance and asset performance management. Beckhoff’s software tools, such as TwinCAT, provide a robust platform for designing, modelling and implementing digital twin models. By leveraging Beckhoff software, users can create virtual representations of physical assets, monitor and analyse data in real-
BECKHOFF
time, and perform advanced simulations and optimisations. Integrating realtime data from sensors and IoT devices into the digital twin model means that manufacturers can monitor the health and performance of their physical assets. This predictive maintenance approach allows manufacturers to detect potential failures or anomalies early on, minimising unplanned downtime. By leveraging the data-driven insights provided by digital twins, manufacturers can optimise maintenance schedules, improve asset performance, and extend the lifespan of their equipment. The ability to predict and
prevent breakdowns not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces maintenance costs, providing significant savings for manufacturers.
manufacturing landscape, empowering manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve and meet the ever-evolving demands of customers and the market.
Embracing digital twin technology is no longer an option, but a necessity for manufacturers aiming to thrive in the competitive market. By leveraging its power, manufacturers can achieve reduced time-to-market, enhanced product performance, significant cost savings and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The transformative capabilities of digital twin technology are reshaping the
www.beckhoff.com
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IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
FOUR “EYES” SEE BETTER THAN TWO Automatic loading and unloading of pressed parts through 3D container inspection.
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obots do monotonous workflows and less pleasant, repetitive tasks with brilliance. Combined with image processing, they become “seeing” and reliable supporters of humans. They are used in quality assurance to check components, help with the assembly and positioning of components, detect errors and deviations in production processes and thus increase the efficiency of entire production lines. An automobile manufacturer is taking advantage of this to improve the cycle time of its press lines. Together with the latter, VMT Vision Machine Technic Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH from Mannheim developed the robot-based 3D measuring system FrameSense
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for the fully automatic loading and unloading of containers. Pressed parts are thus safely and precisely inserted into or removed from containers. Four Ensenso 3D cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH provide the basic data and thus the platform for process automation.
IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
When inserting the components into the comb strips of the racks, the robots have to work with millimetre precision
Application The actual workflow that FrameSense is designed to automate is part of many manufacturing operations. A component comes out of a machine - here a press and runs on a conveyor belt to a container. There it is stacked. As soon as the container is full, it is transported to the next production step, e.g. assembly into a vehicle.
the same time, any interfering factors, such as interlocks, must be removed and a general check of the “load box” for any defects must be carried out. All these tasks are now to be taken over by a robot with a vision system - a technological challenge. This is because the containers also come from different manufacturers, are of different types and thus vary in some cases in their dimensions.
Up to now, employees have been responsible for loading the containers. This actually simple subtask is more complex than one might think at first glance. In addition to the actual insertion process, the first step is to determine the appropriate free space for the part. At
Type, shape and position inspection with the aid of four 3D cameras For their fully automatic loading and unloading, the position of several relevant features of the containers must be determined for a so-called multivector correction of the robot. The basis
is a type, shape and position check of the respective container. This is the only way to ensure process-reliable and collisionfree path guidance of the loading robot. All this has to be integrated into the existing production process. Time delays must be eliminated and the positioning of the components must be accurate to the millimetre. To counter this, VMT uses four 3D cameras per system. The four sensors each record a part of the entire image field. This can consist of two containers, each measuring approximately 1.5 x 2 x 1.5 metres (D x W x H). Two of the cameras focus on one container. This results in data from two perspectives 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
Evaluation and visualisation of the measurement data
each for a higher information quality of the 3D point cloud. These point clouds of all four sensors are combined for the subsequent evaluation. In the process, registrations of relevant features of the container take place in ROIs (Regions of Interest) of the total point cloud. A registration is the exact positioning of a feature using a model in all 6 degrees of freedom. In other ROIs, interference contours are searched for which could lead to collisions during loading. Finally, the overall picture is compared with a stored reference model. In this way, the containers can be simultaneously checked for their condition and position in a fully automated manner. Even deformed or slanted containers can be processed. All this information is also recorded for use in a quality management system where the condition of all containers can be traced. The calibration as well as the consolidation of the measurement data and their subsequent evaluation are carried out in a separate IPC (industrial computer) with screen visualisation, operating elements and connection to the respective robot control. The main result of the image processing solution is the multi-vector correction. In this way, the robot is adjusted to be able to insert the component at the next possible, suitable deposit position. Secondary results are error messages due to interfering edges or objects in the container that would prevent filling. Damaged containers that are in a generally poor condition can be detected and sorted out with the help of the data. The entire image processing takes place in the image processing software MSS 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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(Multi Sensor Systems) developed by VMT. FrameSense is designed to be easy to use and can also be converted to other components directly on site. Robust 3D camera system On the camera side, VMT relies on Ensenso 3D cameras - initially on the X36 model. The current expansion stage of FrameSense is equipped with the Ensenso C variant. The reasons for the change are mainly the better projector performance - thanks to a new projection process - as well as a higher recording speed. In addition, the Ensenso C enables a larger measuring volume. This is an important criterion for FrameSense, because the robot can only reach the containers to be filled up to a certain distance. The specifications of the Ensenso C thus correspond exactly to VMT’s requirements, as project manager and technology manager Andreas Redekop explains: “High projector performance and resolution together with fast data processing were our main technical criteria when selecting the camera. The installation in a fixed housing was also an advantage.” The Ensenso C addresses current challenges in the automation and robotics industry. Compared to other Ensenso models, it provides both 3D and RGB colour information. Customers thus benefit from even more meaningful image data. The housing of the robust 3D camera system meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67. It offers a resolution of 5 MP and is available with baselines from current to approx. 455 mm. This means that even large objects can be reliably
IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
Supported by a high-intensity projector, the Ensenso C projects high-contrast textures onto the object to be imaged
Four Ensenso C cameras capture the contours of the stacking containers
detected. The camera is quick and easy to use and addresses primarily large-volume applications, e.g. in medical technology, logistics or factory automation.
stacking or bin-picking applications in classic logistics, he could imagine a similar camera with high projector power but lower resolution and fast recording.
Outlook By automatically loading and unloading containers and the integrated 3D container inspection, manual workstations can be automated with the help of FrameSense. Against the background of the shortage of skilled workers, the system can thus make an important contribution to process automation in the automotive industry, among others. It meets the prevailing challenges of the industry. Ensenso C provides the crucial basis for data generation and exceeds the requirements of many applications. Lukas Neumann from Product Management sees their added value especially here: “The high projector power and large sensor resolutions are particularly advantageous in the field of intralogistics. Here, high-precision components have to be gripped from a great distance with a large measuring volume.” For other
So nothing stands in the way of further developments and automation solutions in conjunction with “seeing” robots. Camera Ensenso C: Coloured 3D Vision Model used: Ensenso C57-8-M https://en.ids-imaging.com/
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SOFTING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
OPC UA TUNNEL INCREASES SECURITY FOR OPC CLASSIC COMMUNICATION Version 5.30 of dataFEED OPC Suite from Softing Industrial offers two new features: an OPC UA tunnel to increase security for OPC Classic communication plus support for InfluxDB databases.
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he dataFEED OPC UA Tunnel is a new component of Softing Industrial’s dataFEED OPC Suite. It enables easy and secure access to OPC Classic servers across network boundaries and firewalls. A DCOM configuration is no longer required. Configuration of the two tunnel ends is quick and easy using Export/Import. The security mechanisms of the OPC UA standard, which include authentication of users by means of certificates as well as signing and encryption of data, ensure maximum protection. The suite currently supports up to 50 OPC UA tunnel connections.
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Process data storage in Influx DB databases With version 5.30 dataFEED OPC Suite offers the possibility to store process data in an InfluxDB for subsequent processing and analysis. InfluxDB is one of the most widely used NoSQL databases. It ensures extensive scalability, high availability as well as fast writing and reading.
All-in-one data integration solution dataFEED OPC Suite Extended is a complete package for OPC communication and cloud connectivity, providing access to the controllers of leading manufacturers and to IoT devices. The suite acts as a gateway between the two OPC standards, allowing the integration of existing OPC Classic components and applications into modern Industry 4.0 OPC UA solutions. https://industrial.softing.com/
SOFTING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
ARM COMPATIBILITY EXPANDS APPLICATION RANGE OF EDGECONNECTOR PRODUCTS FROM SOFTING INDUSTRIAL The new version 3.50 of Softing Industrial’s edgeConnector products is now compatible with ARM processors. This significantly expands the application possibilities.
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he Docker-based software modules of Softing’s edgeConnector product family provide access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. Version 3.50 of edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 804D and edgeConnector Modbus is now compatible with the 64-bit version of ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) processors. This extends the application possibilities to devices like Raspberry Pi, Cisco IR1101, Orange Pi 5 or RevPi Connect.
By using container technology, edgeConnector products are very quickly ready for use. They are operated on standard hardware and can be easily administered centrally. This gives users a simple and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible Industrial IoT solutions. All edgeConnector products support state-of-the-art security standards such as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption.
They can be easily configured locally via an integrated web interface or managed remotely via a REST API. The individual edgeConnector products are available for download and free trial from online directories such as Docker Hub or Microsoft Azure Marketplace. https://industrial.softing.com/
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SCHUNK
SCHUNK PRESENTS USER-FRIENDLY CMS MANUAL CHANGING SYSTEM As well as simple and convenient operation, the extensive range of optional modules and complementary end effectors is also impressive with the CMS.
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he new CMS manual change system from SCHUNK is the optimal addition for flexible tasks in manufacturing, handling technology or at assembly workstations. It enables rapid, process-reliable changeover at the robot front end or also on stationary systems such as in fixture construction. The manually operated system consists of a CMS-K interchangeable head and a CMS-A interchangeable adapter and can handle payloads of up to 58 kg. It can be flexibly combined with handling or machining components from the extensive SCHUNK portfolio - from grippers to machining tools from the R-EMENDO series, for example for automated deburring, polishing or filing. The CMS is the further development of the SHS changing system, which is already an established part of the SCHUNK portfolio and can replace it 1:1 due to its having the same height and screw-on patterns. The successor version now offers decisive optimizations in terms of operation, design, process reliability and usage options.
The user-friendly CMS manual changing system can be locked or unlocked easily and conveniently without the use of any additional tools.
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Fast and process-reliable changing Tried-and-tested push lever technology makes the operation of the CMS extremely simple and convenient. The interchangeable head can be locked by hand with the interchangeable adapter without the use of any additional tools. Innovative, integrated air feed-throughs via sealing pins with cylinder seals support manual locking so that only minimal force is required for this process. In addition, the thrust lever has a new, cranked shape that does not conceal any of the numerous connections. This means that all system connections can now also be used radially.
SCHUNK
More operational safety is provided by a spring-loaded latching pin that fixes the hand lever to the housing and prevents the system from opening during operation. The integrated monitoring sensor system, which enables inductive monitoring of interlock status and mould presence with optional sensors, provides additional operating safety and a plus in process reliability. Thanks to the ISO flange pattern, the CMS can be mounted on all common robot types without an additional adapter plate.
modules, saving both space and weight. Alternatively, SCHUNK also offers a lower-price, identically constructed basic variant CMS-B without pneumatic feedthroughs.
For flexible parts handling in machine loading: With the CMS changing system, appropriate end effectors can be exchanged easily as needed - in this case the electric universal gripper EGU.
www.schunk.com
The CMS manual change system is available in six sizes from 40 to 125. In addition to a wide range of combination and application options, users benefit from the breadth of knowledge about applications of the full-range automation supplier.
Wide range of optional modules and end effectors A wide variety of end effectors such as gripper or machining tools can be supplied via integrated pneumatic feedthroughs or a vacuum. In addition, energy supply is now also possible via directly bolted-on electrical, pneumatic and fluid 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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FESTO
NEW CMMT-ST FROM FESTO OFFERS BIG SAVINGS BY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STEPPER AND SERVO DRIVE Machine builders no longer need to choose between a stepper or servo drive, thanks to the CMMT-ST from Festo.
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his new extra low voltage servo drive is capable of open or closed loop positioning, which effectively bridges the gap between stepper and servo drives. This means the user can tailor the CMMT-ST to suit the needs of the application and reap the benefits of both control formats. Electric Drives Product Marketing Manager, Josh Roberts says: “The high dynamics and controllability of servo control loops can be useful in many applications, but there can be other times where the pulse, lock and stay characteristics of a stepper are the better choice. Our new CMMT-ST offers an opportunity for automation machine builders to access the best of both worlds and comes with free software for ease of programming.” The CMMT-ST drops below the power class (300 W nominal) of the Festo CMMT-AS standard range of servo drives but shares the same control integration and function blocks, which means significant cost reductions can be achieved by combining the two types of drives within one system.
Termed ’extra-low’ voltage because they work at 24 or 48VDC, this new generation of controllers has a raft of new features that sets them apart from previous Festo devices and from the competition. For example, the CMMTST has a micro-controller which is three times more powerful than previous models. This creates performance user advantages such as multi-protocol fieldbus compatibility, field weakening, energy management, auto-tuning and U/f open loop control. It also features an integrated webserver, which is an advanced feature for a low-cost device. This enables the easy transfer of data to and from the servo drive for fast, simple set-up, diagnostics and file transfers. Within the CMMT-ST servo drive is the capability to communicate instantly to more than 75% of major fieldbus systems (including PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet IP and Modbus), either through simple DIP switch settings, software set-up or auto-recognition. This means no changes to electrical designs, cabinet layout or wiring when swapping between control architectures, which is a time-consuming and expensive exercise for special purpose machine builders adapting to end-user specifications. It also means less stocked or service parts and less parts for installers and service technicians to become familiar with.
Field weakening sounds counter intuitive for a user benefit; however, it enables the connected motors to achieve higher maximum speeds or torques. For example, at low torques the maximum speed increases from 1,600 to 2,300 rpm - an increase of 44%. Therefore, there is the opportunity to select a smaller, lower cost motor to perform the same task. Mechanically the CMMT-ST very efficiently packages advanced electronics within a robust enclosure with good EMC protection. An earthing fin shields the encoder feedback cabling, protecting the drive within ’noisy’ environments on industrial machinery. Connectivity for braking resistors enables efficient energy management, soaking up the energy spikes and increasing the drive’s peak performance characteristics. A further energy saving option is to use the DC link sharing energy peaks between different drives within a system. For a compact drive which is only 144mm high, 88mm deep and 27mm wide it can manage an impressive nominal current of 8A and up to 20A peak for limited durations (3 sec. max.) for maximum acceleration or deacceleration peaks within a positioning cycle. Concludes Josh Roberts: “With a list price of under £500 and free of charge programming software, the CMMT-ST offers big savings for machine builders and users; particularly in applications where the drives are currently over-specified to combat the compatibility and control issues usually associated with mixing drives within a single control system. The CMMT family of pure servo drives (AS) and open/closed loop extra-low servo drives (ST) is an ideal combination that overcomes these challenges.” www.festo.com
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FESTO
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MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC EUROPE
DRIVE YOUR DIGITALISATION WITH A COST-COMPETITIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLLER Mitsubishi Electric’s new MELSEC FX5S PLC is designed to support businesses on their digital transformation journey, offering a cost-effective, easy-to-use control solution.
The FX5S is easy to configure and use, streamlining deployment and enabling users to quickly set up installations. This intuitive system also delivers the level of high-speed performance required by accurate positioning applications. End users and machine builders can leverage Mitsubishi Electric’s FX5S to develop and implement cost-effective machines with up to 60 I/O points. These solutions support IIoT connectivity and functionalities. Therefore, they minimize the investment necessary to advance in the digitalisation of key operations and start creating future-oriented smart factories.
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he latest addition to the MELSEC iQ-F series of compact, highperformance PLCs is ideal for simple, straightforward applications in the food and beverage, water and machining industries, for example. It offers Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) functions for effective entry-level industrial automation applications.
In particular, when looking at IIoT capabilities, the solution offers data logging and data flow analysis functions to speed up and enhance troubleshooting and root cause analysis. As the PLC features a built-in web server, operators can also remotely access these functions and monitor operations at any time, further improving responsiveness and flexibility. Thanks to its compatibility with CCLink IE Field Basic, an open industrial Ethernet technology, the controller can be seamlessly linked with other factory automation devices such as HMIs, drives and remote I/O. This ensures reliable communications and facilitates the creation of interconnected shop floors. Mitsubishi Electric’s FX5S is a compact and highly capable controller that can support companies in advancing on their digitalisation journeys. For additional information on the product, please visit: https://youtu.be/mlZmHIcqPec
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PARKER
PCH NETWORK PORTAL PROVIDES FACTORY AUTOMATION WITH NEW ETHERNET COMMUNICATION MODULES Parker Hannifin is releasing PCH Network Portal, a new approach to Ethernet communication modules that transforms machine I/O architecture.
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he Ethernet communication module meets user requirements at any period in the machine’s life, from conception and integration, through to production and maintenance requirements. Where most existing solutions are modular in design with fluctuating dimensions, PCH Network Portal integrates the versatility of its configuration into a single compact footprint to provide notable market differentiation. Another important feature allows users to tap into the power of IO-Link, extending connectivity to remote IOs and limiting wired connections. The flexibility of IO-Link also allows users to set-up a connection port as a digital input (DI), digital output (DO) or IO-Link master port, bringing added value to applications that include material handling systems, vehicle body assembly, industrial assembly lines, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for robots and other automated industrial equipment.
Part of Parker Hannifin’s field bus/ industrial network offer, the decentralised I/O and IO-Link master ports of PCH Network Portal pave the way to optimised machine architecture and higher levels of configurability - all while connecting to five sizes of the company’s H Series ISO valves.
in programming functions (such as debounce timers and time-stamped rolling 40 errors, warnings and events logs) make troubleshooting and integration easy, even for unexperienced programmers. Users can configure and troubleshoot via a laptop, tablet or phone with a secure and lockable Bluetooth® connection.
PCH Network Portal can communicate with many industrial controllers as it supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP and EtherCAT protocols. This capability makes it ideal for a number of flexible manufacturing applications, including: where machine changes are common; where PLCs are not always accessible; or where obstacles on the plant floor make set-up, configuration and troubleshooting time consuming.
Able to operate in temperatures between -15 and +49°C, the PCH Network Portal features configurable IO-Link master ports inside an IP65-rated, weld splatter resistant housing to future-proof machines against network architecture changes.
Configurable I/O with true PNP/NPN circuitry switching and IO-Link on each port facilitate easy machine design changes. As a further advantage, built-
https://youtu.be/nMBxu5VBr5Y Learn more about PCH Network Portal at: https://ph.parker.com/gb/en/pchnetwork-portal www.parker.com
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WENGLOR
WENGLOR B60 SERIES: MASSIVE POWER THROUGH NEXT LEVEL MACHINE VISION The outstanding performance of the B60 series from the wenglor sensoric group achieves a new level of industrial image processing.
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he effective interplay between hardware and software enables comprehensive and expandable solutions to be achieved for demanding image processing applications. Thanks to the seamless integration of HALCON into wenglor’s high-performance uniVision 3 software ecosystem, the smart cameras of the wenglor B60 series offer intuitive parameterization and individual programming in one. A close look at the highlights of the latest machine vision release is impressive.
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The smart camera takes on all challenges with its wide range of variants thanks to auto-focus or C mount. Smart design – down to the last detail: Because the tool-free installation of the hardware makes setup easier, while predefined projects and an extensive collection of modules enable standard and special applications to be implemented on the software side. With the B60 smart camera, wenglor supplies an innovative machine vision product that effectively
WENGLOR
solves many of the existing problems in image processing and inspection tasks. wenglor’s B60 professionally overcomes all the limitations associated with dependence on costly vision systems and complex special software. Without compromising on flexibility, performance and seamless integration. To put it briefly: wenglor’s revolutionary smart camera dispels concerns about using simpler machine vision solutions. Efficient hardware and smart software expand the machine vision horizon Based on high-performance hardware, supplemented by a highly modular structure and paired with outstanding computing power, the B60 succeeds, which was previously only possible with PC-based vision systems: the solution
to complex image processing tasks. Whether it’s position tracking tools, pattern matching, object detection, measurement, code reading or logically linking results – these are just a few examples of what’s possible. wenglor’s new uniVision 3 effortlessly solves complex, but also simpler and repetitive tasks.
to inaccurate measurement results and more lengthy troubleshooting. Thanks to the built-in position sensor, the wenglor B60 smart camera immediately recognizes such undesired position deviations. This information is output via the device status LED, which makes it easy to locate the source of the fault – in this case, the incorrectly set camera.
Tool-free and fast mounting of lighting modules, filters, lenses and other supplementary components allows for easy setup and optimized image capture. Thanks to auto-focus and C mount, wenglor’s B60 smart camera offers a wide range of options to enable individual adaptation of the image processing system to the specific requirements of each application.
When using multiple smart cameras in a network, the new wenglor Discovery Tool makes it much easier to find individual machine vision devices – even independently of the network configuration of the existing system infrastructure. wenglor’s Discovery Tool features an intuitive access to the device website, which enables simple webbased management and configuration of the B60.
Easy parameterization meets individual programmability The B60 series is available in a total of 12 different hardware packages with auto-focus or C mount, which are ideally complemented by the appropriate wenglor uniVision 3 software package. wenglor uniVision 3 is based on a modular principle and impresses with its easy parameterization. Numerous predefined projects are already available in advance. The extensive module collection stands out due to adjustable and freely usable modules that can be used flexibly in any order and quantity per project. HALCON scripting as a game changer: Even modules for complex applications where simple parameterization is not sufficient can be freely programmed in HALCON. No machine vision experts or programming specialists are required to integrate the script into the uniVision project. After programming in the HDevEngine, the HALCON script can be imported and integrated into the uniVision software with just a few clicks.
The highlights at a glance • Unique computing power • M odular and tool-free expandable housing design • Numerous different industrial interfaces: digital IOs, network, robot vision (UR) • Intuitive parameterization software with fully integrated interface to the HALCON programming environment www.wenglor.com
Other innovative features T h e we n g l o r B 6 0 h a s f u r t h e r groundbreaking functions on board: As a smart camera, the B60 has a built-in gyroscope. For example, during cleaning or maintenance work in industrial facilities, the camera position may shift unintentionally, which can typically lead 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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SICK
SICK ANNOUNCES MAJOR UPGRADE TO COLOUR SENSOR PORTFOLIO
SICK’s flagship CSS colour sensor offers high-resolution color and subtle shade distinction, paving the way for automotive manufacturing applications in surface structures and textures.
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he SICK CSS Colour Sensor detects colours precisely, regardless of the distance from the object, at lengths of up to 500mm. Its unique distance regulation capability dispenses with the need for strict guidance of the target. It therefore accommodates changing sensing distances automatically on a production line, e.g. to account for differing orientations of a product on a conveyor, and to handle varying object sizes with ease. Live On-sensor Values Live L*A*B* or RGB colour values are displayed directly on the CSS’s on-sensor full-colour display. An innovative teachin method enables the sensor to assess the similarity between the detected colour and expected colour in real time. Up to 15 colours can be output directly via the sensor’s four switching outputs. The SICK IO-Link CSS Colour Sensor also offers the unmatched capability to output up to 24 colours to a machine controller. The SICK CSS goes far beyond sensing homogenous colours, opening up a wide field of applications, and is an even an attractive alternative to expensive colour measurement devices, in some cases. CSX High Speed With a switching frequency of 13.8kHz, the SICK CSX High Speed sensor works at double the pace of its predecessor device, while still offering customers the option of full mounting compatibility for direct replacement. As well as typical applications such as the detection of colour marks, labels and splices, the CSX now masters new high-speed production tasks such as rapid sorting of objects according to colour.
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“These two devices now offer best-inclass performance, as well as combining unmatched colour recognition with ease of set-up and the ability to adjust the colour sensitivity precisely. The sensors are therefore ideal for wide-ranging colour sensing applications, such as colour verification for quality control, sorting and separation, as well as object and print mark positioning. “The automatic sensing distance regulation enables the CSS to detect colours reliably, despite the difference that changing distances have on the perceived colour; it can handle differences in distance between 50mm and 500mm with ease.” Higher Process Speeds The CSS and CSX colour sensors help to achieve higher process speeds and higher throughputs with outstanding detection repeatability in automotive manufacturing, for example to differentiate components such as seat covers, or detect glued areas. The SICK CSS colour sensors can be quickly and precisely configured for the specific application using the setup assistant in SICK’s SOPAS software. The IO-Link version offers additional advantages for quick and simple commissioning, as well as rapid diagnosis, process monitoring and fine adjustment of the process setup. www.sick.com
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EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
EMERSON INTRODUCES HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY’S FIRST INTEGRATED MANIFOLD SOLUTION FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEVICES The ASCO Series 588 manifold reduces manufacturer engineering and assembly time, improves energy efficiency, product lifespan and reliability of devices.
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merson has launched the ASCO™ Series 588 Stationary Oxygen Concentrator Manifold, the healthcare industry’s first turnkey manifold solution designed to optimize respiratory therapy device designs and accelerate product speed to market. Oxygen concentrators must quickly reach patients who rely on them, so it’s critical that they are readily available and operate reliably. The Series 588 manifold is specially designed to simplify device engineering and assembly and improve device energy efficiency, lifespan and reliability. Without an integrated manifold, manufacturers must mount valves individually into the fluidic path of oxygen concentrators and attach dedicated tubing to each orifice. Alternatively, the small, lightweight architecture of the Series 588 manifold easily integrates into the fluidic path of oxygen concentrators, significantly reducing engineering and assembly time for medical equipment manufacturers. The Series 588 features two robust general service valves that precisely control the flow of air between the compressor and the sieves. The manifold fastens easily into the fluidic path, and a barbed port design makes it simple to connect tubing.
“Oxygen concentrators are essential to the health and well-being of patients with chronic respiratory disorders, so it is critical they are readily available for therapy. However, one of the most important aspects of these devices is an intelligently designed fluidic path, and that takes time,” said Thomas Beck, product marketing manager for analytical and medical at Emerson. “With the ASCO Series 588 Manifold, our fluidic path experts have designed a low-power, robust solution that can save medical manufacturers time and lifetime costs. Manufacturers can quickly and simply install the integrated manifold by connecting just a few tubes.” In addition to simplifying design and assembly, the Series 588 can help improve device energy efficiency and reliability while lengthening product life. The manifold’s compact footprint can enable smaller device designs without sacrificing performance. The valves’ low power demand can extend device battery life and time between charges, which can set a manufacturer’s product apart from competitor offerings. And the high reliability of the valves can lengthen the overall lifespan of the oxygen concentrator and minimize manufacturer lifetime costs. For more information about the ASCO 588 Stationary Oxygen Concentrator Manifold, please visit https://www. emerson.com/en-us/catalog/asco-588
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EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
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LEUZE
LEUZE INTRODUCES NEW TOWER LIGHTS IN ROBUST ALUMINIUM HOUSING The TL 305 series impresses with bright and homogeneous illumination as well as an optional IO-Link interface.
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ower lights are indispensable in machine and system construction as well as in intralogistics: They make states, faults, and ongoing processes clearly visible from a distance. The new Leuze tower lights of the TL 305 series can do all of this extremely reliably. They light up brightly, uniformly, and fully. This enables optimum signaling – whether at the machine, on the conveyor belt, or for access control. The compact towers are available preconfigured with three, four, or five segments. The new range of tower lights includes the TL 305 models with a predefined color assignment as well as the TL 305-IOL models with an IO-Link interface. The IO-Link variants allow different operating modes and provide an extensive selection of colors. On request, the tower lights are also available with an additional acoustic signaler.
Quick and easy implementation System operators benefit from the immediate usability of the tower lights. The M30 thread and M12 connectors make them easy to install. Matching accessories simplify installation. All models of the series are characterized by a highquality and robust design. The aluminum housing allows the tower lights to be used even in demanding industrial environments.
Flexible configuration The IO-Link version TL 305-IOL with its different operating modes offers maximum flexibility. Segment mode enables the segments to be actuated individually via IO-Link. This allows color, intensity, and lighting sequences to be configured individually. Level mode is used to visualize fill levels. If fast commissioning is required, users can actuate eight predetermined or userdefined configurations via the three external trigger inputs even without an IO-Link connection. https://www.leuze.com/en-int
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LEUZE
The individually configurable TL 305IOL tower lights can be parameterized extremely flexibly via the IO-Link interface. System operators can signal individual machine states by means of different brightnesses, lighting sequences, colors or types of signal sound.
The TL 305 tower lights used in combination with a proximity sensor are also suitable for safety-related monitoring tasks. For example, if a door is opened, a visual and/or acoustic warning is output.
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B&R
CREATE A PICK-AND-PLACE APPLICATION IN MINUTES A ready-made software solution from B&R helps OEMs implement pick-and-place applications significantly faster with minimal investment risk.
With mapp Pick-and-Place, applications can be set up with just a few clicks. (Image: B&R)
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B&R
mapp Robotics makes machines faster, more flexible and more efficient The Pick-and-Place process solution from mapp Robotics makes machines faster, more flexible and more efficient. Pickand-place robots open up new degrees of freedom for engineers when designing production processes. In particular, machines designed to produce small quantities down to a batch size 1 and high product variance benefit from automated handling that is synchronized with the processes in microsecond precision. Configuring, not programming To create such applications, B&R offers a ready-made software solution for pick-and-place robots from its mapp Technology software toolbox. This allows applications to be configured intuitively by selecting ready-made function blocks. These are linked together in the editor, as with other mapp applications, allowing an executable robotics application to be created within a few minutes.
In-depth robotics know-how is not required. It takes only a few clicks to set up coordination with other motion axes, track systems, B&R machine vision components or web-based mapp View HMI applications. This eliminates much of the manual programming work and development time is shortened. Maximum freedom when designing processes The mapp Pick-and-Place software solution offers maximum freedom when designing processes. Any number of delta robots can be used. The number of conveyor belts for the infeed and outfeed is also freely configurable. As a special highlight, the software automatically optimizes the process for maximum pick rate. www.br-automation.com
The mapp components exchange all the information they need with each other automatically. (Image: B&R) 08 - AUTOMATION Mag - November 2023
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ARC INFORMATIQUE
TSE’S AGRICULTURAL CANOPIES: PCVUE AT THE HEART OF A SYSTEM OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SHADES Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is the major challenge of our era. Emission reduction, optimization of consumption, clean energy that is accessible to all, and de-carbonization are some of the challenges to be met in order to preserve the environment and combat energy insecurity.
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aced with these many challenges, a host of initiatives for a new, more robust and sustainable energy model are emerging. One of these is agrivoltaics, a system that produces energy using both renewable energy sources and agricultural crops. Photovoltaics for agriculture The concept is simple, photovoltaic panels are installed on barn roofs and other agricultural structures. They are designed for integration with the grid in a rural environment. Farmers can then produce their own energy at lower cost and without impairing their agricultural production. TSE is one of the main independent players in solar energy in France. The company was founded more than ten years ago to develop solar power stations and agrivoltaics solutions that transform solar energy into electricity. TSE supports their customers and partners in building the solar power station’s complete value chain starting from design through financing, construction, supervision and operational management.
In 2022, TSE inaugurated its first agrovoltaics pilot site in 3 hectares located in Amance, France. A photovoltaic shading system with a capacity of 2.4 MWp, equivalent to the power consumption of a community of 1,350 inhabitants, it is installed on large-scale crops of soya, wheat, forage rye, winter barley and rapeseed. The project came into being because of production limitations on the farm. It had been suffering from very hot and arid summers for more than a decade. The agricultural canopy, developed by TSE, was chosen by farmers because it is designed with rotating shades. These shades enable the system to mitigate climatic conditions in the summer season by lowering the temperature under the shade. Installation of the agricultural canopy in Amance The agricultural canopy is composed of a large shading structure equipped with solar panels with tracker systems fixed on cables 5 meters above the fields. A supervision system is also provided to control the orientation of the panels, depending on the weather conditions, and to completely automate the acquisition of operational data. After carrying out a market study, the Data & Optimization Division of TSE selected the PcVue platform to implement the SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition). Among the decisive criteria for choosing the PcVue platform, in preference to several other competitors, was the ability to have complete control over the platform, the ease of development, leveraging a dedicated solar solution supplied with the platform and, the quality of service from the technical support team.
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On site, the supervision system manages a database of 25,000 data points. An optimized display enables alarms to be quickly understood by operators, supporting rapid problem resolution. The architecture features a central controller with PcVue acting as the data acquisition server. This system provides the link with all the solar transformation equipment as well as with several NCUs (Network Control Units) for the control and tracking of each of the 612 solar tables that make up the canopy structure. Specific controllers handle high frequency data acquisition rates down to 10 milliseconds sampling. This is done in order to supply mathematical models running in real time. This very precise data is also used to determine how the system will response under specific conditions of interest. TSE has formed a partnership with the Ecole des Mines, of PSL Research University, to work on some of the subjects related to photovoltaics. The remainder of the research and development is performed internally. For example, multiple tests are carried out from the photovoltaic station to ensure that factors such as cable tension, potential erosion of the system of cradles, etc., do not impact durability of the station. The pilot project at the Amance site is the first 9-year demonstrator for TSE. TSE is the specialist in solar energy has 3 similar projects under construction and 12 other pilot projects in the development phase (construction planned for completion 2024-2025). A video of the project: https://youtu.be/75nzkNAVCgw www.pcvuesolutions.com
ARC INFORMATIQUE
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