Applied Motion Products low cost STR2 stepper drive

Applied Motion Products is pleased to announce the STR2 step motor drive. The STR2 is a compact, digital step & direction drive, great for OEM applications requiring basic step & direction control of a 2-phase stepper motor. The STR2 outputs up to 2.2 A/phase to the step motor, and is compatible with a variety of 2-phase step motors that have been selected to optimize performance of both the drive and motor.

The STR2 drive features advanced microstepping performance and sophisticated current control with anti-resonance. Anti-resonance electronically damps motor and system resonances, which improves motor smoothness and torque over a wide speed range.

Each STR2 step motor drive operates in either Step & Direction or Pulse/Pulse control mode. Selecting between these two modes is done by moving a jumper located under the cover of the drive. Each STR2 drive can microstep up to 20,000 steps/rev with a 1.8º step motor (1/100 step), and can even microstep the step motor when the command pulses are low resolution. This feature is called Microstep Emulation. All drive setup is done via dip switches on the side of the drive, including motor selection, running current, idle current, and step resolution.

The STR2 is RoHS compliant and CE certified. Matching step motors and DC power supplies are also available from Applied Motion Products.

Macron Dynamics releases vertical arrest system

Patent Pending for Arresting System in Vertically Positioned Belt Driven Actuators

CLAWS arresting system for vertical belt driven actuators

The new patent pending Macron CLAWS vertical arrest system alleviates one of your main concerns about belt driven actuators used in vertical motion applications; What if the belt brakes?

• Belt-driven actuator now features built-in braking system
• Protects payloads in vertical applications
• Prevents damage to linear motion system components

Macron actuators are robust and constructed of durable materials, however there is potential for a belt to fail due to a variety of conditions including misuse, overloading, shock loading, crashes, jams, over torque from drive system, or contamination.

Proper actuator maintenance cannot prevent these conditions from causing a belt failure. The CLAWS system provides a level of assurance and peace of mind. If a belt does fail, there will be no dangerous free fall of the cart and load in a vertical application.

How does the CLAWS system work? The arresting mechanism is a carbon fiber reinforced rack. If a belt breaks and the load carriage begins to slip or fall, teeth on the CLAWS rack automatically engage the belt and stop it from moving.

What does this mean? CLAWS grabs and holds. Your products, materials, system components and even your workers all benefit. With the added assurance of CLAWS, the speed, accuracy, and travel offered by a belt driven actuator can be applied in vertical applications without hesitation.

CLAWS is a trademark of Macron Dynamics, Inc. Patent pending. CLAWS is available in all new belt driven actuators and retrofit kits.

Panasonic FP0 Discontinuation: Six Months

Product Discontinuation Notice March 15, 2012 FP0 PLC Series Panasonic Electric Works Corporation of America regrets to inform you that it will stop accepting orders for select parts in the FP0 PLC series as of August 31st, 2012.   All control units and digital expansion units will be discontinued and replaced by the FP0R PLC Series.  The analog and communication units will still be available.  The complete list of discontinued parts and their replacements can be found below in the table below, and the attached excel sheet. Discontinuation Schedule: Last Order Date: August 31st, 2012  Repair/Maintenance Deadline: August 31st, 2019 Discontinued Parts: FP0 Control Units Discontinued Part Number Product Name Replacement Part Number FP0-C10RS C10 Control Unit, Terminal Block AFP0RC10RS FP0-C10CRS C10 Control Unit, RS-232, Terminal Block AFP0RC10CRS FP0-C14RS C14 Control Unit, Terminal Block AFP0RC14RS FP0-C14CRS C14 Control Unit, RS-232, Terminal Block AFP0RC14CRS FP0-C16T C16 Control Unit, MIL Connector (NPN) AFP0RC16T FP0-C16P C16 Control Unit, MIL Connector (PNP) AFP0RC16P FP0-C16CT C16 Control Unit, RS-232, MIL Connector (NPN) AFP0RC16CT FP0-C16CP C16 Control Unit, RS-232,  MIL Connector (PNP) AFP0RC16CP FP0-C32T C32 Control Unit, MIL Connector (NPN) AFP0RC32T FP0-C32P C32 Control Unit, MIL Connector (PNP) AFP0RC32P FP0-C32CT C32 Control Unit, RS-232, MIL Connector (NPN) AFP0RC32CT FP0-C32CP C32 Control Unit, RS-232,  MIL Connector (PNP) AFP0RC32CP FP0-T32CT T32 Control Unit, RS-232, Clock/Calendar Function, NPN AFP0RT32CT FP0-T32CP T32 Control Unit, RS-232, Clock/Calendar Function, PNP AFP0RT32CP Expansion Units Discontinued Part Number Product Name Replacement Part Number FP0-E8X DC Input: 8 AFP0RE8X FP0-E8RS DC Input: 4, Relay Output/Terminal Block: 8 AFP0RE8RS FP0-E8YRS Relay Output/Terminal Block: 8 AFP0RE8YRS FP0-E8YT Transistor Output, NPN: 8 AFP0RE8YT FP0-E8YP Transistor Output, PNP: 8 AFP0RE8YP FP0-E16X DC Input: 16 AFP0RE16X FP0-E16RS DC Input: 8, Relay Output/Terminal Block: 8 AFP0RE16RS FP0-E16T DC Input: 8, Transistor Output, NPN: 8 AFP0RE16T FP0-E16P DC Input: 8, Transistor Output, PNP: 8 AFP0RE16P FP0-E16YT Transistor Output, NPN: 16 AFP0RE16YT FP0-E16YP Transistor Output, PNP: 16 AFP0RE16YP FP0-E32T DC Input: 16, Transistor Output, NPN: 16 AFP0RE32T FP0-E32P DC Input: 16, Transistor Output, PNP: 16 AFP0RE32P Parts Exempt from Discontinuation: Intelligent Units Part Number Product Name FP0-A21 C10 Control Unit, Terminal Block FP0-A80 C10 Control Unit, RS-232, Terminal Block FP0-A04V C14 Control Unit, Terminal Block FP0-A04I C14 Control Unit, Connector Type FP0-TC4 C14 Control Unit, RS-232, Terminal Block FP0-TC8 C16 Control Unit, MIL Connector (NPN) Communication Units Part Number Product Name FP0-CCLS CC-Link Slave Unit FP0-IOL I/O Link Unit Web Address for the FP0R Series: http://pewa.panasonic.com/automation-controls/plc/fp0r/ If you have any questions, please contact Bay AT directly.

Colder Expands Safety Features for DrumQuik

Colder Products Company, the leading developer of secure, leak-free connectors, is further enhancing its DrumQuik®PRO and DrumQuik®PUR chemical dispensing systems with the addition of a new tethered protective dust cover and extended shipping plug. The new products will help customers extend the use of the DrumQuik systems and enhance the systems’ safety benefits in a wide range of closed chemical dispensing applications.  “The DrumQuik tethered cover is a convenient accessory that protects the coupler from dust when it is disconnected from a drum,” said Thomas Braun, chemical and packaging business manager for Colder Products Company. “The extended shipping plug isolates the DrumQuik dip-tube from air in the container to provide safe venting of chemical vapors that may have changed in pressure due to external changes in pressure or temperature.”

In addition to storing and protecting the DrumQuik coupler for extended use, the tethered cover provides a handy place to store the drum insert shipping plug when the coupler is connected. The tether’s looped end and long lanyard conveniently attaches to the coupler liquid line fitting or the tubing itself. The tethered cover is made from rugged and durable virgin PVC for longer use.  The DrumQuik extended shipping plug’s user-friendly design allows operators to easily relieve internal pressure before removing it and connecting the DrumQuik coupler. A leash attachment feature allows a securing lanyard to be easily connected to the shipping plug. Made with FDA-compliant materials, the shipping plug can be used with food-based liquids.

Colder will unveil the DrumQuik tethered cover and shipping plug at Informex 2012 (booth #1946), Feb. 14-17 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Colder experts and discuss these new accessories for a wide range of closed-system chemical dispensing applications.

Panasonic releases GX-M inductive sensors

GX-M Inductive Proximity Sensors

Panasonic is pleased to announce the release of its new GX-M series cylindrical inductive proximity sensors.  This series is the new standard for metal sensing in the Panasonic line - the GX-M proximity sensor comes with a broad range of available options, a high frequency response, and a high resistance to various environmental conditions.

Features

• Wide Product Range - 84 models available consisting of 2-wire and 3-wire configurations with an optional M12 quick connect.

• Easy Mounting - The threaded head of the GX-M series provides a simple and convenient mounting method.  M8, M12, M18, and M30 sizes are available.      

• High Environmental Resistance - The IP68 rating (IP67 for CX-M8□) of the GX-M series provides protection against harsh environmental conditions.

• Shielded and Non-Shielded Options - The GX-M series is available in shielded and non-shielded types for wide application coverage.

Panasonic releases CY-100 photoelectric sensors

CY-100 Cylindrical Photoelectric Sensors 

Panasonic is pleased to announce the release of its new CY-100 series low cost, cylindrical photoelectric sensors.  This series covers a wide range of basic applications, with 80 different models are available in diffuse reflective, thrubeam, and retro-reflective sensing configurations.

Features

• ·Wide Product Range - Standard and side view models are available along with cable and M12 quick connector options. 
• ·Easy Mounting - The M18 thread of the CY-100 provides a simple and convenient mounting method.  A universal mounting bracket is also available. 
• ·High Environmental Resistance -  The IP67 rating of the CY-100 provides protection against harsh environmental conditions.
• ·Sensitivity Adjustment - A built-in potentiometer is available on the diffuse reflective models as an option for controlling the detection sensitivity.

Panasonic A5 Servo Notch Filter In Action

This video demonstrates the A5 Servo's Notch filter function which is useful for vibration suppression by eliminating harmonic frequencies.

Sanyo Denki releases tiny 2-phase stepper motor

Sanyo Denki has announced the release of industry’s most compact and light weight 14mm square 2-hase stepping motor. The new “SANMOTION F2” is ideal for such equipment as electric gripper and an electric cylinder where mountable space is at premium.

The motor weighs only 28 grams. The motor comes with holding torque of 0.0065 N-m or more.

Jun-Air releases new iQ dryer

The iQdryer represents state of the art technology. The advanced design is highly innovative – utilizing modern materials and incorporating new, patented features to deliver high quality compressed air continuously, with increased reliability, lower running costs and simplified maintenance procedures.

iQ dryer Brochure - English (1.5 MB)

Panasonic Ultra-Slim PLC - FP Sigma

Next-generation compact PLC. Medium-scale functionality provided in nano size

More advanced and complex control is required of PLCs in accordance with equipment functionality enhancements. The FPΣ is compact in size but equipped with a RISC processor that processes basic instruction at speeds of 0.32 usec/ instruction. Some of the features that results are super fast floating point calculation, built-in two axis of motion with linear/circular interpolation (expandable to 10 axes), easy PID instruction that supports up to 24 loops, 4 channels of built-in high speed counters, etc.

The FPΣ can support up to 3 serial ports configurable for Modbus RTU, PLC to PLC networking, Mewtocol, and General Purpose (custom communication protocol). The FPΣ has a programming capacity of 32 k steps, and supports up to 384 I/O points.

Key features

• Supports high-speed, positioning! Comes standard with pulse output function of maximum 100 kHz.
  Linear and circular interpolation 2 Axis motion control.
• Program capacity of 32K steps
• RISC processor with 0.32 micro second processing speed per instruction
• 4 different communication cassettes. You can add up to two more ports without increasing the size of the CPU unit.

• Contains convenient instructions and functions for temperature control. A control unit that supports thermistor input is also available.
• High-level Temperature Control at Low Cost Two built-in thermistors input channels provide high-level temperature control. Thermistors can be connected directly, eliminating the need for an additional unit. The FPΣ can control heaters via PWM outputs controlled by the built-in PID/Auto-Tuning.
• Modbus RTU Master/Slave communication
• 50 Micro second interrupt throughput
• Up to 3 serial ports operating at speeds up to 115.2K baud rate.