The PSH servo hybrid press drive was developed jointly by Voith and Siemens. It offers highly flexible pressing processes by using servo pumps for control, along with the best possible speed and force adjustment of the pressing process, replacing conventional valve and control technology. In addition, the drive with the intelligent control system can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% and, in combination with the CSH cushion die drive, even up to 80% by controlling the servo pump and using energy recovery. Productivity is significantly increased thanks to the coordinated drives.
Voith Turbo Inc.
Phone: (717) 767-3200
www.voith.com
Utilizes Sercos for Servo and Stepper Motors
JVL Industri Elektronik A/S, a producer in the field of integrated servo and stepper motors, is announcing yet another industrial Ethernet protocol for its integrated servomotors and integrated stepper motors: Sercos.
The new motor family, ServoStep, uses the newest technology and the advancement of the previous designs, incorporating customers’ feedback. The family has the widest pallet of options in the market and will thus fit into all possible customer applications.
The JVL Sercos module is equipped with two Ethernet connectors and a built-in switch, enabling line and ring topology without any extra expensive hardware. The JVL Sercos module has several LEDs, enabling technicians and operators to get a quick status overview. There are also opto-isolated digital I/Os embedded in the module, enabling control of extra sensors etc. without external I/O modules. This minimizes the number of devices on the net and reduces cable costs.
All connectors are rugged M12 connectors suitable for the rough conditions in industrial environments. Furthermore, all registers in the JVL MAC motor are accessible via the Sercos connection, thereby enabling complete control of motor configuration and motion.
The JVL Sercos module is very easy to use and configure via a predefined setup, and commissioning is easy using the JVL MacTalk application software.
The JVL Sercos modules for MAC motor and ServoStep have all the important features from the Sercos specification. Automatic recognition of drives is supported by the FSPDrive and the Sercos Drive profiles (FSPDrive/PackProfile/SercosDrive).
Synchronization is supported enabling simultaneous operation of up to 511 motors. Hot plugging and redundancy is possible for exchanging motors without power off. Probe/capture is supported enabling use also in packaging machines. JVL delivers SDDML files so the motor is recognized as FSPDrive by Bosch Rexroth.
JVL’s Sercos motors are even found and recognized as SercosDrives without the presence of a SDDML file if you “scan” from the Bosch Rexroth development environment (IndraWorks).
JVL Industri Elektronik
Phone: +45 4582 4440
www.jvl.dk
Offers Coupling Covers for Hostile Environments
A new series of plastic covers for protecting rigid shaft couplings from hostile environments and permitting use in washdown applications is being introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp.
Stafford Coupling Covers are designed to protect a rigid coupling from dirt, dust, and water and screw together tightly with an O-ring seal. Suitable for washdown applications, they can be produced from various plastics and manufacturing methods to fit straight-through and reducer style rigid couplings, depending upon design requirements.
Available for ¾” and 1" I.D. shafts, Stafford Coupling Covers can be machined from nylon, Delrin, and other plastics including FDA approved materials and can be injection molded in OEM quantities with branding. Covers can also be 3-D printed in virtually any size for shafts up to 2".
Stafford Manufacturing Corp.
Phone: (800) 695-5551
www.staffordmfg.com
Announces Safe Motion Features for its Drive Products
KEB America Inc. announces the addition of functional safety modules to the latest generation of their drive products. When paired with a Safety PLC (also available from KEB America), KEB Functional Safety Drives provide a cost-effective control and automation solution with standardized safety features.
New generation drives from KEB, like the S6 Servo Drive, feature SIL3 Safe-Torque-Off (STO) as standard. In addition to STO, Safety Module 1 adds Safe-Brake-Control and the newly designed Safety Module 3 will add safe motion functionality according to IEC 61800-5-2.
KEB drives with Safety Module 3 use Fail Safe over EtherCAT (FSoE) to control supported safety functions via the bus. Safety levels, such as limits, can be set and changed, and Safe Limited Speed and Safe Limited Position information can be transferred via the network. These features can improve reaction time in e-stop scenarios and reduces the need for separate protective devices or additional wiring.
Function Safety Drives from KEB America are part of a full range of safety products that include Safety PLCs, Safe I/O modules, and Safety PLC Programming software as well as motors and brakes.
Integral gearmotors from KEB are offered with Safe encoder options, and can include a spring-set brake with microswitch. KEB’s TA Series of servo motors also has a spring-set brake option, as well as Safe feedback in single and multi-turn variants. The available spring-set (or spring-applied) brakes provide power-off brake engagement and are ideal for safety critical applications.
Keb America
Phone: (952) 224-1400
www.kebamerica.com
Drylin E-Linear Robot Offers Compact and Cost-Effective Automation Solution
Since products need to be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively, the pressure to automate production processes is greater than ever. To meet these growing requirements, Igus has developed a new, compact linear robot that is shipped from stock as early as same-day and offered at a low price of $2,165. The self-lubricating and maintenance-free drylin E linear robot is suitable for a wide range of applications, from pick & place technology to medical devices with strict safety requirements. The small, complete solution can carry loads of up to 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) at maximum speeds of up to 0.5 meters-per-second (1.64 feet-per-second). “In the robot, the drylin ZLW toothed belt axes and drylin GRW gear rack axis ensure accuracy, and the sliding elements made of high-performance plastic ensure self-lubricating operation,” said Matt Mowry, drylin product manager at Igus.
Mounting brackets for system profiles are also available. The robot is shipped ready to connect with NEMA17/23 stepper motors and encoders, making it easy to mount the system.
In addition to the new drylin E linear robot, Igus also supplies line and flat linear robots directly from stock. All linear robots include pre-configured drylin linear modules and linear axes with NEMA stepper motors, as well as the components required for self-assembly. Users have the option of assembling their own custom linear robot with the online configuration tool. Depending on customer requirements, axis length and various motors can also be configured with Igus energy chains and cables.
Igus Inc.
Phone: (800) 521-2747
www.igus.com
Provides Solid Connection Between Shaft and Mounted Devices
Miki Pulley provides a solid connection between shaft and mounted devices. They provide system designers with a keyless option for locking into position gears, pulleys, sprockets and other components in a mechanical system.
Posi-Lock bushings feature socket-head cap screws that tighten quickly and easily. When tightened, these screws allow the inner and outer hub of the Posi-Lock to move along shaft contact surfaces. The movement between the inner and outer wedge of the Posi-Lock creates a tight, friction connection between hub, shaft and the Posi-Lock.
They eliminate the need for machining keyways, keys and tapped holes. They eliminate the need for tapered shafts, locknuts or other locking devices which are slow and difficult to install accurately.
Posi-Locks have a maximum allowable torque of 553.17 ft-lbs (750 Nm) and maximum axial stress of 26,552.24 ft-lbs (36,000 Nm). Three different models are available designed for various applications. Sizes available handle a hole size range from 0.236-inch to 1.654-inch (6 mm–42 mm).
Posi-Lock applications include machine tools, pumps, molding machines, printing systems, robots and all types of mechanical systems where hub to shaft connections are required.
Miki Pulley
Phone: (800) 533-1731
www.mikipulley-us.com
Delivers Attachment Chain Innovations
The attachment chain is one of the unsung heroes of the industrial world, being critical to the movement of a diverse range of products along the production line. From the food and beverage sector to pharmaceuticals, and from packaging to automotive parts production, attachment chain is critical to the efficiency and reliability of the production line.
Selecting from a range of standard and custom attachments allows the chain to be customized to the precise needs of the conveying application. Options include extended and folded link plates, extended pins, and other fittings which are attached to the basic roller chain to provide a highly tailored engineering solution.
With regard to maintenance or overhaul of attachment chain, factors such as installation time, maintenance activities — for example re-lubrication or replacing chains because of elongation — and the shorter lifespan of a budget chain all impact on total cost of ownership, quickly adding up to significantly increased MRO costs. With its history of innovation, Tsubaki’s argument has always been that attachment chain should be regarded as much more than a commodity product, with a correctly specified and well-engineered attachment chain solution adding value to the conveying application.
The characteristics of the conveyed materials and the working environment are different for each application. Because Tsubaki’s attachment chain is available with the same added value and solution providing features as its drive chain, engineers have the freedom to build tailored systems that precisely meet the needs of the application. For example, the food industry typically requires corrosion resistant parts, which can be provided by the Tsubaki Neptune series for carbon steel chains, or fully stainless steel chains and attachments where required. Where a maintenance-free solution is important, Tsubaki’s Lambda range is also available with a wide range of attachments, eliminating the need for re-lubrication and contamination risks to finished products.
Attachments are available for both single and double pitch chains. Let’s look in detail at the various basic parts, and the specification considerations that can have a performance, and therefore an MRO implication.
The A attachment is the most commonly used, having a folded link plate that extends out on one side of the chain, forming an L shape. When A attachments are installed on both sides of the chain, they form a K attachment. Slats or jigs can then be installed over the chain. Variants of the A and K attachments are the SA and SK, where the link plate is extended. The D attachment is an extended chain pin where components such as trays, cross bars, and other fittings can be connected to the chain to convey products. The extended pins are subjected to bending and shearing forces.
With the GK-1 attachments, a hole is added to the center of both link plates, enabling fittings to be attached between two (or more) parallel chains. This type of attachment is often used when cross rods with larger diameters than the maximum applicable diameters of a hollow pin chains are used.
For single pitch chains, many of these attachments are also available with W designations, where the width is equal to the width of the link plate.
Tsubaki stocks an extended range of standard components, and offers a build to order service. The company can also tailor make an attachment chain in any specification, including custom manufactured attachments. Special designs might include specific dimensions, such as non-standard assembly holes.
Tsubaki has recognized the individual requirements of different applications with a number of specialty attachment chain options as well. For example, there are specially tailored chains for applications such as can processing and book binding. The packaging sector can take advantage of flat-topped chain, thermoforming gripper chain or special extended pins. For tray packing applications in the beverage industry where machines require pushers to be fitted to the transport chain, Tsubaki has developed a bespoke solution in which the attachments are mounted by an engineered extended pin whilst bringing lubrication free advantages, reducing wear and contamination.
U.S. Tsubaki
Phone: (800) 323-7790
www.ustsubaki.com
Releases Otto Industrial API
Otto Motors is proud to officially release the Otto Industrial API, solving one of the major hurdles in manufacturing today: achieving a fully connected and optimized smart factory. The Industrial API addresses the challenge of machine-to-machine communication and full industrial automation by simplifying the process of connecting equipment and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to Otto.
“Otto Motors is really setting the bar high for system accessibility and ease of integration in their market. This new API allows Ignition to seamlessly access the data as OPC tags and integrate them with our built-in components and scripting,” said Don Pearson, chief strategy officer, inductive automation. “We are excited to see how this API can remove connectivity barriers that have prevented some people from utilizing self-driving vehicles in the past.”
As a collaborating company with Inductive Automation, Otto Motors integrated Ignition software as part of the Industrial API architecture. Ignition is a software platform with a feature set that include the translation of different protocols to the ones needed to speak to PLCs within manufacturing environments; therefore, contributing to a closed loop automation system.
“The industry has long struggled with the challenge of connecting industrial machines built by different companies,” explains Simon Drexler, director of product, Otto Motors. “Pieces of equipment from the same company generally communicate easily with each other but creating a connection that enables data to be exchanged across products from different vendors can be complicated, costly, and time consuming — and sometimes impossible. This problem is, at best, a barrier to attaining the benefits of a smart factory that many companies aspire to. At worst, it’s a severe limitation on productivity.”
Otto Motors
Phone: (844) 733-6886
www.ottomotors.com
Extends Performance of Sigma-7 Servo Systems
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. recently announced the addition of a complete line of 400 Volt servomotors and amplifiers to its flagship series of Sigma-7 servo systems, extending the performance advantages of Sigma-7 products to all types of industrial users.
The new 400 Volt offering includes a completely new amplifier design that offers unique advantages to machine builders and end users seeking to upgrade a 400 Volt motion control system. The amplifier has a new book-style form factor built around a single standard height and two standard widths. This makes control cabinet design and configuration easier and more predictable. Installation ease is also enhanced by the presence of wiring connections on the top and bottom of the amplifiers, allowing the routing of wiring above and below the amplifier and eliminating the need for terminal board breakouts.
The aim of the new product is to bring the motion control industry’s highest performance to the greatest number of users worldwide. “For our customers, every extra measure of improvement brings a big boost in productivity,” said Scott Carlberg, product manager for the company’s servo system line. “Our 200 Volt Sigma-7 products are already making a significant difference to customers’ bottom lines, and our customers who standardize on 400 Volts have been eager to put the same productivity advantages to use.”
The initial launch will include servomotors and SERVOPACK amplifiers to 15 kW scheduled for release in 2018.
Yaskawa America, Inc. — Drives & Motor Division
Phone: (800) 927-5292
www.yaskawa.com/products/motion/sigma-7-servo-products
Introduces TMF-6 TrackMotion Floor for FANUC M2000iA Robot Family
Güdel, a global manufacturer of linear motion modules, robot track motion units and gantry robots and components, is pleased to announce the market introduction of the new second-generation TMF-6 TrackMotion Floor for the expanding class of super-heavy-payload robots.
The newly introduced Güdel TMF-6 floor-mounted linear motion module has the capacity to carry robots with total dynamic load of up to 13,300 kg. This TMF-6 module is also capable of carrying static payloads up to 20,000 kg per carriage. Currently, the FANUC M-2000iA series of robots includes four models with payload capabilities ranging from 900 to 2300 kg. Güdel’s TMF-5 model is used for smaller super-heavy robots currently on the market.
“Key integrators and end users are pushing super-heavy robot applications and are now seeing the need for comparable robot floor tracks to maximize work envelopes,” said Joe Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Güdel. “At these payloads, the demand for highest quality, performance and durability is critical, and Güdel’s proven linear motion technology delivers.”
The linear floor track cost-effectively and reliably extends the work envelope of these super-heavy-payload robots, which can be a critical component in justifying the significant price point of the machinery. These massive robots are ideal for transferring extremely large and heavy items such as truck and tractor frames, automotive bodies, loaded pallets and large castings, where being able to linearly shift the robot along the floor means extended reach and handling capabilities.
The powerful drive system consists of Güdel gearboxes, Güdel heavy-load guideway systems and Güdel racks and pinions, all made in Güdel’s dedicated Swiss production facilities. The Güdel cam follower on guideway system features replaceable cam follower cartridges designed to facilitate quick change-out. This cam follower system is also very durable in dirty manufacturing environments. The TMF-6 can be configured with up to two robot carriages as standard. Like other Güdel TMF sizes, the TMF-6 can be extended from the shortest length of 3 m to up to 100 m.
Güdel Inc.
Phone: (734) 214-0000
www.gudel.com
Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.