New Range of APAS Products from Bosch
At Hannover Messe 2016, Bosch presented hard- and software solutions for mobile assistance systems that work alongside human operators without the need for safety fences, while modular automation systems analyze, report on and control a wide range of production processes.
At the show, Bosch highlighted:
- The APAS safekin — the robot kinematics system can be used independently of the mobile APAS base or an APAS workstation. The new automation component can be integrated into IEC61131 applications that conform to the standard international norm for programming languages, allowing for projects to be “rapidly implemented,” while “humans and machines work together safely, and existing facilities to be readily upgraded.”
- The APAS workstation — which integrates a collaborative robot kinematics system (APAS safekin) and further automation components. The integrated robot kinematics system supports the operator, lending him or her a “third hand,” says the company, while promising to deliver more efficient processes and higher productivity.
- The APAS family — the family includes three other mobile, collaborative assistance systems.
- The APAS inspector is equipped with a “high-resolution, high-speed” camera and 3D mapping technologies. Thanks to interchangeable testing modules, the station can be used in various production contexts like surface inspections or testing.
- The APAS flexpress is suitable for highly flexible, high-precision joining.
- The APAS assistant features a six-axis industrial robotic arm, a three-finger gripper, and 3D camera system. As an available option, the APAS speedswitch can be set to vary the APAS assistant’s operating speed, depending on whether or not human beings are nearby. The extended vicinity is monitored by the speedswitch interface and, provided no employees are nearby, the kinematics system operates at maximum speed. If someone approaches the APAS assistant, the speed automatically drops to help increase productivity without sacrificing workplace safety.
For more information, visit www.bosch.ca.
reflectCONTROL Automation System from Micro-Epsilon
Micro-Epsilon has recently released their reflectCONTROL Automation system, designed specifically to meet high quality requirements in production and detect the smallest defects on shiny surfaces.
reflectCONTROL Automation is used for high speed inspection of shiny and painted parts, e.g. car attachments. The sensor is mounted on a robot and is therefore also able to inspect parts with complex geometries.
In many areas, ever-increasing requirements are being placed on the quality and appearance of surfaces. Particularly with reflecting surfaces, faultless, high quality production is expected. The parts are often subjected to manual inspection, which can lead to defects being missed due to tiredness of the inspectors. The reflectCONTROL Automation system is designed for automatic surface inspection of components whose dimensions require several measuring positions.
The system projects a striped pattern onto the measurement object. Defects on the surface cause deviations from the striped pattern, which are recorded by cameras and evaluated by software. The compact deflectometry sensor, which consists of a monitor for the striped pattern projection as well as up to two cameras, is guided over the measurement object by a robot. This enables an easy, fast and reliable 3D inspection.
Using the 3D model (CAD), the robot program is created. The robot guides the sensor over the relevant surfaces and inspects the surface. The defects found are then evaluated and displayed in the 3D model.
For more information, visit www.micro-epsilon.com.
RPE3 Rotary Encoder from Sinusoid
Sinusoid Pty Ltd has released its new absolute analog multi-turn 4-20mA current output rotary encoder, the RPE3.
Many industrial processes take place at a point remotely from control centers and therefore require long cable runs. Because voltage or resistance based sensors are affected by the resistance of the length of the cable itself and by external electrical fields, current output sensors are commonly used instead. Sinusoid's new RPE3 encoder provides a 4-20mA current output for continuous monitoring of shaft position at rotational speeds up to 7500rpm. The RPE3 encoders are magnetically coupled, hall-effect based rotary encoders.
As companies embrace The Internet of Things the use of sensors has expanded dramatically, impacting bottom line costs. Also, Makers and DIY hobbyists are now crossing over into producing commercial products which require a more sophisticated and robust sensor than the very low cost ones often used. The RPE3 is a robust encoder at a reasonable price suitable for both these applications.
RPE3 can run with a wide voltage supply range of 12 to 28V, increasing its scope for a variety of applications, and provides insensitivity to supply voltage fluctuations.
RPE3 is available in two shaft diameters - 8mm and 6.35mm (¼")
The encoders are robustly constructed in anodized aluminum, and have dual 8mm ID ball bearings for shaft support. Body dimensions are 30x30mm diameter and mounting is by flange mount with 3 x M3 screws.
RPE3 uses military spec MIL-C-27500 shielded cable with Teflon insulation both on the inner conductors and externally.
RPE3 adds to the existing Sinusoid encoder products RPE1 and RPE2, absolute analog and dual output digital (quadrature and PWM) respectively. All models provide 10-bit output resolution. All Sinusoid RPE rotary encoders are made in Australia.
Typical applications are:
- Lever angle
- CNC Machine tool position
- Industrial actuator position
- Internet of Things
- Digital potentiometers
- Valve angle sensor
- Hand and Jog wheel encoders
- Tool control
- Gearbox speed sensor
- Motor speed sensor
- Conveyors
- Robotics encoder
- Front panel switch
- Accelerator control
- Video/audio editing controls
- Rotary position sensing
For more information, visit store.sinusoid.com.
KTV7 Multi-Motor Controllers from Sprecher + Schuh
The Series KTV7 Multi-Motor Controllers are the latest addition to Sprecher + Schuh’s KT7 family of Motor Controllers.
The KTV7 series of self-protected combination motor controllers are ideal for use with variable frequency drives (VFDs) in multi-motor installations for industries that include food and beverage, material handling and factory automation.
Designed for use with VFDs that have an output frequency of 400Hz or less, the new KTV7 series multi-motor controllers provide the disconnect function for motor branch circuits, branch-circuit short-circuit protection, and manual (ON/OFF) switching.
KTV7s are current limiting devices with a fixed magnetic trip and interruption ratings are available up to 65KaIC at 400V and 480V. The KTV7 controllers provide motor overload protection with a trip class 10 thermal characteristic.
The KTV7 series motor controllers are suitable for two different types of applications under the cULus listings: as a manual, self-protected combination (Type E) motor controller; and as a motor controller approved for group installation (and as a motor disconnect).
In addition, they provide individual overload protection in multiple motor applications as required by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Under the UL/CSA listing, the KTV7 series also meets NEC requirements for protection and control of individual motor branch circuits without the need for additional protective up-stream devices.
The KTV7 DIN-rail mountable controllers offer a variety of features for safe operation and trouble-shooting. These include large-scale markings for precise overload setting, a test trip feature to ensure operation of the trip mechanism, clear status indication of ON-OFF vs. a tripped state and a visible short-circuit indicator.
Available accessories include compact busbars, feeder and connection terminal, spacing adapters, lockable twist knobs and handles as well as many other standard KT7 family accessories.
For more information, visit www.sprecherschuh.com.