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THIS WEEK IN PRODUCTION TECH: Cable Transducers, Inclinometers, and More

GCA5 Cable Transducers from Baumer Group


Baumer Group has further expanded their portfolio of cable transducers to measure linear motion within a path from 0.5 to 50 m. New series GCA5 is suited for use in cramped installation conditions.

The compact cable transducers of the GCA5 series do not compromise on maximum robustness in demanding applications. The housing of impact-resistant plastics, the corrosion-proof stainless steel cable with abrasion-resistant nylon sheath and the non-contact wear-free magnetic sensing make them the optimal choice for reliable and low-maintenance deployment in harsh environments.

Thanks to the innovative design with three-chamber-principle, both electronics and stainless steel spring are hermetically encapsulated against the cable drum. The integrated flexible dirt skimmer at the cable inlet is an additional protection against humidity and ingress of any other harmful environmental substance for maximum application reliability.

The cable transducers of the GCA5 series feature a maximum measuring range of 4700 mm and are available either with integrated CANopen interface or analog output 0.5…4.5 VDC. The CANopen variant provides additionally redundant position sensing and hence simplifies function monitoring at control level. Housing protection IP 67 (cable inlet IP 54), shock resistant up to 50 g, vibration proof up to 10 g and the extended temperature range from -40 to +85 °C (-40 to 185 °F) make the cable transducers particularly robust and resistant against temperature fluctuations and all kinds of soiling.

The cable transducers of the GCA5 series offer a narrow design and shallow installation depth of a mere 65 mm, which allows installation even in cramped space. Cable transducers series have been standing the test of time in outrigger positioning at mobile cranes and telehandlers as well as height positioning at floor conveyor trucks and stacker cranes. Whether as OEM equipment or for retrofit – the robust and compact cable transducers are ideal for precise measurement of linear motion in demanding applications.

For more information, visit the Baumer Group’s website .


TULMan Electronic Counter from Cleco


Cleco, a brand of Apex Tool Group, has recently introduced the TULMan Electronic Counter, a product designed to manage pneumatic tools. The electronic counter allows users to monitor tool usage and implement preventative maintenance.

The TULMan Electronic Counter enables maintenance intervals or calibration checks to be set based on cycles or run time. A yellow LED light warns when the cycle or run time limits are near, while it turns red when cycle or run time limits have been reached.

The electronic counter can also allow users to track tool usage or compare product usage among different operators to improve productivity and processes.

Featuring a universal design, the TULMan Electronic Counter can be used on any pneumatic tool with up to 20 cfm air flow, regardless of the manufacturer.

The TULMan Electronic Counter comes with free downloadable software that provides programming tools to establish cycle time, warnings and limits. The software also allows file downloads in CSV format to easily share data. With multiple password access modes, the software can easily be used among multiple tool operators.

The connection is a micro USB for easy program setup and data download. The micro USB access also has a tamper-proof cover to ensure safety.

The TULMan Electronic Counter is ideal for a variety of applications, including calibration and monitoring of pneumatic assembly tools, as well as material removal using hand drills, sanders, grinders, and polishers.

For more information, visit Cleco’s website .


LCF-300 Inclinometer from ETLG Inertial Aerosystems


ETLG Inertial Aerosystems has announced the reintroduction of the LCF-300 inclinometer to its force-balanced line. This sensor possesses the same specifications as the LSOX inclinometer, but with a smaller enclosure and IP65 seal.

It is available with connector and pin terminal versions as well as ±5 V, 0-5 V and 4-20 mA power output options. This is meant for customers who need the precision of the LSOX, but do not require the larger and more rugged housing in order to save on space and costs.

The markets for this sensor are industrial and OEM.

For more information, visit ETLG Inertial Aerosystems’ website .


MXB-S Linear Belt-Drive Actuator from Tolamatic


Tolamatic has released their MXB-S linear belt-drive actuator for harsh environments. The trapezoidal solid bearing provides a rigid bearing system capable of operating in these environments.

With loads up to 520 lbs. (235 kg), speeds up to 100 in/sec (2.54 m/sec) and strokes up to 230” (5.8 m), the MXB-S belt-drive actuator’s a solution for light- to moderate-loading applications requiring high duty cycle and high speeds over long strokes.

The MXB-S actuator can withstand light washdown.

The MXB-S is available in six body sizes with in-line motor mounts as well as reverse parallel mounts with 3:1 timing belt reductions.

When paired with the ACS servo or stepper EtherNet/IP-enabled drive and motor package, or with third-party motor and drive utilizing the Your Motor Here program, the MXB-S actuator is easy to set up and integrate into many applications.

In addition to the MXB-S, Tolomatic’s MXB family of high-speed linear belt actuators, include the MXB-U unguided belt-drive actuator for applications where loads are externally guided and supported and the MXB-P heavy duty linear actuator with profiled rail bearing and belt-drive drive to achieve heavy loads and high speeds.

For more information, visit Tolomatic’s website .


VHR Series DC-DC Converters and EMI Filters from VPT


VPT, Inc. has released the VHR Series of industrial level DC-DC converters and EMI filters.

Available in models ranging from 5 to 100 watts, the VHR Series of DC-DC converters is designed to provide reliability for powering non-flight-critical programs in military, avionics and unmanned systems as well as manufacturing equipment and controls.

For budget-driven programs, the series offers a wide input voltage range for nominal 28 volt input, an average 85 percent efficiency and low input and output ripple for reliable operational success, even in rugged environments.

Designed to operate at full-load over a wide temperature range of -40°C to +100 °C (-40 to 212 °F), the VHR Series also offers fixed frequency operation, soft-start, magnetic feedback, inhibit and current-limit protection. Additionally, the VHR Series includes companion EMI filters ranging from 1 to 20 amps.

For more information, visit VPT website .

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