Quieter compressed air

BOGE has enhanced its small C series range of screw compressors up to 15 kW with the option of a sound insulation hood for quieter operation.

The compact C 10 LDR to C 20 LDR directly coupled screw compressors is now available with the new super silencer hood; the added option reportedly makes them ideal for point of use applications.

According to BOGE, this is hood encloses the screw compressor creating a virtually silent operation at just 61 dB(A).

The C series models up to 15 kW are available in the standard pressure of 8 and 10 bar. Output capacities range from 1.060 – 2.280 m3/min and motor power 7.5 to 15 kW.

New linear actuator configuration

HAYDON Kerk Motion Solutions has released a new version of the 36mm G4 linear actuator; the new configuration includes a special adapter plate that allows the smaller 36mm OD unit to replace existing size 14 hybrid stepper motor linear actuators.

The 36mm can-stack unit with the integrated size 14 adapter plate allows the user to replace existing hybrid units easily by using the same bolt pattern and pilot surface. Force output range of the G4 36mm is from 70N to 260N (16lb to 58lb).    

The 36mm linear actuator is available in three configurations: captive; non-captive; and external linear. It is ideal for applications, including medical equipment, bar code scanning devices, printing equipment, laboratory instrumentation and other mechanisms requiring high force in a small package. 

Cartridge dust collector with integrated HEPA safety monitoring filter

CAMFIL Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) now offers its Gold Series cartridge dust collector with an optional integrated HEPA safety monitoring filter.

Mounted on top of the collector so that no additional floor space is required, this after-filter prevents collected dust from re-entering the workspace if there should be a leak in the dust collector’s primary filtering system.

It is a required component in recirculating dust collection systems that recycle air downstream of the collector when filtering hazardous dusts.

Each module incorporates two HEPA filters capable of handling 2500 cfm (4248 cmh) of air per filter and rated to remove 99.97% of airborne particles of 0.3 micron in diameter and larger, claims Camfil.

Unlike some after-filters which are installed downstream of the fan with the filter at positive pressure, the Gold Series’ integrated design reportedly maintains the after-filter at negative pressure, preventing contaminated air from escaping in the event of a leak.

According to Camfil, recirculating dust collection systems are gaining in popularity because recycling of heated or cooled air back through the plant downstream of the collector brings significant energy savings.

 

Safety solenoid interlocking switches come in plastic or metal

Schneider Electric’s new Electroslim XCS Series include in-built safety interlock switches designed for gate guard mounting and added machine safety. 

Models in the Electroslim line-up are slim, coming in either metal or plastic. Both models come standard with a manual key for locking and unlocking options, which Schneider says is ideal for commissioning works. 

The units offer the ability to hold up to six contacts, three safety and three auxiliary. They feature an interlocking  opening capability of right and left doors and covers, along with simple wiring via numbered cage clamp terminals.

For added safety and increased protection of workers in the event of an accidental machine start during maintenance, the Electroslim metal versions are also available with a ‘push to release’ button on the rear of the switch. 

 

Clear plastic packaging tubes for industrial equipment

STOCKCAP has released a new range of clear tubes packaging made of recyclable PETG plastic.

The units come in sizes from 7mm up to 90mm diameter, in lengths of 1.22 metres – the latter of which is designed for packaging cutting tools, bearings, welding rods, screwdrivers and other products requiring extra-strong packaging. 

According to the manufacturer, the PETG material maintains its shape while being flexible enough not to split or crack under typical use.

STOCKCAP also supplies black flexible vinyl caps to suit all available tube sizes; other cap colours and styles are available made-to-order.

 

Easier, faster robot connectivity

WEIDMULLER has released a uniform set of V14 PushPull connectors and FreeCon junction boxes that provide power-signal-data connectivity for robot cabling in aggressive environments.

The new cabling standard consists of three models of V14 PushPull metal connectors – Ethernet, power, and discrete signals. The system is completed with a double-junction box for both power (24V) and data (Ethernet), and a single-junction box for signals.

The V14 connectors are both Profinet and AIDA compliant to allow a fast and efficient means of terminating field equipment.

Originally designed to meet stringent requirements for the automotive construction industry, the PushPull connectors and FreeCon junction boxes are perfect for use in robots in harsh industrial conditions where robustness, high protection (IP67) and operating environments (-40 ºC to +70ºC) are required.

Purpose-built in a sturdy metal housing, the components of the PushPull V14 connectors and the FreeCon junction boxes are reportedly strong enough to withstand flying sparks, welding slag and other aggressive environmental factors as well as moisture.

Weidmuller
02 9671 9999 – info@weidmuller.com.au
www.weidmuller.com.au

Outdoor storage for dangerous goods is relocatable and versatile

The STOREMASTA Outdoor Relocatable Dangerous Goods Stores provide a versatile means of compliant storage for the manufacturing industry.

The self-contained units cater for the storage of one through to 32 pallets, along with 1,000-litre intermediate bulk containers. With the addition of a shelf module, users can conveniently store smaller packages too.

Constructed in Australia using locally-produced materials, the range provides an alternative to fixed construction storage, and can be made to suit custom requirements.  

The units also offer product accessibility, security and waste elimination.

 

New I/O module for safety applications

BELDEN has brought out a new I/O module in its Lumberg Automation range specifically for the decentralised Fieldbus system LioN-Link.

The module (0942 UEM 612) meets protection class requirements IP67 and has four digital M12 slots with a higher limit on the output voltage permitting 2A per line and 6A in total.

These outputs are designed for safety-related applications up to performance level D making this I/O module particularly suitable for failsafe control of actuators or – following a complete switch-off of the 24V output power supply – reliable emergency OFF functions.

Terminal equipment can be connected directly to the I/O module so there is no need for terminal boxes, which are comparatively expensive and complicated to install.

Depending on the selected LioN-Link bus coupler, this I/O module can be used in Profinet, Profibus, DeviceNet or CANopen networks. Setting up the modules is practically foolproof, because LioN-Link systems do not use slave address assignments and also do not require terminating resistors.

The module’s other features include a temperature range of 10° C to +60°C, high vibration and shock resistance plus a power supply configured for a voltage range of 19 to 30V DC. 

Australian steel fabricator develops world-first safety rail

KLEIN Group Limited, an Australian company specialising in stainless steel fabrication, has developed a world-first safety hand rail called the KAG Rail. 

According to Klein, the KAG Rail reduces ‘slip and fall’ accidents in a variety of manufacturing working environments. The product has a unique inbuilt swage (pattern) that contours the shape of a closed hand for better grip.

The system can be fitted with fibre optic lights for operation in dark environments, and services such as water, electrical, air/gas and data can be concealed inside the rail.  

Klein says it has already received a number of orders from organisations in Australia and overseas. The Queensland University of Technology has reportedly deemed the system to improve grip by up to 80% in dry conditions and 40% in wet and greasy conditions.  

 

Smart packaging solutions to streamline operations

NUPAC is now providing packaging, processing and material handling equipment designed to help manufacturers streamline their production lines and make them more versatile. 

NUPAC distributes Bosch Packaging Machines, Russell Finex, Oli and Cremer brands in Australia, matching customer requirements with machine specifications to ensure a higher return on investment. 

According to NUPAC, Australian manufacturers should be looking at working smarter, not harder; the company supplies a range of single machines that can also cover a range of packaging requirements. 

A Bosch packaging machine produces a variety of bag styles, including Doy Packs, Resealable Tape Packs, Block Bottom Corner Edge Packs and Pillow and Gusseted Bags.

The company can provide complete turnkey installations, as well as upgrades of individual machines in existing lines.

 

Nissan forklifts reach new heights

The increasing demand for high performing narrow aisle reach trucks has led to Nissan developing its first pantograph style reach truck.  Following a highly successful launch in the USA, the new SRX Platinum Series is now available in Australia.

The SRX Platinum Series is offered in three capacities ranging from 1,360kg – 2,000kg. It was developed from intensive operator input to ensure its acceptance into the highly competitive reach truck market in the USA. This input has resulted in outstanding operator safety and comfort features.

Entry and exit is simplified due to a low step height. The side stance design provides comfortable forward or reverse driving and includes a gently sloped floorboard, which sits atop four vibration isolators, offering a relaxed driving position throughout a standing shift. Combined with its cushioned floor mat, the SRX Platinum Series provides a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

A dual spring suspension system in the caster design adds to the smoothness and offers a more stable operation over uneven or rough driving surfaces.

Operator comfort is further enhanced with thick padding located beneath the operator’s arm, a height adjustable cushioned backrest and knee pad. A rear overhead guard post and high operator backrest on the SRX Series provide added protection for the operator, which is especially important when working in tight areas around racking.

Nissan’s intuitive, multi-function handle is ergonomically designed to reduce operator effort, resulting in precise control. Operational commands including drive, lift and lower, horn, reach, and sideshift (or other auxiliary function) can be performed by this single handle.

The dash includes an LED display to communicate truck status and warnings to the operator including: travel speed, battery capacity, hour meter, parking brake warning and steering wheel position.

The SRX Platinum Series’ standard safety features include a mast lock (automatically locking mast lift and tilt) when the operator presence pedal is released, lift control (restricting lift speed at faster travel speeds), reduced travel speed at high lift heights, and ramp hold (automatic parking brake) ideal for trucks using push-back racks.

The overhead guard’s design incorporates wide slots for maximum upward visibility during high reach operations allowing for easier load handling and increased operator efficiency.

Historically the weak point of a pantograph reach truck has been the pantograph mechanism.  Nissan have ensured this won’t be the case with the SRX. The very rugged single and double reach mechanisms incorporate dual reach cylinders, providing strength and durability to increase component life while handling heavy loads.

The retract function is hydraulically cushioned for smooth operation, with programmable speed for customised performance.

The advanced AC control system on Nissan’s SRX Platinum Series ensures that travel and hydraulic motors are running at peak efficiency. Four-mode regenerative braking transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy flowing back to the battery enabling longer operation.

The auto-power off system shuts off truck power after 15 minutes of non-operation.
A programmable Battery Discharge Indicator offers a means to better match actual battery usage patterns for a typical discharge rate, in order to help produce reliable battery life.

As a further safeguard, all AC motors and controllers on the SRX have thermal protection as standard. In the event that overheating occurs, a warning will alert the operator, immediately followed by a reduction in the truck’s performance level.

Monitoring gas concentration

THE new Series GSTA carbon monoxide/nitrogen dioxide transmitters monitor gas concentration in underground parking garages and loading docks.

Field selectable current and voltage outputs allow the transmitter to be used with almost any building management controller. For carbon monoxide units, users can select the output range to be 0 to 200ppm or 0 to 500ppm. Nitrogen dioxide units come with a standard 0 to 10 ppm range. The output can be inverted to read 20 to 24 mA or 10 (5) to 0 VDC using internal dip switches.

To maximize the accuracy of the Series GSTA, the sensor can be field-calibrated using the A-449 remote LCD display. When the sensor reaches the end of its life, the display will indicate that the sensor needs to be replaced.

Dwyer Instruments
02 4272 2055 – info@dwyer-inst.com.au
www.dwyer-inst.com.au

Vision screening unit

THE Titmus V Series Vision Screeners range, available from Honeywell, provides accurate and reliable vision screening for in the workspace.

According to Honeywell, the vision screeners enable employers to quickly access whether a worker’s vision is within the normal parameters to help improve worker safety, efficiency and performance.

Poor vision can cause accidents, reduced productivity and worker fatigue, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, they may lead to increase risk of injury in the work space.

Ergonomically-designed, this precision-built stereoscopic instrument is said to provide precise and prompt measurement of visual performance. 

Electric motor controller development time cut using model-based design

Thien eDrives (formerly ATB Technologies), a developer of electrical drive systems, has used MATLAB and Simulink to model, simulate, and implement an electric motor control system on TI’s C2000 microcontroller unit (MCU). 

By applying Model-Based Design, Thien eDrives moved rapidly from the first prototype to the final series, reducing development time by 50%, MathWorks claims. 

To develop an electric drive for a fuel cell vehicle compressor unit, including the motor control software, electronics, motor, and other mechanical components, Thien eDrives needed a design approach that enabled early verification of control strategies, code generation, and rapid design iterations throughout the project. 

Model-Based Design allowed for verification at multiple stages of development, helping produce a high-quality component within a shortened timeframe. Automatic code generation reportedly eliminated the time-consuming and error-prone hand-coding process while providing added confidence of compliance with certain MISRA C standards. 

Using models also simplified design reviews with Thien eDrives customers by eliminating the need for code review-driven processes, says MathWorks.

 

Motor control centres integrate ethernet

EtherNet/IP capabilities have been added to the Rockwell Automation CENTERLINE motor control centres (MCCs), allowing users to access more detailed production data.

According to Rockwell Automation, leveraging a single, standard network simplifies communication for the entire enterprise and provides users with the flexibility to control, configure and collect data from any point in the system. 

By taking advantage of the company’s Premier Integration, users can configure and commission their MCC faster with RSLogix 5000 software, reducing the risk of errors associated with redundant programming, Rockwell Automation claims.

The Ethernet connection also allows CENTERLINE MCC users to access information remotely. This allows personnel to monitor, troubleshoot and diagnose the MCC without being exposed to dangerous conditions and power equipment.

 

Custom-made shut-off valves

RUB is an Italian manufacturer of shut-off brass valves with focus on ball valves for gas, water, air and oil installations. The company develops products for many different applications as well as OEM products tailored to customer’s needs. 

RuB’s offerings meet ISO 9001 and PED. The company’s engineers reportedly work closely with customers at every stage of special product development, from design, to prototype, testing and final production.

Special OEM products include: gas/water valves combining various features into one product; brackets with several valves and fittings assembled and ready for use; oil drain valves for trucks; special pumps valves; refrigeration valves; T- connectors with integrated mini ball valves for water dispensers and coffee machines; and more. 

RuB’s solutions use several brass alloys, aluminium and steel. 

 

Large range of standard seals now available online

SEALNET, a division of Oz Seals Australia, now has a wide range of ‘standard’ hydraulic and pneumatic seals, packings, mechanical seals, seal kits and customised special seals available from its new online store.

The company is now supplying seals from brands all over the world, from its new Sealnet OzStore – a user-friendly and practical way to purchase standard seal lines for various manufacturing applications, according to the company.

Oz Seals’s own range of seals and sealing systems are also available on the website, for hydraulic and heavy duty hydraulic applications, as well as fork lift trucks, injection moulding machines, presses, diesel engines, and valves and pumps.

The company can also manufacture products to suit special orders, and will hold these specifications in-store for repeat orders.

Oz Seal also makes its own seal manufacturing systems that it claims are among the most advanced in the world. These systems and specific CNC software are also available for purchase or lease, depending on the customer’s location. 

 

ILMAP sand filter nozzles for water treatment

TECPRO Australia is now distributing ILMAP high precision Sand Filter Nozzles for water treatment applications.

The ILMAP range is available in a variety of special plastic formulations to provide increased strength, durability and chemical resistance, says Tecpro.

This includes glass-filled polypropylene (30% fibre glass) for increased strength and temperature resistance, with a permitted maximum operating temperature of 110°C.

The units also come in mineral-filled polypropylene (40% mineral talc) for increased dimensional stability and compression strength under higher temperatures.

PVDF (polyvinylideneflouride) is also available for optimal mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, thermal stability, purity and chemical resistance. The PVDF models are reportedly suitable for contact with drinking water and drinking liquids; this material can be used up to a maximum operating temperature of 135°C.

 ILMAP is an Italian manufacturer specialising in designing, sizing and supplying filtering solutions for water treatment systems.

 

High speed and long reach 6-Axis robots

EPSON Robots has introduced the new EPSON S5-Series 6-Axis Robot Lineup; a range of high speed, mid size 6-axis robots designed with a small footprint and advanced flexibility for demanding and complex applications.

The S5-Series robots are said to provide superior performance along with industry leading PC-based controls. They feature a highly rigid arm design combined with advanced EPSON Servo control technology for high speed smooth motion and low vibration even when high precision is required.

The S5-Series robots have enhanced slim body and compact wrist design for greater motion range, superior agility and less mechanical restrictions. The robots can reach into confined and restricted work spaces with reportedly smooth motion and flexibility.  The S5 robots are ideal for factories with demanding space requirements or limited workspace areas.

All S5-Series 6-axis robots are available in ISO 4 Clean or IP65 washdown configurations and can be mounted in table top, wall or ceiling configurations to help maximize available workspace.

They are ideal for applications where 6-axis dexterity is required, such as small parts assembly, dispensing, machine tending, material handling, and other applications requiring speed, precision and/or smooth motion.

Motion Solutions Australia
03 9563 0115
www.motion-solutions.com.au

Miniature photoelectric sensors

THE VSM Series Micro Sensors is a cost-effective series of high-performance miniature photoelectric sensors ideal for wide range of applications across industries, such as food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, which require smooth, hygienic designs.

VSM Series sensors are housed in a choice of a threaded or smooth, self-contained 4 mm barrel with 300 series stainless steel, or in flat-pack side-looking housing for easy cleaning. Equipped with a sapphire lens, the sensors are able to resist a wide variety of chemicals and cutting fluids.

Featuring an advanced convergent optical design, the VSM Series sensors provide a repeatable sensing range with models available with a 10, 20, 50 or 90 mm sensing range, and up to 250 mm as a through beam. A narrow, well-focused sensing beam allows the entire sensor to be recessed into the fixture (excluding the 50mm range model).

Banner Engineering
sensors@bannerengineering.com
www.bannerengineering.com