1st Quarter 2014Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With numerous unique features, the programmable AHS/AHM36 absolute encoders from SICK set a new performance standard in the 36 mm class. The great variety of mechanical interfaces, as well as the optional SSI or CANopen, allow for maximum flexibility.
These compact encoders are available as both an AHS36 single-turn version and an AHM36 multi-turn model. They are used for measuring absolute positions such as in industrial and special purpose vehicles, packaging machines, logistics, and machine building, as well as in medical technology. The product family is very well suited to this wide range of applications.
Maximum degrees of freedom for mechanical integration
The mechanical interfaces available in the AHS/AHM36 encoders are a choice of blind hollow shafts as well as face mount flange and servo flange – all of them featuring a large number of shaft diameters. This makes possible a maximum degree of flexibility when designing mechanical integration. The connector plug and the cable outlet respectively can be rotated, allowing the cable to be laid in the best possible way, even in cramped installation situations. At the same time this means that machine builders can deal with a reduced number of encoder variants for different installation situations.
Top flexibility through programmable SSI and CANopen interfaces
The programmability of the AHS/AHM36 encoders reduces the diversity of variants even further – concurrently opening up the possibility of using numerous configuration and diagnostic options. Thus with respect to the encoders with an SSI interface it is possible to set binary and non-binary resolutions, specify various operating modes or program a rotary axis function. Featuring position, speed, temperature, operating hours and more, the CANopen encoders provide a great number of diagnostic options for evaluations that serve to optimise the maintenance intervals of the overall application. It is also possible to configure an electronic cam switch.
Adaptation to wire-draw encoder
The extended working temperature ranges, as well as the IP66 and IP67 protection ratings, permit use of the AHS/AHM36 encoders in harsh environments. In addition, they can be adapted to any wire-draw mechanisms of SICK’s Ecoline and Highline product families.
Consistently compatible
The great variety of mechanical connection options and the electrical interfaces available make the encoders of the AHS/AHM36 product family compatible with other encoders on the market – thus facilitating the switch to what is quite simply the best overall package in the 36 mm class.
Understanding standby, prime and continuous gensets WEG Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The increasing reliance of South African businesses on generator sets to mitigate power disruptions highlights a crucial need for proper selection based on specific operational demands. Despite their growing usage, there is still widespread confusion about how to choose the appropriate genset, often leading to inefficient and costly decisions.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Axiom reaches new heights Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
When Rula Bulk Handling could not source a cable tensioner large enough for a new cableway, the engineers knew they had to come up with an inventive solution. After discovering that no such tensioner was immediately available, Rula approached Axiom Hydraulics and ifm to assist with building their own.
Read more...Local range of planetary units SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
s SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa actively extends its offerings to customers, the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e industrial gearbox ranges are good examples of solutions that are well suited to the local business environment.
Read more...At least 60 million strokes Horne Technologies
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Designing and constructing compact automation systems is one of the core activities of the Austrian machine manufacturer, STIWA. Its modular LTM-CI system has been optimised for small parts assembly. Linear and rotating micromotors from Faulhaber perform key tasks in these systems.
Read more...Innovative five-axis laser precession scanner
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motion control specialist, Aerotech has launched the AGV5D, an innovative five-axis laser precession scanner specially developed for laser micromachining. This makes it possible to create high-precision bores, contoured slots and other complex geometries with dimensional tolerances in the sub-micrometre range.
Read more...Minetruck with electric drivetrain combines power and innovation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The new Minetruck MT66 S eDrive is the first of Epiroc’s large-capacity mine trucks to feature the latest generation electric drivetrain. Along with an upgraded and powerful diesel engine, the hauler combines the cost-effectiveness of a traditional mine truck with the productivity of an electric one, without requiring changes to a mine’s infrastructure.
Read more...Modular hydraulic control blocks for brake actuation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Electrohydraulic brake release valves are exposed to extreme loads, and can become uncontrollable in the event of a power failure. The experts at WEBER-HYDRAULIK GMBH have developed a practical, modular solution that ensures the safety of construction machinery, and is also suitable for a wide range of other vehicles with hydrostatic drive systems.
Read more...Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.