Industry News - Motion Control Tips

AP10 IO-Link position indicators from SIKO maintain efficiency and reliability

January 18, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Bus-capable position indicators from SIKO are the heart of a monitored size changeover and are indispensable in machine construction today. Their ability to display the setpoint and actual value on the adjusting spindle to the machine operator increases comfort for the setter. This greatly simplifies the process of refitting a production machine for a new product. Feedback on the positioning status to the machine controller increases reliability for format changes; this prevents incorrect settings (by avoiding scrap and tool damage) and reduces setup times.

Position display with innovative IO-Link interface
Two-line LCD with backlighting
Setpoint and actual value display with integrated comparison
Loop positioning for clearance compensation
Positioning status and rotational direction display
Using 2x red/green LED
Protection rating up to IP65
Magnetic absolute encoder
Stainless steel hollow shaft with 20 or 25.4 mm in diameter

Thanks to smart communication with the higher-level machine control system, the AP10 position indicator ensures that product changes and size changeovers are safe and ergonomic.

Setpoints, actual position values and the positioning status are exchanged, making manual spindle adjustment a monitored process. In addition to the proven serial interfaces in the AP10, the innovative IO-Link interface is now available. It enables fast and cost-effective integration via point-to-point connection using the simplest I/O connection technology. Thanks to the open, manufacturer-independent standard of the IO-Link interface, convenient integration options from all leading providers come in machine control systems. IO-Link master islands can be used for modular networking of several AP10 position displays. This drastically reduces complexity and wiring work and shortens commissioning times. Simple wiring combined with additional diagnostic features increases the ease of service, reducing downtime in the event of an error.

One significant new element of the AP10 is the inverted backlit LCD display. The backlighting ensures that the position values are easily legible, even in places that are difficult to see in or in low light conditions. The LCD is designed as a two-line six-digit 14-segment display. As a result, even long adjustment tracks can still be displayed with high display accuracy. The 14-segment display also allows for the clear display of alphanumeric characters, which simplifies configuration, commissioning and error diagnosis.

In addition to the directional arrows on the LCD, the AP10 position indicator also provides clear visual user guidance via two bi-color status LEDs. These not only signal positional status (InPos or OutPos) but also indicate the needed rotational direction for direct access to the target point. The AP10 provides loop positioning to compensate for mechanical spindle play.

Just like all SIKO position indicators, the AP10 also features a hollow shaft, guaranteeing the easiest assembly possible for standard adjustable axles. The size and distance dimensions of the torque support ensure installation compatibility with the world’s best-selling SIKO meter DA09S. This means the AP05 can be used to switch from manual adjustment with mechanical position indicator to monitored size changeover without changing the machine frame. Due to the high protection class of IP65 and a hollow shaft made of stainless steel, the AP10 is also suitable for applications in the food industry, beverage production or the pharmaceutical sector. For more information, visit www.siko-global.com.

Dave Rego new Physik Instrumente V.P. and general manager of North American operations

January 18, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

PI (Physik Instrumente), leader and solution provider in motion control and positioning components and systems, has named Dave Rego its new V.P. and General Manager of North American Operations.

Rego has proven himself over his 18 years of successful growth within PI USA’s sales operations and in progressive sales leadership while working at PI USA’s Auburn headquarters. He has also built excellent relationships with key customers, and gained a solid understanding of PI’s manufacturing capabilities, an important factor in PI USA’s future growth.

Rego’s solid understanding of and relationship with US-based internal design and manufacturing teams complements his 18 years of growth and leadership in PI’s sales operations.

Rego, who holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a BA in German from the University of Rhode Island, and an MBA from Babson College, had been handling PI’s key industrial accounts on the East Coast for several years and brought a substantial and knowledgeable background in precision motion technology, leadership, and project management skills.

“PI has been fortunate to grow the partnerships with leading global companies in the fields of Semiconductor processing, Metrology, Life Sciences, Research, and Photonics,” states Rego.

“We also continue to build a strong team and expand the precision motion technologies to address new markets and customers. Every day, we interact with pioneers in their own fields who need precision to create, measure, or explore, and that makes PI a fun place to be.” For more information, visit pi-usa.us.

Dana acquires SME Group, enhances electromobility capabilities

January 15, 2019 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Dana Incorporated announced that it has completed the acquisition of the SME Group, headquartered in Arzignano, Italy. The global SME Group designs, engineers, and manufactures low-voltage ac induction and synchronous reluctance motors, inverters, and controls for a wide range of off-highway electric vehicle applications, including material handling, agriculture, construction, and automated-guided vehicles.

The addition of SME’s low-voltage motors and inverters, which are primarily designed to meet the evolution of electrification in off-highway equipment, significantly expands Dana’s electrified product portfolio.

“Dana’s acquisition of SME enhances our ability to address the electrification and hybridization needs of our customers, while also increasing the potential for incremental content per vehicle,” said Jim Kamsickas, president and CEO of Dana. “SME’s exceptional electric motor and inverter products, which largely support off-highway applications, are highly complementary to the technologies we acquired with TM4, which are predominately focused on light- and commercial-vehicle applications.”

“Dana is equipped to provide complete e-Propulsion systems that balance the demands for performance, power density, and weight,” said Christophe Dominiak, CTO for Dana. “The addition of SME’s low-voltage induction motors rounds out our already robust offering of high-voltage permanent magnet motors and enables us to deliver a complete range of electrified solutions for our customers.”

Dana’s existing portfolio of Spicer Electrified with TM4 motors and inverters combined with SME’s low-voltage motors will expand the company’s capabilities to applications ranging up to 250kW.

The privately held SME Group employs more than 100 people and operates in China, Germany, Canada, and Italy.

Dana’s electrification capabilities will be further strengthened by the anticipated acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of the Oerlikon group, enabling Dana to provide products for a broad range of hybrid and electric-vehicle configurations. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.

Dana Inc.
www.dana.com

New Spirawave nested wave spring series from Smalley

January 8, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Smalley now offers a new nested Spirawave wave spring series. Smalley has been producing nested wave springs as customs for over 30 years, but this will mark the first standard series on the market.

These multiple turn, flat wire wave springs are coiled in parallel to produce two to three times as much force as traditional single-turn wave springs. Nested Spirawave springs can be used to replace stacks of single-turn springs, eliminating misalignment and inconsistent loading.

The sturdy, tangle-resistant design allows for simple, time saving automated handling. Reduced costs can be realized from the use of a single spring and a simplified assembly process.

“Introducing a standard line of nested springs gives customers the ability to streamline production while meeting their high force requirements,” says Dan Frank, Research and Development Engineer.

Standard Nested Spirawave springs are available from 0.500 to 4 in. or 16 to 3,000 mm in carbon and stainless steel. Stock parts are available for overnight shipping.

Nested Spirawave springs are specified for many applications including heavy duty bearing preload, connectors, valves, and seals. The increased forces produced make them suitable for industries that need precision wave springs with high loads.

If a standard nested spring doesn’t meet the application requirements, Smalley has a team of experienced engineers capable of designing a custom nested spring. Custom or standard, Smalley will get the right part, in the right material, with No Tooling Charges.

Request a copy of the brochure or a free Nested Spirawave Wave Spring sample at nestedsprings.com.

For more than 50 years, Smalley has been the leading manufacturer of retaining rings and wave springs for OEM engineers worldwide. As an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 company, we deliver quality products certified to: IATF 16949, AS9100 and ISO 13485. Custom or standard, we are dedicated to delivering the right part, in the right material for application. For manufacturing news and product updates, visit smalley.com/blog.

QC Conveyors new V.P. of sales: Charlie Brown

January 8, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

QC Conveyors welcomes Charlie Brown as the company’s new Vice President of Sales. Brown brings more than 25 years of experience in the industrial automation industry. He will be responsible for leading the company’s expansion into new markets and territories while maintaining the company’s excellent revenue growth.

Brown comes to QC Conveyors from Numatic Engineering in Sun Valley, Calif., where he served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. He has extensive experience with QC Conveyors’ products, as Numatic Engineering is a QC Conveyors channel partner. Brown studied Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University and was in engineering management before making the transition to sales leadership.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Charlie to the team. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the industrial automation industry and with our product in particular, which makes him an excellent fit for the organization. He’ll be able to hit the ground running while focusing his efforts on the expansion into additional markets and territories,” said Dave Endres, President of QC Conveyors.

Brown will lead the company’s customer-facing teams, including application sales, channel management, marketing, key account management and customer service. His role will focus on increasing sales revenue through new sales strategies, expanding the company into new territories, and uniting the sales branches of the company under common leadership.

QC Conveyors is a member of the Duravant family of operating companies. They are a market leader in the low-profile conveyor industry, providing automated conveyor solutions for a wide variety of end users, including packaging, food processing, food service, assembly, automotive, and industrial automation. QC Conveyors is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH and may be found at qcconveyors.com.

Measurement, Control & Automation Association announces 2019 Board of Directors

December 24, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

The Measurement, Control & Automation Association (MCAA) announced its 2019 Board of Directors. MCAA President, Teresa Sebring, said, “I am pleased to welcome our newest Officers and Directors. The MCAA Board is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and industry experiences that make them an asset to the organization.”

Mike Waters, President & CEO of SOR Controls Group, Ltd. was elected Chairman. SOR Controls Group, Ltd. (SCG) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of measurement and control devices under the brands of SOR Inc., Smart Sensors Incorporated, SETEX Products, and Sensor Sampling. SOR Controls Group actively serves all sectors of the process industry with particular strengths in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Power segments. SOR is headquartered in Lenexa, Kan. and has regional offices in Beijing, London, Houston, Chennai and Dubai, and manufacturing locations in Lenexa and Houston.

Prior to joining SOR, Waters served in several senior leadership positions at CIRCOR International from 2006 to 2012, including VP & General Manager of Sagebrush Pipeline Equipment and Pipeline Engineering. Previously, Mike was the President of Flow-Zone LLC, a Gulf Coast-based oilfield supply company. He began his career with Emerson Electric Corp. as a member of the Rosemount Measurement & Control (now Emerson Process Automation) organization.

In addition to leading the MCAA Board, Waters currently serves on the Boards of Milbank Manufacturing, Inc., and Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC. Mike is a former Advisory Board member of the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association. He holds a BS in Engineering Technology/Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, and a MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Waters served as Vice Chairman in 2018 and has been on the MCAA Board since 2016.

Scott Saunders, President, Moore Industries International Inc. will serve as Vice Chairman. He joined Moore Industries in 1999 and has held various leadership roles with the company until assuming the role of President/CEO in 2014.

Acquisitions of Powers Process Controllers in 2000 and Hawke Fieldbus in 2005 have continued Moore Industries’ position as a world leader in the design and manufacture of interface instruments for industrial process control, system integration, and the factory automation industries. Moore Industries is an international company headquartered in North Hills, Calif. with direct sales and support offices in strategic worldwide locations including the U.S., Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, the People’s Republic of China and the United Kingdom. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Winthrop University. He has been on the MCAA Board since 2016.

2019 newly elected Directors-at-Large include:
• Deryl Bell, President, Carotek Inc.
• Russ Graybill, Director Product Marketing, Yokogawa Corporation of America
• Stephen Santangelo, President, Palmer Wahl Instruments Inc.
• Colin Sheridan, President, Tel-Tru Manufacturing Co.

The remainder of the Board is comprised of:
• Immediate Past Chairman: Bharat Naik, President of Reotemp Instruments
Directors-at-Large:
• Mike DeLacluyse, President, Lesman Instrument Company
• Bill Edinger, General Manager Process Instrumentation, Siemens Industry
• Gary Johnson, President, Azbil North America Inc.
• Jim Winter, Director of Global Process Business, Rockwell Automation

Founded in the early 1940s, MCAA has been serving leading industry organizations for 75 years. It is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of instrumentation and systems associated with the Measurement, Control & Automation Industry. MCAA provides resources for business effectiveness and growth through unsurpassed market and business insights, unique networking opportunities, and unbiased, affordable market data.

The association is headquartered in Poquoson, Va. For more information about MCAA, visit TheMCAA.org.

Automate 2019 (and Promat) April 8 to 11: North American event to showcase real-world technology advances

December 20, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Automate 2019, North America’s largest showcase devoted to automation industry trends, leading-edge technology and business innovation, returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place April 8 to 11. Produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate hosts many of the industry’s leading manufacturers and system integrators of robotics, machine vision, metrology, software, safety, motion control and motors.

Highlights of the biennial show and conference include:

Examples of how the latest innovative automation solutions, including robots, machine vision and motion control, can solve real-world challenges.
The $10,000 Launch Pad Startup Competition, which seeks out automation-focused companies that have launched in the last five years; generated less than $2 million in revenue and are not affiliated with a larger group. Call for participants will be announced soon.
Small group discussions in the theater covering a wide variety of topics important to the automation industry.

Focused on the theme of Win the Future, Automate 2019 will explore how automation secures a company’s success in a technologically fast-paced world where artificial intelligence (AI), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), smart manufacturing, collaborative robots (cobots) machine vision and other innovations are rapidly shifting the dynamic of today’s manufacturing. Automate attracts more than 20,000 attendees, including corporate decision makers across the United States and more than 80 countries as well as press and analysts.

“Automate attendees come seeking ways automation can help improve productivity and product quality, reduce costs, speed time to market and augment their workforce,” said Jeff Burnstein, A3 president. “Collaborative and mobile robots, along with AI, machine vision and motion control, are among the many technologies that will be showcased at Automate, all helping decision makers identify ways automation can fill workforce gaps by working alongside employees who are focused on more critical tasks. These innovations better equip companies to improve their competitive positioning in today’s global market.”

In addition to the highlights previously mentioned, Automate 2019 will include:

• The Engelberger Robotics Awards presented in the categories of Leadership and Education

• Full integration with the 51st Intl. Symposium on Robotics-Americas (ISR), a prestigious event that brings together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest applications and research in the field of robotics and other automation technologies

• All coursework and exams needed for the AIA’s Certified Vision Professional (CVP) basic and advanced certifications and Motion Control & Motor Association’s (MCMA) Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) training. Interested attendees can visit Automate 2019 to register.

One Badge for two shows: Automate 2019 attendee badges also gain admittance to ProMat 2019, held at the same location. ProMat is the largest exposition for material handling, logistics and supply chain professionals in North America, including over 950 exhibitors.

Attendee registration for both the expo and conference, with free access to the show floor, is now open. Prospective exhibitors can find more information on exhibition opportunities on the event website. Press passes and exhibitor news are available at the Automate press site.

The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA – Advancing Vision + Imaging, Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA) and A3 Mexico. RIA, AIA, MCMA and A3 Mexico combined represent over 1,200 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward. For more information, visit: A3, RIA, AIA, MCMA, A3 Mexico.

maxon precision motors awarded top LEAP prize in Motion Control for Exoskeleton Joint Actuator

December 14, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

At the recent LEAP Awards dinner gala in Costa Mesa, Calif., maxon precision motors was awarded the trophy for top design in Motion Control — for its Exoskeleton Joint Actuator.

The judges commented: “Excellent product in a ground breaking application. maxon has taken a leadership role by packaging products specifically for the exoskeleton market … By providing an integrated assembly, customers will be able to focus on application specific elements without the burden of reinventing joint actuation.”

The global Exoskeleton market is growing in both market share and technological developments at a rapid rate each year. maxon motor worked with several global customers to design and develop brushless DC motor solutions for use in robotic limbs. The Exoskeleton joint actuator is for use in hip and knee exoskeletons. A complete joint actuation unit includes a pancake brushless DC motor (EC90 flat) with inertia optimized rotor, an internal high-resolution 4096 MILE Encoder, a planetary gearhead with absolute encoder and an EPOS4 position controller with CAN and RS232 interface.

Fitting the 17-bit SSI absolute encoder directly at the joint rotation to a degree will negate the effect of gearhead backlash … giving designers increased positioning accuracy. The unit will deliver 54 Nm of continuous torque and 120 Nm on a 20% duty cycle. The system can be operated on supplies between 10 and 50 Vdc and the actuation speed is up to 22 rpm. The wide variety of different operating modes provides high flexibility in testing and optimizing of the entire exoskeleton system.

Omnify Software’s Empower PLM software wins LEAP Award in Industrial Automation category

December 13, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Earlier this week at the LEAP Awards dinner gala in Costa Mesa, Calif., 11 winners were announced for the first annual awards competition recognizing excellence in engineering design. In the Industrial Automation category, Omnify Software’s Empower PLM Software won the top prize for its use in developing 6 River’s Robot Chuck.

The judges for the award commented that the product was: “Highly innovative and will improve productivity … a great product that will be so helpful to individuals doing picking and packing of the product being shipped.”

The judges for the Industrial Automation category were Bonnie Baker, Consultant, ATW, LLC; Bradford L. Goldense, President, Goldense Group Inc.; Thomas E. Manley, Engineering Manager, Feedall Automation; and Karl H. Schultz, President, Schultz Associates.

Chuck is a warehouse robot built from the same technology and sensors as autonomous vehicles. Omnify Empower, a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software, was instrumental in developing 6 River’s Robot Chuck. The Chuck Robot, using machine learning and artificial intelligence, leads associates through their work zones to help them minimize walking, stay on task and work more efficiently.

Chuck integrates with Warehouse Management Systems so it can be used in all put-away, picking, counting, replenishment and sorting tasks. Chuck keeps warehouse employees on task by guiding them through the facility through each step of the packaging process. It can glide around the room and also has a touchscreen to help workers locate items. Chuck uses sensors to help detect worker productivity. It’s also been designed to help with employee training.

6 River isn’t worried about eliminating humans and instead believes there is an opportunity to help industries that have a “massive labor shortage” for warehouse suppliers. There aren’t enough people to fill the jobs.

The 6 River System robots offer an intuitive design and guide workers to the correct locations and step them through the picking process at a granular level. The robots can clearly increase worker productivity and picking accuracy. 6 River Systems offering can increase units per hour per employee by 200 to 300 percent. Pricing runs at about $250,000 for 8 robots in the first year and maintenance costs of about $50,000 a year thereafter. 6 River Systems currently has 20 customer sites with a total of more than 200 robots in use. It is the company’s end of year goal to have 600 Chuck robots in use across 40 sites.

The finalists for the Industrial Automation category were:

Cognex; DataMan 470
Littelfuse; MP8000 Bluetooth Enabled Motor Protection Relay
Omron Automation Americas; CIP Safety Controller
Parker Hannifin; Universal Pneumatic Valve Manifold
Protolabs; Farmbot – humanity’s first open-source CNC farming machine
Schneider Electric; EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor
Serapid; Telescopic Jib

Improved tails allow better cleanings on sanitary conveyor platform

December 12, 2018 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Perhaps the most important feature of a sanitary belt conveyor is the ability for it to be thoroughly cleaned. Dorner’s new AquaGard 7350 V2 Series with tip-up tails checks off that box…and then some.

The AquaGard 7350 V2 with tip-up tails provides ample access to the inside of the conveyor for effective, fast cleanings and easy maintenance. Tails can be tipped up in just a few seconds with no tools, and then retracted and locked back into place with the same minimal effort.

Tip-up tails are standard on the AquaGard 7350 V2 straight-belt models and are also available on straight-running modular belt units. They come with improved strength in the tail for more rigidity and no flexing, as well as supporting the belt/chain closer to the tail for improved performance.

Debuting at PACK EXPO 2018, the AquaGard 7350 V2 is built for numerous sanitary applications in baking, snack food, pharmaceutical, pet food, packaging, and other industries that require wipe-down and occasional washdown cleanings of the conveyor. The new conveyor comes in straight belt, as well as modular belt straight and curve models. Belted LPZ, modular belt LPZ, and positive drive models will be available in the coming months.

The AquaGard 7350 V2 is the safest, most advanced modular curve chain conveyor in the industry today. The modular belt curve conveyor has no openings greater than the international standard of 4 mm, even within the curves, which increases safety by eliminating pinch points for operators. Added safety measures are also achieved by covering the upper and lower chain edges and fully containing the drive system, which reduces catenary belt sag and conveyor noise.

Space reduction is another improvement on the AquaGard 7350 V2. The modular belt conveyor system is designed to maximize available plant space by keeping the footprint as compact as possible. Infeed and outfeed sections are a compact 18 in., further saving valuable floor space.

Dorner