Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs ML7 Sensors for Clear Object Detection


Pepperl+Fuchs’ ML7 series miniature photoelectric sensors are now available in retro-reflective mode for detecting clear objects such as PET plastic bottles, clear shrink-wrap, glass, and clear Mylar® film.  ML7 retro-reflective mode sensors can detect clear objects up to 3.5 meters away, and opaque objects up to 5.7 meters away. 

ML7 retro-reflective mode sensors measure a very compact 31mm x 23mm x 11mm, making them the smallest photoelectric sensors available from Pepperl+Fuchs for clear-object detection.  They are quickly and easily programmed with a single sensitivity adjustment that allows one of three different contrast levels to be taught. As a result, these sensors can deliver reliable, repeatable detection of low or high contrast transparent media ranging from a clear web of shrink-wrap to colored glass bottles.

ML7 clear object detection sensors include Pepperl+Fuchs’ exclusive 4-in-1® output.  4-in-1 output automatically detects the connected load and sinks or sources as needed, simplifying selection, stocking, and installation time and costs.




Monday, September 29, 2008

IDEC NC1V Circuit Protectors

The new NC1V circuit protectors from IDEC have a new manufacturing design, creating a modern look and feel while still providing enhanced reliability and safety you depend on from IDEC products. Two features providing just that include spring-up terminals and IP20 fingersafe protection, designed to reduce wiring time and increase safety.

Slim 35mm-wide housing saves space and can be DIN rail mounted or attached directly to the panel, making it simple to setup. NC1V are also available in 1-pole, 2-pole and 3-pole configurations. And a retractable actuator makes it easy to determine the status of the circuit protector.

IDEC NC1V circuit protectors conform to many international standards including being UL1077 recognized for applications where branch circuit protection is not required or is already provided. These thermal magnetic devices protect against short circuit and overload conditions. All NC1V circuit protectors are also CSA and CE marked.




IDEC LW Illuminated Key Selector Switches


Adding new dimension to IDEC's already popular line of LW Silhouette switches, Illuminated key selector switches are now available!

LW illuminated key selector switches are available in 2 and 3 positions with 24V AC/DC illumination, and in six color combinations for left and right ring illumination including red:red, green:green, white:white and red:green (blue:blue and green:red are non-standard
color combinations, but can be special ordered). You can also choose from several operators: maintained, spring return from right or left, or two-way spring return.

Make a personal statement about style with the modern lines and stunning colors of LW switches. Projecting only 2mm when mounted on a panel, these switches provide a sleek, updated look while maintaining the highest levels of reliability.

These switches are perfect for industries requiring a hygienic surface. A smooth design cuts down on surface area, preventing dust and other particles from accumulating on the machine.

You can also choose between PCB, solder tab/quick connect or screw terminals. Plus, key selector switches offer a high-security lock mechanism with up to 60 key variations giving added safety to any application. Round guards are also available for non-illuminated and illuminated pushbuttons.

All LW switches are UL recognized, CSA certified and CE marked, as well as provide an IP65 degree of protection.



Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs ML17 Fiber Optic Sensors


Pepperl+Fuchs introduces ML17 Tru-Vue™ series photoelectric sensors for fiber optic sensing. ML17 Tru-Vue fiber optic sensors feature a compact housing (29 mm depth) with a typical sensing range of 100 mm+ for diffuse fiber optic cables, and 400 mm+ for thru-beam fiber optic cables. 

These fiber optic sensors can be easily mounted via an industry-standard M18 threaded snout or thru-holes. Diffuse and thru-beam plastic fiber optic cables are secured to the sensor by an innovative quarter-turn locking mechanism. An assortment of fiber optic cables to suit specific application needs are available. 

As with the rest of the Tru-Vue photoelectric sensors, fiber optic models offer 360° visibility LEDs, five connection options and 4-in-1™ outputs. The 4-in-1 outputs enable a single sensor to operate in NPN normally open, NPN normally closed, PNP normally open, or PNP normally closed configurations. The 4-in-1 simplifies sensor selection and stocking because one sensor model can now replace four sensor models. Installation is also faster because there are no extra steps needed to choose an output type, as the fiber optic sensor automatically determines its output without external influence.

In sensing applications with small targets or unfavorable conditions, fiber optic cables can be a very sensible solution. When attached to the end of the photoelectric sensor, they guide light through the cable and out off the fiber head, while reflected light travels back through another fiber optic cable to the sensor's receiver. The Tru-Vue fiber optic sensor is most often used with plastic fiber optic cables, although there are some glass cables available. Glass fiber optic cables are more rugged, rated for a higher temperature range, and generally allow longer sensing ranges. Plastic fiber optic cables can be cut to length and are more affordable. 

In thru-beam mode sensing, where an emitted light beam is aimed directly at the receiver and when a target interrupts the light path the output is switched accordingly, two individual cables are used. In diffuse mode sensing, where light from the emitter strikes the target and some of the light returns directly to the receiver to detect the target, a bifurcated cable is used.




Tuesday, September 23, 2008

New Literature from SolaHD

Surge Protection and Filtering
Employing an entire facility protection strategy will safeguard the electrical system against most transients. Products from SolaHD cover the complete process of multi-stage protection: clamping the initial high energy surge, filtering any remaining noise or transients to the protected sensitive equipment and finally, protecting the data/signal lines entering or leaving the control panel or the factory floor.



DIN Rail Mounted Industrial DC UPS
The SDU DC uninterruptable power system by SolaHD protects the increasing number of microprocessor-based technologies common in the industrial environment from voltage fluctuations and power failures on the factory floor. Back-up DC power during power disturbances reduces production losses and helps maintain high efficiency levels.


Providing Power for the Oil and Gas Industry
SolaHD delivers total power quality solutions for many applications in the Oil & Gas, Refining, Chemical and Petroleum processing industries. Power is a dynamic aspect in production and automation. SolaHD’s proven technologies will assure system reliability and high productivity.


STFV Plus Active Tracking Filter
The new STFV Plus filter by SolaHD combines Active Tracking Filtering for low energy disturbances and surge suppression for high energy transients such as lightning. It continuously tracks the input AC power line responding instantly to extraneous high frequency noise and high voltage transients caused by everyday events such as turning on machinery, motors or equipment.


Power Quality Guidebook
Power quality issues, such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, noise and power outages, disrupt production, damage equipment and corrupt valuable data. Due to the numerous sources and types of power disturbances, maintaining power quality requires a multi-tiered approach. SolaHD covers solutions to all of these issues in this guide.


Total Power Quality Solutions Guide
Power conversion and power protection are intrinsically linked. Power conversion choices made upstream can impact the type of power protection required downstream. Only SolaHD brings power conversion and power protection together to provide total system and facility solutions.


DIN Rail Mounted Active Tracking Filters with Surge Protection
The SolaHD STFE Elite DIN Rail Mount Series combines Active Tracking technology with UL Listed surge protection against the full spectrum of voltage transients and surges. It continuously tracks the input AC power line responding instantly into action upon detecting extraneous high frequency noise and high voltage transients caused by everyday events such as turning on machinery, motors, or equipment.


SDN-C Single Phase DIN Rail Power Supplies
The SolaHD SDN-C has improved upon the superior reliability of the SDN series of power supplies with increased Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) by reducing the part count and strategic use of high quality components. In addition to being extremely reliable by design, the SDN-C has built-in protection from over temperature, overloads and short circuits.


Monday, September 22, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs Weld Cap Sensors Named Best Product Finalist


Pepperl+Fuchs WTS10 Weld Cap Sensors have been selected as a finalist in the Electronics category for the 2008 Design News Golden Mousetrap Awards.  The Design News Awards Program recognizes engineering innovation and creativity in product design in four major categories: Electronics, Motion Control/Automation, Hardware/Software, Materials/Fastening/Joining/Assembly, and 24 subcategories.

“Our Golden Mousetrap Awards give innovators the recognition they justly deserve.  The awards span Design News’ five coverage areas and we extend our sincerest congratulations to the winners and finalists.  Their perseverance in these challenging economic times is admirable, indeed,” says Design News Editor-in-Chief, John Dodge.

WTS10 Weld Cap Sensors check the quality of welding cap fronts and detects faults such as inclusions, faulty milling or burrs.   These sensors provide high stability against discrepancies in the position and angle of the welding cap.  They check upper and lower welding caps simultaneously and provide pre-fault (near the limit) indication for proactive maintenance to help improve welding productivity.  A push-button teach mode facilitates quick and easy sensor programming.
 
Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services.   Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.




Friday, September 19, 2008

Phoenix Contact Videos Added to Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

VARIOSUB Push-Pull Connector System

The VARIOSUB Push-Pull connector system transfers data using copper and FO technologies, it also offers a power connector to supply power to devices. The Push-Pull connectors are robust, easy to operate and have the IP67 degree of protection, making them ideal for distributed automation.


Phoenix Contact QC 1.5 Quick Connect Plugs

With the release of the new QC (Quick Connect) 1.5 plugs, Phoenix Contact provides an Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC)-based plug for use in an expanded range of wire gauges.

The QC 1.5 represents the next generation in I/O and low power terminations to the PCB. Compared with other IDC products currently available, the QC 1.5 plug offers greater flexibility in wire selections (24-16AWG). The plugs are designed on a 5mm pitch (centerline) spacing and come with or without mounting flanges. The QC 1.5 plugs mate with Phoenix Contact's 5mm headers, enabling vertical, horizontal or lengthwise PCB mounting for wider range flexibility.

The fast termination of discrete, stranded wires provides a labor-saving advantage during installation. With a common screwdriver, the user can ensure a positive, gas-tight connection. The plugs can be clearly identified via ink marking or adhesive-backed labels to eliminate potential wiring errors and to aid in manufacturing processing. Also, the individual actuation levels can be color-coded for applications needing custom configurations.

The QC 1.5 plugs make an audible "click" to ensure proper mating. Optional mounting flanges provide an added level of mating interface security.

The QC 1.5 plugs are designed for use in the standard industrial control and instrumentation market. They work especially well in the telecommunications market, which has embraced the merits of IDC terminations.


Phoenix Contact PLUGTRAB PT Surge Protection

Especially in the area of measurement and control systems, often a multitude of lines must be protected from surge voltages. With Phoenix Contact's TRABTECH surge protection and the PLUGTRAB PT product family it's no problem.

With a width of only 17.5 mm (1 div.), you can protect up to five signal lines, two double wires or a four-conductor measurement from surge voltages.

Universal pluggability of the PLUGTRAB PT product family means replacing faulty plugs when servicing is necessary is inexpensive and possible without disconnection or influencing the signals.


Phoenix Contact ILC GSM GPRS Wireless Networking System

Phoenix Contact's ILC 150 GSM/GPRS is the best choice if remote stations or stations distributed over a large area are to be integrated into the company network cost-effectively and public telephone lines are not available for data transmission.

The GSM modem integrated in the miniature controller can be used to transfer process data, operating states or fault messages across all common mobile telephone networks and over any distance to the control center or to the mobile telephone of the on-call service personnel.

There is no need to lay expensive data cables. With GPRS, the ILC 150 GSM/GPRS provides a packet-oriented, reasonably priced wireless service with a permanent online connection. The charges for this service depend only on the volume of data sent.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Schneider Electric XUV Ultrasonic Label Sensor


The new XUV Ultrasonic Label Sensor by Schneider Electric, with thru-beam technology, detects labels of any material, size and color including transparent labels. The thru-beam technology sends sound through an object to determine the depth of the object by how much sound is returned. Less sound indicates a thicker object while more sound indicates a thinner object. 

When the sensor is powered down and turned back on it retains the previous settings and the threshold is easily adjusted by using the +/- keys. The XVU Ultrasonic sensor can also be locked to avoid unnecessary adjustments. 

The XUV Ultrasonic Label Sensor is suitable for various detection applications including; label, ply, double-sheet, splice, and wrinkle/seam detection and can detect labels between 0.03 mm (0.001") and 0.08 mm (0.003") in thicknesses 

The XUV Ultrasonic Label Sensor is ideal for the following applications: 

  • Packaging labels Food and beverage 
  • Pharmaceutical 
  • Material Handling Double sheet detection 
  • Seam/wrinkle detection 
  • Web breakage applications


Schneider Electric OsiSense XMLG Pressure Transmitter


The most versatile, reliable and easy to use solution for fluid control application, the OsiSense XMLG pressure transmitter by Schneider Electric is a necessary part of any pumping system. 

The XMLG pressure transmitter converts applied pressure to an electrical signal that can be used to control and/or monitor a process variable. With pressure ranges from -14.5 to 8700 psi, analog current output (4-20mA), and voltage output from 0-10V the XMLG pressure transmitters can be used anywhere exact pressure measurement is required. 

The ceramic sensor technology meets stringent requirements for high impact mechanical performances and the compact, rugged, robust construction provides years of uninterrupted service and long-term stability. In addition, the XMLG pressure transmitter is designed with excellent immunity to electromagnetic interference and offers verified environmental protection with IP66 and IP67 ratings. Short-circuit and reverse polarity protection are standard features and the product will not leak in the event the destruction pressure is exceeded. 


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

New Literature from IDEC and Pro-face

IDEC Relay Selection Guide
This foldout contains quick part number builders for IDEC’s RJ, RQ, RU, RH, RR and RY relays. The back of the selection guide lists a cross-reference to find the correct substitute for eleven different manufacturer’s relays.


Pro-face HMI and Industrial PC Solutions
Learn how to improve overall equipment effectiveness, slash machine costs, remotely update your operator interfaces, monitor your PC’s health and transform your PC into an on-demand operator interface with the various Pro-face products contained in this guide.


Pro-face Industrial PCs and Flat Panel Monitor Solutions
Read about the various HMI technology choices, industrial PC specifications and the latest industrial PC technologies with Pro-face’s guide to Industrial PCs and Flat Panel Monitor Solutions.


Pro-face LT3000 Series Operator Interface Plus Control
Pro-face’s LT3000 series of operator interfaces are standalone machine controllers, combining HMI, PLC and I/O functions into one compact design.  These “operator interface plus control” systems reduce system costs and machine complexity while increasing your automation system’s flexibility, reliability and durability. 




Monday, September 15, 2008

New Videos Added to Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Pepperl+Fuchs F1 Compact Inductive Sensor


The Pepperl+Fuchs compact F1 inductive sensor monitors the critical areas on a transport conveyor at a mechanical stopper. The sensor checks for the presence of tool carriers near the stopper and at the transfer unit to prevent any accidental collisions. This use of the F1 inductive sensor ensures smooth operation and minimizes conveyor downtime.


Pepperl+Fuchs SBL8 Photoelectric Sensor


Pepperl+Fuchs SBL8 photoelectric sensors prevent product damage caused by a congested conveyor.

In this application, a queue leads to a roller conveyor. In this queue, it is important that the containers are transported without pressure, which means that one container must not push on the one in front.

The SBL8-H roller conveyor control with backround suppression, located directly between the rollers of the conveyor, prevents piece goods from colliding. Direct control of valves as well as cascading of several sensors is possible.

These sensors are optionally equipped with a magnetic valve to control material flow directly. By linking the voltage supply, the electric signal and the compressed air, the installation outlay is minimal.



Electroplating with Pepperl+Fuchs WCS Position Encoding System


The WCS absolute linear encoder system from Pepperl+Fuchs provides fraction-of-a-millimeter position feedback to a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.

Overhead monorails, conveyors, cranes, automated storage and retrieval systems...even elevators and theater stage lighting systems can raise their performance to new levels with the WCS.

In this application, transport cars move along a line and take the product to be galvanized to the corresponding dip tank. Even under these adverse ambient conditions with aggressive vapors and high temperatures, the WCS position encoding system performs consistently and accurately.



Federal Signal Viper S2 Emergency Signal Lights


Federal Signal's Viper™ S2 advances auxiliary internal warning to a higher plateau with superior light output, easy-to-select flash patterns, and simple pattern synchronization.

The superior warning capability of Solaris™ reflector technology provides a bold array of light and impressive off-axis reflection. Phenomenal light output, versatile mounting options, and simplistic product functionality make the Viper S2 product stand out in the warning light industry.



Friday, September 12, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs ML7 Photoelectric Sensors Now Rated for High-Pressure Washdown


Pepperl+Fuchs’ ML7 series miniature photoelectric sensors are now available in IP67 and IP69k protection classes, making them suitable for use in some of the harshest environments in the food and beverage industry. 

The ML7’s IP69k rated housing provides complete protection against the water jet pressures (up 1450 psi) and temperatures (up to 80°C; 176°F) required to thoroughly clean equipment used in meat, fish, poultry, and dairy processing.  In addition, these photoelectric sensors are certified by ECOLAB as compatible with the toughest cleaning agents that are commonly used in high-temperature, high-pressure jet water spray cleaning applications.

ML7 sensors measure a very compact 31mm x 23mm x 11mm, and are available in 5 different operating modes including diffuse, diffuse with background suppression, retro-reflective, retro-reflective for clear object detection, and thru-beam. Sensors can be ordered with two different lens orientations. Newer models are also available with Pepperl+Fuchs’ exclusive 4-in-1® output.  4-in-1 output automatically detects the connected load and sinks or sources as needed, simplifying selection, stocking, and installation time and costs.

Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services.   Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.



Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Steven Engineering Automation Reference Catalog CD


Now you can find the right automation product for your specific application by using just one tool - Steven Engineering's Automation Reference Catalog. Search from the largest automation selection available today from ten different manufacturers. Simply use the search function or access the complete catalog of technical specification datasheets based on your preferred vendor. Here are the benefits you'll get from the CD:

  • Access technical specifications for thousands of different automation products from Advantech, AVG Automation, Banner, Crouzet, IDEC, Omron, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Pro-face/Xycom, Red Lion Controls, and Schneider Electric.
  • Find the exact automation product you are looking for by using the extensive search function included on the CD. 
  • Receive up-to-date automation information by registering your CD.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Banner Engineering LED..LAX..5-XQ Series Linear Array Lights

Deliver high quality LED machine vision lighting with superior performance (brightness and range) at a competitive price. This compact, rugged, high intensity, economically priced, linear array light is available in all four visible colors and infrared. The array has built-in constant current regulation, temperature limiter and optically isolated universal voltage strobe control. 
It is also available in various lengths up to 45 inches.

  • Rugged aluminum IP50 rated housing
  • 290 mm (11.4"), 580 mm (22.8"),870 mm (34.2") or 1160 mm (45.6") light opening
  • Versatile mounting T-nut slots on both sides of housing; swivel bracket available
  • 5-pin male Euro style QD connector on endcap
  • Cable lengths available up to 9 meters long
  • High-power, solid-state LED array; continuous or strobed operation
  • LEDs directly illuminate target
  • Built in current regulation allows the linear array light to be powered directly with 24V dc, no external current controller needed
  • Universal strobe voltage 5-24V dc
  • Selectable active high or active low strobe options
  • Optically isolated strobe signal
  • Models available with clear acrylic, glass or diffusing windows
  • Diffusing models offer even lighting when the light is mounted closer than 60 cm (2') from the target


Friday, September 5, 2008

Two Panduit Videos Added to YouTube Channel

Panduit GridRunner Underfloor Cable System

Panduit GridRunner underfloor cable routing system is a wire basket pathway, designed to rout and manage network data and power cabling beneath the raised floor in a data center.

This innovative system supports high cable capacities, protects cables from damage to improve network performance and is electrically bonded to facilitate proper grounding.



Panduit DPoE Compact 8 Midspan Power Over Ethernet Solution

Deliver Power over Ethernet (PoE) to IEEE 802.3af and Cisco Inline Power devices utilizing Panduit's space-saving DPoE Compact 8 Midspan.

The DPoE Compact 8 Midspan delivers Gigabit Ethernet and up to 30W of power to provide flexibility and scalability for growing network demands.



Thursday, September 4, 2008

IDEC SA1U Heavy-Duty Photoelectric Sensors

When customers have an application requiring a sensor with reliable long distance sensing in unforgiving environments, look no further than the new heavy duty SA1U photoelectric sensors from IDEC!

These high-quality photoelectric sensors are offered in four sensing modes: throughbeam, background suppression, diffuse and polarized retro-reflective. Long distance
sensing ranges as far as 50 meters with through-beam models and as close as 1 meter with diffuse models. They also support 12-240V DC and 24-240V AC, a much wider range of power at a great low price compared to most competitor sensors.

For specific information, check out the Competitor Comparison chart on the back. SA1U sensors utilize a spring up screw terminal making wiring easy. Customers can use almost any conductors and no special cables (M8 or M12) are required. These switches are assembled in a fully automated robotic process and are UL/c-UL listed, CE marked and IP67 rated, making
them ideal for use in wet environments such as bottling and food processing industries. SA1U is also perfect for direct sunlight applications.

Built-in 3 amp relay contacts (NO/NC) and time delay functions give customers the ability to configure the sensor for their specific needs. There are four timing delay functions to choose from: one shot, ON delay, OFF delay and normal mode, as well as a 0.1 to 5 second time range.




Wednesday, September 3, 2008

80/20 Inc. Label Holders for T-Slot Aluminum Frames


80/20 Inc. introduces its newest product in the 2008 Big Book Catalog: versatile label holders that snap into 80/20's T-slot profiles.

The label holders are sold in packs of 25 and can fit into any 10 or 15 Series fractional profile, or any 25, 30 or 40 Series metric profile.  The holders feature heavy-duty clear plastic with a non-glare finish.



Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Phoenix Contact Wago Terminal Block Markers for BLUEMARK


Continue to take advantage of the permanent, professional marking results from the Phoenix Contact BLUEMARK UV printer with these new materials. The UC2 series and UC1-TMF series UniCards for the BLUEMARK are designed to snap into Wago terminal blocks, including series such as Top Jobs, 280… and 281….

Templates for these markers can be found in CLIP PROJECT marking software version 7.10.1810.




New Phoenix Contact QUINT SFB and TRIO Power Supplies


Phoenix Contact has announced the release of two new QUINT SFB and five new TRIO power supply voltage and current options.

The new QUINT SFB power supplies include a 48 V DC/5A version and a 12 V DC/15A version.

The new TRIO power supplies include two 12V DC power supplies with output currents of 5 and 10 amps, as well as two 48 V DC power supplies with 5 and 10 amp outputs. Also, a three-phase, 24 V DC/5A power supply has been added.

These new power supplies add to Phoenix Contact's ever-increasing power supply product portfolio, giving customers the "Power to Choose".