Automation & Control
operating at lower speeds. It is this control mode that enables the drives to operate in multi-motor applications where multiple (up to four) pumps are controlled by a single variable frequency drive. The alternative operating mode, Sensorless Vector Control,
allows the drive to precisely control the speed and torque of a motor, enabling the CFWO8 to be used on demanding duties such, as Extruders, Conveyors and, Rewinders, for example. In addition to the standard CFW-08, WEG has recently
launched an IP56-rated version- the CFW-08 Wash. The CFW- 08 Wash is designed for applications in food, beverage, chemical and water treatment industries that require a higher degree of protection against the ingress of contaminants, providing effective safeguarding against the ingress of dust and water. Baginto AB bakery in Sweden also has been able to upgrade
its mixing and dough preparation equipment, improving productivity and flexibility at very reasonable cost thanks to Lenze SMD and SMVector IP65 inverter drives. The highly compact SMD drives are ideal for retrofitting in existing panels at the bakery, whilst the IP65 rating of the SMVector drives enables them to be mounted directly to stainless steel surfaces without the cost and complexity of control cabinets. In addition wiring is greatly simplified as the drives can be mounted closer to the motors they control. The recent investment means that many areas of the
bakery are now controlled by Lenze variable speed drives. The conveyors and rollers on Baginto’s biscuit production line are equipped with Lenze SMD drives. The compactness of these drives makes them ideal for these applications. Supplied as
retrofit units, they are providing smooth torque operation and fine speed control where machines already have control cabinets: the cabinets themselves are stainless steel due to the hygiene requirements in food production industries. The flour mixing and dough folding equipment at the
bakery also now employ variable speed operation; benefiting both the consistency and quality of the product. At these stations, the drives had to satisfy a requirement to allow manual adjustments to the mix during production. This meant that they had to be both visible and accessible, and close to the machinery that is usually moved around as part of the production process. The IP65-enclosed SMVector drives provided the ideal
solution. Their inbuilt levels of protection against contamination meant that they could be mounted directly to the mixer and the rollers, onto stainless steel frames, without the requirement for an additional cabinet with its attendant space requirements, additional wiring, and cost. The SMVector drives are dust- tight, so the fine flour dust
in the bakery atmosphere causes the drives no problem at all. In addition, the SMV drives are also rated against low pressure jets, from the frequent wash-downs required in food production environments. The combination of the two drive systems: Lenze SMD drives where space is limited, and SMVector drives where operational and environmental requirements meant that they were the only solution, which has worked excellently at Baginto. The bakery has been able to increase productivity and flexibility with minimum disruption, and - more importantly - without breaking the bank (Fig.1). n
Modular kits for automation and robotics P
arker Hannifin is introducing a range of modular automation and robotics kits for applications including simple
twin-axis assemblies through to integrated multiple-axis gantry and palletising robots. In addition, the company can provide custom design and engineering services for applications where standard systems cannot be used. UK platform marketing manager, Andy Parker-Bates, states: “This new approach has the potential to revolutionise the way in which many automation systems are developed and used. Perhaps as importantly, our new range of modular automation kits will enable customers to cost-justify the automation of existing low-volume manual or semi-automated processes, enabling labour to be redeployed elsewhere. “Unlike traditional methods of building
modular systems our new modular automation kits are generally available on a relatively short lead-time and are designed for self-assembly on-site either by the customer or, if required, our engineering team.” The modular automation kits incorporate
all of the required components, including the framework, motors, gearboxes, drives, sensors and cables. Kits can easily be extended through
the addition of extra modules, while increasingly complex multiple-axis gantry, assembly or packaging systems with sophisticated control infrastructures can be constructed quickly and cost-effectively, either on-site or at one of Parker’s factories, for delivery as a preconfigured and fully tested system. Parker-Bates continues: “For customers, the
advantage of using our modular automation kits include the ability to build complete systems or sub-systems quickly and at relatively low cost, without the need for specialised engineering or the associated downtime while production lines are being modified. Additionally, for customised systems, we are able to provide a full design facility as part of the overall package, giving customers access to our resources and expertise at sites around the world”. The modular automation kits are based on
standard Parker electromechanical, pneumatic, drive and control technologies, and are claimed to be capable of delivering exceptionally high levels of performance, accuracy and reliability. For example, speeds of up to 5m/s are possible over extended stroke lengths, with precision and repeatability typically to within +/-0.05mm, and with load handling up to 1600kg.
Menawhile, Parker Hannifin has launched
three new hydraulic hoses, developed to minimise maintenance and increase profitability across a wide range of industrial applications. These are the PowerLift 477, a hose for
crane and lifting equipment, the RemoFlex 412, a pilot line hose with an increased working pressure of 12.0 MPa, and the Push-Lok Plus 801, the new low pressure hose with a higher working pressure and an extended colour range. The new Parker PowerLift 477 medium
pressure hose has been specifically developed for the crane and lifting equipment market, where increased working pressure and restricted space are the driving factors for hydraulic hose technology. The Parker PowerLift features two steel
wire braids, and offers a combination of higher working pressure, smaller outside diameter based on compact hose construction, tight bending radius and light weight. In addition, the nitrile inner tube offers increased chemical resistance to bio oil and the outer cover is resistant to abrasion, providing longer service life and reduced overall equipment costs.. n
For more information, visit
www.parker.com www.engineerlive.com 45
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