Products Technology file SLS technology benefits robotic welding
A cost effective seam tracking system for robots has been introduced by Meta Vision Systems. According to the company, the Smart Laser Pilot system is based on a Smart Laser Sensor (SLS) which makes it possible to simplify the overall architecture while enhancing robot interface flexibility.
SLS integrates a high-resolution megapixel camera, a laser stripe projector and advanced image processing hardware and software within a compact and rugged sensor head design. Integral cooling (gas or chilled air, or optionally water for more arduous applications), front window blow-off and an integrated weld spatter shield ensure the sensor will survive in the most hostile of welding environments.
The SLS is mounted just ahead of the welding torch on the robot end effector and acquires data at 30 full frame images per second, although higher frame rates are possible using a windowing function that concentrates image analysis on a defined region of interest. All image processing is done in the sensor head itself and a tracking accuracy of ±0.1mm is possible in both the horizontal and vertical planes, with a field of view of 50mm.
Features of SLS also include an automatic laser intensity control function which solves laser reflection problems that are common in applications involving variable material surface conditions. The system communicates with the robot controller using an Ethernet connection; and it has a dedicated graphical user interface touch screen device (GIO) that displays the analysed weld joint profile and other data. Meta Vision Systems
T: 01865 887900
www.meta-mvs.com Condition monitoring via smartphones
Adherence to open standards and protocols enables Prosig’s PROTOR Vibration Condition Monitoring System to easily take advantage of new technologies as they appear. All PROTOR servers are configured to support VNC (Virtual Network Computing) access so connections can be made via any VNC client. By installing one of the free client apps available for Android it was a simple task to connect to the PROTOR server. This allows an engineer to access the full range of diagnostic screens and access runup and rundown plots, mimic diagrams, trend plots, waterfall plots and all the other real-time and historic information available from the PROTOR system. Although an Android-based phone was used for this evaluation, similar VNC apps exist for the iPhone and other smartphones. The Vibration Monitoring System provides reliable on-line monitoring of turbine generators, main boiler feed pumps and other auxiliary plant equipment. It provides both real-time and long-term historical access to the important vibration factors together with various plant process parameters which indicate the machine state. Prosig
T: 01329 239925
For where rugged, dependable speed sensing is needed, Cherry (a brand of ZF Electronics) has intro- duced the GS102301 geartooth speed sensor. This digital output Hall effect speed sensor is self- adjusting over a wide range of magnetic flux densities. This eliminates the need to optimise the sensor position within a small magnetic flux operating range and compensates for target run out. Measuring 2.8in long, this oper- ates in temperatures from -40°C to 140°C and meets IEC60529 IP68 standards for water immersion. The sensor also contains circuitry that protects it from EMI and ESD and is reverse battery protected. The device requires a minimum input of 3mA to function properly. Operating voltage is 5-30VDC at
10
www.prosig.com Enter 668 A rugged solution for speed sensing
the nominal operating range. In addition, it has a durable Stanyl plastic housing and, with its resistance to environmental extremes, is suitable for a wide range of vehicle speed sensing requirements in transmission, engine and braking applications. The device has also been tested for environmental exposure per SAE J1455 Section 4.4.1, which includes immersion in engine and transmission oils. ZF Electronics
Enter 669 T: 01582 506140
www.cherry.co.uk
expand portfolio A number of new products have been added to StrainSense’s port- folio. The first are navigation- grade accelerometers and gyros using proven quartz flexure and fibre optic technology to ensure stability even during changes in temperature. The accelerometers are designed for commercial and military use in inertial navigation systems. Also available is the model 161 series vibration sensor from Measurement Specialities. This four-channel signal conditioning amplifier is for use with piezoelec- tric sensors and incorporates multiple high-pass and low-pass filter settings. This can also display IEEE 1451.4 TEDS infor- mation and its rechargeable bat- tery operation enables field use. Another new product is the
LT30, an enhanced version of the company’s submersible level transmitters, which is just 20mm wide. The sensor is fully tempera- ture compensated and the sensor signal is a 4-20 mA output signal. In addition, the company has added the 4318 analogue ampli- fier, and a new range of rugged linear potentiometers with stroke lengths from 12.5 to 250mm. The temperature range of these is 175˚C and they are sealed to IP67. StrainSense
www.strainsense.co.uk T: 01908 543038
Enter 670 New products
The TCA series of tension/compression load cells from LCM Systems allow engineers to specify custom sizes and specifications to meet specific application requirements.
Enter 667
Suitable for measuring both tensile and compressive forces where space is limited, the standard cells are provided with metric threads at each end and are designed to accept spherical seating rod-end bearings. Versions with male threads at each end, one male and one female, or imperial thread sizes are also available. Constructed from stainless steel, the load cells have a rated load ranging from one to 100 tonnes as standard and can be used for applications in structural testing, cable tension monitoring and press load monitor- ing. These are weatherproofed to IP66 and IP67 and submersible versions can be specified. LCM Systems T: 01983 249264 Enter 671
www.lcmsystems.com
Corrosion detection Groundbreaking research into fingerprint detection now has an industrial application. Dr John Bond’s method of identifying fingerprints on brass bullet-casings, even after they have been wiped clean, was based on the minuscule amounts of corrosion which can be caused by sweat. Working with scientists in the University of Leicester Department of Chemistry, Dr Bond has applied the same technique to industry by developing a simple handheld device which can measure corrosion on machine parts made from copper and copper-based alloys such as brass. This method is quick and easy and can be performed in the field as it works off a nine-volt battery, enabling metals to be tested in situ with no prior set up of a corrosion measuring device. University of Leicester
www2.le.ac.uk
Enter 672 FEBRUARY 2011 Instrumentation
Load cells meet application demands
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