FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY INTRODUCING MICROSMART FC6A PLUS PLC BENT ON SUCCESS
IDEC Corporation announce the release of its MicroSmart FC6A Plus, a powerful PLC with up to 2,060 local I/O. With its expanded I/O capacity, the FC6A Plus can control and monitor the largest machines or entire small-scale manufacturing facilities, a capability seldom found in a micro PLC. To ensure high-level performance with this expanded I/O count, basic instructions can be executed in the extremely fast speed of 21 nanoseconds, and program memory is 800kB (100K steps), much larger than competitors’
micro PLCs. These capabilities are combined with extensive data memory, more than double the capacity of a typical micro PLC. These features allow the FC6A Plus to handle large programs with complex control requirements such as PID, flow totalisation and recipes. Two models are available, each with 24Vdc input power. The 16 I/O model has eight inputs, and eight relay or transistor outputs. The 32 I/O model has 16 inputs, and 16 transistor outputs. Each model also includes an integral 0-10Vdc analog input with 12-bit resolution. Each model can accommodate up to three plug-in discrete, analog, serial communication or Bluetooth cartridges. Each discrete cartridge has four discrete I/O points, either four inputs or four outputs. Each analog cartridge has two analog I/O points, either two inputs or two outputs. Up to 63 I/O expansion modules can be added. This gives the FC6A Plus the capability to handle up to 2,060 I/O with a maximum of 511 analog I/O, much more than a typical micro PLC. The FC6A Plus also includes an optional Bluetooth wireless communication adapter, giving users the power to monitor the PLC and download/upload programs from any PC or laptop with Bluetooth capability. This eliminates the need to stock, locate and connect a cable to the PLC for these tasks, and provides access to the PLC from a distance up to 10m. In addition, any device with Bluetooth capability, such as a bar code reader, can also be configured to communicate with the PLC. FTP communication allows users to configure the FC6A Plus as a FTP Client or Server for transfer of programs and logged data between a server and the PLC, providing a convenient and effective way to remotely communicate with the PLC. Up to 16 users can be managed simultaneously, and access folders can also be managed. Files can be stored at the PLC or logged to the PLC’s SD memory card for transfer to an FTP server. All models have two built-in RJ45 Ethernet ports. Optional Plug-in communication
cartridges can be added to create two additional RS232C/RS485 ports. With the addition of serial communication modules, up to 33 RS232C/RS485 serial ports are supported. The PLC’s Ethernet port supports the Modbus TCP protocol, and the serial port supports the Modbus RTU protocol. Support for the BACnet communication protocol will be available in mid-2018 to provide communications with building automation components and systems. An SD memory port and a mini-B USB port can each be used for data logging, program storage/transfer, firmware updating or recipe storage.
IDEC Corporation
www.IDEC.com
Looking for ways to improve their machines’ usability and to economise on manufacturing costs, the Swedish company Comeco decided to launch a new line of rebar benders with electric drives instead of hydraulics. Nord Drivesystems supported the company from the early planning phase through to production, configuring an AC vector drive with an integrated PLC that controls all machine functions. The current solution is simpler, more robust, and easier to maintain. In addition to substantial savings for procured parts, the assembly time was halved. Small Swedish manufacturer Comeco offers bending machines for different rebar diameters to suit demands of construction and rental companies. Working with Nord, they have retrofitted one line for rebar diameters up to 20mm with electric drives and are currently following it up with another line for up to 40mm. When Comeco first designed rebar benders, they used hydraulics, a common choice for such machines. But the specialists for construction-site machinery found several problems with the tried and tested technology. Fredric Hallberg, owner and manager of Comeco,
says: “We developed two hydraulic bender models from scratch. The electric system is very complex. Installing the hydraulic power unit, piping network, and sensors takes a lot of time. This machine design is much more complex and more prone to problems than our new electromechanical machines.” Hallberg continues, “we found that we could build the machines cheaper with an electric drive. It was important to us, that we would integrate top-of-the-line functionality and provide more user value and comfort than the available low-end machines.”
Nord Drivesystems
www.nord.com NEW CAM ACTION PLUNGERS CAN RISE TO HEAVY DUTY CHALLENGES
WDS already offers a number of index plungers and index bolts, with many types and sizes being available from stock. This product range includes index plungers and bushes, plus spring loaded index bolts. Indexing plungers are commonly used in
applications where there is a predefined stop location; which can easily and accurately be identified and secured simply using an index action plunger. Spring loaded plungers
26 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
effectively make this process automatic. The WDS range is available in a number of sizes: end diameter 6mm to 12 mm; outer diameter M16 x 1.5mm or M20 x 1.5mm; bolt length 46mm or 57 mm; protrusion length 10mm or 12mm, and a handle length of 42mm or 52mm. The weight of the units varies with size from 114g to 188g The cam action is generated by a collar with an angled free end. In use the handle is turned through 18, causing it to ride along the angled collar, moving the plunger which is attached at right angles to the handle laterally to project or retract it from the barrel of the unit. Phil Holyome, business development and
special projects engineer with WDS, says they fulfil a specialist role compared to other plungers. “Like all plungers, their basic function
is to locate and lock moving parts in set positions. However, the new cam action plungers are for use in situations where machine or equipment operators want to be sure that they have been successfully deployed or retracted. The fact that they have to be manually operated gives this assurance. “As a rule, cam action plungers have larger
bolt diameters than simple sprung plungers and are intended for heavier duty applications.” The new cam action plungers are available
with next day delivery possible for most of the UK and no minimum order quantity or value required. For specification, WDS also offer free 2D drawings and 3D CAD models for download on the website, allowing easy decision making
for specifiers.
www.wdsltd.co.uk
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