Posted to News on 20th Feb 2014, 12:39
See SICK's new sensor, safety and connectivity products at MACH
SICK UK is returning as an exhibitor to MACH in 2014 with broad portfolio of innovations to achieve improved process and production efficiency for manufacturers. From more accurate measurement, to improved factory communications interfaces, connectivity and machine safety, SICK's extensive R&D capabilities are aiming to deliver best-in-class products.
Spencer Goldsmith, SICK UK's Manufacturing Segment Manager, says: "It's been a while since we last came to MACH, so we have plenty to catch up on with visitors and demonstrate the new technologies that continue to make SICK a market leader."
Visitors to the stand will see new industrial sensors, auto ident devices, machine safety, fluid sensors, vision systems, measurement sensors and encoders that employ advances in measurement and supported interface technologies.
The launch of the SICK Flexi Loop machine safety connectivity system achieves scalability, diagnostic insight and I/O connection capacity within a compact space and at a competitive cost, reducing the cabling needed to meet safety standards. With a capacity to cascade up to 32 safety sensors / switches on one loop and to create up to eight separate loops it will provide up to 256 sensors on eight dual channel inputs, reducing the clutter of traditional connections. The Flexi Loop is simple to install as a fully cascadable system, using standard cable with M12/5-pin connectors. No special connections or shielded cables are required.
SICK's new MPS and MPA magnetic position sensors for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders are being launched at Mach 2014. The versatile sensors achieve new levels of accuracy and control for universal automation tasks in machine and robotics applications. The stand will also include process control exhibits from the Industrial Instrumentation Division for temperature, pressure, level and flow.
Key to the sensors' high performance is a continuous analogue output signal for precision non-contact detection at all stroke positions with minimal blind zones. Simple to commission thanks to the sensors' intelligent teach-in function, they are designed for easy and quick mounting on T-slot housings with a range of bracket options for standard cylinder types.
Visitors will receive an update on the growing adoption of Hiperface DSL (Digital-Servo-Link) motor feedback interface by motor and drive manufacturers worldwide. The single-cable technology provides an attractive, cost-saving opportunity for machine building, robotics and systems integrators through smaller and more efficient motors.
At the centre of the advance is a fully digital encoder interface protocol which eliminates the problem of electro-magnetic interference encountered in previous analogue systems and therefore the risk of signal degradation. Cores inside the motor power cable can be used for the communication of feedback data to the drive. The twisted pair traditionally used for the temperature winding sensor in a standard motor power cable is used for the Hiperface DSL communication. This means that the need for a separate dedicated feedback cable is completely eliminated.
To learn more about communications interfaces, connectivity and machine safety and more from SICK, please go to www.sick.co.uk.
