Reliable positioning.

The PXV 2-D absolute positioning system from Pepperl+Fuchs sets new performance benchmarks when it comes to reliability and handling. With its large reading window, the system keeps a sufficient number of codes in view, even in relation to track switches and changes to the code tape. Precise positioning is guaranteed at all times.

DataMatrix-Codeband SafePXV

Six years of experience with the PCV system have helped to shape the development of the PXV. The reading window of the PXV has been enlarged to 120 x 80 mm, meaning that the Data Matrix code tape is always located within the detection range. Mounting and commissioning are easier, and plant availability is further improved. The reading window has an increased depth of focus range, allowing it to capture even more codes simultaneously and also guarantee position detection through multiple redundancy.

Unlike other systems available on the market, the PXV requires only a 2-D camera, ensuring that irritation relating to track switches is excluded. To prevent this, the cameras in the two-camera systems can receive the relevant differing position signals in these areas.

A certain degree of contamination on the code tape is often unavoidable during everyday operation. For this reason, the codes for the PXV have been expanded to 15 x 15 mm without compromising the resolution, and the "coarse-grained" design ensures that they are unaffected by pollution. Thanks to redundant detection, the system also cannot be disrupted by the destruction of individual codes. The code tape can be interrupted by a stretch of up to 80 mm without affecting position detection.

Innovative Safety Technology
The new safePXV manages all that a single positioning system can with just one sensor. The new safety technology combines a 2-D reader with a three-colored Data Matrix code tape. The special code tape contains two overlapping Data Matrix codes in red and blue. The 2-D reader is equipped with two different colored LED rings—also red and blue. These rings are activated separately and then read just one Data Matrix code each. An SIL 3/PL e absolute position is always provided as the result.

• Pepperl+Fuchs are marketed in Ireland through Insteco.

@PepperlFuchs #PAuto @PepperlFuchsUSA 

Positioning drive for manufacturing systems.

The EMCA positioning drive from Festo, consists of a maintenance-free and wear-resistant brushless DC motor with integrated power and control electronics. The integrated drive system is compact, avoids long motor cables, improves electromagnetic compatibility and reduces installation workload and space requirements, while built-in monitoring functions ensure safety and reliability.

Designed for industrial use in demanding manufacturing environments, applications include machines, devices and systems used in materials transport and conveying, printing, packaging and labelling, as well as textiles and electronics manufacturing. Its compact and high performance design have been recognised with a Product Design Award from one of the world's most celebrated and valued design competitions, the iF Design Awards.

The EMCA is equipped with a 24 V DC power supply and senses absolute position using a single-turn encoder as standard, or optionally via a multi-turn displacement encoder with buffering. An integrated holding brake is optional, as are a range of external gear units. Free to download Festo Configuration Tool (FCT) software makes parameterisation and commissioning quick and easy via an Ethernet interface, with 64 freely programmable position sets. The EMCA can be controlled via fieldbuses including CANopen, Ethernet/IP and I/O-Interface, with EtherCAT and PROFINET to follow, making it suitable for integration into many applications.

Available in two motor lengths and power classes, the EMCA can deliver peak torque of up to 0.91 Nm, has a maximum rotational speed of 3,500 RPM and can reach peak power output of up to 200 W. The motor housing provides IP54 degree of protection as standard, with IP65 available as an option, for direct installation in the system. The EMCA also supports the safety function, "safe torque off (STO)", ensuring there is no risk to the user’s system from the motor continuing to rotate in case of emergency.

“The addition of the EMCA to our portfolio means that engineers can source an even broader range of automation packages from Festo – from gear units, to electro-mechanical axes and compete handling systems,” says Steve Sands, product manager at Festo. “For example, the EMCA can be easily integrated with our very wide range of electro-mechanical axes as part of a complete system. At the recent Hannover Fair, we showed just such a solution featuring our CPX controller as a demonstration of an Industry 4.0-ready parallel kinematic high speed robotic handling system.”

“This award-winning integrated positioning drive delivers an ideal solution for industrial manufacturing. It’s easy to mount and set up, offers a high class of protection against water and dirt, and combines a maintenance-free, wear-resistant EC motor with integrated power and control electronics, all within a rugged, compact housing.”

@FestoAG #PAuto

Positioners underwater!

ASM extends the magnetostrictive POSICHRON® range by the PCST27 rod-profile sensor for underwater use up to 15 bar

The successful range of magnetostrictive position sensors POSICHRON® by ASM is being extended by the new PCST27 series. The robust probe sensors allow for precise positioning of hydraulic cylinders or the measurement of fluid levels. The models in the PCST27 series have proven their superior reliability, even after years of use under the most extreme conditions.

Magnetostrictive position sensors of the POSICHRON® product line are extremely durable and therefore suitable even for applications where other measurement principles fail. The newly presented PCST27 models by ASM were designed specifically for the integration inside of large hydraulic cylinders that are used in harsh environments such as offshore or in the shipping industry. The rod-profile design allows them to be easily installed in the cylinder and detect piston positions with high precision even under difficult conditions.

As with all models in the POSICHRON® PCST27 series, the sensors consist of a magnetostrictive waveguide and a movable position magnet. Based on magnetically generated density waves and the measurement of time pulses this measurement principle is ideal for applications that demand extreme precision, repeatability and resistance against environmental factors such as vibration, humidity or shock. The sea water resistant stainless steel housing allows the sensor to be used in off-shore locations. Based upon non-contact measurement technology, this position sensor ensures years of trouble-free operation.

These rod-profile PCST27 sensors are available up to protection class IP68 and are pressure resistant up to 15 bar. The absolute output offers linearity up to +/- 0.02% full scale. Measurement lengths from 0 to 100 or from 0 to 5,750 mm are available.

For easy integration into various systems, there is either an analog (with 0,5-10V or 4-20mA), a pulse (start/stop) or SSI output available. Longitudinal cable water tightness is a first in these sensors.