Electricity + Control April 2018

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION + SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

New Soft Starter with internal bypass expands motor efficiency The new Allen-Bradley SMC-50 smart motor controller with inter- nal bypass from Rockwell Automation brings greater operational control over motor starts and stops. As an extension of the soft starter family, the SMC-50 smart motor controller delivers greater functionality and efficiency across industries. Soft starters tradi- tionally use solid-state, silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) to con- trol voltage to the motor during start-up, runtime and shutdowns. The reduced torque and current slowly introduces energy to the motor, mitigating electrical and mechanical stress to the applica- tion. If these SCRs remain in the circuit once the motor is up to speed, the heat generated by these devic- es leads to electrical inefficiency.

Automotive press for local range of light commercial vehicles Tectra Automation designed, manufactured and commissioned a servo-driven automotive press for Auto Industrial (AI). The appli- cation-specific automotive press is used by AI to assemble various front suspension linkages for a local range of light commercial vehicles in such a way that it pro- duces one part every 40 seconds for 22 hours a day. Tectra Automation was re- sponsible for every aspect of the automotive press aside from the tooling, which was manufactured in-house by the client. To facilitate

“Now, users have the option of choos- ing the proper power structure for their application when purchasing the SMC-50 smart motor controller. For operations that run over an extended period, built-in inter- nal bypass allows users to shift from sol- id-state switches to bypass contactors,” said Rick Anderson, product manager for Soft Starters, Rockwell Automation. “By switching over to the bypass circuit, users can save on energy and decrease opera- tional costs by minimising excess heat build-up.” The SMC-50 smart motor controller with internal bypass provides access to several communication modules, including EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet networks. This

the production of one part every 40 seconds, a Rexroth L25 mo- tion PLC was used with control provided by a Rexroth VEP40 HMIK with on-board PC. Tectra Automation designed and man- ufactured the control panel as well as the operation software. The Rexroth EMC-125-HD electromechanical cylinder, driven by an MSK101D servo motor, was selected for control instead of using a hydraulic cylinder due to its cleanliness, high degree of controllability and operational quietness. “The press has an inte- grated load cell to control and record the press-in force in order to guarantee consistent quality,” explains Kevin Lombard, Gen- eral Manager, Tectra Automation. “The ram is guided by Rexroth heavy duty linear bushes running on hardened and ground linear shafts. The rotary table is driven by a Rexroth MSK050C servo motor driving a GTM planetary in line gearbox. Enquiries: Kevin Lombard.Tel. +27 (0) 11 971 9400 or email kevin.lombard@tectra.co.za

connectivity, combined with its microprocessor platform, brings energy-monitoring capabilities and protection features that make applications easier to troubleshoot and fix. Enquiries: Adrian vanWyk.Tel. +27 (0) 11 654 9700 or email avanwyk@ra.rockwell.com

Actuator switching via IO-Link The new IO-Link output module provides an easy and cost-effective way to add powerful digital outputs to ifm’s IO-Link master module for field use. Typical tasks include decentralised switch- ing of loads and actuators. The module is available in two designs: The orange field module of the coolant series is resistant to oils and coolants and suited for general industrial applications. The grey module is ideally suited for hygienic and food applications due to the material used for the housing. It has the high protection rating IP 68 / IP 69K. The unit features six M12 ports with two digital outputs each. The outputs have full overload and short-circuit protection. They are supplied from two independent, electrically isolated voltage sources. The three left-hand M12 sockets are supplied via pins 1 and 3 of the supply connector and the three right- hand M12 sockets via pins 2 and 4. Both voltage supplies can be loaded with max. 1,8 A. The output current is distributed to the outputs according to the connected loads and is limited to 1,8 A total current per channel. Thanks to the two separate voltage supplies, critical outputs can be switched off selectively by higher-level switching modules, without affecting the outputs in the other electric circuit. In addition, IO-Link allows an in-depth fault analysis. Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 12 450 0400 or email info.za@ifm.com

12 Electricity + Control

APRIL 2018