Electricity + Control July 2019

round up

INDUSTRY 4.0 + INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS (IIOT)

Precise distance measurement and positioning

positioning on production or assembly lines that move large components such as engines or vehicles. The distance of these objects can be measured to a specific reference point with optimum accuracy. Countapulse Controls offers a 24/7 technical hotline to assist customers with selection of the most appropriate sensor for any application, or to deal with any troubleshooting requirements. Enquiries: Countapulse Controls. Tel: +27 (0) 11 615-7556 or visit: www.countapulse.co.za

with machine software. This is important as, based on the real-time values obtained, production processes can be constantly adapted and optimised. In quality assurance applications, particularly during the assembly process, the completeness or alignment of individual components must be ensured. The Leuze ODSL range of optical distance sensors uses extremely high resolution to define and check all reference points. The sensors function reliably even where objects include plastic and metal housings. Another application is in machining processes where raw material needs to be fed into the machine without interruption. This means the stack height on the load carrier must be constantly monitored. Using a combination of Leuze optical distance sensors with different resolutions and ranges, it is possible to measure the height of differently stacked objects. The large operating range on Leuze optical distance sensors, up to 65 m, as well as the focused laser sensing mechanism, make it easy to monitor While the MOVIDRIVE ® B Drive Inverter and MOVIAXIS ® Multi-Axis Servo Inverter have been available for some time, the MOVI-C ® modular automation system sets SEW-EURODRIVE on the path to Industry 4.0. “This requires products that are open and flexible,” says Maleka. “Our focus is to provide our customers with a modular and fully customisable solution.” On display at the fair was a high- speed pick-and-place solution, including a tracking function, which can be used in a range of industries. This represents just one of the new technologies that SEW- EURODRIVE is developing, with a three- to four-year window period, responding to customers’ needs and industry trends. “Our main focus at the exhibition was on energy-efficiency,” says Maleka. Three segment conveyors, each about 1.5 m in length, featured IE2, IE3 and IE4 motors, with the different energy consumption and relative efficiencies displayed on a screen. The MOVIGEAR ® mechatronic

Precision monitoring and accurate measurement of distances are essential for the smooth running of intralogistics and production operations. According to Gerry Bryant, Managing Director of Countapulse Controls, optical distance sensors are generally used for this purpose and fulfil several different functions. As a specialist sensing solutions provider, Countapulse Controls offers a comprehensive range of optical distance sensors that can pinpoint measurement and position of any object over long or short distances and facilitate quality assurance. “Leuze optical distances sensors are based on various measurement operating principles, including triangulation measurement, propagation time measure- ment and phase measurement,” Bryant says. “They enable reproducible distance measurements in the range of tenths of a millimetre, over distances of more than 60 metres.” With production operations moving to Industry 4.0, the measurement data can be transferred with IO-Link and evaluated At the recent Africa Automation Fair SEW-EURODRIVE presented visitors with a preview of its MOVI-C ® modular automation system. This represents the next generation of automation technology from Germany and will be phased in gradually by SEW-EURODRIVE in South Africa. National Sales and Marketing Manager Norman Maleka says, “The system consists of a MAXO-RPS- T-RRRRRRO-10-1300-01, including stand and polycarbonate guard, CMP motors, MOVI-C ® modular, MOVI-C ® controller, a human-machine interface (DOP), and MOVIKIT ® Robotics software. The system provides an automation solution, from planning to commissioning, operation and diagnostics software, electronic control and monitoring devices, mechanical drives and gear motors. It features open communications from PROFIBUS and Industrial Ethernet to Modbus.

Leuze Optical Distance Sensors enable accurate distance measurement.

Next generation automated drive solutions

drive system was also showcased. This technology is making inroads in the food- and-beverage industry due to its quick installation and ease of use as well as the advantages that it is easy to clean and meets strict hygiene standards, for which an optional smooth surface is available. Other energy-efficient products on display included variable speed drives and the LTP-B Eco HVAC drive, which is ideal for applications ranging from large buildings to mills. Features include an advanced ‘sleep and wake’ function that maximises energy efficiency by switching on a pump, for example, only when it is required. “Our aim is stay ahead of the technology curve,” says Maleka, “to ensure our customers always have access to the latest solutions that are flexible, adaptable and cost-effective.” Enquiries: SEW-EURODRIVE. Tel: +27 (0)11 248 7000, or visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za/home.html

10 Electricity + Control

JULY 2019