Today’s manufacturers are looking for tools, techniques, and equipment that will help them streamline their production processes (go “lean”), and do so on a continuous basis. The transformation to lean is often described as a journey away from the compartmentalized approach of managing events or projects, toward a more holistic and ongoing approach. Thus, manufacturers are looking for innovative product and equipment designs that will meet these goals.
You will find plenty of ideas to help you meet these goals for your equipment designs at the AM Expo|ATX South 2009 conference, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC, March 11 and 12. Doors open at 9 AM.
You can hear various manufacturers experiences in going lean; the obstacles they encountered, the failures they learned from, and the successes they experienced during their transition to lean manufacturing.
Here are a few of the newer design ideas:
Small, easy-to-use PLC
The CLICK® PLC, is a new generation of inexpensive PLC components designed to offer practical features in an easy-to-use, compact yet expandable design. The line of micro brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software is suitable for first time users as well as experienced programmers.
By itself, a powered CLICK CPU unit can function as a complete PLC system. The unit features eight inputs and six outputs, available in four combinations of built-in I/O types. For expansion, eleven option modules are available for flexible system configuration up to 142 I/O. All Click CPUs support 8K steps of Flash EEPROM program memory and 8K words of data memory. Two 24 VDC power supply options, with either 0.5 A or 1.3 A outputs, can be used to power the PLC.
The CLICK PLC system’s space-saving design requires no mounting base; up to eight modules can be attached to the CLICK CPU module via an integrated expansion port on the sides of the modules and secured by locking tabs on the top and bottom of all modules.
The units also feature two built-in RS-232 RJ12 communications ports. One port supports Modbus RTU protocol only and can be used as the programming port. The second port is a general purpose port with user configurable communications parameters and supports either Modbus RTU or ASCII protocols.
Automation Direct
www.automationdirect.com
Booth 1776
Cameras function in tough environments
Gigabit Ethernet TXG cameras have IP67 housing, enabling them to function in applications where water and dust are unavoidable. The housing contains all necessary components like the CCD sensor, all electronics as well as an integrated C-Mount to protect nearly all available standard lenses. An industrial M12 connector enables a safe connection of the camera with the network interface.
The Gigabit Ethernet cameras are available with resolutions up to 5 megapixel. As an alternative to the IP67 enclosure, models are also available in a compact industrial housing design. The generic programming interface, called Baumer-GAPI, enables the user to integrate the camera easily into any
application.
Baumer Optronic GmbH
www.baumeroptronic.com
Booth 2007, 2105, 2205
Robust industrial relays
RIDERSERIES industrial relay modules and relay bases can be specified and ordered separately, or as a single part number kit that includes the relay, base, LED indicator, retaining clip and markers. The pre-assembled relay kits are available in popular configurations, including 24 Vdc, 24 Vac, 115 Vac and 230 Vac, in SPDT and DPDT versions.
Just a few of the RIDERSERIES kits can replace dozens of small items, simplifying the process of ordering and inventory management, and reducing operating costs. The relays feature rail-mounted relay bases with screw connections, as well as the manufacturer’s proprietary Push-in technology that reduces installation time up to 75%. Each connection has two clamping points for conductors up to 1.5 mm² (16 AWG).
Weidmuller
www.weidmuller.com
Booth 1433
New manifolds
Check out the new manifolds from Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. while you are at the show. The new series of sub-miniature manifolds are for the 10 mm and 15 mm solenoid valves. Their small size allows for groupings of valves in very small spaces. These single-sided units are available with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 stations.
Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.
www.clippard.com/10-15mm
Booth 2007, 2105, 2205
Magnetic transmission drive components
Magnetic transmission drive components suite applications where the non-contacting components generate little dust. These applications include many cleanroom assembly operations in the semiconductor, circuit board, business appliance, military ordnance, aerospace and consumer electronics markets. Additional applications include those where the low noise and minimal vibration are critical to the assembly or transfer mechanism operation.
The magnetic drive components operate on the principle of attractive force and thus function without contact. Depending on the transmission direction desired, Type MDQ allows perpendicular alignment, while Type MDY allows parallel alignment. All components are housed in 5056 aluminum with a gas emission prevention treatment. Outside diameters are from 16-35 mm and inside diameters from 6-20 mm.
Once the alignment configuration is known, a designer can calculate the required quantity needed, based on the size and distance of the workload. Then, a calculation of the required torque can be made, based on the weight of the workload and specified quantity ordered.
The magnetic transmission drive components are ordered in pairs and should not be used with other manufacturers’ magnets or components. All flux rate by temperature, torque rate by distance change and magnetic flux density by distance from the drive specifications are included in the catalog, which can be ordered in print or accessed online.
Misumi USA
www.misumiusa.com
Booth 1313
::Design World::
Filed Under: Factory automation, AUTOMATION, Valves, Relays, PLCs + PACs, Vision • machine vision • cameras + lenses • frame grabbers • optical filters
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