Technology Showcase: Automation Solutions

Flexible, Extended-Height Gauging System

Renishaw’s Equator 300 Extended Height comparative gauge doubles the space below the measuring volume of the company’s original model, providing a 300-mm height to accept tall parts or those attached to machining fixtures. The additional space also facilitates automated part handling with robots and conveyors. The system can inspect features on parts up to 300 mm tall, with rapid changeover to smaller parts using an extended fixture plate spacer. Equator is a lightweight, highly repeatable gauge that can switch between parts in seconds, making it suited for flexible manufacturing processes or for accepting parts from multiple machines. An Equator-specific stylus changing rack, included with the system, allows automated in-cycle changing of SH25 stylus holders. Up to six stylus combinations can be loaded into the rack at any time.

Renishaw, Inc.
Hoffman Estates, IL

Extended-Rating Drives

Rockwell Automation has extended the ratings of its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives to 1500 kW/2000 Hp. The high-power drives are suited for applications from simple variable speed and variable torque control to those requiring constant torque control. The latest frame extension delivers the same control capabilities of earlier high-power models, such as 400/480/600/690 volt ratings and N-1 technology. With N-1 technology, users can configure the PowerFlex 755 high-power drive to use one, two or three power structures. This gives the redundancy and advanced control needed to manage load changes, protect equipment and keep the drive running in the event of a power failure. Like all PowerFlex 755 drives, the latest includes an embedded Ethernet port and multiple option slots. 

Rockwell Automation
Milwaukee, WI

Adaptable, Modular I/O System

The XI/ONTM modular input/output (I/O) system from Eaton is designed for decentralized signal processing and provides adaptable I/O options. It includes XN and the XNE series of I/O modules. The XN Series provides modularity with hot-swappable plug-in modules, while the XNE series provides integrated I/O modules and bases in higher density configurations. The XI/ON system also includes a host of digital, analog and technology modules. A programmable CANopen gateway delivers PLC power to the fieldbus terminal. Engineered to handle decentralized automation tasks, the gateway relieves the load of higher-level PLCs. A configuration and diagnostics tool, I/O assistant, provides interactive support and can be used to plan and implement installation.

Eaton Corp.
Pittsburgh, PA