Sherborne Launches Closed-Loop Servo Inclinometers

Sherborne Sensors has introduced the LSI series of closed-loop gravity-referenced servo inclinometers in North America. The LSI series is designed to withstand severe shock and vibration inputs for precision measurement capabilities in demanding environments. It incorporates a flexure-supported torque balancing system, which is rugged enough to withstand shock inputs of 1,500G, while still providing accuracy and repeatability over a wide operating temperature range, according to the company.

Sensor components and associated electronics are contained within an IP64 environmentally sealed housing. Units are available in ranges of +/-14.5 degrees, +/-30 degrees and +/-90 degrees and offer a high-level, 5V analogue DC-output signal, proportional to sine of the angle of tilt. LSI-series models are fully self contained and are able to connect to a DC power source and a readout or control device to form a complete operating system.

These units are suitable for use in civil engineering, structural monitoring, geophysical and seismic studies, machinery and structural alignment, pipeline levelling, crane safety and satellite antenna levelling applications. Recommended accessories include bi-polar power supplies and the new DTI-series digital panel indicator, which allows a user to read outputs directly in degrees. All of these accessories are available from Sherborne Sensors.

LSI-series inclinometers are factory tested and calibrated and are issued with a calibration certificate prior to shipment. The units carry a two-year comprehensive warranty and are part of the company's new Guaranteed On-Time Delivery programme. Sherborne Sensors offers the additional benefits of ISO9001: 2000-certified manufacturing, applications engineering support, global technical sales presence, repair, refurbishment and calibration services and stocking programmes.

Indexer Servo Drives Offer 32 Motion Profiles

Ormec Systems has announced the global launch of the XD-Series indexer servo drives to provide reliable motion control capabilities for challenging applications. The XD-Series allows programming of 32 individual motion profiles, which can be mapped to I/O points, one or two functions per point, initiated via Modbus/TCP and chained or looped together. The adaptable I/O, with 14 inputs and eight outputs, can be mapped to change from position, velocity or torque modes during program execution.

Motion can be synchronised with supported machine I/O, allowing for start, stop or trigger speed changes, with inputs at any point in the chain, and user-defined units for axis position speed and acceleration, further simplifying implementation. By employing an HMI or optional Fieldbus communication, the XD-Series allows motion parameter adjustments, remote commanded motion and real-time indexer status read capabilities. Communication setup may be accomplished via USB or Ethernet connections, with Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, CANopen and Profibus-DP options.

The XD-Series is available in 115, 230 and 460V AC input power options, with 3A to 60A continuous current ratings. The drives feature a built-in Motor Wizard, which simplifies non-standard motor integration and enables users to quickly commission unproven motors. Once the program and motor data are loaded onto the indexer, configuration data is stored both in the indexer and on a removable memory card, simplifying software transfer, duplication requirements and hardware replacement needs. Software includes extensive support for monitoring and optimising an application, allowing the application program to be quickly honed to perfection.

Ormec's software tools can reduce conventional setup efforts, from what typically was days, to a matter of minutes, with the supplied pre-defined 'load and go' application templates. The XD-Series is said to be capable of handling a wide range of motion control applications, including intelligent conveyor control, pick and place, labelling, flying shear, rotary knives, scanning, high-speed printing, part storage and retrieval, plus many others. The built-in features of the XD-Series allow it to support otherwise difficult application requirements, such as tension control, dual-loop feedback, registration, gearing, among others.

Servo Motors Suit Wash-Down Environments

Inmoco has extended its servo motor range into hygienic processing environments with the introduction of the S-Series of stainless-steel servo motors from Cleveland Motion Controls (CMC). The energy-efficient S-Series is designed specifically for sterile or high-pressure wash-down environments found in food processing, beverage and pharmaceutical applications.

The design of these motors follows extensive research by CMC, the company having worked closely with key customers and engineers in hygienic industries to develop and introduce the 300-series stainless-steel housings and other external components to ensure maximum protection (full IP67 compliance with associated shaft seals for food grade application) and corrosion resistance for sterile and wash-down applications. The S-Series units are compact motors that incorporate CMC's MDM high-energy brushless servo technology.

Manufactured in standard metric frame sizes, the motors are designed to deliver a high torque density. This is realised due to a design that integrates cut-core, segmented stator lamination technology in a high-efficiency heat-transfer capsule, with high slot-fill windings and a high flux neodymium magnet array. The S-Series servo motors feature strain-relieved cables with stripped ends and ready-to-install connectors of the user's choice.

Feedback options include encoder line counts up to 5,000ppr, available for all configurations, as well as optional resolver feedback on all configurations. Thermostats on the motor windings are a standard feature on the S-Series motors and a standard motor brake is also available across the entire product line. In addition, customised mounting and shaft options are available for all supported configurations. The S-Series units offer users and OEMs the benefit of complete conformance to UL/CUL and CE standards across the entire product line.

Servo Drives Provide High Control Flexibility

TCP/IP-compatible servo drives from Baldor Electric have simplified the construction of an automotive component tester from Dynamic Testing and Equipment (DTE). The new machine fully automates the accelerated life testing of the flexible boot seals used to protect ball joints in automobile steering assemblies. The use of programmable AC servos - instead of conventional hydraulic actuators - provides a high level of control flexibility, enabling test parameters such as joint articulation angles to be varied on the fly.

Capable of testing up to six boot seals simultaneously, testing regimes can include continuous articulation of the ball joints, hot and cold brine sprays, elevated humidity levels and air temperature cycling from -25C to +80C. DTE's boot-seal testing machine employs two motorised movement axes - one vertical and one horizontal - each driven by a Baldor Motiflex e100 three-phase servo drive and servomotor fitted with a multi-turn absolute encoder. The precise feedback signals enable both axes to be programmed to absolute zero, facilitating optimal positioning of the machine's tooling for parts loading and unloading, and ensuring ease of start-up.

The servo drives are connected via industry-standard Ethernet to the test machine's host computer, which runs National Instruments' Labview software, and are controlled via TCP/IP using the built-in ActiveX commands in Baldor's Mint programming language. Designed primarily for automotive component manufacturers, DTE's boot seal testing machine can be used to influence component design, or to demonstrate conformance with end-customers' performance standards.

Addon Expands Servo Controller I/O

QuickSilver Controls has developed a simple 24V breakout that can be attached directly to the SMI port of a SilverDust MG, IG, IGF, IGC or IG8 servomotor controller, providing access to power, communications (RS232/485) and I/O. The breakout also converts the controller's TTL level I/O to five 24V isolated inputs and two 24V open collector outputs.

With a list price of US $75, this breakout is an easy way of adding extra 24V I/O to a SilverDust controller.