SICK UK is returning as an exhibitor to MACH in 2014 with broad portfolio of innovations to achieve improved process and production efficiency for manufacturers. From more accurate measurement, to improved factory communications interfaces, connectivity and machine safety, SICK’s extensive R&D capabilities are delivering best-in-class solutions.
“It’s been a while since we last came to MACH, so we have plenty to catch up on with visitors and demonstrate the new technologies that continue to make SICK a market leader,” says Spencer Goldsmith, SICK UK’s Manufacturing Segment Manager.
Visitors to the stand will see new industrial sensors, auto ident devices, machine safety, fluid sensors, vision systems, measurement sensors and encoders that employ the latest advances in measurement and supported interface technologies.
The launch of the SICK Flexi Loop machine safety connectivity solution achieves scalability, diagnostic insight and I/O connection capacity within a compact space and at a very competitive cost, reducing the cabling needed to meet the latest safety standards. With a capacity to cascade up to 32 safety sensors / switches on one loop and to create up to eight separate loops it will provide up to 256 sensors on eight dual channel inputs, reducing the clutter of traditional connections. The Flexi Loop is simple to install as a fully cascadable system, using standard cable with M12/5-pin connectors. No special connections or shielded cables are required.
The new SICK MPS and MPA magnetic position sensors for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders are being launched at Mach 2014. The versatile sensors achieve new levels of accuracy and control for universal automation tasks in machine and robotics applications. The stand will also include process control exhibits from the Industrial Instrumentation Division for temperature, pressure, level and flow.
The key to the sensors’ high-performance is a continuous analogue output signal for precision non-contact detection at all stroke positions with minimal blind zones. Simple to commission thanks to the sensors’ intelligent teach-in function, they are designed for easy and quick mounting on T-slot housings with a range of bracket options for standard cylinder types.
Visitors will receive an update on the growing adoption of Hiperface® DSL (Digital-Servo-Link) motor feedback interface by market-leading motor and drive manufacturers worldwide. The single-cable technology provides an attractive, cost-saving opportunity for machine building, robotics and systems integrators through smaller and more efficient motors.
At the centre of the advance is a fully digital encoder interface protocol which eliminates the problem of electro-magnetic interference encountered in previous analogue systems and therefore the risk of signal degradation. Cores inside the motor power cable can be used for the communication of feedback data to the drive. The twisted pair traditionally used for the temperature winding sensor in a standard motor power cable is used for the Hiperface® DSL communication. The result is the need for a separate dedicated feedback cable is completely eliminated.
SICK (UK) LTD, Waldkirch House, 39 Hedley Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5BN.
