Machinery Update September \ October 2017

114 MACHINERY UPDATE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 www.machineryupdate.co.uk
Components
Motion terminal propels
pneumatics to new dawn
The XTS meets hygiene standards
Ultra-clean
transport
solution
XTS Hygienic, the stainless steel
version of the eXtended transport
system from Beckhoff, is billed
as opening up a wide spectrum
of new applications, first and
foremost in the primary food and
pharmaceutical industries and
also for processing and filling
liquids in general.
Enabling optimal cleanability
with the high protection rating
of IP 69K, very good chemical
resistance and without any hidden
corners, edges or undercuts, the
version in Hygienic Design offers
a lot of potential for innovation in
these industries, says Beckhoff.
The advantages of the standard
system as a highly flexible motion
solution are combined with ease
of cleaning, thus enabling process
optimisation and maximum
production line availability, even
when the demands made on
hygiene are high.
The XTS replaces mechanics
with software functionality to
allow for a high degree of design
freedom in realising completely
new machine concepts.
Through a significant reduction
in mechanical engineering
requirements, machines can be set
up with the XTS more compactly,
at a lighter weight and with less
wiring. In addition, compared
to conventional solutions, the
systems are much more flexible,
the processes quicker and
maintenance needs are lower.
T 01491 410539
W www.beckhoff.co.uk
The new VTEM
Motion Terminal
from Festo propels
pneumatics into the era
of Industry 4.0 with apps
that can replace over
50 individual standard
components, thanks to
the latest developments
in piezo technology and
software.
“We predict that the
VTEM Motion Terminal
will revolutionise
automation technology
in much the same way
that the smartphone
turned the mobile
communication market
on its head a decade
ago,” says Andy Parker-
Bates, product manager
at Festo. “In addition to
transforming pneumatic
products into true Industry 4.0
components, the VTEM
simplifies system design,
reduces costs and offers
greater energy efficiency.”
Festo predicts that the new
method of function integration
exemplified by the VTEM
– combined with software
Festo’s Motion Terminal allows for activation of
new functions via apps not traditional methods
apps – will simplify the entire
value chain, since only one
piece of hardware will be
required. Beneath the new
Motion Terminal’s somewhat
unassuming exterior lies
technical refinement based
on the latest information
technology, says Festo.
Piezo technology,
integrated stroke and
pressure sensors – together
with control via motion apps
– opens up entirely new
perspectives for machinery
and plant manufacturers.
The fusion of mechanics,
electronics and software
featured in the VTEM will
transform a pneumatic
product into a true
Industry 4.0 component,
and enable flexible
production. Changes in
pneumatic functions
and adaptations to new
formats are controlled
via apps by changing
parameters. The integrated
intelligent sensors for
control, diagnostics and
self-learning tasks will
eliminate the need for
additional components.
At launch, the VTEM offers
ten different functions via
motion apps. What makes
this so special is that the
same valve hardware is
used for everything.
T 01252 775000
W www.festo.com
Sensors with capacitive proximity switches
meet detection needs from a single source
Leuze electronic is expanding
its portfolio of optoelectronic
and inductive sensors with
capacitive proximity switches,
making it possible for users
to obtain complete solutions
for all detection requirements
from a single source.
With its new range of
capacitive products, Leuze
electronic is introducing
contactless, wear-free
switches which are resistant
to electromagnetic influences,
interference and contaminants
in the air such as dust.
The capacitive
switches are available
in cylindrical or
cubic designs with
flush and non-flush
mounting options
to suit the widest
range of applications.
Due to their
semiconductor
technology, they have
an extremely long life
expectancy, regardless of
the detection and switching
frequency, says Leuze.
They are particularly
Detecting both objects and fill levels reliably
suitable for detecting
objects in harsh and dirty
environments due to their
IP67 housing.
T 01480 408500
W www.leuze.co.uk