Electricity + Control November 2017

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Encoder ensures absolute accuracy Absolute encoders are considered ideal for applications where a power outage requires machinery to reorient without having to reconfigure any of its settings. This, according to Gerry Bryant, managing director of sensor solutions specialist Countapulse Controls, is because an absolute encoder is suited to applications where positional information is required periodically and not continuously. “When power is restored, the system master or controller will identify the position as soon as the en- coder starts relaying information again,” he explains. Generally, absolute rotary encoders are used as these offer absolute accuracy in determining the posi- tion of an object, but as can be seen from the scenario described above this is not sufficient. The encoder can- not simply collect feedback data. It needs to be sent somewhere in a language that can be interpreted by the system. Bryant explains that absolute encoders use binary coding which can be translated into many differ- ent protocols. Countapulse Controls is the official southern Afri- can distributor for the Hengstler ACURO range of abso- lute encoders. These quality sensors have found favour in applications where both speed and position are re- quired, and where there is no room for error. Using a static reference point, the Hengstler abso- lute encoder will determine the speed or position of an object and can be configured to measure, monitor and control the linear movement and/or acceleration. Innovative engineering has resulted in an absolute encoder that has optimised functionality while being easy to operate. Designed as a modular system, the absolute encoder can be configured to allow the correct variant for an application taking factors such as motor feedback and automation into account. The Hengstler ACURO is equipped with an open BiSS sensor interface allowing for optimal integration into any system. Johannesburg-based, Countapulse Controls has an in-depth understanding of the application of absolute rotary encoders and is able to assist the market in se- lection of the best fit solution for a given application. Enquiries: Gerry Bryant.Tel. +27 (0) 11 615 7556 or email bryant@countapulse.co.za

Commitment to packaging Exhibiting at one of the leading packaging exhibi- tions, ProPak Cape, SMC hopes to further cement

its place as the leading provider of solutions for the industry. ‘More than pneumatics’, SMC offers electric solutions as well as niche solutions such as its range of ionisers, chillers and dryers. Having been exposed to food processing and packaging manufacturing en- vironments around the world, SMC understands that static all too often plays a significant role in machine and production downtime. As such, SMC devel- oped its range of ionisers to complement its existing offerings and to offer significant benefits to its customers. Brian Abbott, Product Manager at SMC Pneumatics notes that SMC will be showcasing its ioniser range at ProPak Cape and elaborates on the issues associated with static: “If ignored or man- aged incorrectly, static can contribute to downtime which leads to a loss of income and low levels of productivity. Issues such as products clinging to each other, plastic sheets not separating properly, possible damage to electrical products as well as fire hazards caused by a spark in a sensitive environment, are all associated with unwanted but unavoidable charge of electricity”. According to Abbott, there are three different types of ionisers available depending on the application and the environment; SMC offers a bar type ioniser (IZS40/41/42), a fan type ioniser (IZF10/21/31) and a nozzle type ion- iser (IZN10). “The unique thing about SMC’s ionisers is that they can be ordered with a sensor. The sensor is a feedback device that is able to detect if a positive or negative charge exists at the source. The charge, measured as a voltage, is communicated back to the ioniser which in turn generates ions to balance it out.. An option without a sensor is also available. In this case, the unit will generate alternate charge which ‘bombards’ the applica- tion with positive and negative ions until it neutralises the application. This, even though less energy efficient, is still a very effective solution.” Enquiries: Email marketing@smcpneumatics.co.za Programmable Multi-Axis Controllers OMRON and OMRON's Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. (hereinafter ‘DT’) have worked together to develop the PMAC controllers with global leading motion control technology from DT. PMAC achieves sophisticated fine-tuning control, including high-speed synchronous control of various Factory Automation (FA) devices, thanks to built-in EtherCAT connectivity which is used for production lines and equipment all over the world. Its development environment allows users to program their own motion algorithms and motion control functions, such as trajectory calculation and position compensation, in C and original pro- gramming languages. Builders of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and machining tools are concentrating resources on development of innovative and competitive core technology. In these circumstances, machine builders are increasingly requiring globally available controllers whose long-term supply stability and quality are guaranteed and which can be used as alternatives to board controllers that are costly to develop basic functions and maintain.More- over, manufacturers who develop manufacturing equipment with robots are expecting robust and reliable controllers that can execute customised motion control, mainly in emerging countries. OMRON offers two types of PMAC pro- grammable multi-axis controllers that meet user needs.OMRON brings innova- tion to manufacturing sites through automation with integrated, intelligent and interactive concepts. OMRON is working on manufacturing innovation with manufacturers by combining global leading DT's motion control technologies with OMRON's control technologies to realise new integrated automation. Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 11 579 2600 or email info.sa@eu.omron.com

12 Electricity + Control

NOVEMBER 2017