Complete packages and modular automation solutions for printing machinery will take centre-stage with Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) at the IPEX 2006 in Birmingham, England. With modular software and integrated communication solutions shortening the time-to-market for mechanical equipment manufacturers and therefore offering the user a high level of investment protection, Siemens will present a selection of system and drive solutions for automation in the printing and converting industry.
The Siemens presentation at this year's IPEX trade fair will focus on system packages based on the Sinamics drives family, as well as Motion Control solutions with Profinet, realtime Ethernet.
The Sinamics S120 AC Drive is a converter for high-performance single-axis applications as well as multi-axis applications in the printing industry. The converter is also suitable for retrofit projects for high-performance printing machinery. Thanks to its modular design, the new drive type can be used for multi-axis applications and thus for synchronous and motion control applications.
The Sinamics S120 AC Drive converters are designed for a performance range of up to 250 kW. The control unit is available with Profibus and Profinet interface. Energy efficiency and regenerative capabilities have long been high on the agenda in the printing industry. With 'Smart Infeed' and 'Active Infeed', Siemens (A&D) will present two power recovery concepts for the Sinamics drives family.
The current from regenerative operation of drives is fed back into the network. Depending on the requirements of an application and its environment, either Smart Infeed is used as a standard solution, or Active Infeed is used for especially high plant availability and network quality. For applications that do not require power recovery, Siemens offers a low-cost solution with the 'Basic Infeed' version.
The focus at the trade fair will also be on automation solutions for modular machine concepts as well as software packages with special links for the printing industry. Profinet with IRT is suitable as an integrated communication solution for multi-axis applications, such as in rotary offset printing presses for illustrations and newspapers, as well as in print finishing.
A rotary offset machine for illustrations is modular in design and comprises, for example, four printing groups, drier, folder support and folder. To ensure productivity, more than 30 axes are coordinated. The axes are distributed over seven axis groupings with Simotion D and Sinamics and they communicate via IRT Profinet. As well as realtime communication, Profinet is also used for IT tasks such as operator control and monitoring, and diagnostics. This involves accessing the OPC-XML server that is integrated into Simotion D and provides process-level data and drive data.
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...Inclination sensors for motion control ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.