New Danfoss VLT® Decentral Drive E cient, reliable and powerful

ELECTRICAL
Multi-pump soft-starter
handles pumps from 1–15kW
Ralspeed has announced a
multi-pump soft-starter for
controlling and protecting
pumps from 1–15kW, thus
avoiding the need to use
different soft-starters for each
size of pump. The system is
based on an overload protection
relay that can be set to match the pump in use via a rotary
switch calibrated in kW – no other settings are needed.
A digital display shows the kW rating selected, the
instantaneous running current and the status of the softstarter.
It can also show data from the last eight trips,
enabling problems to be diagnosed rapidly. The soft-starters
are equipped with a load-break isolator, a hand/auto
selector switch, a door-mounted e-stop pushbutton, and an
analogue output proportional to the motor current. The
overload relay provides earth leakage protection and can be
used with thermistors to monitor motor temperatures.
Ralspeed 01254 582345 www.ralspeed.com
Light curtains have 14ms response
Panasonic has introduced a slim safety light curtain which it
describes as one of the smallest on the market. The IP67-
protected SUNX SF4B Type 4 light curtain offers 10, 20 or
40mm beam pitches and comes in three versions – for
finger, hand and arm, or foot protection. All types can be
wired to provide NPN or PNP transistor outputs.
The curtains offer a 14ms response time, regardless of the
number of channels, the beam axis pitch, or the number of
curtains connected in series. The rapid response time,
coupled with the small beam pitch of the finger protection
version, allows the light curtain to be installed closer to
danger points than conventional models. The body and the
cylindrical inner casing that protect the electronics ensure
that the curtains conform to IP65 and IP67. An easy-to-read
digital error indicator makes troubleshooting easy.
Panasonic Electric Works UK
01908 231555 www.panasonic-electric-works.co.uk
Solid-state relays are ‘smallest’
Carlo Gavazzi claims to be offering the first UL-certified
solid-state relay and contactor combinations in a 17.5mmwide
format. The RG series SSRs include panel-mounting
versions rated up to 600V AC and 90A AC, and versions
with integrated heatsinks that can handle 20A AC in
17.5mm widths and 30A AC in 22.5mm widths.
With a 100kA short-circuit capability, the relays are
suitable for silent switching of motors and will resist up to
5g of vibration. DC versions can be controlled by 4–32V
DC, while AC versions can be controlled by 20–275V AC or
24–190V DC. There is a choice of zero-crossing or instanton
(random) mains voltage switching. Over-voltage
protection is provided across the output. A removable IP20
cover allows power terminals to accept ferrule, ring and
fork type terminations. Control status is indicated by LEDs.
Carlo Gavazzi UK 01252 339600 www.carlogavazzi.co.uk
FLUID POWER
Stainless-steel cylinders
resist washdowns
SMC has developed and
improved several
stainless-steel pneumatic
products for wet and
washdown applications.
For example, its
portfolio now includes
the CJ5-S and CG5-S airoperated
cylinders for
food-processing
machinery where
corrosion and heat
resistance are often essential. The cylinders, in bore sizes
from 10–100mm, have an all-stainless steel external
construction and are fitted with a scraper to prevent water
from entering the cylinder.
There are also two improved stainless-steel fittings ranges –
KQG2 and KFG2. The KQG2 one-touch fittings, based on the
earlier KQG series, are about 30% smaller and more than
60% lighter than conventional models and come in 17
versions designed to operate with fluids from -5ºC to 150ºC.
The insert fitting type series KFG2, which operates with fluid
temperature from -65ºC to 260ºC, is more than 40% smaller
and nearly 40% lighter than conventional models.
SMC is also offering a stainless-steel speed controller
(series ASG) with one-touch fittings for ambient operating
fluids from -5ºC to 60ºC, and operating pressures from 0.1–
1MPa.
SMC Pneumatics (UK)
01908 555017 www.smcpneumatics.co.uk
Linear drives combine power,
accuracy and flexibility
Parker Hannifin’s Parker-
Origa division has
launched a range of
magnetically-coupled
pneumatic rodless
cylinders with a single
rod and rotating carriage,
or with integrated anti-rotating guides. The P1Z linear drives,
which consist of a stainless-steel pneumatic cylinder body fixed
between two end-plates, can be used at low speeds from
0.05m/s and can deliver thrust forces up to 942N.
A hard anodised aluminium carriage is fitted to the
outside of the cylinder body, with the carriage and the
cylinder piston coupled magnetically using annular
magnets. In the unguided version, the carriage can rotate
through 360 degrees around the cylinder, with adjustable
pneumatic end-of-stroke cushioning and air ports at both
stroke ends. The guided version uses two rigid chromeplated
steel guide rails, with optional magnetic sensors for
precise positioning. They can be fitted with elastomeric
bumpers for light loads or hydraulic shock absorbers for
heavier loads. Both versions can be mounted horizontally or
vertically and are available in bore sizes from 16–40mm and
in stroke lengths up to 2m.
Parker Hannifin 00800 27 27 5374
56 November/December 2010 www.drives.co.uk