New TechnoMod Gantry Machine,
a multi-axis motion platform complete
with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure

Techno Inc. Linear Motion Systems now offer its New TechnoMod Gantry Machine, a multi-axis motion platform complete with controls, cabling, software, and enclosure; all fully assembled. The TechnoMod is available in three different sizes and can be used for pick and place, dispensing, assembly, testing, drilling, routing, welding and general automation applications.

Joe Griffin, Techno Linear Motion Sales Manager, states, "The New TechnoMod machine is completely assembled when it arrives. All electronics are wired, and software installed, allowing customers the ease of running the machine in any work cell shortly. The only setup customers may have to perform is the mounting of drill, dispenser, laser or automation tooling required for their application, and in many cases Techno can do this for the customer prior to shipping."
 
Travel ranges are 650 x 300 x 275 mm for the Model 30, 650 x 450 x 275 mm for the Model 45 and 650 x 650 x 275 mm for the Model 65. Additionally, a 4th or 5th rotary axis can be added to the machine for more complex operations, while all drive motors are DC brushless servos providing high torque and precision. The TechnoMod can be delivered with or without electronics as well as a sliding front door with safety interlock. It has a built-in industrial computer and rugged swing arm console which includes a monitor and keyboard. 
 
For further information, and to see the CAD Drawings and catalogue specifications on the New TechnoMod Gantry, view website: http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/TechnoModGantry.htm or call to speak with an Application Engineer, Tel: 1-800-819-3366.  Refer to page 81

Low-cost robotics made simple with igus robolink

igus UK, more commonly associated as the innovator of plastic bearings, energy chains and cabling products, has developed robolink a multi-axis joint for humanoid robots and lightweight automation applications. A complete modular system, robolink combines enormous design freedom with simplicity and is particularly well-suited where masses are to be kept as low as possible. The design and development of robolink is testament to how igus supports its customers in areas that it hasn't typically been associated and won the renowned 'iF product design award 2011'.

"This radical departure from the usual igus product portfolio came about during the company's involvement with the Robot football World Cup (RoboCup) from 2006-2008," says Justin Leonard of igus UK. "RoboCup attracts teams of engineers and computer scientists from around the globe, where they pit their wits against each other in the football-field of robotics and artificial intelligence."

At the heart of the robolink modular system are the lightweight, maintenance and corrosion-free joints with tribologically optimised plastic bearings that are driven via cables and can rotate and swivel freely. "The elasticity, light weight and possibility of a central drive system are a real innovation in the field of low-cost robotics," adds Leonard.Prior to launch, igus beta-testers were provided with robolink prototypes for a wide range of trial applications; these ranged from maritime robots for use with underwater vehicles, through to mobile robots on the ground, used for handling contaminated or explosive materials. Other examples include humanoid robots, camera guidance equipment and systems for facilitating interaction between man and machine. Further trials were carried out in the medical industry, as well as in the field of animatronics.

To articulate the multi-axis joints, igus has developed a range of flexible Bowden cables with high-performance polymer jackets that combine low friction values with a long service life. The igus Bowden cables have extremely small bending radii, making highly flexible movements possible and are suitable wherever frequent relative movements take place. The plain bearings inside the joints are made of iglidur J.

A comprehensive range of complementary accessories has also been developed by igus; these include flange shaft blocks for attaching the arms, interior divisions for the organised routing of the drive and data cables and a cable tensioner for straight forward re-tensioning of the system, as well as a cable pulley range for guidance.

On the electro-mechanical side, igus has developed space-saving drive units, available in different performance classes, with four or five drive motors in a housing. In addition, an individually configurable drive disc is available that can be attached to a wide range of different motor or gear shafts and then connected to the wear-resistant cables. Simple control software is in development to intuitively program and store all the movements of a 4-axis jointed arm.

For further information, view website: www.igus.co.uk/robolink or website: www.igus.co.uk/Robotmoduledevelopmentblog  Refer to page 74

Take a ride with igus energy chains

Cable carrier specialist igus UK supplies and manufactures plastic energy chains and energy chain systems for moving cables that are durable, low cost and, above all, maintenance free. When commissioned to design the iconic theme park ride 'Star Flyer' - an extreme vertical Chair-O-Plane - in Vienna, ride designer Funtime Industries faced the mammoth task of specifying a reliable moving system to supply power up to the top of the 117 metre tower.

One of the biggest challenges to overcome for extremely high vertical applications is to support moving cables both safely and securely. The two most important factors for the cable carrier are that the cables lay perfectly within the energy chain, as not to absorb any of the tensile forces that occur whilst the cables are in motion, and they are securely fastened at the end points. In addition the cables must be able to travel smoothly, whilst supporting their own weight.

As igus manufactures energy chains with an interior separation system, these issues were effectively resolved for the theme park ride designer; the cables are securely and neatly harnessed into the energy chain, and end fixings provide strain relief to the cables - this ensures that there is no flexing, wearing or twisting of the cables and that each cable is  able to move totally independently from one another.

Coupled with a guide trough, the weight and length of the energy supply is easily managed and supports the energy chain. The guide trough for the "Star Flyer" has glide bars designed specifically to protect the energy chain from abrasion at high speeds, whilst being corrosion and weather resistant.
The benefit of igus products is that they are made from tribological plastics and are guaranteed to increase the service life of the machine, whilst being modular and easy to assemble. This is proven both by laboratory testing for millions of cycles, and many real life applications in the field.

igus UK Ltd in profile
Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading E-Chain cable carriers, Chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, DryLin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide.

For further information and to see a short video demonstration, view website: www.igus.co.uk/videos/energychain&guidetroughsinparks For regular updates, follow on: www.twitter.com/igusUK watch videos at: www.igus.co.uk/youtube and follow on facebook: www.igus.co.uk/facebook  Refer to page 74

FDB 17 protected power for remote / transportable / mobile equipment

Market activists FDB Electrical once again offer a really serious electrical protection device - in this case the FDB 17 RCCB/ECM with 3-phase socket outlet. This unit is designed specifically for use with remote, transportable or mobile industrial equipment such as steam cleaners, floor polishers, power distribution trolleys, generators, pumps etc, where it provides an Earth Monitor and Trip function incorporating a triple pole MCCB for overcurrent and short circuit protection.

The FDB 17 comprises a range of heavy duty electrical protection units each incorporating a high or medium sensitivity RCD, together with adjustable Earth Monitor and a triple pole MCCB to provide overcurrent and short circuit protection. This series affords total protection to portable and transportable plant and equipment where the maintenance of a reliable earth is vital and where the earth line itself is at risk from accidental damage or disconnection. Ratings cover 380/440V 50Hz TP+N (500V available) with 16A, 32A, 53A and 125A capabilities. Residual tripping currents of 20mA, 30mA, 100mA and 300mA are catered for.

Picture shows one of the units from the FDB 17 range of heavy duty electrical protection units.

The integral EMGUARD Earth Continuity Monitor (ECM) provides an effective method of ensuring earth bonding to remote equipment by continuously monitoring the integrity of the earth conductor between the ECM and the protected apparatus via the external socket outlet. This socket will specifically accept plugs to IEC/EN 60309-2 (BS4343) fitted with a dedicated pilot pin, and combined with the ECM, provides an electrical interlock ensuring that the plug cannot be removed or inserted on load. Neither can the socket be energised unless the correct plug is fully inserted.

Housed in robust, lockable steel enclosures to IP65, this range is designed to meet the protection requirements of most commercial and industrial installations.

For further information, e-mail: gary.miles@fdb.uk.com or view website: www.fdb.uk.com   Refer to page 109

Nine new 2-finger parallel grippers from
Techno-Omil feature heavy-duty T-slot design

A new series of 2-finger parallel grippers from Techno-Omil feature heavy-duty T-slot design. Identified as the OPP2-.... Series, these 9 grippers feature a stroke range of from 12 mm to 72 mm and a gripping force of from 420 N to 8410 N. Their range of operating pressure is from 2 to 8 bar. The housings are made of high tensile hard-coated aluminum alloy, hard anodized, and are completely maintenance-free for the first 1.5 million cycles.

Techno, Inc. has been distributing grippers and automation components in North America for the last 25 years, and offers a complete line of grippers including 2-finger, 3-finger, 4-finger pneumatic grippers, 2-finger angular grippers, swivel units, hydraulic clamping/ workholding blocks, linear actuators and more. We have extensive experience and technical knowledge to assist in sizing and selecting the proper component for your automation needs. Omil features an extensive product line of grippers, swivels, linear actuators and hydraulic clamping blocks. Our attention to quality includes machining housings and components from high grade aircraft quality aluminum alloys on state of the art CNC machines instead of casting or extruding. This allows the product to consistently hold the high tolerances that are required by our customers.

Detailed specifications are contained in Catalog H940, available free upon request from Techno-Omil, 2101 Jericho Turnpike, P.O. Box 5416, New Hyde Park, NY 11042-5416. Phone: 800-819-3366, Fax: 516-358-2576. Website: http://www.techno-omil.com/news/newprd2finger.htm  See page 81