Components
November/December 2016
Robotics
handling takes
step forward
M
otion control and robotics specialist Yaskawa has
worked with Netherlands-based MPS Food Logistics
Systems, experts in complex packaging and turnkey logistics
systems, to develop an automatic robot-based palletising cell
that takes robotics handling to new levels of sophistication.
The food logistics system created by MPS features a Profinet
interface that enables the Motoman handling robotic system from
Yaskawa to be programmed and operated via a Siemens TIA (Totally
Integrated Automation) portal.
MPS was asked by a major meat processing company in Germany if
it could deliver a robotic cell for palletising packed meats at the end
of a packaging line, including the key challenge of integrating the
robot in the specified PLC environment. Specifically the application
required that the robot could be programmed and controlled directly
via the Siemens TIA portal without having to pass through the robot
controller first. MPS accepted the challenge and worked on providing
a solution using the MotoLogix interface from Yaskawa.
MotoLogix was developed as part of a trend in technical advances
to eliminate the necessity for robot and machine controllers to be
programmed, operated and serviced separately from one another.
The system offers a quick and easy way for Motoman robots to be
programmed and controlled via the PLC in the current IEC-61131
environment. At present, as well as Profinet, the Ethernet/IP and
Powerlink platforms are also approved for Siemens environments.
These robots and the associated controller can demonstrate their
full range of capabilities for all types of handling, such as machine
feeding, picking, packaging, placing, palletising or measuring,
testing and sorting. The choice of MotoLogix means that the user
only needs a knowledge of PLCs to control robots, so specialist
recruitment or retraining is no longer necessary.
MPS engineers chose a powerful, versatile, high-speed model from
the Yaskawa MH series of robots. The Motoman MH225 covers
applications weighing up to 225kg but has a very modest footprint,
thanks to a compact body only 625mm wide. A newly developed
vibration control system exploits the increased axial speed and
inherent rigidity of the gears and enables extraordinary acceleration
with short movements. The reduced cycle times increase productivity.
The handling robot operates with the current Motoman DX200
generation of controllers, with an integrated safety controller making
them a category 3 functional safety unit (FSU). With up to 32
definable safety zones and 16 possible tools, they facilitate smaller
work areas and optimum utilisation of available production sp ace.
By using the MotoLogix interface generation with its Profinet
capability, MPS has enabled a Motoman MH225 palletising robot
from Yaskawa to be integrated directly in a Siemens automation
environment. The benefits of two high-performance systems are
thus combined; the convenient programming of robots directly via
the programmable logic controller (PLC) and the high level of
precision offered by the DX200 robot controller.
New EnviroGear
G Series pumps
E
nviroGear Pumps, part of PSG, a global leader in internal
gear pumps, has announced the release of the G Series
models G1-82, G1-133 and G1-222 (3”, 4” and 6”) metal sealed
internal gear pumps.
Designed to cater to the most challenging transfer applications,
the 3”, 4” and 6” G Series sealed internal gear pumps are available
in cast iron, carbon steel and stainless steel materials. Delivering
flow rates up to 500gpm, these durable pumps are available with
both packing and mechanical seal options and can be used for a
wide range of applications.
Providing a positive, non-pulsating flow, the G Series sealed
internal gear pumps can operate equally in both directions, offering
improved efficiency and operational flexibility.
G Series pumps also have an enlarged bearing housing at the
backside of the pump that allows for convenient drive-end access
to the shaft seal and single-point end-clearance adjustment.
In addition, they are interchangeable with up to 95% of existing
internal gear pumps on the market and do not require any changes to
piping, driver, coupling or baseplate. The pump casing can be easily
rotated for multiple liquid porting positions, making these pumps very
simple to install into existing internal gear pump applications.
With extremely short product lead-times, EnviroGear also offers
expert application and technical support.
BULKDISTRIBUTOR
11
Mesa Engineered Tank Products
finds Middle East partner
M
esa Engineered Tank Products, a leading manufacturer of
engineered products for refineries, terminals and storage
tank facilities, has agreed a partnership with Ecotech Emirates
to represent its products in the UAE and Middle East.
Pratish Thomas will act as an independent sales representative,
based at Ecotech’s office in the UAE, with over a decade’s experience
in the distribution of industrial products for various applications.
David Schafer, Vice President of Sales for Ohio-based Mesa ETP, said:
“We are confident that Ecotech will be a vigilant partner for Mesa ETP
in the region. They have a significant understanding of the market, the
industry and our products; we will work closely with Ecotech to ensure
the Mesa ETP brand and engineered products have continued success.”
OPW acquires Tokheim ProGauge
O
PW, a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, has
acquired Tokheim ProGauge, allowing it to offer more
complete end-to-end commercial and retail fueling solutions
France-based ProGauge provides automatic tank gauge solutions,
including tank probes, consoles and related software and calibration
services for service stations to measure and monitor fuel tank levels.
David Crouse, President of OPW, said: “The addition of ProGauge
augments OPW’s product offerings with an extended family of
automatic tank gauge solutions, including wireless mag probes, tank
truck mag gauges, 3D laser tank calibration and fuel quality sensors.
With this acquisition, we look forward to offering our customers even
more options to support their commercial and retail fueling needs.”
Stefano Scatena, General Manager of ProGauge, added:
“ProGauge is thrilled to join the OPW team. This move will allow us
to introduce our world-class products into new markets and regions
as part of the overall OPW suite of fueling solutions.”