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Machine automation technology:
Industrial automation company AMK
Automation has introduced the AMKASmart
Series decentralized drive solutions, a portfolio designed for automation machine builders
and automation processes to provide compact integrated solutions that save money
and time, and that can easily integrate into
existing systems. The portfolio includes ihXT
servo motors, iSA motion control, and iC and
iX decentralized servo converters.
The ihXT servo motors are ideal as decentralized auxiliary drives in applications such as
format adjustment, material feed, cross-cutting, or gantry drives, the company says. The
compact design integrates the inverter and
has an innovative cabling concept that can
save up to 90 percent in cabling costs.
The iSA motion controller is ideal for modular machine builds or as a standalone motion
controller. It’s designed to integrate easily
into existing systems and does not require a
control cabinet, saving installation time and
investment in cable pulling in addition to cabinet enclosure costs.
The iC and iX decentralized servo converters save space, time, and effort, enabling
compact machine design without the need
for a control cabinet.
The portfolio is ideal for applications including tubular bag packaging, blister packaging,
carton forming, palletizing, pick and place,
cross-cutting, labeling, wrapping, strapping,
filming, insertion, order picking, sealing plastics, and printing, the manufacturer says.
(AMK Automation, http://us.amk.systems)
Ethernet drives: In an effort to give
users an edge in the manufacturing market, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has
introduced ethernet-connected versions of
its FR-A800 and FR-F800 series variable frequency drives (VFDs). This upgrade allows the
drives to be connected directly to automated
equipment and plant information management systems.
These VFDs are ideal for
factory automation in the
automotive and food processing sectors, according to the
manufacturer. They can be
used in process control applications, multiple pump control systems, and
networks that require continuous monitoring.
The FR-A800-E and FR-F800-E inverters can
be easily connected to an MES (
manufacturing execution systems) network and provide
the ability to exchange data in either direction. (Mitsubishi Electric Automation, www.
mitsubishielectric.com)
Ocean carrier service: SeaLand, the intra-Amer-icas regional ocean carrier of the Maersk Group,
has introduced the Gulf Ocean Express (GOEX)
service, a new direct all-water service that connects the U.S. Gulf with Central America, Panama,
and Colombia. SeaLand trans-shipment hubs in
Cartagena, Colombia, and Manzanillo, Mexico, provide shippers with full access to SeaLand’s Americas
service network. (SeaLand, www.sealand.com)
