From the bitter cold of the Arctic tundra to the searing blaze of a welding cell, extreme temperatures call for components built to take the heat. Here we present some of the latest products to consider for your next harsh-duty design.
Product family protects sensors
The Weld Select family of Weld Field Immune sensors, SteelFace sensors, SlagMaster slag-resistant laminate coatings, mounting hardware, connectors, and Weld Repel products help protect sensor connector components from damage in welding cells. Inductive proximity sensors coated with SlagMaster resist slag buildup, heat, and mechanical damage; WeldRepel silicone jackets and wrap shed slag easily and protect cabling from ambient heat up to 500° C.
Balluff Inc.
www.balluff.com
(800) 543-8390
Polymer bearings beat the heat
Xiros lubrication-free polymer ball bearings stand up to high temperatures, chemicals, and moisture. Bearing races and cages are made from the high-temperature material iglide A500, which also offers strong chemical resistance. Corrosion-free balls are made from stainless steel, with glass balls available for maximum corrosion resistance. The deep-groove ball bearings are available for varying shaft diameters and are temperature resistant up to 302° F. Applications include medical, chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and plant engineering.
igus Inc.
www.igus.com
(800) 521-2747
Rotary stages handle temperature fluctuations
AGR Series motorized rotary stages offer improved speed, load capacity, and long-term positioning performance versus previous generations of worm-gear-drive stages used for positioning in laboratory and industrial applications. The stage base is fabricated from an aluminum alloy, offering weight savings in multi-axis arrangements and other applications, while providing high structural stiffness. Standard stage configurations feature brushless servomotors, but may be outfitted with stepper or dc brush motors; a unique preloading scheme allows stage operation over a wide temperature range.
Aerotech Inc.
www.aerotech.com
(412) 963-7470
Integrated motor and driver offers optional encoder
The MDrive product line, with integrated motor and driver, now offers an optional internal magnetic encoder for reliable position monitoring with differential or single-ended outputs that is less prone to electrical noise interference. Available as an option for MDrive 14, 17, and 23 microstepping versions with step and direction input, the encoder offers reliable, low-cost position monitoring for harsh environments. Oversized input capacitors minimize power line surges, and an extended operating range of -40° to 85° C provides long life in demanding applications.
Intelligent Motion Systems Inc.
www.novantaims.com
(860) 295-6102
Proximity switches survive washdown
InoxSens inductive proximity switches come in M12, M18, and M30 housings that are hermetically sealed and made of stainless steel type V4A/316L. Switches are resistant to high water pressure and rated to both IP68 and IP69K. Operating temperature range is -25° to 80° C with switching distances up to 25 mm possible depending on type of metal detected. Frequencies range from 130 to 500 Hz. Switches are suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries or other applications requiring washdown survivability.
Wenglor Sensoric LLC
www.wenglor.com
(937) 320-0011
Encoders engineered for extreme conditions
LM13 linear magnetic encoders consist of just a readhead and self-adhesive scale, providing an ultra-compact package suitable for use in metalworking, paper converting, packaging, and other applications too dusty or destructive for optical encoders. Handling operating temperatures from -10° to 85° C, encoders are sealed to IP68 and provide high resistance to shock, vibration, and pressure. Frictionless operation eliminates wear, while reducing system inertia and hysteresis for high precision at high speeds and acceleration.
Renishaw Inc.
www.renishaw.com
(847) 286-9953