PRESSESERVICE

At the VISION trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany, autoVimation (booth 10-D02) will present various innovations for mounting and protecting cameras and machine vision technology in demanding industrial applications. There will be the premieres of two new protective camera enclosures based on established series. The Lizard from the Salamander family features a tube for tool-less disassembly and easy access to the lens settings. The patented Quick-Lock/Heat-Guide camera mount provides for excellent heat dissipation and allows the lens to be positioned directly behind the window. The new Sparrow from the Colibri enclosure series is particularly cost-effective. It offers a flat lid and an enclosure extension and also makes it easy to reach the lens. The Elephant enclosure series, which is suitable for camera cross-sections of up to 100 mm x 100 mm, was only introduced this year. The manufacturer now adds practical variants and accessories, such as a pneumatic protective flap for a clear view in dirty environments. Now also based on the Elephant series, the Turtle is a temperature-controlled camera enclosure with a Peltier element. A new, long Turtle version features an inner length of 250 mm. In addition, Elephant protective enclosures are now even available with built-in water cooling – this means that no separate cooling module is required, resulting in a compact and elegant solution with good cooling performance. A new window heating ensures an unobstructed view at all times without fogging, for example in climatic chamber tests. Further exhibits represent the product range including assembly kits. Live demos invite visitors to test the product range directly at the booth.

autoVimation at VISION
Stuttgart, Germany, 8 – 10 October 2024
Hall 10, Booth D02

Conta-Clip has launched a new generation of sealing elements for its successful KDS cable entries, extending the comprehensive system’s application range. The new KDS-DE-Z2K sealing elements, manufactured using two-component technology, consist of hard plastic for secure strain relief and a seal made of elastic TPE. They ensure reliable sealing with a protection rating of IP66. The novel design achieves complete strain relief for cables and tubes in dynamic and static applications. On the other hand, individual sealing elements and conduits can be removed and swapped without tools at any time, if the installation requirements change. The sealing elements can be reused without sacrificing functionality. This makes them a dependable, easy-to-install alternative to conventional cable glands also suitable for pre-assembled cables with plugs. Due to the two-part design with separate strain relief, the sealing area is increased to up to 2 mm, so that just five KDS-DE-Z2K sizes cover all conductor diameters from 1 mm to 8.7 mm, reducing storage costs. The new combination sealing elements made of UL-listed plastics feature a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating (“self-extinguishing”).

Menzel Elektromotoren has configured two modular slip ring motors from its extensive stock for a ball mill in a gold mine in Kazakhstan and shipped them at short notice. The robust motor pair provides the necessary high starting torques for the heavy-duty application and ensures reliable operation under impact loads and voltage fluctuations. The MEBSSL motor series allows for swift individual modifications and the implementation of different features, such as various cooling and protection classes or mounting options. The series is characterized by high efficiencies, minimal operating costs, great robustness and a long service life. The two identical mill motors in size 800 are designed in the increased protection class IP55 and in cooling class IC 611 with an air-to-air heat exchanger. The nominal power is 4750 kW, the nominal voltage is 10000 V, the nominal torque is 45682 Nm, with permissible maximum torques of 290 %. Menzel has manufactured and fitted new shaft ends, added new foot holes, shortened and moved the rotor terminal boxes and added additional auxiliary terminal boxes for the slip ring chamber. The motors reached the customer within a very short time, thus preventing extended, costly mill downtime. Menzel accompanied and supported the installation and commissioning. The German family-run company supplies the mining industry with suitable motors for a wide range of applications.
More reference projects: https://www.menzel-motors.com/mining-motors/

For intuitive and simplified operation of loaders and various implements, Fendt contracted RAFI to develop a new generation of the loader joystick with unique features. Fendt specified that the new joystick should have a third valve, enabling simultaneous control of up to three loader functions, e.g. lifting the loader with bale gripper, retraction, and closing the bale gripper. Another requirement was that the joystick should enable comfortable control of tractor functions and complex ISOBUS-based implements such as potato harvesters, viticulture machines, and municipal machines. RAFI developed the fully configurable 3L joystick by expanding on its JOYSCAPE MULTI basic model. The 3L joystick integrates not only the standard loader joystick functions – control of the hydraulic valves or loader operation as well as control of the third and fourth hydraulic circuits – but also a thumb joystick to operate the third loader function. Functions can be freely assigned to up to 27 levels with the 3L joystick. Furthermore, the joystick features a freely configurable pushbutton which, with the standard reversing function, means the driver does not have to change hand position when using the loader. Function allocation is easily visible on the terminal. Users can also quickly and intuitively make changes using the terminal. To ensure extra safety, the joystick is secured against accidental operation. RAFI developed the splash and dust-proof joystick with IP5K4 degree of protection in compliance with ISO25119 Directives AgPL C. Thanks to a very low zero position play, the solution exceeds the normal industry standards.

In 2024, the assessment agency EcoVadis awarded the RAFI Group with a gold medal for its outstanding commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company specializing in human-machine interaction solutions has thus been ranked in the top five percent of companies evaluated by EcoVadis.

The global rating platform EcoVadis has conducted over two million sustainability assessments so far, evaluating approximately 130,000 companies across more than 220 sectors. These assessments are based on leading standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Global Compact (UNGC), and ISO 26000.

EcoVadis emphasizes the advanced management system in the areas of environment and ethics as well as the implementation of additional measures as factors affecting RAFI’s success in achieving gold status. The company made significant efforts to enhance the sustainability of its supply chains in compliance with legal regulations and became a member of the UN Global Compact in early 2024. RAFI was also recognized for its excellent internal training programs and favorable employment conditions.

Lothar Arnold, CFO of the RAFI Group, is dedicated to consistently raising the bar and ensuring accountability for products, projects, and the company’s impact on the environment and society. “Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our organizational and management systems and is a fundamental aspect of our international corporate culture. We are therefore thrilled to have been presented with this award. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to our employees for their unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing our ESG goals,” says Arnold.

For years, the RAFI Group has been dedicated to advancing its strategy for sustainable development and enhancing its focus on resource-efficient, emissions-reducing production. RAFI has implemented an environmental management system that complies with the DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 standard at all of its major production facilities. Furthermore, a certified energy management system compliant with DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 has been implemented at the German sites located in Berg, Überlingen, and Bad Waldsee, as well as at the RAFI factory in Hungary.

The Group is investing a sum in the high two-digit millions in a renovation and energy-saving modernization project. It is successively upgrading the business premises with new, climate-friendly roofs, façades, and glazing. In 2023, construction began on a new factory in Bad Waldsee that will feature energy-efficient and low-consumption building infrastructure. You can download the RAFI Group’s latest sustainability report here: www.rafi-group.com/nachhaltigkeit/

The LOXrail system from LOSYCO is available in two versions with rail diameters of 25 mm and 40 mm. In addition to being used in machine production lines and for precision loading of workpieces, the system is used for warehouse logistics and efficient handling of heavy material and components. The durable, minimal-maintenance LOXrail 40 profiles are suitable for moving goods and containers with a total weight of up to 60 tons, introducing an extremely economical heavy-duty transport method for warehouses as well as to and from loading bays. The floor-level installation does not hinder accessibility for employees and industrial trucks around and across the rail tracks. Payloads are transported on trolleys designed by LOSYCO to meet customer requirements. Low-friction wheelsets enable the trolleys to be pushed without auxiliary power. There are handles at the head of the trolleys for safe, ergonomic handling. The trolleys can be fixed in position with locking bolts in the floor to ensure safe loading and unloading.

Menzel Elektromotoren has manufactured two electric motors for marine applications for an Italian shipbuilder, complete with approval by RINA, the Italian naval registration company. The squirrel-cage motors will power the bow thrusters on a new seagoing coast guard vessel and a logistic support ship for the petroleum industry. Menzel’s modular approach enables flexible, application-specific motor designs and feature options. The motor for the new ship was implemented with IC 81W cooling, with a seawater-resistant air-to-water heat exchanger that can be supplied with seawater up to 32 °C. The second machine replaces an existing motor and was designed with cooling type IC 71W to match the available space. Here, water jacket cooling enables a more compact, lighter and quieter design of the entire drive system. The two VFD-driven vertical motors feature respective frame sizes of 450 and 500 and deliver outputs of 850 kW and 1000 kW at a nominal voltage of 690 V. The ship motors boast IP55 ingress protection. Menzel also offers motors with higher IP ratings for marine and petrochemical applications. The German family-run company supplies ship chandlers and the offshore industry with larger electric motors (from about 500 kW) for thrusters, pumps, fans and with special motors and explosion-proof versions according to current standards and energy efficiency classifications.
More about low, medium or high voltage squirrel-cage motors: https://www.menzel-motors.com/squirrel-cage-motor/

For use in heavy machinery in oily environments, Inelta Sensorsysteme from Taufkirchen near Munich offers LVDT displacement sensors with a bypass for oil and grease. These inductive displacement sensors, which are available with or without an integrated return spring, are oil-compatible in accordance with SAE90 MIL 2105B. The measuring path of the measuring tip, which is manufactured in a robust stainless-steel housing, can be adapted to the specific application. The units achieve protection class IP68 and can be used in extended temperature ranges from -40°C to +80°C, depending on the version. The LVDT displacement sensors are characterized by their excellent repeatability. A 4..20mA output signal is used to output the measured values. The supply voltage is 24VDC. On request, Inelta also manufactures these LVDT sensors in customized versions with or without integrated amplifier, with different standard voltages or standard currents. As an alternative to the standard round housings, the sensor specialist also produces individual housing designs, for example in hexagonal format with the customer’s preferred wrench widths. Such housings, which are screwed in or out via the head-side external thread and securely fixed in place with just a few turns of the wrench, are ideal for quickly replacing sensors in construction machinery, crane systems or other heavy-duty applications.

Launching the METRACHECK service package, the GMC Instruments Group has introduced a new product to create added value for its customers. The METRACHECK package is offered by GMC-I Service GmbH, an affiliate of Gossen Metrawatt. It is available for Gossen Metrawatt test instruments from the SECUTEST ST, SECULIFE ST, PROFITEST M and PROFITEST MF series. There is a choice of four variants with terms of 24, 36, 48 or 60 months. The all-round service ensures preferential processing with short turnaround times for repair and calibration. This ensures that the instruments are ready for use again quickly and always up to date, enabling legally secure and standards-compliant test sequences. Downtimes are reduced, among other things, by the elimination of cost approval procedures, and the equipment’s service life is extended. METRACHECK can be booked directly with new devices as an add-on or purchased for existing devices, provided that the instrument was purchased within the corresponding service period. The instrument is sent to GMC-I Service GmbH with proof of purchase and the purchased service voucher. The service term starts on the date of purchase of the test instrument. The METRACHECK service includes DAkkS accredited calibrations, DGUV test certificates, repairs, firmware updates, free replacement of defective buffer batteries and battery packs as well as final testing according to manufacturer’s specifications. Returns are post-paid throughout the EU. The package includes an IZYCHECK.IQ Premium license to save device status, test certificates, documentation as well as maintenance and calibration intervals on the cloud portal and ensure their secure accessibility at any time. Detailed information about the new service offer is available at https://www.gossenmetrawatt.de/en/products/software-and-accessories/accessories/services/.

LOSYCO, a specialist in intra-logistics and material feeding, has introduced a new, innovative solution for rail-based transport, extending its LOXrail program. The new AllRounder generation is the first ever solution for going around corners and making 180° about-turns on the floor-level conveyor rails that does not require the installation of additional maneuvering elements in the floor, such as turntables or intersections. For this purpose, the battery-powered transport trolleys have a special chassis. The AllRounder transport system enables particularly flexible lines even in factories with complex floor plans. Support pillars and other obstacles can be circumnavigated with little installation effort. In addition, the new solution is suited for automatically returning the trolleys from the end of the line back to the start without additional conveyor equipment. The new AllRounder model is designed for payloads up to 10 tons, running on the LOXrail 25. LOSYCO will adapt it to customer requirements in terms of dimensions and track widths.