New Parker position switches boost the
productivity of hydraulic machine systems

A new range of advanced, magnetically-operated position switches has been launched by Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies.  Called Read.me position switches, the new devices provide a simple and reliable method of enabling the stroke position of hydraulic cylinders to be determined accurately and consistently, thereby enabling machine performance, functionality and productivity to be enhanced.  Read.me switches are being introduced initially for use with Parker's widely used, high performance HMI and 2H steel cylinders and will offer engineers an effective alternative to traditional and often unreliable position sensing mechanisms.

A new range of advanced, magnetically-operated position switches has been launched by Parker Hannifin.

To date, the stroke position of hydraulic cylinders has generally been measured using external end stroke limit switches, which are vulnerable to damage and cannot be used to indicate mid-point positions of the piston.  Alternatively, double-rodded cylinders that trip mechanical switches, or external sensors activated by magnetic pistons inside aluminium or non-ferrous cylinders, can be used.  These methods are, however, far from ideal.  They can, for example, increase overall cylinder dimensions or be located in exposed positions where they can easily become misaligned, resulting in loss of accuracy; additionally, aluminium or non-ferrous cylinders have a relatively low pressure rating, which limits their potential application.

By comparison, the new Parker Read.me switch has been designed as a low profile external device, which can be used on conventional steel bodied cylinders operating at full rated pressures.

Cylinders fitted with Read.me switch technology incorporate powerful magnets mounted around the circumference of the piston.  During initial setup, the magnets are used to format the cylinder body, simply by completing a full extension and retraction cycle of the piston, which imparts a residual magnetic field to the steel body.

Read.me switches can then detect the position of the piston magnets as they pass beneath each switch, as the piston magnets create a stronger magnetic field with opposite polarity to that of the residual magnetism of the cylinder body.  Each switch can therefore be located in the exact position required, with external red and yellow LEDs making it quick and simple to determine the precise sensing point before the switch is then locked firmly in place.

In operation, Read.me switches produce high levels of repeatability, to within 0.5mm, and can be used with Parker's HMI and 2H cylinders at speeds of up to 0.5m/sec and at pressures of 210bar.  As the sensing point is at the end of the switch, it enables each device to provide absolute end of stroke positioning when used at the cap end of the cylinder and within a maximum of 3mm of the end of stroke at the head end; this level of performance is equivalent to, or better than, most conventional end of stroke switches.

Unlike traditional methods of position sensing, single or multiple Read.me switches can be placed anywhere along the stroke length and do not affect the overall dimensions of the cylinder.  In addition, the non-contact design has no moving parts so ensures a long and reliable operating life, while setup, operation and, if required, reconfiguration, is straightforward, with electrical output being via standard switch connectors. For further information, view website: http://www.parker.com or its investor information website: http://www.phstock.com   Refer to page 167

Parker extends proven range of bent-axis
piston motors to offer flexible, high performance

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has broadened is proven range of bent-axis hydraulic piston units, offering greater choice and flexibility in terms of size and operating options. Now available in 150 and 250cc models, Parker's F12 series of high performance motors feature an enhanced design to ensure lower loads of internal friction, to reduce operating temperature and noise levels, while improving reliability and productivity.

Designed to offer outstanding performance, efficiency and endurance, these latest heavy duty piston motors are ideal for both open and closed loop circuits in demanding industrial and offshore applications, including winches, pile drivers and cranes. Featuring a unique spherical piston design, the F12 Series motors offer exceptionally high shaft speeds with the capability of operating at pressures of up to 480 bar, while producing particularly high torque at both start-up and low speeds.

Featuring innovative piston lock technology and a minimal number of moving parts, the F12 Series piston motors are particularly robust, providing long service lives with exceptional levels of reliability. Parker's unique timing gear design synchronises the shaft and cylinder barrel, meaning that the motors can tolerate high G-forces and torsional vibrations, while the heavy duty roller bearings ensure excellent external axial and radial shaft load capacity. Additionally, the 40° angle between the shaft and cylinder barrel allows for a particularly compact design.

The F12 Series motors also feature high precision valve plates for increased self-priming speed and low noise operation, with options for both left and right hand rotation. Moreover, the use of laminated piston rings ensures, low internal leakage and excellent thermal shock resistance and a long operating life.

With the addition of these latest models, the F12 Series bent-axis piston units are now available in a full range of sizes 23, 30, 40, 60, 80, 90, 110, 125, 150 and 250cc. Standard options for the motors include a choice of CETOP, ISO and SAE mounting flanges and shaft end configurations, with a compact Cartridge version also being available.

For further information, view website: http://www.parker.com or its investor information website: http://www.phstock.com   Refer to page 167

Viscom's new vVision operating software

Viscoms' new operating software, for all Viscom AOI, AXI and SPI inspection systems, has passed practical testing. Thorough examination and optimization during numerous trial runs in production have determined that this software is the anticipated great step forward in the operation of inspection systems. Thanks to simple navigation on the touchscreen and consideration put into the essential setting options, system operators arrive at a high performance inspection program very quickly. With the vVision Operating Software, AOI operation is simple and convenient.

After receiving an extremely favorable response from customers at its first presentation, vVision is now running after a lot of practical testing. The new operating software has been installed on the S3088 flex AOI system and is inspecting PCBs in series production at a major European Viscom customer's plant.

Especially exciting is the new optimizing function with 100 percent class separation. With this display, the specific areas of the solder joints and components that are inspected as good or bad (defect images) are displayed. Now, a representative depiction based on clearly legible diagrams is even more easily to realize with vVision.

The slider for threshold value shift now provides a very simple, intuitively operated tool for program optimization and reduction of false alarms. With vVision, even a new AOI system can be immediately deployed for quality assurance without comprehensive training or expert knowledge on the part of the operating personnel.

This also has been noted by E. Sestan, responsible for Vision Systems for Manufacturing at OSRAM AG. He has tested the software on various production lines and concludes, "vVision does not require image analysis experts for program optimization. The new platform is structured to allow management of the AOI in a more intuitive way. With a modern graphical interface using touchscreen similar to current models of phones, it is very enjoyable, fun to use and efficient. The programming environment is component oriented and former inspection results are taken into consideration. This approach allows a drastic reduction of false calls and helps to avoid real errors."

Peter Krippner, Vice President of Viscom Serial Systems, affirms, "The reactions at OSRAM show us that we are on the right path. With vVision, system operators are able to realize program generation and optimization with little to no training. This customer feedback reflects the overall picture - vVision fulfils the customers' needs. Visually and from its capabilities, the software is a direct hit."

For further information, e-mail: vzh@viscomusa.com or view website: www.viscom.com  Refer to page 185

XG-7000 Machine Vision System: 
Ultra high speed, flexible image processing system

The Latest Keyence Machine Vision System is without doubt the most complete vision system on the market. Already at top performance levels for speed, resolution, stability and the range of software tools, the XG-7000 Series can now also be programmed in a PC environment. The Controller houses a powerful image processing platform dedicated to avoiding problems of overloading and maintainability commonly found with conventional PC System. This vision system combines flexibility, stability, and performance with simplicity. Thus, it can be used by all, for all applications.

The PC software can be used to develop the vision program and the user interface. The XG Vision Editor software is intuitive, fast, and flexible, and it can be fully personalised.

The program takes the form of a flowchart, in which the users simply drag and drop processing 'blocks' to create the flow. A wide range of algorithms and filters are available. Among them, the ShapeTrax2 positioning tools, the Stain defect detection tools, and the Edge measurement tools that are already well known in our current Machine Vision systems. As an extra feature, the XG-7000 provides the possibility of executing operations on the images before processing them; this enables use of image calibration and distortion correction systems that are in strong demand in the field of robotics and dimensional measurement. Bar codes, OCR and 2D codes can also be read.

The system's flexibility also lies in the possibility of integrating the source code written in C language by the user. It is then possible to execute algorithms and specific filters, and import from your existing applications: New Debugging, simulation and Trace log tools can be used to test the vision program and the interface in order to reduce integration time; The XG-7000 Series is secure; it manages user rights and keeps a log of changes. It can handle up to 100 users with 5 access levels; The XG-7000 Controllers can be networked, and accessed remotely using software to view and test the changes made from a remote terminal or via the Internet, without stopping production; An FTP server can be used to send the information (data and images) to a central monitoring system; An ActiveX component enables control of the vision system; it is integrated in a machine. The ActiveX control can also be used to create measurement data, obtain information concerning results or historical data, and manage files.

Performance and stability
The XG-7000 is the most powerful vision system on the market. For example, it provides the possibility of processing 1 million pixels in 20.5 ms. This calculating power also enables implementation of multiple controls and further enhancement of production control: unrivalled repeatability (7 times higher than the
current standards) and numerous image processing features are available to optimise the precision of the controls.

The models in the XG-7000 series are controlled by a high-speed colour image processing engine and a fast RISC (reduced instruction set computing) processor linked to two DSPs (digital signal processors) that are specific to the image processing system. Overall, the models in the series use four processors to provide parallel processing and the highest possible processing speeds.

For further information, e-mail: KeyencePR@keyence.co.uk 

You can download a video at: http://www.keyence.co.uk/products/vision/machine/xg7000/xg7000_demo_movies_1.php  Refer to page 370