Perfectly processing metals: With groundbreaking automation solutions

Save space and stay cool: The new cooling and temperature control units of the HRR series from SMC fit perfectly into 19-inch racks and are approximately 50 percent smaller than standalone units with comparable cooling and heating capacity. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Steel, iron, copper, aluminum: Metals are found in all industries, whether as a workpiece or as part of the processing machine. The Intec 2019 from February 5 to 8 in Leipzig is an important industry meeting point for metalworking. Here, leading experts exchange information on the latest developments in machine safety, energy efficiency, and Industry 4.0. SMC presents its broad portfolio of powerful, efficient, and networked automation solutions at the renowned trade fair in Hall 5 at booth D14. This includes new, compact cooling and temperature control units for 19-inch racks, fieldbus nodes with wireless slave connection, custom handling portal enclosures, and pneumatic compact slides.

Stay cool – thanks to cooling and temperature control units

When metal parts are processed with a laser, proper cooling of the workpieces must be ensured. The new water- or air-cooled cooling and temperature control units of the HRR series maintain temperatures between 10°C and 35°C with an accuracy of ±0.1°C – and are particularly compact. With a height of only 310 millimeters, they save a lot of space compared to comparable standalone units and fit perfectly into 19-inch racks. This allows multiple units to be easily installed even in confined spaces. Additionally, all connections of the cooling and temperature control units are located on the front side. This means they do not need to be removed from their rack when replacing the particle filter or refilling the circulating medium – saving space and time.

Wireless communication – with innovative fieldbus nodes

With the EX600-W series fieldbus nodes, SMC demonstrates a solution for everyone who frequently needs to change tools in their applications or work in kinetically challenging environments. The innovative nodes connect sensors and actuators wirelessly over a distance of up to 10 meters. Rotation tables or robot arms can move freely without restrictions from laid cables. Within just 0.25 seconds, the new fieldbus nodes integrate any tools into higher-level automation systems. They enable control of up to 127 slaves and are equipped with a maximum of 1,280 inputs and outputs. The connection is also particularly interference-free: the 2.4 GHz band used is outside the typical frequencies in metalworking. For connection to higher-level controllers, the EX600-W bus systems support common network protocols such as EtherNet/IP™ or Profinet.

Handle safely and precisely – custom handling portals make it possible

In metalworking, workpieces often need to be transported precisely. For this, SMC has developed a modular handling portal enclosure system based on 24 VDC stepper motor technology with position feedback. It is manufactured to suit each application and only needs to be assembled on site. Equipped with electric cylinders with guide rails from the LEYG series or slide drives from the LEFS and LEFB series, SMC's handling portals are suitable for push applications as well as for picking up and moving parts. Pre-configured motor controllers from the JXC91/E1/P1/D1/L1 and JXC73/83/92/93 series control up to four axes simultaneously and are compatible with all common communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP™, EtherCAT, Profinet, and DeviceNet, as well as IO-Link.

Pneumatic compact slides move steadily in a straight line

When space is limited, maximum flexibility counts. That’s why SMC showcases its new pneumatic compact slides of the MXQ series at Intec. Thanks to their extremely compact housing, they are ideal for dynamic multi-axis applications in tight spaces and in dirty environments. For maximum variability, there are four housing variants and numerous options: from lubrication grease to the length of the adjustment screw to different stroke limits with metal stops – with and without damping disc, rubber stop, or shock absorber. Furthermore, the MXQ series compact slides are particularly quiet, making them suitable for use in work environments with noise level limits – for example, in metalworking.