From adding smart features and upgrading systems to addressing sustainability and ongoing maintenance challenges, RS's extensive product range offers solutions for virtually any motion control problem and application. The technology offering includes products from leading motion control device manufacturers such as Festo, Danfoss, Omron, Phoenix Contact, Schneider Electric, and ifm electronic.
One of the applications where the new approach to motion control is being most effectively utilized is in conveyor belts. As the primary connection point for many industries and applications, such as production lines, packaging and filling machines, and warehouse and storage facilities, improved conveyor solutions can offer tangible and immediate advantages in terms of performance, energy consumption, and long-term lifespan.
Also noteworthy are the QUINT4 power supplies from Phoenix Contact. These power supplies utilize near-field communication to upload user-defined configurations from a PC or laptop; there is also an app for mobile devices and tablets. Users can also configure QUINT4 to monitor DC current, power, or voltage in real time via a 4-20 mA analog output. Furthermore, this intelligence can broadly enhance access to the rest of the connected enterprise through IoT-based solutions and features.
Energy efficiency can be improved by using more efficient motors, such as the TECO Westinghouse IE3 AC motor range, or by using variable frequency drives/inverters to control motor power more intelligently. Among the featured products is the new Danfoss VLT FC 280, which can be easily retrofitted to replace the popular VLT 2800.
Regarding maintenance, RS offers numerous products and services to support predictive maintenance systems, such as ifm electronic vibration sensors. These sensors can be used to monitor motor and bearing vibrations and identify critical operating states before a failure occurs.
RS has also expanded the Festo product range with the addition of 400 new products, bringing the total to 1,200 launched in June 2016. The expanded offering includes Festo's most popular ranges, as well as innovative products such as EPCO electric actuators, which offer several advantages over their traditional pneumatic counterparts.
Engineers and technicians can find valuable information and support on the RS website, where the dedicated motion control page contains a wealth of additional information and complementary products. The DesignSpark section features tutorials and articles on topics such as "Increasing the Efficiency of a Motion Control System" and "Motor Efficiency and IE3" (in English).
