Modular configurations need compressed air
HARTING has developed a new pneumatic module – the Han Pneumatic Module Metal – to meet increased demands on interfaces for more flexible construction. Customer benefit: it uses robust, long-lasting metal contacts and can be pushed and pulled at least 10,000 times. The new module gives users the option of compressed air, even in situations where production equipment often has to be reconfigured – for supplying drive and control units, brakes, holding and unloading units, for example.
The new interface offers a high maximum operating pressure level: instead of the previous upper limit of 8 bars (Han Pneumatic module with plastic contacts), contacts can now withstand pressure up to10 bars – permanently. This means that Han Pneumatic Module Metal now covers the entire low-pressure range, extending the possible applications for pluggable compressed air systems.
HARTING has used flow simulations to minimise contact pressure loss. Pressure loss in the socket contacts with the internal valve is now half that of conventional pneumatic interfaces. This innovation also opens up new combination possibilities for pneumatics in modular connectors for high connection cycles (HMC): electrical contacts for the transfer of Signal and Power can now be combined with contacts for the transfer of light waves and compressed air in HMC connectors for the first time – saving users valuable build space and assembly time.
“This innovation enhances the performance of the existing Han-Modular range of over 100 individual modules, which is being continually adapted to the needs of industry”, says André Beneke, Director Product & Industry Segment Management at HARTING Electric.
Secure contacts for control cabinet drawers
HARTING also introduces the new Han-Modular Docking Frame Metal. This enables control cabinet machine modules and drawers to be docked on to their supply with plenty of room for manoeuvre and a high level of accuracy. This saves customers time and money, as the frame is built in such a way that it works without an additional articulated frame, and can be fitted directly to connector modules. This opens up the entire HARTING connector range of over 100 different modules.
Its particular mechanical stability means that it provides sufficient reliability for all kinds of application. The system enables machine components to be switched quickly and reliably. Slide-in modules in low-voltage switch gears can be supplied with Signal and Data and energy storage units with Power and Data cost-effectively.
HARTING grows evolutionary MICA ecosystem: use in the “Oasis” vehicle
The HARTING MICA Energy measuring system will have its first official unveiling at Hannover Messe 2017. MICA Energy enables energy data to be collected from existing machines easily and cost effectively. Data can be introduced to both MICA and proprietary solutions.
Eight partners from the MICA.network will also be presenting their solutions for production digitalisation and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) at Hannover Messe. The emphasis will be on retrofit solutions, where the cost benefits are seen very quickly.
HARTING is already considering further developments for MICA, as evidenced by the visionary miniMICA concept, which has enhanced this year’s “Oasis” concept vehicle from Swiss ideas factory Rinspeed AG to great effect. miniMICA has been given a scalable and flexible architecture, enabling computing elements to be connected in a range of different ways. With the “Oasis”, the driver can customise the pluggable modules and system configuration to the task in hand. Performance and features on demand – see them at work in the “Oasis” on the HARTING Technology Group stand.
