Automation 101 | Marshall Wolf Automation

Welcome!

Friday, July 27, 2012
by Caryl Clement

Welcome to my blog! I'm Caryl Clement and I have had the pleasure of working at Marshall Wolf Automation for 5 years!

I started helping out with the outside sales guys' orders and adding new items to our website and have slowly made my way over to Inside Web Sales. I love finding out about all of the different companies out there that purchase from us and the myriad of applications that the products we sell end up being used for!

I am passionate about riding my motorcycle and since my kids are all grown up, I have plenty of time to do that.

Marshall Wolf Automation is a stocking industrial automation distributor and we have a fantastic group of helpful and fun people just waiting to assist you with your applications and requirements!

We can help you with everything from car washing systems and 3 phase monitors to industrial warning lights and intrinsically safe barriers. We are truly the only industrial supply distributor you need!

Contact me at 847-658-8130 x19 or caryl@wolfautomation.com.

The Next Generation in Photosensors!

Saturday, April 27, 2013
by Caryl Clement

The NexGen sensor from Baumer Electric is the next generation in photoelectric sensors. It offers more high-precision sensing solutions in more technology groups than any other company in the world!

Baumer can handle simple monitoring applications up to complex remote wireless intelligence systems. Engineers are on staff to assist you with your applications! Available in 3 styles: Diffuse sensor with background suppression, Retro-reflective and Smart Reflect - the light barrier without a reflector!

You get convenience designed-in thanks to 3D model with integrated optical axis. Maximum flexibility during the entire planning phase thanks to OneBox Design. Commissioning through easy and perfectly guided qTeach. qTarget reduces adjustment operations during installation thanks to the aligned optical axis. The one box design - one housing design with different sensor types makes it easy to switch out sensors when your needs change.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your authorized industrial automation distributor can assist you with the entire line of sensors from Baumer and many other manufacturers! Contact us today at 800-325-9653!

Lenze 9400 Series Servo Drives

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

Impressive results for demanding machine tasks and single-axis or multi-axis applications

AC Tech Lenze 9400 Servo Drives for controlled, dynamic motion. Output current: 1.9 to 695 A (0.37 to 370 kW)

Particularly suitable for: processing of continuous material in the packaging industry, perforating paper webs in the printing industry, winding in the textile industry, storage technology in the field of intralogistics.

Advantages:

Connections: start/stop, analog inputs/outputs (2/2), freely programmable digital inputs/outputs (8/4)
Resolver and universal multi-encoder input
Communication: CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, POWERLINK, PROFIBUS, PROFINET
Supports synchronous and asynchronous motors
Integrated brake management
Scalable memory thanks to multiple memory modules
Versatile and freely configurable technology functions, e.g. for table positioning, positioning controls, electronic gearboxes and cams
Scalable safety functions

Contace Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your frequency drives, servo drives and AC Tech requirements! 800-325-9653 (WOLF)

AC Tech Lenze 8400 Inverters

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

A leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, AC Tech Lenze offers the 8400 Inverter Series. The 8400 series features L-Force automation technology for tailored motion control solutions that deliver stable and high dynamic performance in a range of material handling and logistics applications.

The 8400 product family runs the gamut from basic inverter to ‘servo’ inverter. From simple continuous motion applications, like driving a conveyor, to controlling complex synchronized pick-and-place applications, there is an 8400 inverter right-sized for the job. Matched with high efficiency Lenze motors, gearboxes and brakes, the 8400 series steers the whole drive package.

Most mechanical processes have variable power requirements that depend on external parameters, such as the production volume. A frequency inverter matches the speed and torque with the process requirements. In addition to L-Force control and software, the 8400 series inverters incorporate intelligent features, including memory modules, online diagnostics and optional integrated safety systems.

Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to shop for all of your AC Tech needs.

Carlo Gavazzi offers new 3-phase switching solid state relays

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

Carlo Gavazzi is proud to announce their new RGC2 and RGC3 series of 3-phase switching solid state relays and contactors. They are an addition to the existing RGC1 single phase series of solid state relays and contactors, providing an innovative solution for 2 and 3-pole switching of 3-phase loads.

The product is intended to replace electromechanical contactors when switching speeds are quite frequent. Their compact size, easy installation and flexible configuration make these devices the ideal solution, especially when retrofitting. The RGC Series of solid state relays and contactors are designed for switching resistive as well as inductive loads and are UL Listed as Motor Controllers. Reliable operation is ensured by means of the integrated overvoltage protection, high I2t ratings and immunity conformance to industrial standards. Additionally, an innovative thermal design improves the product lifetime.

RGC2 and RGC3 Series devices are available in two frame sizes: 54mm or 70mm wide. RGC2, the 2-pole switching device, offers three current ratings of 25, 40 and 75AAC per pole at 40°C. While RGC3, the 3-pole switching device, offers five current ratings ranging 20 to 65Amps per pole. Optional monitoring feature offers possibility of detecting status of mains and load, as well as internal RGC failures: open or short circuit and overheating. Alarming is implemented with LED indication, electromechanical relay output and auxiliary transistor output.

The RGC2 and RGC3 Series are available from Marshall Wolf Automation, your authorized industrial automation distributor. Call today at 800-325-9653

Light/Sound Options for Food Machinery

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

If you have a food application, you need to look at some of our awesome products from Patlite for food and beverage applications:

CLK LED Worklight: This worklight is Water, Oil, Chemical Resistant, Ultra-bright LED Worklight with IP66G, IP67G, IP69K

BSV Annunciator: The new slim-designed BSV is an MP3 voice annunciator which produces excellent sound quality from pre-recorded MP3 files. The compact size allows panel mounting for even tight-fitting panels, with the integrated look for most any application and programming it is easily accomplished with Patlite's SD card (sold separate) and Patlite's free (downloadable) programming software.

CLN-EX: The newly-designed LED Work Light model CLN for Explosion-safe applications. With a brightness of 820lx, IP ratings of 66G/67G, 69K, LED Colors of Daylight (6500K) and mounting flexibility with a flexible angle adjustment, this work light model will keep you safe and brighten your space!

WSST: PATLITE's new WSST Control Box is the latest product that offers an exciting all-in-one functionality as well as remote operation capability to meet the growing needs of more than just the manufacturing industry.

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor today! 800-325-9653

Variable Frequency Drives

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

Variable frequency inverters are used for electronic speed control of AC induction motors. The needs of the market are wide and varied, and AC Tech Lenze offers a broad range of standard products for everything from simple speed control to complex; each with a wide range of functionality, small physical size and exceptional performance.

Their drives are reliable, flexible to apply, easy to commission, and meet the highest standards of quality. AC Tech Lenze provides solutions to fulfill nearly any inverter requirement in the power range between 0.25 and 400 kW.

Standard Enclosure

NEMA 1 (IP31)
120V - 600V
0.33 to 60HP ( 0.25 - 45kW)
Open-loop Vector, V/Hz

SCM and SCL Series

0.33 to 15HP (0.25 to 11kW)
IP20
120V - 480V
V/Hz

MCH Series

200-590V
1.0 to 250 Hp (0.75-185kW)
NEMA 1 (IP31), NEMA 4(X) (IP65), NEMA 12 (IP54)
V/Hz

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your inverter needs. With extended hours to serve you better, technical help on staff and friendly customer service representatives, we are here to help you! 800-325-9653

AC Tech/Lenze Products

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor for all things that keep your business running has all of the AC Tech/Lenze products you need.

The general purpose variable frequency drives in the SCM/SM series (IP 20 and up to 15hp) are ready to use right out of the box - simple to program and easy to install. Available in single or 3 phase input

If you need a general purpose drive with modbus, the SCF/SF series is perfect! The same as our SCM Series - with these added features:Analog outputs of speed and load and modbus communication and optional high output frequency!

How about a NEMA 4X indoor duty vector drive? The SM Vector drives can handle that. And for an outside version of that same drive, click here. NEMA 4X rated for indoor or outdoor use and available in standard or filtered input. Now up to 30hp!

We've got you covered in an HVAC-oriented drive as well. The variable torque MCH series is available in up to 250hp! We can provide the drive with standard options such as input disconnect and fusing, line reactor, 3-contactor bypass and more enclosed and mounted to the drive in a ready to install package.

Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF)

Do you need help choosing your Baumer sensor?

Friday, April 26, 2013
by Caryl Clement

An overview of all Baumer sensors for the process industry is now available in a new product catalog. Baumer has put together a useful 60-page catalog of key information covering over 140 products—including pressure gauges and transmitters, force and strain sensors, temperature gauges, level sensors and corresponding accessories.

Since Baumer offers such a wide range of products, the catalog's "Selection Guide" and "Overview Matrix" tools offer an easy way to quickly find the right product. The Selection Guide provides a quick listing of all products, sorted according to their technical features and with links to further information. The Overview Matrix lists the product application areas and industries, including the fulfilled standards and certifications.

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for your copy today. With technical help on staff, we can also help with your application questions. Whether you need a capacitive proximity sensor or a retroreflective sensor, we can help! Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF). We are here from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm Central Standard Time to meet the needs of our customers across the country.

Check out a blog about the new NexGen series sensors here! There's a link to a video that will show you everything you need to know in 2 minutes!

Measurement Displacement Sensors

Thursday, April 25, 2013
by Caryl Clement

My friends from Pepperl + Fuchs shared this information regarding measurement displacement sensors and I'd like to share it with you:

Measurement displacement sensors are used when you need to know a continuous distance that the sensor is from a selected target. There are two primary output types that can give distance. The discrete digital output is basically a yes or no signal threshold that will change the output of the sensor when the target reaches a certain distance or falls within a certain range.
An analog output will give a continuous analog signal either on 4 mA to 20 mA or 0 V to 10 V (model dependent). This signal is established by teaching in a window on the sensor that will have the near or far limit return 4 mA or 20 mA. This information is then interpreted by a controller or PLC to give you a distance measurement.

The VDM28 Series is a popular distance measurement photoelectric sensor that is relatively low cost for the range and performance it yields. The VDM28 Series has a diffuse sensing range of 8 meters or about 26 feet. The long sensing distance and small light spot diameter is possible through the class 1 or 2 laser (model dependent) that the sensor utilizes. The long range and exceptional accuracy are all due to to pulse ranging technology.

The sensor sends out a short pulse of light, and that light is reflected off the target. The time it takes for the light pulse to reach the sensor's receiver is used to calculate the target's distance. This method is more effective than phase correlation, which is more susceptible to ambient light due to continuously sending out light and evaluating the slight phase change. Some models of the VDM28 Series of lasers also offer dual, independent discrete outputs for applications where switch outputs are needed rather than a continuous distance measurement.

The photoelectric VDM18 Series is offered for more precise applications requiring a very high resolution at a shorter sensing range. The two primary models have a 100 mm range and a 300 mm range, both with exceptional resolution for applications demanding better than 1 mm accuracy. Since this sensor is based on a triangulation method of distance measurement, both VDM18 models have a better resolution than the VDM28, but this unit is also more costly (usually more than double the price of the VDM28).

Ultrasonic sensors are another common sensing method. Pepperl+Fuchs has several models available. Most come with either switching outputs or analog outputs. They can be used for detection based on a window, threshold value, or they can be used for continuous distance measurement using the analog output. Most UC Series ultrasonic sensors offer a 0 to 10 voltage output and a 4 to 20 mA output signal. There are also discrete signal models. The advantages offered by an ultrasonic sensor are in the function of operation. Since ultrasonic sensors operate by transmitting sound waves instead of a light source, they are not sensitive to targets that have different colors and are a good option for detecting transparent objects. This is critical for tank filling applications when the fluid is transparent such as water or where the use of a laser light source is not possible.

Some successful applications include overhead crane operations, level measurement, or direct distance measurement of targets when accuracy is critical. The tank measuring application described earlier involves using an ultrasonic sensor to determine the level in the tank. If the distance is known, you can derive a formula to find the relationship between the distance, and how full the tank is. Continuous measurement will require an analog output (0 V to 10 V or 4 mA to 20 mA). If continuous measurement is not important, a discrete output model can be used. For example, many tank level applications just need a high and a low point to trigger a pump to turn on or off. In these applications, a discrete output model is preferred.

Contact the technical department at Marshall Wolf Automation for any application assistance. Learn more about sensors here! As a premier factory automation distributor, we are always here to help!

AC Drive perfect for Car Wash Systems

Thursday, April 25, 2013
by Caryl Clement

If you build car-wash systems, you really should look at the SF series drives from AC Tech Lenze! This drive can control the speed of metering and self-serve high pressure pumps. You can program it so that each inverter’s preset speed provides the necessary pressure and flow to apply different products.

The EPM (Electronic Programming Module), allows Washing Equipment engineers to program the SCF copy it in seconds, archive it, clone it, personalize it... making drive programming streamlined and error-free. The EPM reduces service expenses, since it keeps the factory default drive configuration. If a customer changes the program and ends up with a malfunctioning bay, they can simply reset the drive to the way it was originally shipped which results in cutting down on unnecessary field service visits, and for the customer, no downtime.

Marshall Wolf Automation can help with all kinds of car-wash system products! Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF) today!