Interact, a new range of intelligent pneumatic actuators from Hoerbiger-Origa, incorporates all ancillary control equipment, including an ASi fieldbus interface, into a standard drive unit. The innovative concept radically simplifies pneumatic automation, eliminating requirements for centralised control cabinets, valve islands and discreet pneumatic components. Available initially in VDMA pneumatic rod type cylinder and Origa System Plus rodless cylinder formats, Interact has the same mounting dimensions as conventional actuators.
All the electro-pneumatic controls - valves, sensors, tubing, accessories and electronics - are all integrated within the Interact drive unit.
These are all matched to the individual actuator for optimum performance.
Requiring only the connection of a single air fitting and an ASi plug connector, installation could not be easier.
System assembly requires no specialist knowledge and the concept practically eliminates the possibility of mis-connections With the simple to connect and program ASi fieldbus system, there is no requirement for shielded cable wiring looms and highly effective two-way communication is provided between actuators and the plc controller.
Diagnostic procedures for machine commissioning and faultfinding are greatly simplified as the status of individual Interact drive units, including fault indications, are shown on an integrated LED display and via the plc controller.
While attractive from a unit cost perspective and in terms of system simplification, the benefits of Interact translate into important competitive advantages for machine builders.
Most significantly, total costs are reduced by; shorter and more effective design time; quicker and more efficient assembly; and reduced administration, parts stockholding, manufacturing logistics and documentation.
Furthermore, the faster time to market and shorter commissioning periods, which are possible with Interact systems, will result in improved cash flow and bottom line margins.
For the end user key advantages are improved system performance and reduced service and maintenance costs.
Interact drives can quickly and simply be exchanged, ensuring that downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
Once removed from the system, the inherent modularity of Interact means that all actuator and control elements are easily accessible for service or replacement.
Initially available in sizes 25, 32, 40 and 50mm in rodless format and 32,40, 50 and 63mm in rod type cylinder format, the Interact range will be extended to include additional products during the course of 2000.
Hoerbiger-Origa has also introduced a new Compact Pneumatic Module that enables the Interact principle to be applied to discrete actuators.
The pneumatic module, similarly, integrates all pneumatic controls and ASi Interface into a single, easy to connect unit.
Two versions are offered with either single or double valve functions, the latter for the control of two actuators.