Machine vision is playing an increasingly important role in more and more intralogistics applications. The more of these systems are used and the more different manufacturers are involved, the more urgent the need for an efficient, modular and manufacturer-independent installation concept becomes.
Murrelektronik has developed a convincing all-in-one solution that offers many advantages. Just in time for LogiMAT, the company presents a new installation bundle specifically for single camera applications: One-Cam-Connect.
Machine vision is everywhere in today’s logistic centers to ensure efficiency, quality assurance and safety.
At the same time, modern manufacturing must adapt quickly to changes in the manufacturing process and/or in the product to be manufactured. This requires flexible, modular and scalable vision systems. Finally, the lack of skilled staff means automation equipment and vision systems must be plug and play and easy to install, put into operation and maintain.
As the forerunner in decentral electrical installation and automation technology and leading company in this field, Murrelektronik also has a compelling complete solution for this topic: its modular, manufacturer-independent, fully pluggable machine vision installation solutions that bring signals, data and power into the immediate machine environment.
New: Installation bundle specifically for single camera applications
Just in time for LogiMAT, Murrelektronik has added One-Cam-Connect to its portfolio: a simple, plug-and-play solution to safely and quickly build an inspection system with a single smart camera. Such systems are often found in intralogistics, e.g. as code or text scanners at conveyor gates or manual pack stations.
The One-Cam-Connect bundle consists of an industrial switch with built-in voltage control paired with a power supply that can be plugged into any standard power outlet. It is important to know, that it includes the first 90-watt power supply for single-camera applications with IP67 protection and industrial certification. A clever detail: thanks to integrated mounting tabs, these new power supplies can be quickly and securely attached to the machine rack.
Less is more
Not only the new One-Cam-Connect bundle, but all machine vision installation systems have decisive advantages: Through moving components and functions from the control cabinet to the field and the connection of local, self-managed systems only via one cable to a central server costs can be reduced by 30 percent across the entire process chain, from planning and design to assembly and installation. At the same time, the complexity of the parts to be procured is significantly reduced, while the clarity and flexibility of the installation concept is increased.
On-site installation is as easy, fast and safe as plugging a plug into a socket, thanks to the plug & play principle with pre-assembled connection and junction cables based on internationally recognized standards. In addition, existing systems can be quickly and easily expanded with additional cameras using standardized components. This reduces electrical installation time by 30 percent and protects against installation errors in every single installation.
It’s also quick and easy to add cameras to existing systems: just mount the rugged, IP67-rated connectors directly to the machine frame, plug them in, and you’re done.
Users can connect up to four cameras to a hybrid switch that combines power, fuse and switch in a single unit. In addition, multiple switches can be daisy-chained to expand the network of cameras and other peripherals.
The result: Four cameras can be installed, commissioned and networked with just two cables. Additional cameras or components can be added just as easily using the daisy-chain functionality.
This not only pays off during installation but also enables fast and error-free system assembly, simplifies any required maintenance, reduces planning and documentation efforts, and increases system reliability.
Fix issues quickly and efficiently
This consistently decentralized approach makes maintenance and troubleshooting easy: All the components of the machine vision system are interconnected locally. This makes it very easy to exchange a camera or add a strobe on site, without the hassle and time-consuming search for connections in a control cabinet that is often far away.
As a result, operators on the production line can perform simple maintenance tasks faster and without the need for expert personnel. Clear LED indicators on each port of the I/O module or switch provide feedback on the correct operation while the online diagnostics tools allow for more in-depth troubleshooting.
If, for example, a cable breaks, the switch indicates the fault immediately. The team on-site only needs to replace the faulty cable, and the camera is up and running again. During this time, only the affected port is shut down. This minimizes system downtimes and repair costs.
The I/O systems, power supplies and network technology are highly standardized and rely on industrial-grade connectors. This means full compatibility with any component, regardless of their brand.
Optimally equipped for use in the field
The consistently decentralized approach places particular demands on robustness. That is why all components of Murrelektronik’s machine vision installation system are designed in detail for installation close to the process: they have robust, fully encapsulated housing, are shock and vibration resistant, IP67 rated and can withstand operating temperatures from up to -40°C to +55°C.
For these applications, a direct, industrial standard power supply can now be implemented in the field – and this, as usual with Murrelektronik, quickly, safely and manufacturer-independently thanks to standardized M12 A-coded connectors.