TF410, the new fibre laser marking solution from Technifor,
is the entry-level version for medium and large run applications

TF410, the new fibre laser marking solution from Technifor, is the entry-level version for medium and large run applications: automotive, medical, electrical or mechanical components, etc. Particularly economical, TF410 has a 10 W laser and retains the compactness and guarantees the proven performance in terms of marking quality and writing speed that have made the earlier 20 W model, the TF420, so successful.

30% less expensive than the higher-level TF420 version and fitted with a 10 W laser (instead of 20 W for the TF420), the TF410 can execute most »shallow depth» marking applications for medium and large runs.

The first outstanding advantage of the TF410 is its ease of integration. Its 1.06µm laser light source housed in the separate control unit, its new-generation electronics and its small number of optical components result in a marking head that occupies a volume of only 10 dm3, half that of the previous models (diode-pumped laser). The light beam is conducted to the marking head by an optical fibre. The separate control unit can be mounted in a 19" rack and incorporates a built-in buffer memory.

TF410 naturally offers all the advantages of fibre lasers, in particular longer lifetime and improved reliability. First, the lifetime of the source is five times longer than that of a diode-pumped YAG laser. Second, the TF410 marking head and its control unit have been designed with the smallest possible number of mechanical and optical components (everything is in fibre, sealed and in one piece) to reduce maintenance and to avoid drift in optical component settings, so that constant marking quality over time is obtained and minimum servicing is required. Lastly, the machine is designed with alarms against any type of improper use, even the marking of reflecting items.

TF410, the new fibre laser marking solution from Technifor, is the entry-level version for medium and large run applications: automotive, medical, electrical or mechanical components, etc. Particularly economical, TF410 has a 10 W laser and retains the compactness and guarantees the proven performance in terms of marking quality etc.

The TF410 marking solution includes Technifor´s intuitive and ergonomic T700W marking program. Its interface can be used to program the simplest markings in less than five clicks. It manages traceability data (serial number, variables, Data Matrix codes, bar codes, etc.) and can easily establish links with production databases (ODBC, Excel, ASCII, etc.) Logo marking is also possible (PLT, JPEG, BMP, DXF). Materials libraries with pre-programmed settings are provided, along with the generation of log files.

The TF410 system can apply high-contrast markings to a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals and ceramics, and to difficult surfaces such as steels and titanium. It offers a large number of marking variants thanks to its spatial and temporal optical quality.

Technifor offers an optional integration and customization aid, and other integration module options including an automatic plate feed and a turntable. Marking of samples or first production items is also possible.

Image 1: TF410 laser incorporated into a class 1 secure mini-station (available on option) Image 2: TF410 laser marker head and control unit Image 3: TF410 laser marking of serial number and identification Image 4: TF410 Data Matrix laser marking.

For further information, e-mail: beauregard@gravograph.co.uk   Refer to page 166

HMS extends its gateway family with 3 new
versions enabling easy integration of existing fieldbus
networks into new bus type wired Profinet installations

Reduced system integration costs - three new versions of the Anybus X-gateway family.

These three new gateway versions are released with a specific focus on the European automobile industry where current fieldbus networks, like Profibus and Interbus, are slowly being migrated to Profinet. By utilizing the integrated 2-port switch technology, the X-gateway can directly be integrated into line topology based installations which reduces infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for external switches.

The X-gateways include a Profinet IO device interface with »IRT» (Isynchronous Real-Time) functionality, an integrated two port real-time switch, Profinet network management and redundancy functionality that conforms to Profinet conformance class C. The Profinet interface functions as an IO device (Slave) and is based on the proven ERTEC-200 technology from Siemens.

The Anybus X-gateway family consists of 180 different versions and thus can interconnect all popular fieldbusses such as Profibus, DeviceNet and CANopen or connect these fieldbusses with the new industrial Ethernet standards, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus-TCP and EtherCAT. The gateways are Stand-Alone devices built for DIN-Rail mounting. After power-up, the gateways are immediately ready for data exchange between the two selected networks. Configuration is done within a few minutes and no programming or specific PC Hard- or Software is required. The gateways transmit I/O data and parameters completely transparent between the two networks. The amount of data is configured within a simple configuration dialogue during setup of the gateway.

The gateways can easily be integrated into industrial automation systems and ensure a seamless information flow between different networks. The Anybus X-gateways combine high reliability and flexibility which makes them an indispensible connectivity device for system integrators and plant operators.

HMS Industrial Networks in profile
HMS Industrial Networks is the leading independent supplier of embedded network technology for automation devices. HMS develops and manufactures solutions for interfacing automation devices to industrial networks. Development and manufacturing takes place at the head office in Halmstad, Sweden. Local sales and support is provided by the HMS branch offices in Chicago, Beijing, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mulhouse and Tokyo. HMS employs over 150 people and reported sales of 33 million in 2008. HMS was formed in 1988 and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm in the category Small Cap, Information Technology with ISIN SE0002136242.

For further information, contact  Michela Nalin, e-mail: min@hms.se or view website: www.anybus.com   Refer to page 139