Automation Update - February 2019

AUTOMATION UPDATE

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Issue 49

Distributor of Mean Well Power Supplies

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Ecopac Power LTD

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AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Laura Sharpe 01843 580 460 laura@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Jodie Little 01843 580 460 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@automation-update.co.uk Advertising Exec Jamie Simmons 01843 580 460 jamie@automation-update.co.uk

Automation Update is an engaging, editorially led publication & directory giving the reader news and updates on new products and services to our ever Progressing industry.

Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge, Spratling Court Offices, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

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Automation Update - 3

BV DAIRY – THE LATEST AUTOMATION Established in 1958 and home to the award-winning Dorset Clotted Cream, BV Dairy is one of the most highly respected suppliers of specialist dairy products in the South West of England. In 2016, after being awarded a long-term contract to supply cultured milk drinks and drinking yogurts, they made a multimillion-pound investment in a new bottling line. Initially capacity was four million units a year, however, with a

view to the future, BV Dairy commissioned equipment that would allow production of sixteen million units per annum.

As demand on the new line increased the step to automate was reached and BV Dairy consulted UPM Conveyors to design a system to transfer bottles through each process stage from the filling in a high care area to capping ; metal detection ; labelling

and finally to pack flow wrapping and palletising for which UPM used 3D solid modelling design software for creating a 3D digital protype using the design visualisation and simulation of product to ensure efficient product flow through the high care area and to packing.

UPM liaised with all the main equipment suppliers to integrate the conveyors which involved testing the system at UPM prior to installation as it was necessary to affect the side transfer of product from each section of the system to ensure the elimination of any potential jamming and product damage.

Mark Jeanes, Engineering Project Controller at BV Dairy, expressed his total satisfaction with UPM for their cooperation in managing the project with a minimum effect on production and UPM Conveyors have been awarded the order for phase two of the project.

TIJ GETS SERIOUS ON FLEXIBLES

By Richard Pether, Director, Rotech Machines

another option: TIJ. And this cost-effective cartridge-based technology is now emerging as a serious rival to TT on many flexible packaging applications. Here’s why:

TIJ (thermal inkjet) is challenging TT (thermal transfer) as the coding technology of choice for web-based materials, says Richard Pether, Director at coding specialist Rotech Machines.

When the first TTO (thermal transfer overprinting) system hit the market in 1992, it was heralded as a breakthrough in flexible film coding. It quickly replaced hot foil coding as the dominant coding technology for webbased materials, as it eliminates the margin for operator error, produces crisp codes, uses less ribbon, prints continuously and – because it is digital rather than analogue – enables real time coding. All of these benefits still hold true today, only the coding landscape has changed with the entrance of

A major ongoing cost of TT is the ribbon; when operations are printing expiry dates or batch codes, only a fraction of the available print area is utilised, making TT uneconomical from a ribbon consumption perspective. TIJ does not require ribbons and costly print head purchases as the print heads are built into the cartridge, significantly reducing cost of ownership on simple coding jobs. TIJ is faster – there is virtually no limitation on the speed at which it can operate, whereas speed can be a limiting factor for TT, which tends to run at a maximum speed of around 60 metres/min.

The TIJ units themselves are lighter and more compact than TT machines, so they are easier to mount onto a flow-wrapper or bagger and occupy less line space than a TT printer. Then there is the issue of maintenance; TT printers have a lot of moving parts such as springs and pulleys that require maintenance. By contrast, TIJ printers are maintenance-free with no

replacement parts other than the inkjet cartridge.

All of these benefits combined result in a much lower cost of ownership for TIJ versus TT. Backers of TT will argue that it produces darker, shaper codes than TIJ. Some years ago, TIJ inks weren’t completely black, but they are now and, what is more, ink consumption can be optimised on a TIJ printer by adjusting the print resolution.

Thermal transfer has long been accepted as the technology of choice for coding webbased materials, in fact, TIJ offers a faster, lower cost, maintenance-free alternative for simple coding jobs.

There may be exceptions - where complex codes are required or where companies are looking to overprint large amounts of information - but in the majority of applications, the justification for using TIJ is too compelling to ignore. In the next few years, we expect to see a discernible shift in this direction and TIJ printers to become a familiar sight on flow-wrappers and baggers.

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Flexibility is KEY in Storing and Managing Stock The need for flexible systems to effectively manage the internal warehouse has become key for companies who can no longer rely on rigid logistics concepts.

Traditionally goods have been stored on conventional shelving and mezzanine floors. These types of storage solutions have their place but increasingly companies are looking to maximise their space, increase efficiencies and improve profitability.

Automated storage and retrieval solutions are answering these needs as success or failure is largely determined by speed to market.

the management of their pallet items easier for timely retrieval of assembly sets for building sites all over the world. By utilising two shuttle XP 1000 950 meter high storage units, they were able to maximise the storage of 58 pallets on a footprint measuring just 18,94 sq meters. This enabled them to ergonomically move the pallets into position for a forklift truck or electric pallet truck.

Kardex has developed solutions that target the heart of the production process with increased material flow providing flexible, precise and efficient solutions. Faster access to parts and maintaining processing time at the machines, storing semi-finished and finished products for increased accuracy and speed are all key in maximising delivery times.

A local UK company Hydravalve is a supplier of machinery and spare parts in the hydraulic power and energy industry with a wide range of products and an inventory of over two million parts. They needed to improve their storage and picking operation, so they opted for 5 Kardex Shuttle XPs which delivered benefits such as; 45% improvement in the use of available space, 200% improvement in batch picking time and over 99% increase in picking accuracy.

Innovation was key to Flowtechnology UK, (FTUK’s) a supplier of fluid power components and associated services.

They wanted smarter warehouse logistics, optimised storage, increased picking times, integration with their in-house back-office suite and smarter management software. The investment of sixteen 12 meter high Shuttle XPs delivered a range of significant uplifts in productivity. The combination of the new technology and FTUKs own back office suite meant that not only was their auditing simpler but, thanks to the optimisation of the tours and the stock control, picking accuracy is greater than 99 % – based on an error rate of just 0.21 %. These advantages are further enhanced by quicker replenishment.

For many companies there is a need to link their automated storage and retrieval solutions (ASRS) to their management systems.

Kardex customers cover the globe and many have their machines linked to ERP/ MRP and WMS systems, giving realtime transparency on their inventory and how it’s being used at a glance.

One such example would be an extremely well-known watch maker whose products are held in Kardex units in Kent whilst the host ERP system sits in Geneva, Switzerland.

Every watch purchased is allocated via

From efficient hardware to fully integrated systems, our solutions can store thousands of items from small goods such as nuts and bolts to large items. Kardex is a world leader in ASRS with a long history of innovation working with organisations that recognise the short and long-term benefits that automated storage and retrieval systems can bring, delivering on the promise of improvements in labour, space saving and faster picking times. To learn more contact us at www.kardex-remstar.co.uk or call us direct on 01992 557237.

If we look at a typical electronics manufacturer, who may have highly sensitive electrical modules, components and semi-finished products for temporary, short-term or long-term storage, there are very specific requirements. Whether a small-parts or a complete distribution warehouse, there is a need for a more combined and controlled environment which delivers a solution that cover the ever increasing variety and complexity of products within highly effective logistics systems.

As we know one size does not fit all. What about heavy pallet goods?

For example, ABB needed to make 6 - Automation Update

Kardex PPG software serial number tracking and issued via Kardex Shuttle systems to ensure a life time of traceability.

Neopost Shipping packs a punch at IntralogisteX 2019 Neopost Shipping, the automated packaging and postal solutions specialist, will be highlighting the latest advances in its revolutionary CVP-500 ‘auto-boxing’ machine on Stand 600 at IntralogisteX – 26th- 27th February 2019, Richoh Arena, Coventry.

With a capacity to tailor-make 450 packages per hour for multiple or single items, Neopost’s fit-to-size packing system offers an automated solution for e-commerce operations challenged by increasing packaging volumes and labour shortages. The CVP-500 effortlessly creates, fills, folds and labels each parcel in one seamless process – reducing package volumes by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 20% and eliminating the need for void fill.

Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for automated packaging solutions at Neopost Shipping, says: “Many e-commerce businesses are facing a ‘perfect storm’ of increasing order volumes coupled with diminishing labour availability.

Cost pressures too, along with mounting consumer concerns over excessive packaging and large voids around packed items, are leading to a significant rise in interest in automated

solutions that can boost productivity in despatch halls. These future-focused businesses are looking for systems that can cut waste, reduce ‘shipped air’ in transport, and provide capacity for further expansion.”

She adds: “This is a critical time for the logistics sector and this is a timely show. We are delighted to have this opportunity to engage with businesses on ways of driving productivity and performance in their packing and despatch operations.”

Neopost Shipping has recently installed three CVP-500 machines in the UK and has applications across nine countries.

An impressive new video on a UK case study at Internet Fusion Group can be seen at https://cvp500.com/case-study-internetfusion-group/ Automation Update - 7

Ace Your Next Display Project with PanelPilot The PanelPilot range from Lascar Electronics is a unique series of smart graphic displays that enable the creation of fully bespoke interfaces without writing a single line of code. From e-paper to full colour high resolution touch screens, they are perfect for simple applications or even as full process-controlling HMIs. The top of the range PanelPilot ACE is a unique platform ideal for rapid development of touchscreen machine interfaces and system monitoring displays.

Available in 4.3” and 7” versions, ACE uses Lascar’s own Design Studio software that allows app development using an intuitive drag and drop interface. ACE display units accept inputs including 4-20 mA analogue, direct digital I/O, RS485, CANBUS and MODBUS. There are also digital alarm outputs and a built-in PWM generator.

The Design Studio software contains powerful tools such as PID, maths and logic builders, multi-channel data logging and graphing.

Lascar’s online PanelPilotACE University shares templates and graphics to

use in your display project as well video tutorials for basic and advanced users.

Next in the PanelPilot lineup is the M series, versatile units available in 2.4”, 2.8” and 3.5” models. This range includes versions that are suitable for voltage or current inputs, and also products that are sealed to IP67.

The M series are programmable panel meters featuring dual analogue inputs, alarm outputs and colour touchscreen displays.

Configured using the free PanelPilot M Software, there over 50 app templates available including bar-graph, tank level, analogue style and trend graphs. Users can customise colours, text labels, units and input scaling before uploading to the display.

The newest addition to the PanelPilot range is the SGD 21-B - a low cost, low power, sunlight readable, single channel voltmeter with a sleek monochrome e-paper display. The unit is configured with the free PanelPilot B software.

The software provides six templates to choose from, and users can customise labels, scaling and alarms.

Modest power requirements make this display ideal for use in battery-powered handheld instruments.

Lascar Electronics has a team of sales engineers that can help you with any queries that you have about your display project, just call 01794 884567 or visit our website at www.panelpilot.com.

If you would like your display product designed for you, we also offer a ‘one-stop’ Custom Design service, so please call us to discuss your requirements.

All PanelPilot software is free to download from our website.

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OEM Manufactured Drive Couplings The Only Safe And Reliable Solution We live in a world where it has never been easier to search for, find and purchase items on line. However, along with the benefits which on-line purchasing brings can come some hidden dangers, including the risk of inadvertently purchasing counterfeit products. Whilst these items may on the face of it look the same, it is highly likely that they have been manufactured from inferior materials and to a much lower standard of quality. These counterfeit items are becoming increasingly present in all areas of our lives, from mobile phone chargers right up to and including safety critical engineered components.

In this article, Reich Drive Systems UK’s David Proud highlights the potential dangers associated with the use of parts that are not guaranteed to be OEM original components.

We have probably all seen the news items and documentaries highlighting the problems associated with counterfeit or fake goods. The increasing significance of this problem can be measured in part by a guidance warning issued by the UK government in 2018 of the dangers that the growing number of fake automotive parts, including airbags, can pose to drivers, passengers and road users.

It is now clear that counterfeit parts are being found not only in consumer related products but in an increasingly wide range of highly engineered components, even certain safety critical aircraft parts have been identified as fake in recent times. At first glance, many of these parts will look just like the real thing, with close attention being paid to the branding and packaging, however this illusion is only skin deep. A closer look by a trained eye will usually spot subtle differences in appearance which may start to raise concerns, but in the majority of cases these fake parts will be taken at face value and assumed to be authentic. This is where the shortcomings of these parts begin to emerge.

consideration will be given to the materials being used, tolerances, torsional calculations or testing. In addition, the detail behind the make up or recipe for the OEM produced elastomers is always valuable intellectual property that the counterfeit product manufacturers will never be able to replicate. Once these fake parts become part of the drive train, the only certainty is that they are likely to fail prematurely, however the failure method could be for any number of reasons, as the part has not been designed to be fit for purpose. When in use, there is little chance that the standard protection that an original drive coupling provides to the drive train will be replicated by the counterfeit part. This could result, not only in catastrophic failure of the coupling, but subsequent damage to other elements in the drive train, which may even have safety implications.

Drive couplings by their very nature vary greatly in their design and capabilities, so for any given application engineers must ensure that they specify the drive coupling correctly to ensure reliable efficient, and in the more challenging applications, safe operation. This in itself requires detailed consideration on the part of the engineer or designer, however if a counterfeit part is then inadvertently sourced, all of this time and effort is wasted, perhaps with serious consequences.

Additional concerns associated with the use of counterfeit parts include the fact that there will be no service support or warranty provided, and if damage occurs to other elements of the drive train, any warranties on those items may become void as a result of the use of a fake OEM part. Whilst no one would actually seek out a counterfeit part, it is essential that care is taken to ensure that new or replacement parts are original equipment, and the best way to do this is to deal directly with the manufacturer or their authorised representative. Not only will you have the reassurance that the part is genuine, you will have access to decades of expertise to assist in coupling selection along with the guarantee that the part will meet or exceed the application requirements.

Manufacturers such as Reich Kupplungen have spent decades designing and refining their product range to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability, and this inevitably involves ongoing and extensive research into material specification, manufacturing processes, heat treatment and elastomer compounds. In addition there will have been extensive testing on all products throughout their development, itself a time consuming and costly process.

With a history spanning over 70 years, Reich Kupplungen has built up unrivalled expertise in the design and manufacture of drive couplings for use across a wide range of industries and applications. The company also embraces a D2C (design to customer) principle, which allows the creation of customised high-quality and long-lasting power transmission products in collaboration with the customer and their specific requirements.

Those manufacturing counterfeit products will at best reverse engineer the part dimensionally to make it look the same and so that it will fit when installed, but little if any

Reich Drive Systems UK Limited Telephone 0161 714 4191 | www.reich-uk.com

10 - Automation Update

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ROBUST, HIGHLY FLEXIBLE ULTRASONIC SENSORS The new range of robust and flexible ULTRASONIC SENSORS from BAUMER for distance measurement and object detection set high standards for process reliability and longevity in ultrasonic sensor technology. They are available in 2 designs; the cubical U500 and cylindrical UR18 with both options characterized by a robust housing and hermetically sealed sensor elements to ensure they can withstand extreme environments.

The high levels of ruggedness and reliability of these IP67 rated sensors is due to design features including PEEK foil, which protects the sensor element and is hermetically sealed by laser welding. The sensors also feature flexible and application-specific parameterization thanks to various setting options, such as sonic beam width or filter functions with IO-Link.

They also provide measurement almost to the sensor surface with an extremely 12 - Automation Update

short blind range of 70mm and with a range up to 1000mm.

The sensors highly reliable performance is achieved as a result of their optimum interference resistance and ability to detect transparent, high-gloss and multi-coloured objects with maximum resistance to soiling, water drops or chemical substances such as rinsing and anti-freeze agents.

They are Industry 4.0 and lloT ready with a standardized communication interface IO-Link combined with simple and fast commissioning. Adjustments of the sensors basic characteristics can be made directly on the sensor via qTeach or via a central control point via an IOLink. The choice of cubical or cylindrical designs, various mounting options and identical dimensions, allows for maximum flexibility and freedom in plant planning.

Typical applications for U500 and UR18 ultrasonic sensors are numerous and varied. For example; detection of full or empty bottles in splash zones in food, brewing and beverage processing, detecting pallets with foil packaging and level detection and vibratory feeder monitoring in material feed.

Other applications include, position monitoring of large bags and packages in bulk packaging environments, detecting objects in very dusty environments and detecting metal strips with plastic content, along with optimum foil detection thanks to their highly flexible configuration via IO-Link or qTeach.

For further details click here.

DISTANCE SENSORS COMBINE OUTSTANDING PRECISION, SPEED & FLEXIBILITY The development of increasingly sophisticated automation systems is one of the main drivers for distance measurement sensors to combine features and functions such as high-accuracy, high speed and micro-millimeter precision, along with all the benefits of IO-Link connectivity. BAUMER is a leader in sensor technology and is responding with innovative, market leading products such as their new range of AlphaProx inductive distance sensor with IO-Link interface.

In addition to providing micromillimeter precise distance values, AlphaProx sensors also feature counter values, switching frequency along with comprehensive diagnostic data which is directly available for evaluation.

Extended parameter options with IO-Link means the sensors can also be configured specifically for each application.

The sensors are designed for individual programming and data evaluation is possible in addition to the scaling of the distance characteristic (real distance vs. measured value output), the switching points and the counter function. In addition, various modes such as highspeed and high-accuracy as well as time filters for fast or precise applications,

can be set individually via the IO-Link.

Any offset caused by installation can be easily compensated and the IOLink enables simple plug & play sensor replacement, without the need to manually adjust settings.

AlphaProx sensors with IO-Link have the ability to solve very different tasks, such as position measurement of gripper jaws, batch size counting, control and monitoring of belt tensions or the flexible control of vibration conveyors by means of frequency and stroke measurement.

In addition to application, the secondary data, supply voltage,

solving the primary simple evaluation of such as temperature, operating time or

switching cycles, allows for predictive maintenance and thus optimum machine availability.

They are available in cylindrical design with sizes from Ă˜6.5 mm to M30 and have a scalable, linear characteristic curve, which guarantees simple control integration thanks to a measured value proportional to the distance. They detect objects and measure distances over large measuring ranges up to 18 mm and are designed to ensure minimal temperature drift and minimal variance in production lots which helps to guarantee maximum process reliability.

Further details available at: www.baumer.com/indcutive-IO-Link Automation Update - 13

Growing UK steel supplier expand to meet demand for low cost steel UK steel importer and distributor, COBI Solutions Ltd, has moved to larger premises in Kidderminster following continued growth in the UK and international markets.

COBI Solutions Ltd, trading as COBI Global, import and distribute of all types of prime and non-prime steel products including both finished & semi-finished steel and raw materials, as well as cut-tolength, sheets and slits.

The move follows sustained growth in sales, and a number of new and exclusive partner agreements, including Steel Invest. The larger and UK central premises will allow them to further expand their operations to meet the growing demand for quality steel products at low prices.

The Company, which has long established relationships with some of the world’s leading steel producers, supplies customers with top quality, low cost steel via its UK stocks or direct from the producing mills. The Company offer flexible credit terms and quick delivery to customers in the UK, Europe, Africa, Middle East and South East Asia.

Managing Director, Chad Ward, said “Moving to our new, larger premises in Kidderminster not only allows us to continue with our expansion plans, it also brings us closer to the heart of the UK’s manufacturing industry, allowing businesses to benefit from better quality steel and raw materials, as well as lower prices and quick delivery”.

Ward continued, “Like many businesses preparing for departure from the EU, we’ve strategically put in place new agreements with quality suppliers from non-EU countries and domestic sources. Also, following the introduction of section 232, which restricts US imports and increases duties on steel and aluminium, we’re already seeing a significant shift in the global steel market. We see these changes as opportunities for us to safeguard and grow our domestic market, expand within international markets and deliver real value to all customers” For more information please visit www.cobiglobal.co.uk or call 01562 270027.

14 - Automation Update

Fabruary 2019

Pregis roll out new ancillary technology for green packaging Pregis Limited have announced the launch of their new Easypack® Coiler, a high volume, high-speed ancillary packaging solution that boosts on-demand packing times and enhances user experience.

Designed to bolt-on directly on to their bestselling Packmaster™Pro packaging technology, the new Coiler system automates the process of producing coils of robust, cushion packaging made from 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, 100% biodegradable paper.

Easypack is the UK’s leading environmentally friendly packaging brand, renowned for its innovative, green packaging technology. The ‘coil’ is one of their trademark packaging mediums and is one the strongest and most flexible types of protective packing for securing goods in transit, and eliminating in-box migration. Coils can be used to cushion or mould firmly around products of any size, shape or weight in-the-box, making them ideal for all sectors using on-demand packaging.

Used in conjunction with the Packmaster™Pro, the new Coiler allows users to simply select the size and quantity of coils required and the system will automatically create them with minimal operator assistance, freeing up time and increasing productivity. Coil

diameters range from 30cm to 70cm, with a depth of up to 20cm, with an output speed of 26m per minute.

The totally environmentally friendly coils can easily replace non-recyclable or non-biodegradable void fill such as messy loose-fill chips or chemical-based foam-inplace options.

Designed for and around user needs As with all Pregis solutions, user experience was a key factor throughout the design of the Coiler. The system is height adjustable and totally secure, helping the user to pack with ease and flexibility. It is simple to install, easy to operate and of course, safe to use for new or experienced packers.

The popularity of Packmaster™Pro The Packmaster™Pro is the most advanced void-fill packaging system available today. The innovative solution is widely used across multiple sectors in the UK, Europe and the US, due to its incredible versatility, performance and reliability.

Made in the UK, Easypack’s clever technology converts rolls of 100% environmentally friendly paper at high speeds to produce a variety of lightweight yet strong paper cushions that are up to 80 times the original paper volume. The paper is available in single ply or twin-ply grades from 70gsm up to 90gsm, with a choice of white, brown or a combination of the two.

The Coiler not only complements the Packmaster™Pro technology, it adds a whole new dimension to the packing experience that ultimately saves time and money.

Watch how the Coiler works For more information on the Coiler and Packmaster™Pro, and to see huge range of benefits that the packaging technology has to offer, watch them in action at www.pregiseu.com/product-gallery.

Alternatively, to arrange for a demonstration, please call 01438 740649 or email info@pregiseu.com.

MULTICAR – THE VERSATILE MONORAIL Multicar is a versatile monorail system manufactured in Germany by Telelift GmbH and supplied, installed and maintained in the UK by Quirepace Ltd. A Multicar installation consists of a network of track, which can be linked by switches (points) enabling complex layouts to be configured. Trolleys operate autonomously on the track network carrying diverse payloads from and to wherever they are required. What makes Multicar unique as a monorail system is the ability to travel both horizontally and vertically (and any gradient in between).

When travelling horizontally, trolleys are driven by friction engagement ensuring a safe system that avoids trapping and crushing hazards, and when travelling vertically a rack and pinion system is engaged.

Multicar trolleys have a load mounting point on to which various configurations of load handling device can be mounted.

As the trolley travels along the track, the orientation of the payload is maintained either by gravity or by dynamic positioning.

The maximum payload, including the load handling device is typically around 45kg. The trolleys are provided with both power and I/O to interface with active load handling equipment mounted on the trolley.

A Multicar track network can have as many active trolleys as are required to meet the demand throughput. Each transaction may be initiated either through an HMI or via interconnection to SCADA and WMS systems.

A central visualization controller provides an interface for management interrogation and control.

In the past, Multicar has only been available with a single control architecture allowing construction of large networks suitable for installation across all manufacturing facilities.

The latest development (Multicar-P) provides a stripped down configuration replacing powerful, touch-screen equipped controllers and HMI with a simpler control module and pushbutton transaction initiation. Designed for straightforward point to point applications, or transport between small numbers of stations, Multicar-P 16 - Automation Update

makes the equipment accessible for simpler projects with smaller investment budgets.

Multicar-P delivers the same flexibility as the full system, with trolleys able to transport payloads between floors, or up and over other production facilities, and the basic control system can be upgraded and extended at any time should circumstances require.

By collecting and delivering payloads right where required, and having the capability to route up and away, keeping floor and access areas clear, Multicar offers unique benefits to difficult intralogistics challenges.

Contact Quirepace Ltd. sales@quirepace.co.uk www.quirepace.co.uk 023 9260 3700

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SMT production line detects PCBs using RFID: Error rate is reduced and documentation is simplified by HARTING’s auto-ID solution

An RFID system in which PCBs communicate with their SMT production line and contain all the relevant manufacturing data has been developed by HARTING. Based on the company’s RFID-4-SMT auto-ID solution, the new system cuts error rates, radically simplifies documentation requirements and forms the basis for automated PCB production in a batch size of 1. When the PCB is first produced, a small UHF RFID chip is inserted in the blank or attached as a component later on. From this point, manufacturing data can be written to and read from the RFID chip at each station in the manufacturing process. Even unplanned events such as machine malfunctions can be stored.

This is all enabled by the cutting-edge UHF RFID technology from HARTING. Thanks to the coaxial-cable-based HaVIS LOCFIELD® antenna and the HaVIS RF-R350 flexible UHF RFID reader based on HARTING’s MICA® industrial computing platform, realisation involves a minimum of effort. The antenna field follows a coaxial conductor and allows communication with several PCBs in a single PCB panel at full manufacturing speed.

The reader and antenna can easily be integrated into both new and old systems. The compact design and IP67 protection class also facilitate upgrading. Full data integration in the manufacturing system is therefore made possible - but not absolutely necessary - at any time. Thanks to the modular and open software architecture of the Ha-VIS RF-R350

18 - Automation Update

UHF RFID read-write device, the data can be pre-processed in the reader. The data is stored in line with ISO standards and the GS1 standards applied to commercial goods transport. This applies not only for the ID of the PCB itself, but also for the processing and manufacturing data stored in the user memory of the RFID chip. This data is all transparent and can thus easily be used later by a third party.

Using the ID characteristics of the PCB throughout the production lifecycle Once the UHF RFID technology has been fitted on the PCB, it can be used throughout the lifetime of the PCB. It is possible for several PCBs to be read in bulk without optical contact: for example, through foil and cardboard packaging, which makes the technology eminently suitable for warehouse and logistics processes. In addition, the information can also be read when the PCB is already installed in the application. Provided that the housing does not consist entirely of metal and certain basic physical principles are adhered to, the information on the RFID chip can continue to be used and updated. The options offered by the UHF RFID technology remain available until the PCB is disposed of, and can enable and improve a range of different applications.

Profile Technology

Conveyor Technology

Linear Motion

Factory Equipment

Flexible modular solutions from mk!

Compatible standard modules from mk simplify your production and maximise efficiency. Technology from mk provides the ideal solution for plant and special machinery engineering.

mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group

Unit 2·Wolds Farm Business Park Kinoulton Lane·Kinoulton·Nottinghamshire, NG12 3EQ Phone +44 (0)1949 823751·Fax +44 (0)1949 81270 www.mkprofiles.co.uk·info@mkprofiles.co.uk

Take your machinery safety knowledge to the next level ...

Whether you wish to deepen your knowledge in the field of safe mechanical and electrical engineering, optimise projects or acquire further qualifications in the field of machinery safety – with Pilz as your training partner, you’re sure to reach your goal.

Our 2018 schedule is now available on the Pilz website.

Courses include: • CMSE ® - Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV certified) • City & Guilds 4 Day Machinery Safety Course • Safe Human-Robot Collaboration • Safety Design Incorporating EN ISO 13849-1

For futher infomation or to book onto one of our courses visit www.pilz.co.uk, webcode: 150535

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01536 460766

training@pilz.co.uk www.pilz.co.uk