AUTOMATION UPDATE Issue 56
WWW.AUTOMATION-UPDATE.CO.UK
THINK lowest cost per pick www.kasto.com/uk/products-uk/storage-systems-uk/storage-systems-new-uk.html
THINK lowest cost per cut www.kasto.com/uk/products-uk/sawing-machines-uk/saws-uk.html
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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
September 2019 ENGINEERING UPDATE
HARTING launches new digital services to improve customer collaboration HARTING has always been at the forefront of new technologies and innovative ideas, an approach which helps us to drive advancements across industries and markets. However, it’s not just in the area of new products where we are evolving our offerings. Building close working relationships with customers and simplifying our processes are key to working together efficiently, helping to make your job easier.
to an eShop account, where you can check pricing and stock, place and track orders and manage delivery details.
In light of this, HARTING have recently launched myHARTING, a digital project and partnership platform with a range of tools designed to help you manage your day-to-day tasks. All you need to do is login with your current details or register for a free account to access a wide range of benefits, which include:
In addition, if your role involves sourcing and designing interfaces for industrial connectors, the new and improved Han® Configurator is the perfect solution for you. It is an online tool that allows you to design and build a connector that meets your exact requirements, based on the Han® portfolio. You start by selecting three inputs (contacts, voltage and current) to generate the first possible solution. At each stage of the process you can receive suggestions for alternative interfaces and the smart assistant feature will only allow you to apply valid configurations, avoiding numerous combination options and saving valuable design time.
myHARTING Cockpit: An easy to use home page which displays all your relevant data and information. Wishlist: Store all your favourite products and solutions in one place for quick access. Download History: Easily store and access premium content that’s relevant for you, including CAD files, technical data and whitepapers. Upgrade to eShop: Apply for an upgrade 4 - Automation Update
Newsletter Subscription: Manage your account so you only receive information that matters to you.
You’ll benefit from an onscreen 3D visualisation of the current configuration, meaning you can view your creation from a range of angles. It’s also extremely easy
to download all documentation (including STP files) with a single click and quickly save, load and share your configuration within a team; an ideal solution if you’re working remotely or in a different location from your colleagues. So if you’d like to benefit from a fast, efficient configuration process with a host of additional functions, click here to try the new Han® Configurator. Be inspired and discover new digital solutions from HARTING.
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Robot versus knot – it’s a tie The applications for robots and automation continue to grow as the technology becomes ever more capable and flexible. Add innovative design concepts to the mix and it is now possible to achieve tasks that were once the strict domain of the human. A system designed and built by Wood – Automated Systems UK to tie knots automatically clearly demonstrates that robots and automation together have taken great leaps forward and are no longer not just for the simple tasks. Many of the traditional tasks for robots involve either handling and picking items from one location to another, or performing process operations such as spot welding, arc welding, gluing, sealing and laser cutting. These are all important applications at the heart of many manufacturing processes, some of which also use external sensors or machine vision to enhance their flexibility and capability. Until now, the more tactile and dextorous tasks, such as tying a knot, have generally been left to operators. However, where consistency and speed are essential elements, then a combination of robots and intelligent automation is likely to be the preferred solution.
was just too slow. A revised concept was tested, this time incorporating an intelligent tooling post, and the final solution was identified. Tim Bednall, Sales and Marketing Manager for Wood Automated Systems UK commented: “This is a great example of combining innovative design concepts with a highly flexible robot and an element of bespoke automation to deliver a solution to a task generally perceived as requiring a manual operator. Whilst this system has been designed specifically for twisted wire pairs, the fundamental concept could be applied to many different knot-tying applications. ” The cell incorporates a 6-axis robot and a machine vision system. The machine vision system performs multiple roles including, checking that the knot is present, determining the position of the knot in relation to another component - to a pre-defined tolerance and, performing a quality inspection on that component for the presence of flash. Wood – Automated Systems UK apply their design and automation expertise to a wide spectrum of applications, many of which incorporate a diverse range of technologies, to deliver high quality production automation solutions for multiple industry sectors. (The system designed and built by Wood – Automated Systems UK uses a combination of a robot and intelligent automation to tie knots in twisted wire pair’s)
The challenge presented to Wood – Automated Systems UK was to tie a knot in a twisted wire pair, in a repeatable manner and within a specified target cycle time. A virtual reality (VR) simulation was performed using a robot operating in conjunction with a static tooling post to evaluate the technique and prove the concept. Although the knot typing concept proved to be successful, the robot on it’s own
woodplc.com/automation www.the-atg.com
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Quantum Controls welcomes new team members as the next part of Scotland Expansion “UK Drive and Motor Supplier of Year” 3 years running; Quantum Controls has appointed Karolina Mickevica and Kevin Dick as their new Technical Sales Engineers for Scotland, South and North respectively. Karolina brings 11 years of experience to her new role, having worked with brands including Sage Plc and Newcastle Building Society delivering sales and after sales services to a wide customer base. In addition, Karolina is known in the region for her work with the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, as well as her time as Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum. She is also a non-executive director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. Commenting on the appointment, Manging Director and Owner Kevin Brown said: “We are
delighted to welcome Karolina and Kevin to the team to support the amazing growth we are experiencing in Scotland.” “They are both focused, highly skilled and have excellent experience of Scottish Industrial Sectors. The most important thing is they also really get what we do.” Karolina, who received her MBA from Durham University Business School earlier this year, added: “I’m overjoyed to be a part of such a fast-paced market leading company here in the Scotland. The culture is infectious and one of energy - this is a business with a real can-do attitude.”
Kevin Dick says “Having worked with Quantum in my previous role at Aggreko, I recognised immediately the potential for even greater successes here. Kevin and the team have built the foundations for growth and I am very much looking forward to being part of the next chapter here in Scotland.” Quantum Controls are a North East born company, with Service Centres around the UK. The Glasgow Service Centre being the latest expansion, with further plans to expand in to the Southern Area in late 2019. If you would like to discuss our products and services with Karolina or Kevin, you can contact them on: Karolina Mickevica k.mickevica@quantum-controls.co.uk 07970 630 846 Kevin Dick k.dick@quantum-controls.co.uk 07779 786 216 8 - Automation Update
The ‘One Call’ Contract Solve all your Drive Requirements, from Maintenance Plans, 24/7 Engineer Response, to Rental. • 24/7 direct telephone access to our full qualified engineers • Immediate ‘engineer to site’ request • Our unique ‘first site visit fix’ guarantee • All Variable Speed Drives installed on your site covered under one contract regardles of make, type or power rating • Access to UKs largest stock of variable speed drives, spares and hire units • Unlimited calls and site visits • Official Service Partner to major manufacturers • Load Test Facility, the only one in the UK
The ‘One Call’ Contract delivers it all for less than the price of a cup of Coffee per day. “At 2am, we had a VSD breakdown. One phone call to Quantum and their on-call engineer was with us within hours and had our plant back up and running. Very happy customer and very relieved that we had a contract with Quantum which enabled the quickest response time possible.” Jim Tait, Principle Site Engineer “The professionalism of all the Quantum staff has been exceptional and the service provided is always of the highest quality. The Quantum service engineers provided both out of hours telephone advice and attendance in person to aid resolution of a significant plant issue. The engineer who attended was prompt, efficient, professional, technically strong, with a fantastic attitude, and keen to support/help. I would like to pass on my personal thanks for a job very well done.” Stuart Pearson, Plant Manager
Go to www.onecall-quantum.co.uk to get your free quote and gift box! *only £947 net per 12 month contract
0330 9000 247 | onecall@quantum-controls.co.uk
THE FINEST METAL SAWING AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT Manufacture of multi-level industrial warehouses for storing and retrieving bar, tube, sheet and other material automatically, and production of the world’s most extensive range of sawing machines for cutting the material accurately, are the two specialisms of the German firm, KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH. The subsidiary company looking after the UK and Irish markets is KASTO Ltd, Milton Keynes (www.kasto.com/ uk/company/about-us). Headed by managing director Ernst Wagner, it is an autonomous business unit that plans and designs storage and sawing systems for factories and stockholding operations. The company is responsible for project management, installation, commissioning, training, service and support, calling on assistance from the German parent company when needed. Being the only manufacturer of all three types of saw, hacksaws, bandsaws and circular saws, KASTO offers the widest possible variety of options to its customers for small to large batch production. The product selection ranges from small pull-down saws for the job shop to high-performance manual, semi-
automatic and fully automatic horizontal and vertical bandsaws for processing large blocks and plates. A high degree of automation is possible, both on the input side of the saw, via automated stores, roller conveyors and buffer stations, and on the output side, with systems for cut piece and remnant handling, post processing (deburring, facing, centring, cleaning, marking) and robotic sorting. Over 140,000 saws installed around the world are witness to the satisfaction of customers and the success of the products. As regards warehousing of material, KASTO’s maxims are 3D and CNC. Threedimensional, high density storage of bar, tube and other long stock as well as sheet, boxes and pallets takes material off the floor and out of conventional racking, saving space, minimising risk to personnel and reducing the chance of damaging the material.
Computer control of the storage means that material can be called up more quickly and reliably, maximising productivity. Inventory control is also more efficient using built-in functionality in the KASTO controller, with easy connectivity to MRP systems and into the wider Industry 4.0 environment. Storage systems can be interfaced directly with KASTO saws and other types of machine tool. More than 2,200 automated storage systems have been installed worldwide for all types of application, in all sizes, some with integrated saws. Email: sales@uk.kasto.com Web: www.kasto.com
10 - Automation Update
THINK lowest cost per pick We manufacture the widest range of computer controlled storage and retrieval systems for bar, tube, profile, sheet and other materials. Systems may be interlinked with saws, including ours, other machine tools, robotic sorting systems, MRP and ERP systems, and more. If you are running out of space in your warehouse or factory, KASTO has the perfect solution for you. www.kasto.com
KASTOunicompact
✓ TO 25 M HIGH AS STANDARD, INDOORS OR OUTDOORS
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INTERFACING CAPABILITIES
Get to know NEW DIMENSIONS in automated storage KASTO Ltd
+44 1908 571590
sales@uk.kasto.com
TO PROCESSING MACHINERY
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S ee KASTOecostore
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THINK lowest cost per cut KASTO is the world’s leading manufacturer of high productivity sawing machines - manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic. Horizontal and vertical bandsaws including block and tube saws, circular saws and hack saws are included in our range. Whatever the application, from job shop to mass production with robotic sorting, we have a solution to suit your needs.
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Get to know NEW DIMENSIONS in sawing technology KASTO Ltd
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Rapidly Develop Touchscreen Process Control and User Interfaces with PanelPilotACE
Lascar’s PanelPilotACE is a unique industrial control display platform ideal for the rapid development of touchscreen automation and user interfaces - without writing code. There’s no need to start from scratch, instead develop your application using Lascar’s free Design Studio software which provides powerful, easy to use drag and drop tools to build the complex functionality you need. Forget months of programming and hardware headaches, get a development edge with PanelPilotACE and deliver your project on time! PanelPilotACE has two display sizes, both competitively priced, with the 4.3” (SGD 43-A) at £179.95 ex VAT and 7” (SGD 70-A) at £299.95 ex VAT. These feature highresolution capacitive touch screens, four 16-bit bi-polar analogue inputs, eight digital input/output pins, two alarm outputs, four PWM outputs, RS232 comms, RS485 and Modbus comms (requires add-on board for SGD 43-A), CAN bus (SGD 70-A only, requires add-on board) and FTP transfer of logged data via wired Ethernet (SGD 70-A only). These are extremely capable units for the price point, with discounts available on volume purchases. Free to download for evaluation, the PanelPilot Design Studio software offers a wealth of functionality for building multi-page, intelligent display interfaces, allowing you to add background images, text elements, analogue and digital style meters, touch screen navigation, complex logic statements, serial communications, data logging, trend graphs and maths functionality. The Design Studio ‘Maths Builder’ provides powerful tools for performing, with a full range of mathematical operators available, from simple addition and multiplication, to exponential and trigonometric functions. These functions can be applied to most properties and variables within an application, such as calculating power from two analogue inputs. PanelPilotACE offers data logging capabilities, supporting high-resolution analogue and digital logging together with fully
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customisable on-screen graphing. You can monitor up to four 16-bit analogue inputs at any time with each data set holding over 1 million individual readings and sample rates from 5 seconds up being supported. The software includes an emulator, so you can design and test your interface for free before buying any hardware. PanelPilotACE development kits that include a development board for testing all the input/output functionality along with the display are also available. The PanelPilotACE University on the Lascar website provides video tutorials and shares templates and graphics for you to use in your display project. Alternatively, we offer a “one-stop” Custom Design service where our experts can build your display project for you. Download the PanelPilotACE Design Studio Software for free to try before you buy Lascar Electronics | 01794 884567 | sales@lascar.co.uk www.PanelPilot.Online/EngineeringUpdate
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AutoCoding Systems demonstrates 4Sight Automatic Print Inspection Solution
on the SICK Stand – D64 - at the PPMA Total Show 2019
Following the global partnership between AutoCoding Systems and SICK, the recently launched automatic print inspection solution, 4Sight, will be demonstrated on the SICK stand at the forthcoming PPMA Total Show.
illumination and exposure time, with no requirement for operators to configure features or regions of interest. The software automatically adjusts to accommodate real-time message changes, such as date code We're also delighted that the 4Sight solution has already been and clock time. In addition, there are shortlisted in the PPMA Awards for the most Innovative Vision a number of configurable features Solution. to allow the solution to be easily Visitors to the show, which is taking place at the NEC between 1st optimised for fast processing time, and 3rd October, will be able to see how the 4Sight application making it an ideal print inspection communicates directly with any brand of printer, with no solution for high speed applications, requirement to “teach” the camera what to look for. Unlike more such as bottling and canning lines. traditional vision inspection techniques, no fixturing, such as an PPMA visitors will also be able to edge or logo, is needed; the software can automatically cope see demonstrations of AutoCoding's with variations in artwork, background and text location. The world class code deployment and versatility of the solution means it can be set for varying levels packaging verification solution which of inspection, from print presence through to full OCR. The is already being used on over 1000 application offers full flexibility allowing users to determine acceptable print quality tolerances and define what is considered packaging lines throughout the UK, US and Australia to reduce the risk of a good read, bad read or no read on a per product basis. coding and packaging errors. As all processing is undertaken onboard the SICK camera where the 4Sight software resides, no line-side PC is needed. There www.autocodingsystems.com is a simple set-up process for camera position, set-up, focus, 14 - Automation Update
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Balancing the Digital Manufacturing Equation with Advanced Subtractive Technology
with advanced subtractive technology.
F
or a growing number of companies, digital manufacturing is an essential part of efficient product development and prototyping. The ability to quickly build a prototype, test piece, or even a functional component from a design file not only reduces time to market, but allows manufacturers to stay competitive in a constantly changing market. The terms digital or rapid prototyping are most often associated with additive manufacturing. However, as Engineering Product Manager David Richter of Universal Laser Systems confirms, a modern digital manufacturing strategy, one that delivers high flexibility and process capability, can only be achieved by balancing additive methods
The success of modern product development and manufacturing efforts depends increasingly on being able to iterate quickly, test innovative ideas and shorten time to market. Products must be designed, materials evaluated, prototypes tested, and parts manufactured faster than ever. With access to the right technology, agile teams can quickly go from design to production, using fewer resources and meeting customer demand. A comprehensive rapid prototyping and manufacturing strategy offers an obvious advantage to businesses looking to keep their products and services competitive. Although sophisticated and highly capable, additive manufacturing technologies are actually just one segment of rapid prototyping and manufacturing. Digital subtractive systems increase capability by offering complementary functionality with similar flexibility and speed.
Flexibility, Precision and Speed – Essential Attributes
The ULTRA 9 addresses this by providing high baseline precision and extreme “tune-ability” to allow users to adjust the laser output to their application. The ULTRA 9 is able to provide consistent and repeatable results through stable laser energy delivery and selectable power density.
When selecting subtractive technology to work alongside additive manufacturing systems, it is essential that the system chosen is capable of matching or exceeding the quality and performance of the 3D technology, working flexibly, accurately and efficiently. David Richter of Universal Laser Systems explains why digital laser technology, specifically the company’s new ULTRA 9 system for laser cutting, drilling and marking, delivers the perfect balance when combining additive and subtractive methods.
The ULTRA 9 motion system also incorporates advanced path planning and addressable beam positioning as low as 2 um, which help maintain part dimensional integrity. The unmatched ability of the ULTRA 9 to control and fine-tune these critical laser parameters sets a new standard in processing quality.
“Our ULTRA 9 technology brings another dimension to rapid product development and prototyping by offering virtually unlimited potential to process a vast range of materials with extreme precision. Our advanced system produces components in less time, often just seconds or minutes, eliminating the need for lengthy setup or hard tooling. This allows for rapid evaluation of different materials to improve product performance and durability or provide unique functionality.” At the core of ULTRA 9 is the flexibility to process virtually any material by allowing users to select the ideal combination of wavelength and power for their application. The system supports up to 3 laser sources and wavelengths: CO2 in 10.6um & 9.3um and Fiber in 1.06um, with power options ranging from 10 to 150 watts. Using patented MultiWave HybridTM technology, the ULTRA 9 is even able to optimise energy absorption by focusing any combination of 3 wavelengths, either consecutively or simultaneously, onto one focal point on the target material. This enables the system to process the broadest range of materials, including multi-layer laminates and complex composites.
Not only does the ULTRA 9 produce high quality repeatable results, it is also very efficient. Throughput is optimised with a maximum beam positioning speed of 3810 mm / sec (150 in/ sec) for vector processing and a maximum raster material processing speed of more than 7620 mm/ sec (300 in/sec). Through advanced path planning and other features like material-independent autofocus, high quality results are consistently achieved in the shortest possible processing time. Richter sums up: “It’s clear that having subtractive laser technology such as our ULTRA 9 system available alongside 3D additive systems boosts productivity and opens up new manufacturing possibilities. The ability to quickly produce high quality components in the final material maximises manufacturing capability. With material flexibility, precision, and efficiency, the Ultra 9 checks all the boxes.” Universal Laser Systems will be showcasing the ULTRA 9 and demonstrating the benefits of subtractive laser technology as part of a comprehensive rapid product development and prototyping strategy at the forthcoming TCT Show at the NEC in Birmingham between the 24th and 26th September 2019.
Today, product designers, engineers and manufacturers alike demand high quality and finish even on prototype parts.
www.ulsinc.com
Periodic Table 2019 is the international year of the periodic table, marking the 150th year of the table of elements. To mark this milestone, mk Profile Systems have been working closely with Warwick University to create a giant periodic table sized at 3.6m x 2.7m x 2m with its structure based on both the 25 and 40 series of the mk aluminium profile system. The benefit of using mk’s comprehensive profile system is that it requires no welding, abrasive grinding or painting unlike a steel structure. However the profiles are sturdy and combine high load capacity whilst retaining an attractive design. The 25 series profile is ideal for light duty frames and show cases but by incorporating the 40 series, which is ideal for exhibit pieces, this provides additional strength to the display piece. Initially on display at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition in London at the start of July, the table will then be used at other shows/events later in the year. The idea for the structure came from Warwick University, a long standing customer of mk Profiles, and then mk assisted with the design to ensure that the vision became a reality. Once all of the profiles and associated components had been delivered to Warwick University the students set to work 18 - Automation Update
assembling the structure and then adding the elements. This included 1064 LEDs with 9 LEDs for each element; the elements each have their own micro controller with individual addresses, then each of the six main blocks has a 12C routing board to address the (up to) 24 elements. The routing boards connect to a central hub which in turn links to the control panel that has its own controllers, 126 in total.
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
W
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