Engineering Update - January 2021

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January 2021

Cutting the Cost of Metal Laser Processing Systems

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January 2021

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

ENGINEERING UPDATE

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ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

CONTENTS Editor

Wendy McManus 01843 267 690 wendy@engineering-update.co.uk

January 2021

At the forefront of digital marketing, Engineering Update strives to bring its readers the latest in industrial engineering, in a format that provides the best usability and ease of use for it’s readers.

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January 2021

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January 2021

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

Increase 85% of floor space with Vertical Lift Systems Rare is the manufacturing, warehousing or distribution facility that does not suffer from some amount of space limitations. Sometimes inventory, parts or work‐in‐ process have exceeded current capacity. Or perhaps the footprint of the facility prevents the addition of more storage equipment without an expensive addition of more square footage through construction.

For facilities that rely on traditional shelving made of upright posts, formed steel sheet panels as horizontal shelves, and end and back braces or sheet steel back and side panels for support for storage for non‐palletised loads, automated storage and retrieval equipment is available as an alternative. If we take a look at the vertical lift systems – these self‐ contained systems offer higher density storage in a more compact footprint than manual equipment.

The average ceiling height for manufacturing facilities and distribution centres range from 24-32m on average. Older buildings (pre 1970’s) tend to be closer to the 24m mark, while more recently constructed buildings are closer to 32m tall.

Standard industrial shelving is available in 6m, 7m, 8m and 10m height. Filling a 20m tall warehouse with 10m tall shelving leaves quite a bit of wasted space..

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Plus consolidating all of the aisle space found in a typical shelving system into one access point recovers a considerable amount of floor space and gives you room to expand operations internally, avoiding a costly facility move or expansion (not to mention that it eliminates the time workers spend walking/searching through shelving as all stored products are now delivered directly to the worker).

Kardex ShuttleXP vertical lift system is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays stored on both sides of the unit with an extractor device placed in the center. This automatically delivers trays with the stored items to the access opening at the push of a button or a scan of a barcode. The device is modular in its construction with the ability to change its height and number of access openings pre and post construction. The Shuttle XP automatically scans every tray with the use of Optiflex technology,

finding the ideal storage location within the system in increments of 25 mm. Items are stored in least possible amount of space.

Thousands of organisations throughout the world have used high density storage to increase storage capacity and avoid costly expansions or relocations.

Before you tear down walls to expand or sign a lease for an additional facility, be sure you're maximising the warehouse space you currently have. A reorganisation of your current warehouse might not be the answer to your long-term space problem, but you might be able to recover enough space to delay your expansion or relocation decision.

To learn more about optimising your storage space click here or contact Kardex direct on info.remstar.uk@kardex.com or call us on 01992 557208. www.kardex-remstar.co.uk.

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January 2021

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

5 Marketing activities you need to do NOW to grow your business in 2021 For many engineering businesses, 2020 was a year to forget!

Furloughed workers, projects on hold, trade shows cancelled – we saw it all as the pandemic took hold. As we start a new year, there is light at the end of the COVID19 tunnel and now is the time to step up your marketing activities.

2021 promises to be a year of opportunities so let’s look at 5 activities you really need to be focussing on, to establish your position in the marketplace and tell your customers who you are and what you can offer.

Your Marketing Plan Having a marketing plan is a tried and trusted way to keep track of what you need to do, why you need to do it and when you need to do it by. By identifying your key messages and target audience, you can make sure you are getting the best ROI for your marketing.

Video We cannot stress highly enough how important video is to your marketing success. From your buyer’s perspective, the idea of learning all about you or your products and services in a 2-minute video is so much more appealing than reading article after article on your website. The stats back this up: • 86% of people would like to see more video from brands in 2021 • 95% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service. (all stats courtesy of Wyzowl 2020)

Think about how you can use video to enhance your marketing in 2021.

Your Website Your website is your window to a world of possibilities and new customers. Remember, it is the first thing a new contact will look at, so it has to reflect your brand and your business.

If you’re looking at your website and thinking ‘we need to get this updated’ then there’s a good chance your current and prospective customers will think the same, and that will reflect on your business.

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Content Marketing Creating fresh and engaging content to use on your website, social media channels and other digital marketing outlets will be your biggest challenge, but it remains critical to your success. You need a plan as to how you will generate that content, so think about your key messages and who in your business is responsible for generating the necessary material.

Social Media There’s no denying social media is time-consuming, but it is critical to your customer engagement, so you need to do it right. Are the messages you are posting the right ones for your business. As with your content planning, identify your key messages for 2021 and schedule some campaigns that can be run on social media, amongst your other activities.

GrowthEngineTM If the above makes you feel slightly light-headed, then a solution is at hand. Our GrowthEngineTM philosophy is specifically designed to run your marketing for you, raising your profile and generating leads for your business. For more details visit our website www.thecollectivegroup.co.uk/growthengine To find out more please contact us: tel: 01202 682322 email: growth@thecollectivegroup.co.uk visit: www.thecollectivegroup.co.uk

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

BEC Group Helps UK firms to Reshore Production Technical moulder BEC Group is helping British companies relocate moulding production back to the UK from China and Eastern Europe. Due to increased production demands, the company has invested in new machinery from Arburg.

The Hampshire-based firm is showing companies that technical capability, quality and proximity is far more important than cost alone for specialist moulded parts.

BEC Group is a full-service, complex plastic injection moulding company, providing design tooling and moulding services in-house. Complex mouldings outsourced overseas have repeatedly had quality and delivery issues, BEC has found.

“We see a growing trend of companies looking at their supply chain and realising they shouldn’t just be looking at the unit cost of a component, but they need to look at the entire cost of the project, factoring in quality defects and delay,” says Marketing Manager Clare Elvy.

“We have found that where components are critical, where mouldings are more technical, or smaller production runs are required, manufacturing is being brought back more and more from China to the UK.” BEC Group is currently taking delivery of a new ARBURG 320C, to replace an old 320M, and a new ARBURG 375V that replaces a 320C Universal machine – both to increase production rates and

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efficiency. The incentive to buy these machines came partly from new work BEC has won from companies reshoring from low-cost countries and from an increase in demand for UK-made critical components.

An example is multi-awardwinning Guru Systems that manufactures a smart meter system, which optimises heat network performance to deliver low carbon heat. Guru had experienced extended lead times, communication issues and material selection issues with an offshore manufacturer for their first-generation smart meter, Hub I. This led them to consider reshoring their plastic injection mould tooling to a UK manufacturer.

Guru selected BEC Group for the work. The company took delivery of the Hub I injection mould tools from the foreign supplier, where BEC’s toolmakers reviewed them and undertook repairs and modifications before manufacturing the Hub I injection mould casings.

More on the benefits of reshoring can be found on BEC Group’s website here: www.becgroup.com/news/reshoring-top-tips

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January 2021

Wolf Safety ‘Blastlite’ saves valuable time during surface blasting Wolf Safety, world leaders in supplying portable lighting for use in hazardous locations, have designed a time saving solution.

Their new Blastlite M-485 Midi Torch holder fits securely on the blasting nozzle or hose, targeting a powerful, sharply focussed white beam directly on to the work surface. This cuts through dust and spray to improve visibility, resulting in more precise blasting, a better surface finish and greater efficiency.

To protect the light from bounce back the Blastlite is fitted with a highly durable, replaceable and recycleable glass lens.

Incorporating all the advantages of Wolf Safety’s powerful ATEX and IECEx Zone 0 certified M-85

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

ENGINEERING UPDATE

Shot, sand or water blasting would be a lot quicker if operators didn’t have to keep stopping to check on progress and assess the finish of the surface being worked on.

Midi Torch, the Blastlite is quick and easy to set up.

The glass lens is placed inside the lens ring and clipped on the M-85 torch. This is then slotted into the bracket provided, rotated 90 degrees to lock it in place then cable tied to the nozzle holder or hose.

The Blastlite is supplied as a complete package, including the torch, bracket, lens ring, glass lens and cable ties. Existing users of Wolf M-80 or M-85 torches can buy Blastlite accessories separately.

“This innovative product substantially cuts the number of times an operator needs to stop blasting to check the progress being made, saving time and boosting productivity,” says Michael Morley, Wolf Safety’s Technical Director.

For technical details visit: www.wolfsafety.com

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

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We know our customers’ requirements for price and quality and meet their demands with uncompromising service.

Not only do we offer standard and bespoke perforated metal sheets, we are able to offer you a range of secondary operations as detailed below.

Complete solutions With a continued investment in the latest equipment and a network of professional partners we are able to produce prime quality products and solutions – from a simple perforated sheet to the fully formed and coated custom made part.

Cutting We can cut and shape perforated sheet to meet the needs of your final application.

Levelling For some applications a high degree of flatness is required, we have processes in place to ensure our perforated coils and sheets meet with your most demanding requirements.

Rolling and forming We can roll, bend and form perforated sheets to match your design.

Aesthetic finishes and protective coating We can offer powder coating and hot dip galvanizing solutions to meet your specifications.

For more information please contact us tel: 01925 839610 | email: info.uk@rmig.com | www.rmig.com

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

HASCO – The temperature control standard in mould making for 50 years From nipples and couplings through to nozzles and hoses, HASCO offers the most comprehensive temperature control program for mouldmaking. The comprehensive range of variant combination options enable the most efficient solution to be found for virtually all the challenges encountered in modern temperature control technology.

New Temperature Control poster with a compact overview The new HASCO Temperature Control poster contains a compact overview of all the technical details. Aimed not only at injection moulders and mouldmakers but also at design engineers and educational institutions, it provides optimum assistance in selecting the right products.

Apart from the article designations, the poster sets out technical details of the system diameters, flow passage type, sealing properties and temperature resistance. It also includes useful application tips. “The practicallyoriented Temperature Control poster is a must for every workplace”, stresses Andrés Fragoso, Sales & Business Development Europe at HASCO

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A must for every workplace HASCO developed the first connection nipple and matching coupling about 50 years ago, taking out a patent on it. Only HASCO’s patented hose nozzle profile enables high tear-off forces and high burst pressures, thus avoiding damage to the hose. A steady stream of new products and further developments geared to the market have enabled the company to build up one of the most comprehensive temperature control system programs for mouldmaking. Its portfolio has now been extended by stainless steel and low-leakage systems. With decades of experience in temperature control technology, HASCO is the leading competence partner in this field.

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

SICK’s ‘Sceptre’ Crowns Safety System King of the Active/Passives With the innovation of its Sceptre high-performance prism optic reflector, SICK has extended the range of its deTem 4 A/P multiple light beam system to eight metres, the longest ever available for an active/passive safety device, suitable for applications up to SIL3 / PLe. The extra-rugged and compact SICK deTem 4 A/P safety light beam system offers wide flexibility to install safe access protection with entry/exit monitoring (muting) in production and logistics environments. With sender and receiver integrated into the active device, SICK deTem 4 A/P minimises wiring and helps achieve compact machine designs. With integrated muting functions there is no need for an external module and additional wiring effort.

With real-time diagnostics accessible by smartphone through Near Field Communication (NFC), and also via IO-Link, the SICK deTem 4 A/P is a smart system that enables operators to respond quickly to machine downtime. Engineers can access a range of diagnostic status and process data to manage maintenance interventions effectively.

Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist with SICK UK explains: “The SICK deTem4 Active/Passive light beam system offers operators fingertip diagnostics to respond quickly to stoppages in common access protection applications such as warehousing, palletising or packaging machinery. You can find out straight away what caused a lockout just by using the easy-to-use status display on your smartphone.

“The SICK deTem4 A/P offers all the functionality you would expect from a high-performance SICK safety light beam system, and more. Its slim housing and active/passive functionality lend themselves to machine layouts where space is limited. With IP65 and IP67 protection ratings, an operating temperature range of -30oC to +55oC, the deTem4 is ready for harsh industrial environments.”

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Guided by the SICK Safety Assistant smartphone App, and with integral dip switches and automatic range adjustment, in-situ configuration and commissioning are quick and simple and there is no need to use a PC. The SICK deTem4 A/P is a Type 4 device (EN 61496), enabling compliance in applications with requirements up to PLe (EN ISO 13849) and SIL3 (EN 61508). Ranges from 500mm right up to 8 metres are offered, thanks to the Sceptre’s highperformance optics, with a choice of two or four beams and separations of 300mm or 500mm. The coded light beam option prevents optical interference between devices in sideby-side applications.

The SICK deTem4 A/P allows the connection of a restart interlock and/ or the facility to monitor external

devices (EDM) which can reduce wiring and the need for additional devices in the control cabinet, saving further space.

For more information on the SICK deTem4 A/P safety light beam system, or any of SICK’s safety and protective devices, please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk

www.sick.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

BODOR Flat Bed and Tube Processing Technology Cuts Through Traditional Barriers to Ownership Large format flat-bed and tube laser cutting systems play an important role within many industry sectors, producing the individual parts required for the fabrication of a multitude of component assemblies. The benefits of laser technology for these applications mean that it continues to replace other cutting methods such as Plasma, Oxy-Acetylene and even Water-Jet. However, for some, the initial investment cost of these systems from mainstream suppliers has been such that the technology has remained out of reach.

A new partnership agreement between Bromsgrove based TLM Laser and Chinese metal laser cutting equipment manufacturer BODOR is set to break down the cost inhibiting barrier to ownership of these types of systems within the UK and Ireland.

R

ecognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of laser technology and systems, TLM Laser continually evaluate opportunities to enhance their comprehensive product portfolio, to be able to offer the most technologically advanced and cost effective solutions to a wide range of laser processing applications.

As an advanced domestic supplier within their home market of China, BODOR Laser specialises in laser systems applications and integration. The company manufactures a wide range of flat-bed laser cutting and tube processing systems, designated CE compliant from TUV and therefore meeting European standards and International quality control levels.

With options on fiber laser sources from IPG or Maxphotonics, and laser power up to 40kW these systems are ideally suited for applications on a wide range of metals including Carbon Steels, Stainless Steels, Alloys, Aluminium, Copper and Brass.

TLM Laser’s Andy Toms explains the economic benefits of the BODOR Systems: “With the largest laser cutting equipment production workshop in the world, BODOR can leverage the benefits of scale when it comes to manufacturing cost. These systems are not only extremely attractively priced but also offer a wide range of innovations to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability.”

The full range of BODOR systems now available from TLM Laser have working envelopes ranging from 600mm x 600mm up to 6m x 2m for the flat-bed systems, and up to 6.5m in length for tube processing. Capable of cutting carbon steel up to 100mm thick, depending upon model and laser power, and with the ability to cut bevel edges to 45 degrees, the systems also feature a 360 degree fully enclosed design surrounding the working area, which provides a safe working environment by isolating both fumes and laser radiation.

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A series of features such as Auto-Focusing which is suitable for multiple focal lengths, with the focal position automatically adjusted based on sheet thickness, and Automatic Obstacle Avoidance, which offers full 360 degree monitoring of the environment to avoid collisions further enhance the capability of these attractively priced systems.

Andy Toms concludes: “There is no doubt that the price / performance characteristics of these systems will open up new opportunities for investment from a wide range of companies, including SME’s, who have until now been unable to take advantage of this type of technology. This is great news, especially at a time when many UK companies are seeking to re-shore manufacture and shorten the supply chain.”

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Crack the challenge of thermal egg processing with tubular heat exchangers

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers

Eggs are a key foodstuff and ingredient. According to industry data1, Britons eat an average of 197 eggs a year. While shell-on eggs account for the bulk of this consumption, processed egg products represent 20% of the market, with a value around £213 million a year. Processed egg products can take a number of forms but the most common is liquid egg, which accounts for around 64% of processed egg production in the UK2.

Buying British Overall consumer demand for eggs has risen steadily over the decade and Brits increasingly want the reassurance of home-produced eggs, with UK production growing 28% over the last ten years. One of the reasons for this is the recognised high production standards and food safety assurances which come with British eggs (indicated by the British Lion mark). That quality and reassurance is also sought by the buyers of processed egg products.

Not only does this place specific requirements on the raw materials used by egg processors, but it also means that the equipment used must be of the highest quality, delivering reliable results time after time.

Egg characteristics Fresh eggs have a thick white and an upstanding yolk. Over time, the white thins and the yolk spreads and enlarges as water passes through the membrane from the white into the yolk, weakening it. Because of this, eggs are refrigerated and processed quickly, usually within a week.

Liquid egg is a very delicate product as the proteins in egg are more sensitive to heat than other products, such as milk or juices.

This is due to the fact that the white and yolk are distinct components with different compositions and behaviours. When mixed, they interact mutually – for example, egg white is denatured at 58°C while yolk is denatured at 65°C. These low temperatures also make it hard to aseptically process natural liquid egg products; the eggs are frequently cooked before the required time and temperature minimums are achieved.

The importance of pasteurisation There may be a number of reasons to process eggs, including convenience, to extend shelf life or as part of other food processing and manufacturing operations. The main reason to pasteurise egg products is for food safety, but other

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1 2

reasons include ease of use, improved hygiene and product uniformity. Depending on the exact combination of treatment time and temperature used, it is possible to produce a shelf life of up to 16 weeks for refrigerated liquid egg products.

Irrespective of the treatment method used, it is important to use fresh, clean and sanitised eggs, and to chill and filter them immediately after breaking. The contents of an egg are essentially sterile until broken, so one of the aims of processing is to reduce or eliminate any bacteria or contamination which may be introduced once the egg is cracked. Liquid whole egg and yolk should be held at or below 4°C, and egg whites below 7°C. Yolk and whole egg products are generally pasteurised in their liquid form, while liquid egg white may be pasteurised when sold as a liquid or frozen product. In contrast, dehydrated egg yolk (with the glucose removed) is normally pasteurised by holding containers in a large chamber over several days.

Technical challenges For most liquid egg products, pasteurisation using heat exchangers remains the main form of heat treatment. Various time and temperature regimes are used to pasteurise eggs depending on the product, which could be whole egg; separated egg (whites or yolks); or a treated product, like salted yolk. Each type of product presents a different challenge in terms of viscosity, and products with added salt also introduce a higher likelihood of equipment degradation or corrosion.

Pasteurisation can have a number of unwanted effects, including gel formation and softening of the yolk, or irreversible denaturation of the proteins and changes to the appearance. If not handled correctly, thermal pasteurisation can decrease protein content, change physical characteristics such as texture and colour, and increase product viscosity. Choosing the right

There can be many reasons to process liquid egg, including convenience and improved shelf life

pasteurisation regime and equipment is therefore vital to minimise and prevent such unwanted effects.

Limitations of plate and smooth-tube heat exchangers In the past, many processors have used plate heat exchangers to pasteurise egg products, but these allow product to coagulate on the plate surface, fouling the heat exchanger so that frequent cleaningin-place (CIP) is required to maintain operational efficiency. This adds time, energy and cost to the processing, and also reduces overall capacity.

Tubular heat exchangers overcome some of these problems (for example, the larger diameter helps the product to run through the heat exchanger more easily) but there can be issues around heat transfer efficiency and the necessary size of the exchanger to achieve effective pasteurisation.

Why choose corrugated heat exchangers?

Fortunately, all of these issues can be overcome with the use of corrugated tube technology as employed by HRS, which uses turbulent flow to reduce fouling. Because a corrugated tube has an increased heat transfer rate compared to a smooth tube of the same length, the heat exchanger can be made smaller.

It is also important that the equipment chosen allows regular inspection and suitable CIP. Not only do HRS corrugated tube heat exchangers facilitate this, but because their design helps to prevent fouling in the first place, they also reduce downtime. Therefore, the operational run times between cleaning cycles are generally much longer with corrugated tubes than smooth ones, further increasing the overall efficiency of the process.

https://www.egginfo.co.uk/egg-facts-and-figures/industry-information/data United Kingdom Egg Statistics – Quarter 2, 2020 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/egg-statistics)

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

Forerunner Yesterday. Today.

Tomorrow.

The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. In the field of safety at work, we convince right from the start with trend-setting inventions, such as the development of the first protective sensor ever, to our latest safety innovation, “Smart Process Gating” – the space-saving solution for access guarding on conveyor lines. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving.

www.leuze.co.uk

we make ideas come to life

RMIG is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal and its related products.

We know our customers’ requirements for price and quality and meet their demands with uncompromising service.

Not only do we offer standard and bespoke perforated metal sheets, we are able to offer you a range of secondary operations as detailed below.

Complete solutions With a continued investment in the latest equipment and a network of professional partners we are able to produce prime quality products and solutions – from a simple perforated sheet to the fully formed and coated custom made part.

Cutting We can cut and shape perforated sheet to meet the needs of your final application.

Levelling For some applications a high degree of flatness is required, we have processes in place to ensure our perforated coils and sheets meet with your most demanding requirements.

Rolling and forming We can roll, bend and form perforated sheets to match your design.

Aesthetic finishes and protective coating We can offer powder coating and hot dip galvanizing solutions to meet your specifications.

For more information please contact us tel: 01925 839610 | email: info.uk@rmig.com | www.rmig.com

|19

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

THE EVOLUTION OF THE ENERGY CHAIN MP 420/560 EVOCHAIN® Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH has developed a new energy chain series with a unique and exclusive design that allows easy opening and closing with or without tools from the inside or outside of the chain. This is possible due to the innovative locking mechanism and the stability of the chain and shelving system.

It combines the latest developments and proven qualities of previous energy chains continuing the expected performance and reliability that is associated with Murrplastik drag chain. It is predestined for long and gliding travel distances for high dynamics and workload due to the chains stability, strength and design. This intelligent and powerful system solution is incredibly easy to assemble, durable and features noise reduction. Cables can be separated using our unique separator and shelving system, which easily clicks into the chain by hand.

• EVOCHAIN MP 420 with an internal height of 42mm

Download the brochure

• EVOCHAIN MP 560 with an internal height of 56 mm

Download the brochure.

HERE ARE 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE THE MP EVOCHAIN® ENERGY CHAIN SERIES. 1

EVOLOCK®: Time-saving crossbar lock system

• Extremely easy and quick locking with innovative locking slide • C o n f i g u r a t i o n on both sides with cables and conduits with EVOLOCK® on the inside and outside bend • Great time-saving as the energy chain does not have to be removed from the guide channel when opening the crossbars • Opening of the crossbars is also possible with mounted gliding shoes from the inside bend or with damping shoes from the outside bend • Visible locking status through acoustic and optical control

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2

EVORACK®: Shelf support system hinged on both sides

• Changes in the installed position can be made quickly and easily thanks to the innovative shelf supports that can be opened from both sides

3

EVOCONTROL®: Gliding shoe with wear control system • Replaceable gliding shoes extend the service life many times over • Wear indicator indicates the on-time replacement of the gliding shoes • Gliding shoes are optional extra

ENGINEERING PDATE

4

January 2021

EVOSHOX®: Damping shoe (external damper)

• Low-vibration and quiet unrolling of the energy chain due to innovative two-component damping shoe • Noise reduction by up to 25 dB(A). The test value is based on the comparison with and without the use of the external damper in combination with the internal damper with elastomer damping element

7

Assembly plan with integrated letter marking

10

Holder systems for the external fastening of energy packages

The two lateral external fastening solutions of Murrplastik offer an inexpensive, space-saving and timesaving way of retrofitting the MP 420 EVOCHAIN® with additional and larger energy packages: with Velcro tape or with holder type UH (universal holder).

• Fast and accurate assembly of the shelving system by providing an assembly plan with letter marking from the mp-ChainBuilder 3.0

8

Side links with tongue and groove technology

5 systems in the side link Two noise damping (internal damper)

• Long service life of the energy chains with lateral acceleration and lateral self-supporting applications due to undercut (stable connection of the side links)

9 shelving system

• Space-, time- and cost-saving external fastening systems • Two different holder systems with Velcro tape or with universal holder are particularly suitable for the subsequent installation and repair

Highly flexible

• Standard noise damper with moulded stop buffer • Option: extremely durable noise damper. Due to the large-area and almost wear-free damping element in the chain link the energy chains roll up to 10 dB(A) quieter

6 equipment

Cable-friendly interior • Continuous detent system on the inside of the crossbars as well as movable separators allow extremely variable interior partitioning • Shelves can be used individually and flexibly in height, length and position

• Reduction of wear on cables and conduits due to extremely smooth surfaces of the interior and rounded edges of the separators

• Modifications of installed systems can be made quickly and easily by opening the crossbars on both sides • Less separators required due to further slots on the inside for shelves

• Easy, fast and safe assembly of wires, cables and conduits

Murrplastik is represented in the UK by Murrelektronik. We have a specialist Technical Team for all your Cable Drag Chain enquiries.

We can help with identifying the most suitable chain for your application based on your individual requirements. We can supply cable layout drawings, 3D CAD files, the chain can be supplied fully assembled along with a single assembly number to make ordering quick and simple. We can also help identify existing Murrplastik chains if replacement links or components are re quire d .

Co nt act Claire.palmer@murrelektronik.co.uk

Tel: 0161 728 3133

|21

January 2021

Sales revenues up slightly by 1.2 % to € 759 million / Supply chain maintained / Customer communication expanded / Festive ceremony in September with former German Presidents Gauck and Wulff / 205 new jobs created worldwide



ENGINEERING UPDATE

HARTING Technology Group holds its own in anniversary year

The HARTING Technology Group, based in Espelkamp, held its own in the 2019/20 (September 30) business year despite the corona pandemic and the associated global economic plunge. Sales at the internationally active, family-owned company were up slightly by 1.2 % to € 759 million (previous year: € 750 million).

"We stood up to the global corona pandemic. We are satisfied with the result," stated CEO Philip Harting. As the COVID-19 situation continues to determine economic and social life, the CEO expects a challenging fiscal year 2020/21 for the Technology Group.

Diverging developments in the regions The regions in which HARTING is active worldwide developed differently in the 2019/20 financial year. Sales in Europe (excluding Germany) the Middle East and Africa, also known as EMEA, remained stable at € 278 million (previous year: 278 million). In the Asia region, HARTING sales rose vigorously by 9 % to € 202 million (previous year: EUR 186 million). Growth in the Americas region was even more pronounced, recording a 15% increase to € 82 million (previous year: 72 million). In Germany, sales were down by 8% to € 197 million (previous year: 214 million).

22|

A total of 205 new jobs created worldwide The number of employees (including trainees) rose to 5,473 during the 2019/20 financial year (previous year 5,268). This corresponds to an increase of 3.9% or 205 jobs.

In Germany, nine positions were not filled again (- 0.3%), while 214 employees were hired at other production facilities and subsidiaries (+ 8.0%). Consequently, a total of 2,604 people were employed in Germany and 2,869 people were employed across the globe on September 30, 2020. Growth in the Americas and Asia is reflected in these figures.

Rapid and flexible response to the pandemic Right from the outset, the Technology Group reacted quickly and flexibly to the ensuing pandemic. From the very beginning, the protection of employees as well as the supply of customers took top priority. This

includes supplying well-known manufacturers of medical and respiratory equipment with customerspecific cable assemblies. "We are and remain a reliable partner," as Philip Harting emphasised.

This applies to customer and market communication, which was duly converted and expanded to digital formats. Since spring, events and web seminars have been held in a dedicated studio and streamed to customers, distributors and media worldwide. "Since we are globally networked, we can react very quickly to changing conditions - and we are close to our customers," emphasised Philip Harting. Based on this new form of communication, HARTING is positioning itself for the future, as the CEO underlined.

The Technology Group will closely monitor the further course of the

Continue reading on Engineering Update...

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

DS-OCT12-BLACKFAST_Layout 1 20/09/2012 16:28 Page 1

Safety Guarding •

Complies with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

•

Clamping profiles allow different materials to be installed

•

Minimal effort required in construction

•

Smooth easy to clean outer surfaces

•

Comprehensive range of accessories

•

Quick assembly time

Profile Technology Linear Technology

Connecting Technology

01296 611 660 rk@pmgb.co.uk www.pmgb.co.uk/rk

Tel: 0208 339 7370

Modular Technology

Fax: 0208 339 7371 Unit 5 Russell House, Molesey Road Email: sales@blackfast.com Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3PE www.blackfast.com

jetpress.com

YOUR GLOBAL SOURCE FOR

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• Vast range of proven solutions to choose from • First class technical support & customer service • Bespoke design, development & manufacturing

Find your solution at jetpress.com sales@jetpress.com • 01623 551 800

|23

January 2021

T

CERATIZIT LiveTechPro – We don’t have to

be there to be there In these times of local and national lockdowns due to Covid 19, the manufacturing sector has continued to support the economy by continuing to work in safe and managed environments. However, in these times, the requirement for technical support to maximise cutting tool performance remains a priority. With travel restrictions and lockdowns this could prove difficult to deliver, but with its new LiveTechPro app CERATIZIT is providing the platform for its technical sales and applications engineers to have their eyes and ears there with you when you need them.

Image top: Ceratizit’s LiveTechPro allows operators and engineers to get live access to cutting tool issues deep within the machine tool

he innovative "LiveTechPro" solution from CERATIZIT provides immediate and competent visual support to deliver technical assistance in case of machining issues or simply to help optimise processes. It features a live, bidirectional video and audio connection between the customer’s machine operator/ production engineer and the technical support team from Ceratizit. This ensures a reliable service that can be activated within seconds to ensure production continues to run smoothly.

“Whilst our success has been built on the direct technical support our engineers give our customers on site and we would always want to work this way as a first choice, we are operating in extraordinary times and facing new challenges on a daily basis and ongoing support for our customers remains our main priority,” says Tony Pennington, Managing Director, Ceratizit UK & Ireland. “The LiveTechPro app is the next best thing to a physical visit, allowing our team to provide that support remotely and ensuring that customers continue to benefit from the performance advantages of our latest tooling developments.”

The technology involved with LiveTechPro will enable detailed discussions to take place as if a Ceratizit engineer was on-site, specific issues or elements of a component can be highlighted on screen, downloaded if necessary, for detailed discussion with responses and solutions being provided there and then in terms of technical advice. The LiveTechPro system allows for multiple levels of operation via smartphone or tablet, with conventional video being the starting point. However, it is also compatible with virtual reality technology to take support to the next level, with virtual hands-on support. “It is the next best thing to actually standing next to a machine, it will be our eyes and ears during these times of lockdown and reduced personal interaction as and when we cannot physically make a visit, as the interface between customer and Ceratizit employee using LiveTechPro is seamless and provides the reassurance that our technical sales and applications engineers don’t have to be there, to be there for them.”

The LiveTechPro app is available for iPhone and Android operating systems and can be downloaded directly from Ceratizit website or, the appropriate App Store at: Google PlayStore

24|



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Apple AppStore

“

Hygiene and safety are top priorities.

„

Han® F+B - Hygienic and robust.

Connectors for the food industry ■ ■ ■ ■

Easy-to-clean design especially for the spray zone Reliable connections ensured, even with daily cleaning Protection against water jets and aggressive cleaning agents IP69K rated, Ecolab approved and complies with EHEDG guidelines

One Range. No Limits: www.HARTING.com/UK/en-gb/connectors-food-industry

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

CME Expand Electrical And Control System Design Resource To Meet Increased Demand Somerset based Automation and Packaging Machinery specialist CME Limited has expanded its in-house electrical and control system design resource with the recent appointment of Matthew Thompson as Control System Design Engineer.

A period of sustained growth across both traditional markets, and new sectors such as Pharmaceutical and Food, has been the catalyst for this latest addition to the company’s Control System Design team.

Matthew brings with him a wide range of experience in electrical and control system design from a previous position within the confectionery and food sector in the North West of England. His appointment to the CME team enhances the company’s expertise and knowledge of multiple control systems including: Omron, Siemens, B&R, Beckhoff and Allen Bradley.

(Matthew’s recruitment further expands CME’s control system design resources) Tim Mitcham – Design Manager commented “We are delighted to have Matthew join our team at this time of growth and diversity into new and exciting markets and applications. His previous experience means that he is already making a valuable contribution to the business.”

CME Limited currently employs 120 people and is active across a number of sectors including: Tobacco, Legal Cannabis, Pharmaceutical Medical & Life-Sciences and Food Beverage & Confectionery. The company supports a wide range of customers worldwide ranging from multi-nationals to independent businesses.

Telephone +44 (0)1460 269500 Web www.cme-ltd.com E-Mail CME@CME-ltd.com

26|

Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, Everlube products & Coating Services Protection & life extension of your critical components throughout any crisis!

COATING SERVICES: l Thermal Spray & HVOF Coatings l Dry film lubricants - MoS2, PTFE, Graphite, WS2 l Coatings for corrosion, chemical & environmental protection l Titanium anodising l Zinc rich coatings for corrosion protection l Impingment coating processes for ultra thin solid film lubricants l Nonstick/release coatings for low coefficients of friction l Primers for rubber and plastics for sound absorbing and dampening materials l High temperature resistant coatings l Rare earth magnet coatings l Coatings for EMI/RFI shielding provide highly conductive coatings and platings to control electromagnetic interference l Ultra thin conformal parylene coating to reduce friction and protect against contamination l Pre-treatments including Ti Anodising, Phosphate Conversion Coating and Chilled Iron Blasting, Aluminum Oxide Blasting and Vapour Degreasing

Coating Services and Everlube Products ®

+44 (0)1386 425758 | eurosales@cwst.com | www.emcoatingsuk.co.uk

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Efficient assembly with RAS wiring machines Author: Mark Guest

Various tools and machines have been developed over the years to assist with control panel manufacturing. There are automated machines that will drill, tap mounting plates and cut out holes for cable glands. There are also Hydraulic punches to make the cut outs in enclosure doors.

These tools are part of Rittal’s Automation Systems (RAS) portfolio. But did you know our portfolio includes automated wire processing machines?

These machines offer substantial efficiencies and savings over the traditional manual tools.

Rittal and Eplan:

Your partners for sustainable panel building switchgear manufacturing ◾ Reduce costs ◾ Shorten processing times ◾ Increase productivity

Learn more at www.rittal.com/value-chain

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ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

There are three RAS wire making machines, each with a specific action: 1. The cutting machine Information about the length and diameter of the wire is generated by means of connecting software and importing data into the cutting machine. Based on this data the machine will precisely cut the wires to that specific length.

The operator only has to select which wires he needs, the length and the quantity.

2. The stripping machine The wire stripping machine processes both ends of the wire.

Whilst many companies still do this by hand, which time consuming.

The machine is programmed for a wire diameter and will automatically remove the wire insulation to a pre-described length. This is accurate and reliable for every operation

3. The Crimping machine The cripping machine is powered by compressed air or electrically driven. The machine automatically strips the insulation and compresses the wire end ferulle to the stripped wire. The operator can then simply screw the wire under a component connection.

Whilst manual wiring takes a lot of work, these three RAS wire making machines transform the work into one smooth process. This makes the whole job much simpler, faster and more efficient. In addition, it provides continuity due to the constant length of the wires that reduces residual waste.

All the semi automatic machines above can be incorporated in a fully automated Wire Terminal Machine. This machine greatly increases productivity and efficiencies of processing wires.

In conjunction with EPLAN’s Smart wiring each processed wire can collated in sequence ready for wiring in the control panel. 36 different wire types can be processed automatically

Visit the Rittal website to explore the wire processing products: https://www. rittal.com/uk-en//product/ list.action?categoryPath=/ PG0001/PGRP18861RAS1/ PGRP18864RAS1 or you can down load our latest wiring equipment brochure.

EPLAN Smart Wiring After the manual wire assembly, the following process begins: panel wiring. We can also make this process easier for you with the browser-based wiring optimisation solution, EPLAN Smart Wiring. This solution saves you a lot of time by not indicating an abstract connection, but a realistic functional wiring sequence based on the actual cabinet layout.

Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com or on twitter @rittal_ltd

g and

|29 www.rittal.co.uk

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Innovative planar motor system redefines material transport Beckhoff’s XPlanar system enhances flexibility in handling machines and plants Automation and motion specialist Beckhoff UK is setting a new standard for drive technology with the launch of it’s eXtended planar motor system. XPlanar, which features free-floating movers that electromagnetically traverse easily configurable planar tiles, opens up new degrees of flexibility with its multi-dimensional positioning capabilities and variable configurability in a multitude of industries.

The XPlanar system’s free-floating planar movers provide jerk-free movement and can remain contact-free at up to four m/s over planar tiles that can be arranged in any desired layout. Kept at a defined distance by electromagnetic forces, travelling magnetic fields generated in the planar tiles provide precise and high dynamic positioning of the movers.

The highly flexible floor and track layout means that XPlanar tiles can be arranged in configurations to suit any need. In the floor arrangement, distances between processing stations can be kept short and buffer zones can be planned into the layout. XPlanar can also be configured into a highly customised transport system, with the ability to create waiting zones and fast-track lanes to allow overtaking and avoid congestion.

The XPlanar movers are available in different formats depending on the application and are controlled by Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software. Capable of carrying

30|

loads up to 6kg, and even more when grouped together, movements specific to transported goods or production are possible naturally while travelling: lifting, lowering, weighing, tilting or rotating. The movers can also be operated vertically and upside-down, making the range of applications much more diverse.

“The XPlanar system is revolutionising product transport in production plants and machines,” said Stephen Hayes, managing director for Beckhoff Automation UK. “Industrial systems can now become simpler because XPlanar can now take over some of the tasks such as sorting and order handling, giving machine builders and operators a new level of freedom.

“Using the XPlanar system means unlocking the maximum possible flexibility in layout and architecture, and in positioning. As well as the full system, we also provide XPlanar starter kits, so that users can trial the system in their own environments and recognise the advantages of their own implementation early on.”

The XPlanar system heralds a whole new era in product transportation, with a wealth of possibilities being available in the modular Beckhoff automation portfolio right from the start. More information about XPlanar, TWINCat and the starter kits can be found on Beckhoff’s website.

SAFETY LIGHT CURTAINS WITH BLUETOOTH INTERFACE

SAFETY LIGHT CURTAIN APP MAKES COMMISSIONING AND SERVICE EASY The first safety light curtain from Schmersal with a built-in Bluetooth interface. The SLC440/COM with Bluetooth BLE is an active optoelectronic protective device that makes all status and diagnostic data on the operating status of the device available on smartphones or tablets via a Bluetooth interface on a real-time basis.

In combination with the Schmersal App "SLC Assist" the operator uses this diagnosis tool for a safe operation, setup and documentation of a Schmersal AOPD by using a smartphone or tablet.

THE "SLC ASSIST" APP

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

The “SLC Assist” App gives information about:

The light curtain with Bluetooth interface and the Schmersal App gives optimal support for:

• • • • • • •

Operating mode Beam signal level OSSD status Status of the protective field Number of OSSD switches Supply voltage Operating time

• • • •

Condition monitoring Optimal alignment Preventive maintenance Documentation according to industrial safety regulations

The App "SLC Assist" is available for Android and iOS devices.

Scan the QR code below for info, videos and App downloads.

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

ifm delivers the benefits of IIoT without the complications Developed specifically to be versatile, easy to use and fast to implement, the new moneo IIoT platform from ifm electronic provides a convenient and cost-effective solution to the challenge of converting the huge amount of data generated by modern plant and machines into useful information that can be used to reduce downtime, optimise efficiency and cut costs.

“IIoT is a hot topic in every sector of industry,” said Paul Stansfield of ifm electronic, “and there’s wide agreement that it has the potential to give users a real competitive advantage. However, IIoT solutions have a reputation for being costly and difficult to develop. Our moneo system changes all of that by making it easy to implement powerful and scalable IIoT solutions quickly at modest cost. To encourage users to try this for themselves, we’ve not only launched a full range of moneo software and hardware, but also a starter kit which has everything needed to implement a small moneo system at a very attractive price.” moneo is a modular system which users can readily configure to match their individual needs. At its heart is moneo OS, which provides flow modelling and automatic alarm functions, and well as facilities for managing all of the other moneo software modules.

These include moneo RTM, which can be used to implement fully customisable user interfaces that allow plant and machine information to be presented in numeric, graphical or dashboard formats, according to the user’s requirements. moneo RTM also provides

32|

powerful features for analysing and summarising the data collected by the moneo system.

Other software modules in the moneo range include moneo configure, which offers powerful management, fault-finding and configuration facilities for connected IO-Link sensors and devices; moneo infopoints which collects data from connected devices; moneo RTM-AVA which provides the ability to record vibration spectrum for detailed analysis; and moneo edgeconnect, which allows easy interchange of data between ifm sensors and devices connected to your moneo installation with your IT systems.

To complement the moneo software modules, ifm is offering moneo appliance, a ruggedised industrial PC that is preconfigured to provide a convenient basis for moneo implementations. For users wishing to use alternative hardware, however, the modules are also available in versions that can be used on a standard PC running the Microsoft Windows operating system. https://www.ifm.com/gb/en/shared/moneo

W

Smart sensing in 3D

Built-in apps make 3D sensor easy to use

RANTY AR

ct

on

s

years if m pr od

u

ifm’s amazing smart time-of-flight 3D sensor has built-in apps for; • Completeness in packaging or palletising • Checking volumes in materials handling • Levels of bulk material Making it so easy to set up, anyone can do it.

You’ll be amazed!

www.ifm.com //uk/o3d uk/o3d ifm Telephone (020) 8213 1111

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Optimising Industrial Operations with Data Visualisation Big Data – shorthand for the billions of transactions datasets generated daily – is key in industry, but simply collecting reams and reams of counts and figures isn’t enough. The data must of course be accurate and relevant. Moreover, it’s vital that it can be analysed in the right way to enable businesses to make the best data-driven decisions.

T

he actionable insights are already there, contained in the data. Data visualisation – viewing information in clear graphical forms – takes the guesswork out of analysing big data by cutting out the noise and making it easier to spot trends, patterns and unusual values (outliers.)

Often complex statistical analysis isn’t required; simply visualising data allows humans to understand the big picture unclouded by individual data points.

The ability to visualise data from different sources in one place makes it easier to identify organisational opportunities, shines a spotlight on inefficiencies, and can help solve other common challenges on the factory floor:

Reduce costly errors To err is human; the ability to spot inevitable mistakes in real-time and respond quickly can make a huge difference.

Representing data from varied sources on a centralised visual dashboard allows supervisors to see everything at a glance (shift productivity, machine downtime, outputs, etc.), making it easier to keep track of every part of the manufacturing process and action fast responses.

Streamline the supply chain By visualising data at any given time, and comparing against historical performance data, it’s easier to track ROI and delivery rates, identify where

34|

resources are allocated, and manage Overall Equipment Effectiveness to optimise supply chain efficiency.

Balance quality control with cost-cutting A visual data model makes it easy to see where resources are spent and proactively identify potential flaws; ensuring that all processes are designed to meet quality assurance standards in the most cost-effective way. Quality doesn’t always have to come at a price; some of the largest quality gains can be made by simple changes highlighted by the data.

Identify & eliminate inefficiencies Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the measurement and management of critical processes, often in real-time.

By visualising datasets related to resources, materials, productivity, and shift performance in a comprehensive database, ERP can be enhanced,

allowing decisions to be made more rapidly and with fewer errors.

Wherever you are on your IoT journey, graphically visualising data makes it possible to optimise operations.

Even without the facilities to capture data, it’s possible to prove concepts without wiring sensors, by using free to start, open-source software and Brainboxes BB-400 Industrial Edge Controller.

Watch the video guide to learn how sensor count data can be captured by the BB-400, and sent to a time-series database in InfluxDB, which will allow us to create graphical visualisations of the data in Grafana in the form of charts, graphs, and more.

Read More: FAQ – How Can I Send IO Count Data to InfluxDB & Grafana?

For more information contact:

sales@brainboxes.com

Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, Everlube products & Coating Services Protection & life extension of your critical components throughout any crisis!

COATING SERVICES: l Thermal Spray & HVOF Coatings l Dry film lubricants - MoS2, PTFE, Graphite, WS2 l Coatings for corrosion, chemical & environmental protection l Titanium anodising l Zinc rich coatings for corrosion protection l Impingment coating processes for ultra thin solid film lubricants l Nonstick/release coatings for low coefficients of friction l Primers for rubber and plastics for sound absorbing and dampening materials l High temperature resistant coatings l Rare earth magnet coatings l Coatings for EMI/RFI shielding provide highly conductive coatings and platings to control electromagnetic interference l Ultra thin conformal parylene coating to reduce friction and protect against contamination l Pre-treatments including Ti Anodising, Phosphate Conversion Coating and Chilled Iron Blasting, Aluminum Oxide Blasting and Vapour Degreasing

Coating Services and Everlube Products ®

+44 (0)1386 425758 | eurosales@cwst.com | www.emcoatingsuk.co.uk

January 2021

ODU Connectors

New Locking Kit for ODU-AMC® Advanced Military Connector An additional Locking Kit has been added to the Easy-Clean version of the well-known ODU-AMC® Connector range. The locking kit provides additional screw-locking to the original Break-Away function, offering further security whenever high vibrations are a factor.

The ODU-AMC® Easy-Clean connector system can be used, for example,on soldier worn radio or portable detection equipment where an additional locking feature can be added by the new 2in1 locking kit. Data and signal transmissions are thus protected even more reliably against connection interruptions, whilst the simple Break-Away function used at the headset end of the umbilical allows the user to quickly change interfaces and systems used.

Retrofitting is easy - the user-friendly locking kit can be fitted in just a few simple steps, with the kit containing a union nut + screw mechanism for the cable connector and a nut with thread for the bulkhead connector.

36|



ENGINEERING UPDATE

JOC_1098 KRUK Automation Half H-A.pdf 1 24/09/2015January 18:09:43 2021 ENGINEERING PDATE

Setting the benchmark...

Faster, compact, energy saving and affordable...

Kawasaki’s latest robots increase one of the largest robot ranges available today. They are more compact, provide smooth control and give increased all round performance.

For assembly the new collaborative duAro; for palletising the CP Series; the general purpose CX Series and the high-speed spot welding BX Series. Check out the new robots and see just how affordable they can be....

info@kawasakirobotuk.com kawasakirobot.co.uk +44 (0)1925 713000

Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd

> Corrosion resistant for up to 1000 hours in salt spray > Manufactured from a premium alloy with less than 0.1% copper content for corrosion resistance > IP tessng performed aaer impact tessng to verify the seal is maintained when the enclosure is treated roughly > Impact resistant up to 7 Joules > Reusable seals (Up to 200 compressions)

|37

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

50 Year old product makes dramatic comeback to help beat the virus When the Melaphone Speech Unit was

the UK have had these screens installed with

at British Rail stations, nobody could have

screens are individually made and every

predicted that half a century later it would

component is of the highest quality, giving a

suddenly be in such high demand.

clean, sleek and professional appearance in any

considerable success and approval. The

health-care environment.

The current Corona Virus Pandemic had created an urgent need for all protective

The Melaphone is still available as a stand-

equipment – both for personal use and in the

alone unit for installation into walls, glass or

working environment. This is the reason the

plastic screens, windows or doors. I can easily

Melaphone has come into its own again. Its unique design, with its resonating membrane

requires no special skill to install. The range

and air-sealed constructions, make it the

has been expanded to meet the growing

ideal device to install in any situation where

demand for the units. In addition to the original

face-to-face communication occurs. It not only

brushed aluminium model there is a stainless

offers protection from air-borne viruses and

steel model, a white powder-coated aluminium model and the newest and highly successful Himacs acrylic-resin model, which is at a very

through a screen. Its protective credentials

popular price. is very easy to keep clean and safe with an antiseptic wipe.

All of these models are available from stock and can be purchased from Melaphone VisAudio.

and designers for use in hospitals, laboratories and cleanrooms or anywhere hygiene is of

The Melaphone has now been built into the

paramount importance. It is a simple but

new Defender Virus Screens produced by the

Even after 50 years, we’re proud to still be

really ingenious invention which requires no

company and numerous doctors’ surgeries,

able to say ‘MADE IN THE UK’ at our London

servicing, wiring or electrical supply. And it

medical centres, clinics and pharmacies in

production facility.

WEBSITE: WWW.MELAPHONE.CO.UK

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

It’s all about the micron as Brandauer set to play key role in £500,000 new electric machine project

The ability to deliver motor laminations thinner than a piece of paper has helped a Birmingham manufacturer become part of an exciting new £500,000 project designed to prove the feasibility of a new electric machine.

Brandauer, which currently employs 45 people at its factory in Newtown, has taken its place in the UKALUMOTOR consortium, led by multi-industry engineering consultancy Ricardo and partners Aspire Engineering, Global Technologies Racing, Phoenix Scientific Industries and the University of Warwick.

The specialist in pressings and stampings will bring critical capability to the development of the stator and rotor used in the electric motor, using its micron capable toolroom, wire electric discharge machines (WEDM) and design and engineering consultancy facilities.

Fifteen engineers will be working on the project - which is backed by the Driving Electric Revolution Challenge Fund through UK Research and Innovation - and will be involved in developing low volume parts that will be used to fine tune processes, technologies and achieve the high volume UK manufacture of a next generation electric machine design.

Richard Gordon, Head of Research and Development at Ricardo, said: “We have long been known for industryleading innovation, R&D and manufacturing excellence, which is helping global transport manufacturers drive cost out of electrification.

“This award of funding from the Driving Electric Revolution Challenge fund is significant. It will enable our consortium to continue to support the mass adoption of electrification by making it more affordable, contributing to the green bounce back with an environmentally sustainable design and establishing the UK at the forefront of the global electric revolution.”

The latest project with Ricardo is the third funded collaboration Brandauer has secured in recent months, following on from innovative projects with Jaguar Land Rover and Saietta to deliver an e-machine stack line and Axial Flux Traction motor respectively.

“Our ability to manufacture to microns is proving a very attractive commodity to some of the major OEMs and technology partners looking to establish an electrification supply chain in the UK,” explained Mark Parsons, the recently appointed Innovation Project Manager at Brandauer.

The company, which received a Queen’s Award for International Trade last year, will aim to make the most of the £1m funding boost to cement its position in the electrification supply chain both domestically and in key international markets.

“This project is all about working towards an electric machine that can be built in high volumes and our role will be to produce laminations that deliver the magnetic field to power the motor.

Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, concluded: “There is a real opportunity for UK SMEs to stake their claim to be part of the electrification movement, but we have to be bold, invest in the right technology and be prepared to collaborate.

“Our growing reputation for delivering precision tooling solutions that can be adapted to high volume stamping of 0.1 mm thick materials sets us apart from other European press workers.”

He continued: “We are focussing on the ‘design for manufacture’ and expect to produce multiple iterations of the components until we arrive at a rotor and stator combination that delivers the demanded motor performance while still being scalable to series volumes.”

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“This appears to be a winning formula for our business, and we are confident it will lead to high volume work in an international electric motor market that is expected to be worth £28.5bn by 2025.”

For further information, please visit www.brandauer.co.uk or follow @cbrandauer on twitter

Your site, as most sites will be this Christmas break, be covered by a reduced team of engineers or maybe none at all.

So, are you prepared in the case of an urgent breakdown?

We have On Call Engineers, Variable Speed Drives, Motors and Weatherproof Hire Drives available 24/7 through out this time, with our new Quantum Prime solution. We can guarantee that within 30 minutes of your call, your order will be in transit.

As well as Weatherproof Hire Drives, we have a range of Ancillary Products to support your full temporary solution: Electric Motors

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Call our UK 24/7 Emergency Support Line to access our Rental Services or email us at:

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

StocExpo postponed to June 2021

A

s well as networking opportunities and a world-leading exhibition on the show floor, the bulk storage community will benefit from the insights of some of the industry’s leading experts on a wide range of trends and issues impacting the industry, from cyber security to LNG and beyond.

StocExpo, the leading tank storage event, has been postponed from March 2021 to 29 June - 1 July 2021 in a decision made in consultation with the community. The live show and associated awards, which regularly attracts key visitors and exhibitors from across the industry’s biggest, best and most innovative players, will be held at the Antwerp Expo in Antwerp, Belgium.

Also at the show will be a brand new Emergency & Response Zone, a nextgen roundtable debate, with input from StocExpo’s Forty Under 40 (due to be announced in early 2021), as well as a critical post-COVID-19 market analysis.

Lourda Derry, COO of Easyfairs Global, says, “We’re thrilled to be able to announce the return of StocExpo; we know how valuable it is to the industry and it’s great to be back in Antwerp.

“We know it’s a little later in the year than usual; we had hoped to hold the show in March as usual but we felt it safer to delay so we could ensure the event could be held in person.

Virtual shows can offer a certain level of content, but we understand how important it still is for us to connect and continue to foster key relationships face to face. We are confident that, with the positive global news, we will be able to bring the community back together in a more powerful way than ever!

“Tank storage was already in a time of transition before the pandemic struck, so now collaboration and knowledge sharing are more important than ever before; it’s the key to the sector’s ongoing success. StocExpo 2021 will be the event for everyone to regroup and reassess and move forward into the future with confidence.”

This decision has been made in close consultation with the industry and due to the ongoing unforeseeable, unavoidable and unprecedented global scope of the Coronavirus pandemic.

This has led to the Government

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implementing ongoing measures to maintain social distancing, further continuing the Force Majeure situation.

During the lead up to the June 2021 show, StocExpo will launch a series of digital events, putting the focus on the key issues that the industry currently faces and its solutions. The new ‘Tank Talk Spotlight On…’ series will connect innovative brands with forward-thinking specifiers to cover innovation and digitalisation trends.

The last of these spotlights will be part of a virtual conference, ‘The Terminal of Tomorrow’, running over the previously allocated show days; this virtual StocExpo conference will

provide the knowledge, resources & tools terminals need to prepare for 2021 and beyond.

StocExpo provides a platform for industry to come together, networking with people from across the supply chain and find the products and solutions needed for their businesses. For more information about the event, visit www.stocexpo.com To find out more, register your interest, or nominate yourself or a colleague for the Global Tank Storage Awards, call +44 (0)20 3196 4300 or visit www.stocexpo.com.

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

THE TERA 250

3D MICRO PARTS WITH ZERO COMPROMISES

F

or the last few weeks, Nanofabrica has been releasing details of parts produced on its Tera 250 AM system via its LinkedIn page. All the components produced show the versatility, extreme precision, and repeatability of the company’s micro additive manufacturing (AM) technology.

The Tera 250 allows manufacturers to disrupt the way that a product is designed, developed, and manufactured, key among the possibilities being the opportunity to take advantage of the way that the technology allows for the production of extremely complex geometries at no additional cost.

The Tera 250 is more agile and flexible than traditional manufacturing technologies, the requirement for no tooling meaning that designs can be altered with little expense, and the potential for mass customization is now open to OEMs in the micro manufacturing sector. AM also promotes the reduction of iterative process, assembly, and inventory. This means that significant operational cost benefits are now attainable at the micro manufacturing level.

Details of a couple of parts in particular stood out in the array that Nanofabrica recently demonstrated.

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MICRO LENS HOUSING The first is an industrial micro lens housing, the overall dimensions of which are X 6.586 mm, Y 6.586 mm, and Z 4.081 mm to accommodate 2.00 mm diameter optical lenses. The dimensions of the housing need to be extremely accurate for the precise positioning of the lens, and the overall part size has to be extremely small to fit into the slim mobile phone housing.

The advantages of using the Tera 250 AM System are that the lens housings can be personalised for highend customers, they can be made with no requirement for tooling or postproduction assembly which significantly reduces the time to market. In addition, they can incorporate properties and geometric complexity that would either be impossible of too expensive to achieve using conventional manufacturing processes.

The Tera 250 produced lens housings are characterised by extremely sharp and accurate features and fine details, and exceptionally smooth surfaces.

MOLD INSERT The second part showcased and produced on the Tera 250 is a mold insert with overall dimensions X 11.659 mm, Y 22.248 mm, and Z 19.521 mm. This mold insert exhibits high temperature resistance, high stiffness and robustness, and exceptionally high levels of detail and surface smoothness due to 1 micron layer thickness and 1.9 micron pixel resolution.

Using AM to make injection molds is the most costeffective process when contemplating low volume runs, as it requires no expensive tooling, and fast turn-around times are achievable. In addition, AM facilities simple changes and design iterations speedily and at minimal expense.

Avi Cohen, EVP Global Sales says, “While the Tera 250 can cater for high volume applications (multiple thousands of small parts and components fitting easily in the machine’s 5 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm build envelope), the introduction of an AM solution for micro manufacturers also means that OEMs are able to reduce the reliance on economies of scale, as the technology makes full production runs measured in thousands as inexpensive as producing one. The Tera 250 makes low to medium-volume production runs possible that have previously been uneconomic due to the high tooling and set-up costs associated with traditional manufacturing alternatives.”

“The Tera 250 appeals to an array of manufacturers that up until now have not been able to costeffectively or efficiently fulfil design intent using traditional manufacturing processes. In addition, being agnostic to part complexity, and therefore allowing the manufacture of hollow structures, holes, complicated interior details, and atypical shapes, Nanofabrica’s micro AM technology is promoting innovation and therefore is accurately described a true enabling technology”, Cohen concludes.

Reduce unscheduled shut downs, reduce maintenance costs and improve plant safety with our Valvescan Diagnostic Monitoring System.

Our revolutionary system is an end-to-end solution that captures data from every valve operation, analyses it and provides targeted alerts on the valve health without any requirement for involvement from plant personnel or any potential impact on the asset real-time control integrity.

It is a true IIoT solution for automated valves.

This system is not only a pioneering development in valve monitoring, it is also; ● Cost effective and easy to install ● Works with all existing valve systems ● Enables data retrieval and transmission to the cloud ● Provides a ‘real time health’ check on the valve and alerts when performance drop off is detected

Contact us to find out more:

08700 340 002 www.imtex-controls.com

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

RS Components is stocking an extensive range of RS PRO laboratory equipment RS own-brand range includes ultrasonic cleaning tanks, measuring cylinders, wash bottles, pipettes, reagent storage bottles and more

RS

Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, is now stocking an extensive range of its own-brand RS PRO lab equipment.

The range includes a variety of lab machines, containers, and consumables to suit all forms of laboratory work in scientific, clinical, industrial or medical environments.

For cleaning small items, such as surgical and medical instruments, the slimline RS PRO 10L ultrasonic cleaner has a 10 litre capacity and can fit neatly on the bench top. It features fully adjustable modes, including temperature and timer controls, and an easy-to-read digital display. The machine features a degas mode for the preparation of cleaning solutions, whilst the delicate and full power modes offer greater control of the cleaning process. A drain tap, with a standard ¼ inch BSP thread, is included for easy draining. A range of accessories is also available, including a wire basket.

For industrial environments, the freestanding RS PRO 36L ultrasonic cleaner has a 36-litre tank, which is ideal for cleaning and removing dirt, grime, grease and corrosion from a variety of large electronic and mechanical items. This machine includes a wire basket to prevent damage to the transducers and removable castor wheels, allowing safe operation from a bench top or on the floor. For permanent installation of the tank, a ½ inch BSP thread allows for easy and safe draining

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of its contents. The RS PRO 36L ultrasonic cleaner features adjustable temperature controls, as well as a timer, giving complete control for the application required.

Both machines feature a rugged stainless-steel construction, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant cleaning unit. A range of RS PRO ultrasonic cleaning fluids is also available.

The RS PRO lab equipment range contains an advanced selection of professional laboratory equipment, clinical measuring/dispensing

accessories, and multifunction lab devices. In addition to ultrasonic cleaners, the range includes wash bottles, measuring cylinders, pipettes, screw cap containers, reagent storage bottles, and centrifuge tubes.

All RS PRO products are competitively priced and come with the RS PRO Seal of Approval. This equipment has been through high-calibre compliance and quality testing to assure quality, durability, and consistency.

All products within the RS PRO range of laboratory equipment are shipping now from RS in the EMEA region.

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to discuss your next automation project, please get In touch with our design team

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Optical Micro CMM Installed at AMRC This installation, at AMRC, a world class centre for Advanced manufacturing based in the UK represents a continuing partnership between Bruker Alicona and AMRC. With the new µCMM they now have 4 focus variation optical metrology systems and indicates their commitment to Optical Metrology.

W

hen asked about the new system, the AMRC Metrology Manager, Richard James stated “We are very excited to have this state-of-the-art optical metrology system at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). The capabilities of the system greatly enhance our metrology capability, the ability to measure vertical walls inside holes is going to be a game changer in our 'One Way Assembly' grand challenge research programme. We have had a long relationship with the Alicona products which have helped the AMRC in many research projects into advanced manufacturing techniques which are now in production environments.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration with Bruker Alicona in the future”.

The µCMM, is the first purely optical CMM. It is used to measure extremely tight tolerances in high accuracy. Users combine the advantages of tactile coordinate measuring technology and optical surface measuring technology to measure the dimension, position, shape and roughness of components with only one sensor. The optical CMM offers high geometric accuracy of several optical 3D measurements in relation to each other, enabling the measurement of small surface details on large components and precisely determining the position of these individual measurements in relation to each other. The spectrum of measurable surfaces

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includes all common industrial materials and composites such as plastics, PCD, CFRP, ceramics, chrome, silicon. Simple operation is implemented by single-button

solutions, automation and ergonomic control elements such as a specially designed controller. www.alicona.com

15th International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems & Services

F 1 WS

O H S AT

E R G 2

S A T AN

T

IL A R IC

T N E EV

CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY 13TH INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE EXHIBITION

In 2021, Railtex will play host to Infrarail at the NEC, Birmingham from 11-13 May. The UK’s most important events in the rail calendar will come together to form the ultimate show for the rail industry.

To be part of the most comprehensive rail exhibition of 2021 contact the team on +44 (0)1727 814 400 or via email railtex@mackbrooks.co.uk

T H R E E S H O W S | T W O D AY S

B R O U G H T TO YO U B Y D ATAT E A M B U S I N E S S M E D I A

Sensors & Instrumentation live

WHEN

29-30 JUNE 2021

WHERE

NEC, BIRMINGHAM

CO-LOCATED

In June 2021, the NEC Birmingham will host an industry event like never before as three leading exhibitions Sensors & Instrumentation Live, Electronics Industry Live (formerly known as What’s New In Electronics Live) and Future Robotics Live - join forces for the first time.

This exciting new partnership will also offer a one ticket policy with co-located events, Interplas, Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty opening the doors to thousands of visitors and potential clients for your business.

Get in touch to find out how your business could benefit from exhibiting and secure your bespoke package today!

DESIGN, EMBEDDED, ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING www.electronicsindustrylive.co.uk WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Contact Harriet Campbell on T: 0844 381 4235 or at E: hcampbell@datateam.co.uk

ROBOTICS, MOTION CONTROL, VISION & AUTOMATION www.futurerobotics.co.uk WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Contact Aamir Rashid on T: 01622 699 188 or at E: arashid@datateam.co.uk

Sensors & Instrumentation live

SENSORS, TEST, MEASUREMENT & CONTROL www.sensorsandinstrumentationlive.co.uk

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Contact Louise Pudney on T: 01622 699 104 or at E: lpudney@datateam.co.uk

January 2021

PICKERING INTERFACES ANNOUNCES PARTNER PROGRAM WITH SYSTEM INTEGRATORS TO COLLABORATIVELY OPTIMIZE CUSTOMER TEST SOLUTIONS Formalized relationship with experienced professional partners will expedite efficient test solutions and improve customer experience Pickering Interfaces, the leading supplier of modular signal switching and simulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, has launched its Pickering Partner Program, which is designed to ensure that customers get the support they need from the best available systems integrator in their region for their application or requirements.

“Customers are working on more complex and diverse systems, and they may need a more complete product or service offering than we can provide,” explains Joe Woodford, Pickering Interfaces’ International Sales and Partner Program Manager. “The Pickering

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

ENGINEERING UPDATE

Partner Program will enable end customers in manufacturing sectors such as defense, aerospace, automotive and semiconductor, to capitalize on Pickering’s technology and utilize the systems and technology expertise of a systems integrator which is most closely matched to their application or requirement.”

Customers are encouraged to visit www.pickeringtest.com/partner-program/partners, where they can apply a number of filters – region, technology, market, product, software – which will lead them to the most appropriate Pickering Partner. The page currently contains links to approaching 30 systems integrators who have signed up for the program in the USA, Asia and Europe.

Pickering has thoroughly evaluated all partners – many of them have been Pickering customers for many years.

By signing up for the Pickering Partner Program, they are formalizing an existing relationship.

Systems integrator Partners will benefit from a closer contractual agreement with Pickering. They will have access to a number of resources and tools to help them deliver the best overall solution for their customers. Adds Woodford: “Our philosophy is based on three pillars: Design, Deploy, Sustain. We want our Partners to be closely involved in the design discussions with customers and help in the deployment stage as they will ultimately deliver turnkey systems based on our technology. Our main goal is to improve the customer experience.”

More details about the program can be found at www.pickeringtest.com/partner.

Design, Deploy & Sustain Your Automated Test System

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL PRESSURE MONITORING The GD4200-USB

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Dispensing of Ethanol Cooking Fuel Titan Enterprises’ flow meter technology is playing a vital role in supporting KOKO Networks (Nairobi, Kenya) deliver cheap, safe and clean cooking fuel into African homes.

Designed and built by KOKO Networks (“KOKO”), “KOKO Point” vending machines dispense liquid bioethanol to customers across Nairobi. Installed inside local shops, these clean fuel ATMs provide fuel in small quantities for daily cooking, and are part of an elegant solution to a widespread problem in African cities: how to get clean fuel for cooking into homes safely and affordably.

Across many African countries, where electricity connections are expensive and unreliable, and mains gas non-existent, the cooking fuel market is dominated by charcoal and paraffin, both of which emit toxic fumes and soot that contribute to the premature deaths of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Bioethanol (essentially industrial-grade alcohol) is an ultra-clean alternative that can be produced from a number of feedstocks.

In East Africa it is a sustainable by-product of the local sugar industry. Until now, however, it has been difficult to package, transport and retail in a safe and cost-efficient way. By removing the need for single-use plastic bottles, KOKO’s model gets fuel to customers at about half the price of traditional distribution models, creating a scalable solution to the dirty fuels problem.

KOKO has installed around 700 KOKO Point Fuel ATMs in corner stores right across Nairobi, and is preparing to expand across the rest of Kenya from next year. There is already strong demand for this safe, clean cooking fuel; customers simply dock their reusable KOKO fuel bottles into the machine, and once at home, connect the bottle to KOKO-designed twin-hob stoves.

Neil Hannay, Business development manager at Titan Enterprises, commented: “A few years ago we were approached

by KOKO to work with them on this life changing development for African families. KOKO required a highly reliable and inexpensive flow meter capable of precisely dispensing ethanol cooking fuel in small volumes.”

“As a result of our joint development, at the heart of each KOKO Point fuel ATM is a precision Pelton wheel turbine flowmeter that rotates freely on robust sapphire bearings and contains overmoulded magnets that are detected through the chamber wall by a Hall effect detector. The output from this turbine flow meter is a stream of NPN pulses that are directly interfaced with the electronic display. This combination of materials and technology ensures a long-life product with reliable operation throughout.

Constructed from totally non-metallic wetted components and offering a flow range of up to 10 litres per minute, our turbine flow meters are helping transform the way that African families undertake their daily cooking tasks."

For further information on the 800-Series turbine flowmeter please visit https://bit.ly/3iW6gVR or contact Titan Enterprises on +44 1935 812790 or sales@flowmeter.com. For further information on KOKO Networks, please visit www.kokonetworks.com.

Digital Rate & Total Indicator The Pulsite Solo from Titan Enterprises is a low cost, digital rate and total display indicator that is adaptable to suit almost any flow and rate measurement application across the manufacturing sector.

Requiring no external power, the compact Pulsite Solo has multiple mounting possibilities and can be configured to any flow element.

Programming on the Pulsite Solo is quick and simple using just the two front panel keys and following the prompts on the LCD display.

Battery powered and designed to indicate a variety of pulse input, such as coil, reed switch and logic, the Pulsite Solo will take frequencies up to 2 KHz and scale them to display rate or total. The scaling factors are adjustable from 0.01 to 9999 and the time base is selectable as seconds, minutes or hours. This versatile indicator can also be externally dc powered if required for use with electronic sensors.

Available as a panel and surface mounted unit, the IP64 compliant Pulsite Solo is a reliable and long-term display unit proven across a wide range of operating environments. When solely powered by the replaceable battery, the Pulsite Solo can operate in excess of 5 years when used as a flow totaliser. As a digital flow rate measuring instrument, the battery life of the Pulsite Solo depends on the duty cycle but will still provide several years of operation.

For further information on the Pulsite Solo digital flow rate and total indicator please visit www.ratetotaliser.com or contact Titan Enterprises on +44 1935 812790 or sales@flowmeter.com.

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Optimisation of linear guides in food production: Bakery enjoys tenfold increase in service life When linear guides in the food and packaging industry fail to last for their expected service life, it can make sense to use solutions equipped with integrated lubrication units. These units release lubricant continuously over a long period of time. By switching to this type of linear system in its dough slicing machines, a large bakery is saving more than €200,000 a year in maintenance and downtime costs.

The linear guides serving the process-integrated band cutters in the bakery’s dough slicing systems were failing every three weeks on average.

Despite being coated with an Armoloy finish – and using food-grade grease – the desired performance criteria could not be met.

To overcome its issues, the bakery sought a linear guide that would not only offer long service life, but be capable of higher speeds as the company planned to boost the productivity of its dough slicers from 250 to more than 300 cycles per minute.

Within the framework of NSK’s AIP (Added Value Programme), company experts performed an on-site assessment of the application’s environmental conditions, as well as linear guides that had failed.

Once complete, the team recommended the use of NH/ NS series stainless steel linear guides in combination with a K1 food-grade lubrication unit.

After an initial trial had been completed successfully, it prompted the bakery to fit all of its dough slicing machines with this proven solution.

The NH/NS series is designed to perform precise linear motion (even at high speeds), with stainless steel versions particularly suited to food and beverage manufacturing environments. Long service life is not compromised even when

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subjected to frequent and deep cleaning cycles.

NSK’s K1 lubrication units provide a clean and FDAapproved solution in the truest sense of the word because the lubricant is incorporated in a carrier medium and released little by little to ensure supply over a long time period.

Meticulous sealing prevents contaminants from reaching the running surface, and far less lubricant is released into the surroundings than with conventional solutions.

Feedback from the bakery speaks for itself.

Since changing to the NH/NS series, the company performs maintenance routines after 32 weeks at the earliest, which compares extremely favourably with replacing the linear guides every three weeks. This outcome represents a more than tenfold increase in service life. Annual savings of €206,000 have been achieved thanks to the need for far fewer replacements, along with reduced maintenance and machine downtime.

To further extend the potential benefits, NSK has recently introduced the K1-L lubrication unit. The K1-L houses a new polyolefin-based carrier material with a much larger reserve of lubricant, leading to a service life which is typically double that of the K1 series. Fully compatible with NH/NS series linear guides, the K1-L acts as a direct replacement for existing K1 units.

A bakery was able to increase the service life of linear guides in its dough slicers by more than tenfold thanks to stainless steel NH/NS linear guides with K1 lubrication units

The new NSK K1-L lubrication unit offers twice the service life of the K1 series

www.nskeurope.com

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Advantech Launches AIMB-233 “THIN” Mini-ITX Industrial Motherboard with 8th Gen. Intel® Core™ Advantech, a leading provider of industrial motherboards, is pleased to release AIMB-233, a low-profile industrial-grade “THIN” Mini-ITX motherboard to enable graphics processing and computing power in limited space applications.

AIMB-233 is powered by an 8th Gen. Intel® Core™ Processor, features diverse I/O ports and utilizes an optimized thermal solution. With an overall height of just 25 mm, this motherboard is an excellent choice for slim design applications in Human Machine Interfaces (Panel PCs), mobile devices, nursing carts with integrated wall displays, patient care systems and medical imaging processing.

Featuring Dual Ethernet and Numerous I/O for Diverse Applications Advantech AIMB-233 features multiple high-speed I/O — including 8 USB ports (1x type C USB 3.1, 3x USB 3.1, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0), 2x SATA III, PCIe x1, 1x M.2 M-Key, and 1x M.2 E-key (optional full-size MiniPCIe) — to consolidate legacy and modern peripheral devices on a motherboard.

Additionally, this motherboard has 8-bit digital programmable I/O, 6x COM ports (one port for RS232/422/485) and a 2W dual-channel audio amplifier. AIMB-233 is further equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports that deliver up to 1000 Mbps of

bandwidth for two network segment applications. These features allow AIMB-233 to support a wide range of peripherals and network connections in a myriad of applications.

Designed to Empower High-End Graphics and Low-Latency Storage AIMB-233 supports high-speed interfaces via USB Type-C Alt to offer USB, DisplayPort and HDMI. USB Type-C Alt supports a max. 4906 x 2034 @60Hz resolution to deliver excellent graphics to medical imaging processing. The M.2 M-key socket enables the use of high-performance SSD to deliver reliable high-speed processing for critical data operations.

Automation applications.

Enhanced Security Medical Applications

Solution

for

Medical devices, including radiation/ diagnostic equipment, monitoring devices, and patient information systems require advanced security capabilities. AIMB-233 motherboard features secure hardware and software to protect data and patient privacy. Its software, UEFI Secure Boot and boot guard, secures preboot environments, while its hardware supports optional TPM 2.0 for enhanced data protection.

AIMB-233 Key Features:

Harsh

Equipped with 8th Gen. Intel® Core™ i / Celeron mobile processors

AIMB-233’s fanless design reduces time-to-market for System Integrators.

This motherboard provides powerful and stable computing performance in a wide temperature range (-20~70°C) and in harsh environments.

Additionally, its 12-24V DC-in feature supports flexible system power designs for Medical and Industrial

Dual channel DDR4-2400 260-pin SODIMM up to 32 GB

Rapid Deployment Environments

in

8x USB, 2x SATA III, 6x COM, 1x M.2 M-key/8-bit GPIO, 1x M.2 E-key Triple display by Type C Alt. + HDMI + LVDS (or eDP*) FCC/CB Class B Certified and ESD level 4 (Contact 8 KV) 12~24V DC power input Pre-installed WISE-DeviceOn software for remote monitoring and management * Note: BOM optional function by request.

Advantech AIMB-233 industrialgrade “THIN” Mini-ITX motherboard is available now. For further information or Advantech Industrial Motherboard products, please contact your local sales support team, an authorized channel partner or visit www.advantech.eu.

Learn more as well about Advantech’s local customization options under http:// bit.ly/AdvantechDMS.

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Renold Gears OQSx Oil Quality Sensor

The Renold Gears OQSx Oil Quality Sensor is your ideal solution for accurate real time gearbox oil condition monitoring.

Easily and quickly installed the OQSx detects all wear and contamination elements to an exceptionally high level and provides an accurate statement of oil condition second by second – in any oil type and in any application, giving you a true 360 degree view of how your oil is performing.

> Accurately reports precise condition of oil in real time > Patented technology > Independently certified for accuracy, sensitivity and reliability > Robust and reliable in the harshest conditions > Easy to install > Configurable for any oil type, in any application

e gears.sales@renold.com

w www.renold.com

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Essentra Components and Custom Fittings find the gold standard of industrial relations Custom Fittings are leading manufacturers and stockists of stainless-steel hose fittings, tube fittings, connectors and adaptors, and are key suppliers to quality critical industries that range from Oil and Gas to Aerospace.

They didn’t have a single urgent problem – they had a comprehensive long-term problem – how to reliably source protective end caps in corporate coded colours at short notice on a frequent basis.

In essence they needed that gold standard of industrial teamwork - a good supplier – one who would care for their hard-won reputation as a leading manufacturer and sustain the relationship over an extended period.

Custom Fittings take seriously their duty of care to customers, since damaged internal and external threads, and flanges, can result in leakage and potentially present a danger to the environment. To keep their customers safe and minimise loss of revenue, it is critical to protect those components with caps at every stage of the parts’ journey, including packaging, distribution and storage.

Fortunately, they found that Essentra Components were able to provide a full range of BSP, JIC, metric, flange, and B-seal caps, in blue, red and opaque white colours to match their branding, in different materials and types, right off the shelf. By protecting fittings in manufacture and transit they were able to ensure no loss of time or money due to damage and returns, greatly enhancing customer service.

As Mark Crowther – Director at Custom Fittings explained “Essentra Components caps are an integral part of Custom Fittings’ manufacturing process, helping to deliver consistent satisfaction across our international customer base. We appreciate when a solution works – that’s why we always work with Essentra. They offer a range of caps that do an outstanding job of protecting our fittings.”

For over 35 years this relationship has

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provided end user customers with properly protected fittings, and has played an important part in building the Custom Fittings reputation, allowing them to expand into Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverage, Hygiene and Defence, always supported by a reliable, hassle-free service with a depth of solutions.

The full case study can be found here: https://www.essentracomponents. com/en-gb/news/case-studies/ custom-fittings-case-study.

Further information on Essentra Components products can be found on the Essentra Components website – www.essentracomponents. com. Follow them on social media: https://facebook.com/ essentracomponents/, www.linkedin. com/company/essentra https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UCD2g7tiLiKxsDptdC79BNQ

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

pressure sensors KELLER (UK) Ltd. Little Keep Gate, Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1AH UK and Ireland: T. 0845 643 2855 F. 0845 643 2866 E-Mail: sales@keller-pressure.co.uk Web: www.keller-pressure.co.uk www.keller-druck.com

PIEZORESISTIVE OEM PRESSURE

TRANSMITTER 4 LD…9LD WITH I²C INTERFACE

AND EMBEDDED SIGNAL CONDITIONING – No external components – Ranges 0…1 bar thru to 0…200 bar – Accuracy, error band +/- 0,5%, 0…50 °C – Sizes Ø 11 m, 15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm bar – Very low power consumption

PRECISION PRESSURE TRANSMITTER 33 X – Ranges 0…0,2 bar thru to 0…1000 bar, adjustable – Output signals: 4…20 mA, 0…10 V, RS485 Digital – Mathematical on-board error correction – Accuracy, error band 0,1 %FS, 10…40 °C – Optional enhanced precision to ± 0,01 %FS

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

PPMA Welcomes New Chairman The PPMA Group of Associations (“PPMA Limited") is pleased to announce the appointment of David Barber as its new Chairman from 3 December Barber, who was elected to the PPMA board of directors in 2017 – and is the Head of R&D for multinational metal detection specialist Mettler-Toledo Safeline – succeeds Tim Paul after two successful years in the chair.

postponement of live events, face-to-face networking opportunities, and training and seminars – to name a few. We have had to be flexible, adapt to change, and look at other mediums to support members during the imposed restrictions.

With experience in business transformation and helping to bring about a range of innovative products and services aligns strongly with the PPMA’s ethos in how it continues to support its 500+ membership.

“Under David’s chairmanship, and with the continued support of the PPMA board of directors and PPMA staff, I believe that we’re in a strong position to run our flagship PPMA Show next year (2021), as well other bespoke industry events. It is a huge credit to the way the PPMA has been run over many years and testament to those it continues to serve.”

Commenting on Barber’s appointment, former PPMA Group of Associations chairman Paul, said: “David has significant experience of implementing successful projects and embraces the Group’s strategic objectives in how it reaches out to even more members.

“Through the onset of the coronavirus and the UK’s future trading relationship with Europe, the PPMA has had to change its modus operandi due to the

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In response to his new appointment, Barber paid tribute to Paul for his hard work, achievements, and helping to circumnavigate the Group through a period of unprecedented change.

“These are challenging times, but it has reinforced the value of trade associations to receive advice and for members to

utilise the PR opportunities available to promote their products and services.

“It’s fair to say that the processing and packaging industry has probably outperformed many other industry sectors due to being heavily involved with the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Economic challenges are often when the most opportunities arise because companies are forced to think outside of the box.

Therefore, the PPMA needs to be an enabler to support members; whether through live or virtual events, business information, or lobbying-type activities in conjunction with associated third-party organisations.

“As a business, we have to continually adapt to change and be on the front foot. It’s important to look beyond our immediate sector to share information and efficiencies, and to leverage from a wide network of events and other industry resources.”

While Barber believes that the PPMA should always remain true to its roots in being able to stage worldclass events, he recognises that the PPMA has come on a long way since the Association was founded in 1987 to what it can offer its membership today.

He believes that digital technology will have a greater role to play in how the Group engages with its members and the positive impact it can have on business efficiencies.

“The world is changing, business is changing, and we need to make sure that the PPMA Group of Associations is equipped and flexible in its approach to serve all those it supports,” added Barber.

“The Group has always been keen to embrace new ways of working; therefore, embracing new technologies and industry unification are key to the ongoing success of the PPMA and UK manufacturing at large.”

JOC_1098 KRUK Automation Half H-A.pdf 1 24/09/2015January 18:09:43 2021 ENGINEERING PDATE

Setting the benchmark...

Faster, compact, energy saving and affordable...

Kawasaki’s latest robots increase one of the largest robot ranges available today. They are more compact, provide smooth control and give increased all round performance.

For assembly the new collaborative duAro; for palletising the CP Series; the general purpose CX Series and the high-speed spot welding BX Series. Check out the new robots and see just how affordable they can be....

info@kawasakirobotuk.com kawasakirobot.co.uk +44 (0)1925 713000

Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd

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January 2021

mk



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Vacuum Conveyor for Non Woven Strips

Profile Systems recently received a request for an application in the production of nonwoven strips which required cut sections of non-woven fabric to be transported from one machining station to the next. The material was very thin and light with the system needing to run at a high speed of 140m/min. The strips had to be transferred from one conveyor to the next without any damage and it also had to be possible to cut them again as they passed through the system. They had to maintain their position as they passed through the system with the conveyor technology needing to be integrated into a customer-provided frame. The system was required to be able to handle strips of various formats without retooling.

mk used a vacuum conveyor consisting of a belt conveyor with BC lower belt drive. The conveyor frames were made from square, stainless steel tubes, with each having a suction nozzle that allowed for maximum flow rate to establish the vacuum. Oblong holes run along the running side of the conveyor frames. A perforated belt allows the hair removal strips to be vacuum-gripped so that they can be securely transported even at high speeds. The conveyors are only 50 mm wide and are configured as eight-line conveyors. This allows the customer to switch the vacuum on or off in individual lines and configure the system for different strip widths. This ensures an optimal suction pressure in all cases. The conveyors are equipped with ø19 mm rolling knife edges on both sides to achieve short transfer distances. The conveyor frames are equipped with welding bolts for mounting in the customer-provided frame. The conveyors are arranged such that the hair removal strips can be transported from one conveyor to the next. The transfer conveyors are positioned upside down with the running side facing downwards, allowing the hair removal strips to be transferred while suspended below the conveyor. They are then transferred to the top side of the next conveyor. This ensures reliable transfer. In some locations two conveyors are arranged atop one another so that stacks of hair removal strips can be clamped between the conveyors and then transported and cut without sliding.

The finished system has provided the customer with a very fast and reliable way of conveying a small, lightweight product. It is extremely versatile in operation and optimised for maximum flow rate with extremely short transfer distances.

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Curved modular belt conveyor Efficiently handle any route

Wide variety of layouts with a single drive Compact overall width and a maximum usable width Lateral movement of conveyed products are possible

www.mkprofiles.co.uk

mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group

January 2021

BPMA Signs 100th Member The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) – the organisation which represents the business interests of UK and Irish suppliers of liquid pumps and related equipment - has reached the milestone of 100 member companies The most recent company to recognise the benefits of membership and achieve the accolade of being the BPMA’s 100th member is Surrey based, repair, service, and supply specialist, PumpServ.

Formerly known as London Pumps the business is now part of the Keltic Engineering Group, which has vast experience in the pump industry. Currently the group employs over 75 people and has nationwide coverage with warehouse and offices in Surrey and Hampshire, and regionally based engineers operating throughout the UK. PumpServ is one of the top three distributors in the UK, supplying major brands such as Armstrong, Dab, Ebara, Grundfos, KSB, Sulzer, Wilo, and Xylem. Its services range from commercial heating pumps and chilled water pressurisation units through to wastewater and drainage pumping stations.

Providing 365 days a year emergency breakdown cover, its skilled staff are available 247 to help with enquiries and provide technical assistance.

Commenting on its membership of the BPMA, Matt Magee, CEO of PumpServ said: “Like the 99 members that preceded us, PumpServ have recognised the value offered by BPMA membership. We are excited to capitalise on the first-class training, excellent networking opportunities and improved access to technical standards. Our membership of this renowned organisation further enhances our standing within the pump industry and reflects our commitment to become one of the leading Pump Engineering companies in the UK. We look forward to working closely with the BPMA during the next stages of our development.”

Further information can be found at https://pumpserv.co.uk/.

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

ENGINEERING UPDATE

www.bpma.org.uk

Another company to appreciate the commercial opportunities afforded by membership is Polypump Ltd. Based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, the company represents leading professional rotating equipment manufacturers with a bias towards centrifugal and positive displacement pump systems, mixers, chemical dosing systems, larger gear drive systems and speciality motors.

Focusing on pump and system reliability, reducing MTBF (mean time between failure) and energy efficiency, Polypump supports a range of sectors including Power, Oil, Food Processing, Beverage, Water & Waste, Mining, Nuclear, Chemical Processing, Fire and Facilities Management.

Further information can be found at https://www.polypump.co.uk/.

Rapid Solutions (International) Ltd has also signed up to be a full member of the BPMA. Founded in 1996, it provides repair, overhaul, upgrade, installation, and commissioning services for virtually all types and brands of pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, valves, and other rotating equipment.

From engineering and design to installation and maintenance, the company has a long history of implementing ‘value added solutions’ by utilising its technical expertise and advanced technology. Over the past two decades, operating in a range of industries including Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Maritime and Agriculture, the Rapid Solutions’ team has successfully completed numerous large- and small-scale projects in many regions of the world.

Further information can be found on at https://rapid-solutions.net/.

Steve Schofield, Director and Chief Executive of the BPMA said of this latest milestone achievement: “I am thrilled to welcome these three businesses into our association and provide them with all the support services at our disposal. Their respective skillsets and competencies interlink nicely with other members, and we look forward to developing strong and mutually rewarding relationships with each of them over the coming months."

He added: “This would have been a significant achievement in any year, but to have secured our 100th member during the challenging times we have all been experiencing throughout 2020 is really quite remarkable. My congratulations go to Matt and all his team at PumpServ for becoming our record breaking 100th BPMA member”.

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd and the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) enter into a Partnership Agreement Agreement will accelerate the development and availability of new medical and pharmaceutical therapies to improve patients’ lives.

Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd and Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) are pleased to announce they have entered into a partnership agreement enabling customers the ability to view and utilise Hamamatsu’s Functional Drug Screening System (FDSS) µCELL. This is the first FDSS/µCELL to be made available in the UK in this way.

for pharmacological activity. These capabilities are usually unavailable to all but the largest organisations. This collaboration allows organisations of every size the opportunity to accelerate their drug discovery programme”. Says Professor Mike Hannay, Managing Director of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) .

This new collaboration aims to leverage the photonics expertise, novel proprietary technology and applications of Hamamatsu, with the significant medical technology research and development capabilities of MTIF.

“Hamamatsu has a long history in developing cutting edge scientific equipment for the life science market; our FDSS/µCELL enables scientists, such as those working at MTIF, to make breakthroughs in the field of drug discovery and compound research. We are really excited about this new partnership between Hamamatsu and the team at MTIF helping to make such advanced instrumentation available to hundreds of potential users throughout the UK research community”. Tim Stokes, Managing Director of Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd.

“This is a high-end specialist piece of equipment utilised in the development of innovative medicines around the world. We are very excited to be able to provide customers with this capability, that complements our own research using this technically superb equipment”.

Says Professor John Hunt, Head of Strategic Research at MTIF and within Nottingham Trent University .

“This partnership provides companies with a unique opportunity to use cutting edge high through-put technology to screen compounds

The FDSS/μCELL is a compact, easy to use screening system that enables monitoring of GPCRs and ion channels for drug discovery and life science research. Screening various compounds at high throughput

(96 / 384 well assays) is enabled by fluorescence or luminescence measurements using a highly sensitive Hamamatsu camera, which captures cell dynamics under the same conditions with no time lag between wells. It is also capable of recording changes in electrical potential in iPSC-derived neuronal and cardiac stem cells to gain a better understanding of toxic compound effects.

Through this new technical collaboration, HPUK and MTIF will organically integrate their respective advanced technologies and development capabilities to showcase this novel laboratory screening technology onsite at MTIF in Nottingham, UK.

Hamamatsu Photonics and MTIF aim to benefit the UK life science sector by accelerating the availability of new medical and pharmaceutical therapies. By aligning capabilities and ambitions, the parties will deliver benefit to clients by helping them to successfully navigate the complexities of discovering drug and cell therapy candidates.

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Compact Rack Scanner for Easy Liquid Handling Robot Integration Compatible with all 2D barcoded tube racks in SBS format, the Ziath DataPaq™ Express is the smallest footprint rack scanner currently available.

With a footprint of only slightly more than one plate / rack position, the DataPaq™ Express offers a space-saving way to integrate a fast full-rack scanner on to a liquid handling robot. Designed with a separate power and processing box, which can be positioned under your liquid handling robot and under your deck, using a DataPaq™ Express scanner frees up vital deck space.

The uniquely low form factor of the DataPaq™ Express allows liquid handling robots easy gripper access to simply pick up and dispense from racks on top of the scanner. Offering rapid image scanning and decoding in just two seconds, the camera based DataPaq™ Express will also help improve your robotic workflow.

Baseplates and drivers are available to enable easy integration of the DataPaq™ Express with most commercial liquid handling robots, including those from Tecan, Hamilton, Perkin Elmer, Beckman, Andrew Alliance and Hi-Res Bio. The DataPaq™ Express scanner is easy to set-up and can be ready to use only a few minutes after taking it out of the box. The fast full-rack scanner arrives fully calibrated and is ready to read all makes of SBS format 2D barcoded racks and tubes. Powerful DataPaq™ software makes it simple to export data to Excel, XML or text/CSV, and scanned images can also be saved. The DataPaq™ software can also connect with Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres and other databases.

For further information please visit http://www.ziath.com/index.php/ products/barcode-scanning/datapaqexpress-rack-reader or contact Ziath on +1- 858-880-6920 / +44-1223-855021 / info@ziath.com.

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ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

WITH FULLY INTEGRATED PROXIMITY PROBES Condition monitoring specialists SENSONICS offer an extensive range of PROXIMITY SENSORS which includes their fully integrated PRI SERIES which build upon the success of their established Senturion proximity probe range. The innovative PRI Series is a single probe assembly solution featuring direct processed outputs which eliminates the need for a separate driver. The benefits are a more cost-efficient and easy-to-install solution as there is no driver, extension cable or associated driver housing, so capital and installation costs are kept to an absolute minimum.

P

roximity probe systems are usually made up of a calibrated probe, extension cable and driver. The new PR l04 proximity probe system is a fully integrated probe with all these elements contained in the probe body. Utilising the eddy current principle, this combination forms a tuned circuit with the target material and variations in probe face to target distance are detected in this circuit by the driver, providing highly accurate vibration and relative positional measurements.

Sensonics has continued to develop the PRI Series which has further extended the applications for proximity sensing, such as a rod drop option for engine monitoring. This option provides both a dynamic output and bearing wear indicator by measuring the bottom dead centre (BDC) position of the crank of a reciprocating engine.

The probe offers up to 4mm of BDC measurement range and auto-gapping LED’s enable easy installation and set-up. The bearing wear is captured through a sample and hold feature and is available on a 4-20mA current loop which avoids the need to use the engine speed (which may be variable) to capture the measurement and therefore simplifies the system.

Also, recent design enhancements has resulted in improved performance for less demanding OEM applications with operating temperatures up to 120ºC such as; industrial gearboxes, pumps, fans, blowers and hydro-generator applications.

Meanwhile, the 180ºC rated standard XPR04 probes with separate drivers are suitable for use on higher temperature machines such as steam turbines.

Higher reliability is assured thanks to no external driver and tuned cable assemblies, whereas coaxial connector interfaces can be a major failure point on standard proximity probe systems.

This is because they are susceptible to ingress of oil and dirt which can result in intermittent connection through either improper installation

or mechanical stress. Also the PRI option has no cable length restrictions compared to standard probes which are typically restricted to 5m and 9m systems due to the required tuned circuit between the separate driver and the probe. With the PRI option there is no such restriction as they can drive long cable distances (>500m) to the connecting equipment.

It is available in a standard 10m cable for direct termination to the connecting equipment or a local junction box and by utilising the same 8mm diameter tip (as per API670 proximity probes) the PRI case body is available in the standard M10 and 3/8” UNF variants providing an easy retrofit option. ENDS More at: https://www.sensonics. co.uk/condition-and-vibrationmonitoring-sensonics-solutions/

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January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Digital acceleration heightens PTC’s expansion in UK and Ireland One of the UK’s leading providers of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions is reporting a 25% increase in channel sales in 2020, with operational issues caused by Covid-19 accelerating the race for digital transformation.

Farnborough-based PTC® has seen strong growth across its portfolio, including its Industrial IoT platform, product lifecycle management and CAD solutions for design and manufacturing companies across all industries.

The company has also been driving the industrial use of Augmented Reality through its Vuforia® Expert Capture software, which allows processes to be recorded, edited in the cloud and then viewed in another location via wearable tech, such as Microsoft HoloLens.

Initially this was being used by companies to teach processes to new employees, but the solution delivered unique value during the start of the pandemic when PTC worked with the VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium to train hundreds of frontline workers to produce ventilators at various sites across the country.

This approach to rapidly building new Smiths and Penlon production lines enabled the successful delivery of over 13,000 ventilators to the NHS in just a few months.

“We are seeing phenomenal growth in the number of businesses embracing digitalisation, with many bringing

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forward projects in order to avoid situations seen earlier this year,” explained David Grammer, General Manager of UK and Ireland for PTC.

operations teams, including global sales, commercial marketing, customer service and customer success.

“What has gone from ‘general interest, but we’ll take action later’ has turned into ‘we want it now’, which has seen our integration teams implementing our IIoT platform and AR remote app to enable work to continue despite travel bans and social distancing restrictions.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join at this important moment in the company’s history,” said Troy Richardson.

He continued: “Over the last twelve months, sales have risen 25% in the UK and Ireland and we expect the upward growth trend to continue as we work to turn this interest in digital technologies into operational and commercial benefits for our customers.”

PTC’s operational structure has been further boosted with the recent appointment of Troy K. Richardson as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

An accomplished enterprise technology executive, Richardson has more than three decades of sales and operational leadership and has helped drive rapid growth for some of the biggest brands in the software industry.

Richardson will lead the company’s

“PTC has an impressive roster of customers, a broad portfolio of innovative technologies and a strong management team. We are on the cusp of a new chapter in PTC’s remarkable history and I look forward to helping define it, including supporting continued growth in the UK and Ireland.

“These territories have extremely strong links with cutting-edge R&D and academic institutions and a solid footprint in engineering and manufacturing. We will continue to build these relationships, while further expanding our footprint in food and beverage and life sciences.”

For further information, please visit ww.ptc.com or follow @ptc on twitter PTC, Vuforia and the PTC logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Parametric Technology Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

ENGINEERING PDATE

January 2021

Cyberattacks on robots could threaten industry 4.0 New research reveals that industrial robots are more vulnerable to being hacked than previously thought Modern manufacturing relies on interconnected robots to make industry 4.0 a reality. Here Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA sales at automation equipment supplier EU Automation, explains how industrial robots could be hacked and what can be done to mitigate the threat of cybercrime.

In recent years, manufacturing companies have invested heavily in industrial automation. McKinsey, a consultancy firm, estimates that the market for industrial robots has been expanding at approximately 19 per cent since 2012 and is now worth 16.2 billion dollars. As robots become more ubiquitous, their vulnerability to cyberattacks becomes a more pressing concern.

Every year, hackers and IT professionals meet at the Black Hat cyber security conference. This year, Federico Maggi, a researcher at Trend Micro, and Marcello Pogliani,

an information security researcher at Politecnico di Milano, presented a report entitled “rogue automation” in which they presented new vulnerabilities in the software of industrial robots to cyberattacks.

The research reveals previously unknown ways of how an advanced hacker can perform targeted attacks on robots. What makes this possible is a lack of layered user authorizations in software. Once a perpetrator has gained access to the peripheral layers of the software, the entire operating system of the robot could potentially be hacked.

The two researchers believe that existing security mechanisms are not sufficient to protect robots because they have not been embedded in the programming language of the operating system.

Affected are industrial automation robots in sectors as diverse as

automotive, avionics, military, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage.

The authors of the report argue that if such robots were hacked, the consequences could range from downtime of factory lines to physical or environmental harm.

Spotting loopholes One of the challenges in mitigating these newly discovered software vulnerabilities is integrating different software from new machines with legacy technology. The programming language of industrial robots is often vendor specific. On the factory floor, machines from different vendors, bought over a long timeframe are required to interact seamlessly with each other. However, some legacy equipment contains code that was written before the time of code checkers, which nowadays spot loopholes automatically.

What can be done to make industrial robots more secure? To reduce vulnerabilities, process engineers should segment networks and isolate machines that process data from outside. Moreover, networks and their endpoints should be protected.

Changes to the software should be reviewed regularly and documented scrupulously.

Tackling the problem of cybercrime in industrial automation requires the close collaboration of installation engineers, maintenance technicians, IT service providers and parts suppliers. Industry 4.0 can only be made a reality if manufacturers are able to trust that their industrial automation equipment is safe from cyberattacks.

To find out more about how EU Automation supports the installation and maintenance of industrial robots with spare parts visit the EU Automation website.

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Directory

January 2021



ENGINEERING UPDATE

T&D Corporation Mr Minoru Ito, European Sales Office, Gronauer Straße 1, 61194 Niddatal, Germany 0049 (0)6034 930970 europe.office@tandd.de www.tandd.com

Unit 3A, Whitworth Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1WA. Tel.: (0044)-330 002 0640, sales@odu-uk.co.uk www.odu-uk.co.uk

Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies

TR Fastenings LTD

European Corporate Office, Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TU 01635 279621 www.cwst.co.uk eurosales@cwst.com

Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW Free phone: 08454 811 800 E-mail: sales@trfastenings.com www.trfastenings.com

Phoenix Mecano Ltd

Blackfast Chemicals Ltd

26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RY +44 (0)1296 611660 www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk

Unit 5 Russell House , Molesey Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3PE 0207 339 7370, sales@blackfast.com www.blackfast.com

Monitran

Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd

Monitran Ltd, Monitor House, 33 Hazlemere Road, Penn, HP10 8AD, UK T: +44 (0)1494 816569 E: info@monitran.com www.monitran.com

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ODU-UK LTD.

Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF Tel: +44 1844204420 www.ecopacpower.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE

Directory

January 2021

Foremost Electronics Ltd

Seepex UK Ltd.

14 Bluegate Business Park Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4PZ TEL: +44 (0) 1371 811171 FAX: +44 (0) 1371 810933 WEB: www.4most.co.uk

3 Armtech Row Houndstone Business Park Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RW

HRS Heat Exchangers 0-12 Caxton Way Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8JY Email: info@uk.hrs-he.com Tel: +44 (0)1923 232 335

T +44 1935 472376 sales.uk@seepex.com www.seepex.com

Mecmesin Ltd Newton House, Spring Copse Business Park, Slinfold, West Sussex, RH13 0SZ w: www.mecmesin.com t: +44 (0) 1403 799979 e: info@mecmesin.com

1 Brownfields Court Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire, AL7 1AJ www.rotechmachines.com

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein-Straße 22 D-59348 Lüdinghausen – Germany Phone: (+49) 02591 / 91 94 – 0 info@bulte.de www.bulte.com

Wood Automated Systems UK (ATG – Systems) Tenter Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton, NN3 6AX +44 (0)7827 327231 Tim.Bednall@woodplc.com www.the-atg.com

Lascar Electronics Ltd UK Module House Whiteparish, Wiltshire SP5 2SJ +44 (0)1794 884 567 sales@lascar.co.uk www.lascarelectronics.com

Rotech Machines Limited

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We bring colour into view!

Compact pressure sensors and switches with 360° custom-colour status display

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Adjustment via smartphone

£262 VEGABAR 39 G½"

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