Machine Building

News

SICK launches SensorApp for colour inspection and sorting

SICK confirms that it is continuing the roll-out of its customisable SensorApps for "˜easy' machine vision, with the launch of its Colour Inspection and Sorting App, said to be a cost-saving and simple solution for common inline quality control tasks in automated production and packaging applications. The new app is a ready-made, flexible, packaged solution based on the ultra-compact SICK Pico- or midiCam 2D streaming cameras. It is the first to be integrated with a choice of SICK Sensor Integration Machines as well as providing LED illumination and a photoelectric sensor to complete the set-up.

28th July 2020

Drive solutions for the bakery industry

NORD Drivesystems is promoting its capability for machine builders designing for the bakery industry. The company is highlighting a variety of key points including lightweight, corrosion-resistant gear units, together with smooth surface motors, frequency inverters and motor starters in wash-down-optimised aluminium housings. It products often find their way into mixing and agitation processes in the sector, as well as conveyor systems, weighing and filling plants and packaging machinery. It states that its product portfolio for the bakery business meets stringent requirements on hygiene, reliability and durability and that due to their modular structure, its drive units are also service and maintenance friendly.

27th July 2020

Gear motors designed to drive you round the bend

Or more accurately, around the corner: Electro Mechanical Systems has announced that it is now supplying updated versions of the Nidec DCK right angled gear-motor range. The design has moved from a deep drawn housing to a rolled construction, which provides the same performance but with improved cost efficiency, according to EMS. The units are manufactured in Germany by Nidec Motors & Actuators, part of the Japanese Nidec group.

27th July 2020

Bauromat and PP Control & Automation join forces for common good

Bauromat and PP Control & Automation have announced a non-competing partnership designed to share skills and encourage industry growth under the #UKMfgUnite banner. The two Midlands based companies have made the agreement to pool their complementary skills and capabilities in a way that supports manufacturing in the UK and continues to build on the already existing industry fraternity.

24th July 2020

New robot controller for improved precision

Following several years of development, TM Robotics is releasing its new TS5000 robot controller. The company says it forms a launch pad for the next generation of industrial robots from Shibaura Machine (formerly known as Toshiba Machine) and that the new products offer faster position control, improved robot precision and shortened cycle times. The TS5000 robot controller has been engineered by Shibaura Machine in Japan and compared with previous controllers, it provides improved synchronisation and control. Its position cycle is three times faster than previous models, allowing more control during fast movements. Combined with an automatic adjustment function for acceleration, these features reduce vibration and stress.

21st July 2020

Universal Robots introduces webinars

Universal Robots is introducing a new series of webinars running from August to December, designed to provide specialist knowledge on some of the ways in which automation is meeting production challenges across a diverse range of sectors. The series follows the success of the WeAreCobots virtual conference.

21st July 2020

Campaign to get UK manufacturers ready for North American market

PP Control & Automation (PPCA) is urging UK manufacturers targeting new growth opportunities in North America to avoid costly mistakes when trying to meet specific technical standards for the territory. PPCA provides strategic manufacturing outsourcing solutions for over 20 of the world's largest machinery builders, and has launched a new educational campaign centred on UL508a, a technical standard for industrial control panels in the United States.

20th July 2020

For your diary: confirmation of deferred dates for 2020 shows

Machine builders - we thought you might appreciate confirmation of the new dates for some of the key events deferred from this year. This information is taken from official sources for the shows concerned, but with continuing upheaval still possible for a while yet we recommend double checking them all again nearer the time. In the interim if news emerges on any further movement of dates you'll more than likely learn about it here first:

20th July 2020

DIN power rails: one-on-one video conferencing service

PULS Power is offering users a free, one-on-one video conferencing service for new product design and technical support. Machine builders can seek advice about selecting the best power supply for an application, discuss new project ideas or have technical questions answered. Video calls can be booked for a convenient time by filling in a simple online form on the PULS website.

17th July 2020

Thomson introduces compact electromechanical linear actuators

Thomson Industries Inc. is announcing availability of its new Electrak MD, a more compact electromechanical actuator that the company states "Retains all of the intelligence built into its larger counterparts". Builders of machines for mobile off-highway, material handling and factory automation applications can now benefit from a compact actuator with up to 2kN of force together with added advantages of advanced onboard electronics and J1939 CAN Bus support.

17th July 2020