Machine Building

Capacitive switches update

Capacitive switches are completely free of wear and tear, and in some applications can be a valuable asset to machine designers and operators. Their mode of operation is fundamentally different to that of mechanical switches because there is no stroke and there are no moving parts either. Simply touching the sensor area with the finger alters an electrical field which in turn triggers a change of the switch state. All this happens without any pressure on the sensor: a better understanding of the subject can be gained by taking a look at a new document just published by Schurter.

30th June 2020

Novotek launches new e-store

Novotek UK and Ireland is launching a new e-store that allows users to source industrial automation hardware online at www.novotek-estore.com. The site contains more than 70 of what Novotek says are the most commonly used hardware products from Emerson Automation Solutions, ranging from operator interfaces to products in the PACSystems range of programmable automation controllers (PACs). Engineers and managers can use these systems to replace existing controllers and upgrade existing systems with more modern automation solutions.

29th June 2020

igus video shows campers flushed with success

There is a product known as the Camping Butler which cleans cartridges in mobile toilets of the type used in some caravans and motorhomes. It does its job fully automatically and completely contact-free from both the inside and the outside, no matter how full or grubby the cassette is. igus is highlighting how it works in a video, as the units feature a selection of its products.

29th June 2020

TRUMPF and partners launch positioning standard for industry

TRUMPF, together with some 60 partners from across industry, is introducing what it refers to as "A standard for positioning technologies". Called omlox, TRUMPF claims that this new industry standard will provide the means to integrate all existing technologies such as UWB, BLE, RFID, 5G or GPS and deliver positioning data via a uniform interface.

26th June 2020

New Rotronic catalogue now available

New from ROTRONIC Instruments is a catalogue featuring all of its current range of precision measurement products, complete with full technical specifications on each. Products for the measurement of humidity, moisture, differential pressure, indoor CO2, and meteorology are all covered, and there are pages detailing products for ATEX and cleanroom applications too. Follow the link to download a copy now (pdf).

26th June 2020

Rittal guide to HD enclosures for Food and Beverage Industry

Rittal has published a White Paper which considers the distinguishing characteristics of "˜Hygienic Design' (HD) enclosures and how they must align with current directives, regulations and guidelines in the food and drinks processing industry.

25th June 2020

Simplify image processing with TwinCAT Vision software

Beckhoff Automation UK says it is bringing vision system image processing into familiar programmable logic controller (PLC) environments with its new TwinCAT Vision software. The software, which is an extension of the company's TwinCAT range of PC-based control systems, is said to simplify the process of configuring and programming vision systems for engineers. The TwinCAT Vision software brings image processing into a single platform alongside PLC, (HMI), motion control and (IoT) device management. This allows engineers to reconfigure and calibrate geometric cameras and control machine vision systems from a familiar operating environment, using PLC programming languages and the same configuration tools that are used for fieldbuses.

25th June 2020

Latest machine safety webinar - final call!

The PAScal Safety Calculator from Pilz is a handy software tool to assist with the design and verification of safety-related control systems in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061. Pilz UK Product Manager David Collier will give an introduction to the key features of the software in the latest in a series of the company's popular seminars.

25th June 2020

New people-counting SensorApp from SICK

The SICK PeopleCounter is a SensorApp based on a machine learning algorithm: it runs on SICK's MRS1000 3D LiDAR sensor. One or more sensors can be set up to count people at entry and exit points, for example to allow users to control the number of people occupying a pre-defined area in real time. Because the system can reliably detect human contours whilst ignoring other objects, employees, customers and workers are counted accurately as they enter or leave a building, office or other pre-defined place.

24th June 2020

Mitsubishi Electric hosts "Back to production" webinar

Mitsubishi Electric is holding what promises to be an interesting webinar on Thursday 25th June. Starting at 1030 the company will hold a session on "Back to production" which will explore added value services such as cyber security and harmonic surveys, legacy equipment obsolescence reports and tiered service contracts. All within a multi-vendor equipment environment, with solutions for legacy product migration and preventative maintenance discussed too.

23rd June 2020