Machine Building

PI releases new PA Profile - now also available for PROFINET

In process automation, rapid installation and easy operation of field devices are important user requirements - consistently across manufacturers. The PA Profile for PROFIBUS has already met these requirements for many years, proving itself in practice and gaining broad market acceptance in the area of process automation. As Industry 4.0 and IIoT continue to advance, Ethernet technology - and with it PROFINET - will become established in process automation. Therefore PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) has developed a profile specification in the form of PA Profile 4.0 that is independent of the communication protocol.

5th May 2017

BFPA launches training passport scheme for fluid power industry

The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) is launching a new training passport scheme for individuals working in the fluid power industry.

5th May 2017

Robotiq program templates make industrial automation even easier

Robotiq is offering new tools to help collaborative robots beginners save a lot of time programing their robot. Program templates are now available and ready to be downloaded on Robotiq's online resource centre. They simplify the robot's programming so it can be put to task in a record time.

5th May 2017

How to harmonise the use of RCDs with frequency converters

Eaton's whitepaper entitled Enhance reliability with the right drives protection advises machine builders how to avoid nuisance tripping of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) when they are used with variable frequency drives. The whitepaper explains how installing a suitable RCD guarantees the highest possible level of protection for both a machine and operator, and reveals how this can enable users to benefit from energy-efficient motor control.

4th May 2017

iTRAK and MagneMotion intelligent motion systems

Rockwell Automation is promoting its two intelligent motion systems, iTRAK and MagneMotion. Both technologies offer independent movers and incredible multiple-motion-profile flexibility to deliver intelligent conveyor systems that can be modified within seconds. These intelligent motion systems can help to improve productivity in a variety of different manufacturing operations.

4th May 2017

Norbar Torque Tools acquired by Snap-on Incorporated

On 4th May 2017 the Norbar Torque Tools group of companies (Norbar), their wholly owned companies in India and Singapore, and including the joint ventures in USA and China, were acquired by Snap-on Incorporated of Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA.

4th May 2017

New CEO for the Schaffner Group

The Board of Directors of Schaffner Holding AG has appointed Marc Aeschlimann (48) CEO of the Schaffner Group. He will take up this position on 1 November 2017 at the latest. Until Marc Aeschlimann takes over operational management of the Schaffner Group, Kurt Ledermann, CFO and interim CEO, will ensure the continuity of Group management.

4th May 2017

Reliance's Head of Metrology meets Lord Prior at NPL event

Reliance's Head of Metrology, David Torr, was part of a select group of delegates invited to meet with Lord Prior of Brampton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he launched the UK Measurement Strategy at the National Physical Laboratory's (NPL) North of England base in Huddersfield.

3rd May 2017

Phoenix Contact takes over industrial communication specialist

Phoenix Contact is taking over the Taiwanese company Etherwan System Inc. The company, which is located in New Taipei, is a manufacturer for Ethernet communication technology in automation. The takeover enrichens the position of the Phoenix Contact Group in the area of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, which was already strengthened by the takeover of the Canadian Perle Systems Inc. in fall 2016.

3rd May 2017

LabVIEW in Cymru: New laboratory at Cardiff University

NI has opened a new Control Systems Engineering Laboratory in partnership with Cardiff University. The laboratory in Cardiff University features NI myDAQ, NI myRIO and LabVIEW to interact or actuate with various control plants and is set to better equip undergraduates studying control systems as part of their Electrical, Electronic, Integrated, Medical and Mechanical Engineering degrees. This hands-on approach to teaching control systems will empower the students with practical engineering skills as well as providing familiarity with technologies widely used in today's industry. This will ultimately allow Cardiff graduates to innovate from day one of their careers.

3rd May 2017