There’s nothing worse than opening a new toy at Christmas to find that it’s broken. Adam Carless, vision product specialist at automation and control technology expert Beckhoff UK, explores how using machine vision during the manufacturing process can help to ensure quality standards are met, not just at Christmas but all year-round.

igus is a member of the European Hygienic and Design Group (EHEDG) and has now developed the first linear guide system that is based on EHEDG hygienic design guidelines. With an ‘anti-contamination’ design, iglidur high-performance plastic and stainless steel, the new linear guide ensures exceptionally high hygienic standards.

With the launch of its next-generation DT80 distance sensor, SICK says it has revised the standard for measurement precision in countless industrial applications in a compact and robust device. Equipped with high-performance time-of-flight measurement technology, the SICK DT80 1D laser distance sensor achieves an accuracy of ±2 mm with a resolution of 0.1 mm at ranges up to 80 m.

For over 25 years, with its world-leading EnDat protocol, HEIDENHAIN has been at the forefront of serial communications interface development. That advantage has now been extended with the development of EnDat 3, which presents an ideal solution for the digital manufacturing age, and beyond.

For electronics and medical device manufacturers who need to dispense small volumes of liquid with high precision and accuracy, the preeflow eco-PEN XS 180 from Intertronics enables the volumetric dispensing of 0.25 µl quantities.

With Lenze’s new generation of controllers, machine builders can swiftly enhance the performance in their automation landscape. The new controllers are a key component of Lenze’s open automation system and enable the connection of Information Technology (IT) and Operation Technology (OT).

OMRON has announced the launch of the MD-650 and MD-900 medium-payload (650 kg and 900 kg) autonomous mobile robots (AMR). Designed to provide greater efficiency in material transfer with medium-duty payloads and integrated control technology, the new series increases OMRON’s range of autonomous robots to meet the needs of a wide variety of part and material transport applications.

KEB Automation is expanding its product portfolio with the new COMBISTOP S1 spring-applied brake. The holding brake has a new, patented friction system which delivers significantly higher braking torque, which corresponds to the level of permanent magnet brakes.

Mini terminal blocks are particularly suitable for mounting in small control boxes, connection boxes, and control panels. Phoenix Contact is introducing the new MUTTB mini double-level terminal blocks, which enable extremely space-saving wiring.

The need to combine the performance of a servo system with the ease of use of a stepper motor has seen the rise of the stepper hybrid close loop mode of motor control, as the experts at Ever Elettronica explain.