Search

Automation

Heavy Duty Ring Slide Chosen For Groundbreaking Machine

Heavy Duty Ring Slide Chosen For Groundbreaking Machine

Minimising cycle time to increase output and cut unit cost is the aim of automated production across all industrial sectors and PVC-u window manufacture is no exception. German automation specialists, Willi Stürtz Maschinenbau GmbH, have produced a swivel module that accommodates a full range of tools on a dedicated machining centre for the production of window profiles and at its heart is a robust continuous linear motion system supplied by HepcoMotion®.

Read full story »

LG Motion Ltd and MiniTec UK Ltd hold Open Day following move

LG Motion Ltd and MiniTec UK Ltd hold Open Day following move

Following the recent move to new and larger 15,000 sq ft manufacturing premises at Houndmills Industrial Estate in Basingstoke, LG Motion Ltd & MiniTec UK Ltd held an Open Day event on July 8th with an official opening ceremony led by Mr Rafi Razzak, Chairman of Centerprise Ltd. The day allowed guests to see the new facility, meet all the staff, and to learn about the technologies and services on offer from both companies. To mark the event, presentations and hands-on demonstrations from MiniTec and LG Motion were shown throughout the day as well as trade show style stands featuring interesting and topical subject matter from a selection of LG Motion's distribution partners; Schneeberger, SMAC and Heidenhain.

Read full story »

Major High-Tech Service Provider Purchases Second 3000FS Automated Production Programmer

BPM Microsystems and its distributor ISS Group announce that Elcoteq SE, the global lifecycle service partner for high-tech product and service companies, has purchased its second 3000FS automated production programmer for its Pécs, Hungary facility. The company's recent automated production programmer purchases are expected to satisfy its increasing demand for hundreds of thousands of programmed NAND flash devices per week.

Read full story »

Mclennan's new encoder is micro sized and maximum in resolution

Mclennan's new encoder is micro sized and maximum in resolution

A compact and durable incremental micro encoder, capable of 100,000 counts per rev with a bandwidth up 16 MHz, is available from Mclennan Servo Supplies. The new Ulthemius® Micro Encoder from NUMERIK JENA is just 16 mm in diameter, and with a nominal length of less than 20 mm, weighs under 12 grams. The encoder is also available in an optional analogue version with a sine/cosine output to 1250 periods/rev, and thanks to its highly integrated design both output types include UVW commutation signals for 4-, 6- or 8-poles - so can provide a neat solution for cost-optimised OEM applications for servo motion control.

Read full story »

NEW ZigBee KEYPAD PROVIDES WIRELESS MESH NETWORKING FOR OPERATOR PROMPTS IN MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

NEW ZigBee KEYPAD PROVIDES WIRELESS MESH NETWORKING FOR OPERATOR PROMPTS IN MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

IDC has launched a new addition to its ZigBee range of wireless mesh products for use in automation, manufacturing and logistical operations. The new ZB102 keypad is a programmable battery -powered wireless unit with keys that are easily customised to suit specific user applications. Typical applications for the ZB102 include operator prompts for manufacturing and logistic operations, remote control and position monitoring.

Read full story »

HMS adds CompoNetTM to the Anybus® CompactComTM product family

HMS adds CompoNetTM to the Anybus® CompactComTM product family

HMS Industrial Networks releases a new embedded communication module for CompoNet as the latest member of the Anybus CompactCom (Anybus-CC) product family. With the release of the CompoNet module, HMS completes its offer for CIPTM (Common Industrial Protocol) supported networks.

Read full story »

ProSoft Technology® enlarges its 802.11n range of solutions with two new dual-radio Industrial HotspotsTM

ProSoft Technology® enlarges its 802.11n range of solutions with two new dual-radio Industrial HotspotsTM

ProSoft Technology® has developed 2 new Automation-Class industrial 802.11n solutions. These are dual-radio Industrial HotspotsTM. One is water-tight (IP67). Both enlarge the option given to Automation Engineers for high-speed wireless networks. Dual-radio solutions will allow longer distances, better performances while repeaters are involved, and allow 2 channels to be used simultaneously (for example: one for the automation application, while the other one can be used for maintenance purpose, without impacting the application)...

Read full story »

‘CLEAN DESIGN’ PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR FOOD INDUSTRY AUTOMATION

Festo has launched a new generation of pneumatic actuators designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to specialist high-end components for the food and beverage industries. The actuators employ 'Clean Design' principles to help minimise contamination risk, and are ideal for use in aggressive environments where frequent wash-down procedures are implemented. The first products in this new range include corrosion-resistant round and guided cylinders that use FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved seals and USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) approved H1 food-grade lubricants.

Read full story »

SolutionsPT is appointed UK and Ireland distributor of Versiondog.

SolutionsPT has extended its product range to include a solution to the perennial problem of version control and change tracking in Automation control and HMI/SCADA applications. Versiondog is the leading application that addresses this requirement and its developer, AUVESY GmbH & Co KG of Landau, Germany, has appointed SolutionsPT as its UK and Ireland distributor.

Read full story »

Juki Automation Systems Premiers Comprehensive Online Video Library

Juki Corporation, a world-leading provider of automated assembly products and systems, debuts a new online video library resource located at http://www.jukiamericas.com/videolibrary/index.html.

Read full story »

INMOCO LAUNCHES MAGELLAN® CHIP-BASED MOTION CONTROLLERS FOR DEMANDING MEDICAL, ELECTRONIC, PRINTING & TESTING APPLICATIONS

INMOCO LAUNCHES MAGELLAN® CHIP-BASED MOTION CONTROLLERS FOR DEMANDING MEDICAL, ELECTRONIC, PRINTING & TESTING APPLICATIONS

INMOCO has introduced the Magellan® family of Motion Control Processors from Performance Motion devices (PMD), to provide high performance chip-based motion control in scientific, automation, industrial and robotic applications. The Magellan® processors in combination with PMD's time-saving Pro-Motion® and C-Motion® development software, provide over 20 easy-to-use features to improve OEM machine designs and reduce time-to-market.

Read full story »

COMPACT ABSOLUTE ENCODERS FOR CANOPEN DESIGNED WITHOUT GEARS TO RESIST MAGNETIC FIELDS

COMPACT ABSOLUTE ENCODERS FOR CANOPEN DESIGNED WITHOUT GEARS TO RESIST MAGNETIC FIELDS

TURCK introduces rugged F36 absolute encoders for CANopen networks, the latest addition to the Kübler by TURCK F36 encoder series. Characterized by their compact size, high performance and robust design, F36 encoders are ideal for medical technology or drive engineering applications.

Read full story »

2-Port EtherNet/IP Plug-in-Module New EtherNet/IP module with integrated switch reduces infrastructure cost and eliminates the need for

2-Port EtherNet/IP Plug-in-Module New EtherNet/IP module with integrated switch reduces infrastructure cost and eliminates the need for

HMS Industrial Networks is extending its Anybus-CC family with the addition of a 2-port EtherNet/IP communication module with integrated switch. It is the newest member of HMS´s Anybus-CC family of plug-in communication modules providing interchangeable connectivity solutions for all major fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet networks including Profibus, DeviceNet, CC-Link, CANopen, Profinet, EtherCAT and Modbus-TCP. Anybus-CC modules are used as communication interfaces of intelligent automation devices such as drives, HMIs, robots, inverters, instruments, and scales.

Read full story »

Aerotech's nano Motion Technology (nMT) range expands further with new rotary and Z axis direct-drive nanopositioning stages

Aerotech's nano Motion Technology (nMT) range expands further with new rotary and Z axis direct-drive nanopositioning stages

Following closely behind the recent launch of single-axis and dual X-Y axis ANT series linear nanopositioning stages as a part of Aerotech's nano Motion Technology (nMT) range, two new rotary and two new vertical translation variants have now been introduced. With Aerotech's direct-drive ANT series now covering 95 mm and 130 mm wide linear and vertical-linear translation stages in addition to rotary and goniometric angular positioners, users can now specify long travel range, multi-axis nanometre resolution mechanics for high throughput production and demanding test and research applications. The new stages perfectly complement the outstanding precision, nanometre level precision and high dynamic performance offered by the landmark nMT range.

Read full story »

FIT AND FORGET RING SYSTEM CHOSEN FOR SMOOTH RUNNING

FIT AND FORGET RING SYSTEM CHOSEN FOR SMOOTH RUNNING

The skill of Paragon Creative is in designing and manufacturing display products that are able to withstand frequent use - and sometimes abuse - by the public. Based in York, the company prides itself on providing a comprehensive range of creative and practical skills under one roof. It makes models, designs and builds interactives, murals, props & prototypes and animates the inanimate. Naturally the markets for its products are diverse but a recent project for a major cruise ship company is a good example of its craftsmanship.

Read full story »

Parker Automation kits cut costs

Parker Automation kits cut costs

Parker hannifin has launched an extensive range of modular automation and robotics kits, ranging from simple twin axis assemblies through to integrated multiple axis gantry and palletising robots. In addition, Parker is offering a custom design and engineering facility for applications where standard systems are unsuitable.

Read full story »

Concept Laser presents a quality management system for real-time monitoring of the LaserCUSING® process

Concept Laser presents a quality management system for real-time monitoring of the LaserCUSING® process

Concept Laser's holistic approach to Quality Management expands the boundaries for direct component production and enhances traceability for the aviation and medical sectors.

Read full story »

Telsonic Showcase New Ultrasonic Packaging Technology at Total Processing & Packaging 2010

Telsonic Showcase New Ultrasonic Packaging Technology at Total Processing & Packaging 2010

Telsonic has been present within the UK market since 1977. Since then, the comprehensive range of high quality ultrasonic products available from the company has enabled Telsonic to build up a strong and diverse UK customer base. Telsonic UK Limited will further consolidate this position with their participation at the Total Processing & Packaging show, to be held at the NEC between the 25th and 27th May 2010.

Read full story »

Telsonic UK Limited to Showcase New Technologies and Concepts at PDM 2010

Telsonic UK Limited to Showcase New Technologies and Concepts at PDM 2010

Telsonic has been present within the UK market since 1977. Since then, the comprehensive range of high quality ultrasonic products available from the company has enabled Telsonic to build up a strong and very diverse UK customer base. Telsonic UK Limited will further consolidate this position as a market leader with their participation in the Plastics Design & Moulding exhibition and conference, to be held at the Telford International Centre between the 18th and 20th May 2010.

Read full story »

ISA - O3neida Partnership Publishes Domain Ontologies Book for Reasoning Machines in Factory Automation

The International Society of Automation (ISA) announces that its ongoing publishing partnership with O3neida has produced a new technical publication, Domain Ontologies for Reasoning Machines in Factory Automation, by Jose L. Martinez Lastra, Ivan M. Delamer, and Fernando Ubis.

Read full story »

Strong focus on machine tool utilisation at WESTEC 2010

New products that increase machine tool automation and process control, and a new wireless device for assessing the performance of machines before metal cutting begins, will be a major feature of Renishaw's stand at WESTEC 2010, taking place in Los Angeles from March 23rd to 25th. There will also be a range of new motion control products, including a true absolute optical encoder for rotary and linear applications.

Read full story »

Ultrasonic Welding - Design for Successful Production

Ultrasonic Welding - Design for Successful Production

For many manufacturers of plastic moulded components, ultrasonic welding has become their preferred joining method as the process is clean, fast and extremely energy efficient. The best and most consistent results however, are always obtained when consideration is given to the materials being used, joint design, preparation and the specific application of the technology, as these factors have a major influence on the process. In this article, Telsonic's Martin Frost discusses how thinking ahead about the process and components can assist designers and integrators of the technology to avoid pitfalls and make the most of what is a highly flexible and robust joining technology.

Read full story »

NHS TRUST FOCUS ON STEAM ENERGY SAVINGS FOLLOWING TEI PRESENTATION

NHS TRUST FOCUS ON STEAM ENERGY SAVINGS FOLLOWING TEI PRESENTATION

With steam generation accounting for 30 to 40% of most hospitals' annual energy bills and with up to 45% of steam production being lost through less than efficient steam systems, it is unsurprising that Thermal Energy International's (TEI) range of products for maintaining and minimising the cost of running steam and condensate applications is creating such interest with NHS Estate managers who are tasked with reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

Read full story »

Rofin Laser Fine Tuned For TFT Production

Rofin Laser Fine Tuned For TFT Production

When we look around our home, or car for that matter, it seems that almost every electronic device has an LCD display of some description, with screen sizes ranging from miniature to over 50 inches in the case of LCD televisions. In the vast majority of cases, every pixel in the screen is active. The rows and columns of the pixel matrix are activated using transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive paths. As part of the process in the production of TFT displays, a conductive connection must be established between the rows and columns of the matrix – an intentional short circuit, as it were. However, at a later stage in the production process, this step must be carefully undone. The power and precision of Rofin's new PowerLine SL 8 IC laser makes it the ideal tool for this intricate task.

Read full story »

DILAS Develop Compact, High-Efficiency, 100μm Fiber-Coupled Laser Module

DILAS Develop Compact, High-Efficiency, 100μm Fiber-Coupled Laser Module

ES Technology Limited, the United Kingdom distributor for the comprehensive range of DILAS diode laser components, has announced the development by DILAS of a high brightness, conduction-cooled fiber-coupled diode laser module.

Read full story »

Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive layer manufacturing for direct part production continues to grow and is fast becoming a significant part of the overall ALM industry. The many benefits of this process have seen the technology embraced by a number of manufacturing sectors, not least the aerospace industry. The ability to produce components in a wide range of materials including hot work steels, stainless steel, cobalt chromes, inconel plus titanium and aluminium alloys, presents the aerospace industry with immense potential for direct part production using ALM. Additive Layer Manufacturing has already proven its capability to produce small and medium sized aerospace components, and having realised the potential of the process, aerospace manufacturers are now seeking to produce larger and more complex parts.

Read full story »

Emerson Process Management supports collaboration for field device integration

To accelerate deployment of Field Device Integration (FDI) technology, key automation suppliers have agreed to enlarge the scope of the EDDL Cooperation Team and will become the FDI Cooperation. The intent is to assure a uniform device integration solution for process industries across all host systems, devices and protocols as required by end users.

Read full story »

Bentley Motors' new logistics store goes live

In conjunction with TGW, Autotech recently delivered the new KLT small box store for Bentley Motors' Pyms Lane facility in Crewe. The warehouse has now successfully completed its acceptance trials and will soon be in full operation.

Read full story »

Upgraded LAR31 Series of Linear and Rotary Actuators

Upgraded LAR31 Series of Linear and Rotary Actuators

SMAC is pleased to introduce upgraded LAR31 series of linear and rotary electric actuators. The actuator has the vacuum built in the shaft through the rotary motor. The vacuum assures that any external objects (e.g. dust) are ejected through the other end, which prevents dust build-up in the unit. This reduces maintenance down time and improves production efficiency. The actuator is reliable and has MTBF >100 million life cycle.

Read full story »

Plastics robots get packing at Timloc

Plastics robots get packing at Timloc

Investing in six axes robots for its moulding operation has helped Timloc Building Products to reduce its cost base significantly. Five FANUC Robotics robots are removing components from moulding presses and packing them ready for delivery.

Read full story »

Robots take the load for fish processor

Robots take the load for fish processor

A Grimsby fish processor has successfully implemented robots into its facility to remove the heavy and repetitive load and unloading tasks. Producing dried fish, JHS Fish Products Limited has two FANUC Robotics robots handling palletised fish at both the raw and the dry stages of the process.

Read full story »

CoDeSys embedded controller provides complete, all-in-one solution for automation systems

CoDeSys embedded controller provides complete, all-in-one solution for automation systems

Festo has launched a powerful CoDeSys embedded controller for use with its renowned CPX series of multifunctional control terminals. The new CPX-CEC module provides machine builders with a technically elegant means of overseeing all the units in a CPX terminal – regardless of whether they are for pneumatic or electric drives, or I/O functions – using a fast, easy-to-program controller. Suitable for single and multi-axis applications, the CPX-CEC can operate autonomously or in conjunction with a host controller such as a master PLC, and can also be used as an intelligent slave in fieldbus-based systems, to provide localised signal pre-processing.

Read full story »

igus cable carriers minimise downtime costs

igus cable carriers minimise downtime costs

Reinforced plastic cable carriers from energy chain specialist igus were selected by GÜDEL to help minimise downtime across its range of automated systems. The cable carriers guide and protect moving cables and hoses in systems ranging from multi-axis robots and press-transfer systems, to factory-automation equipment and gantry robots.

Read full story »

Elscint Screw, Spring Washer & Plain Washer Assembly Machine

Elscint Screw, Spring Washer & Plain Washer Assembly Machine

Elscint Automation, has developed an assembly machine for the assembly of screws with spring washers and plain washers.

Read full story »

Telsonic Keep Ultrasonics Safe and Sound

Telsonic Keep Ultrasonics Safe and Sound

Ultrasonic welding has become the preferred joining method for many manufacturers as they realise the benefits of speed, precision and control which are characteristic of the process. As the range of applications has increased so too has the way the technology is used. Today's ultrasonic welding systems take many forms, from simple hand held single sonotrode units to complex multi-sonotrode machines used to produce large assemblies.

Read full story »

Passenger Safety Secured by Telsonic Ultrasonics

Passenger Safety Secured by Telsonic Ultrasonics

Occupant safety in motor vehicles has become a major consideration, and increasingly an influencing factor for the car buyer. Today, we take it for granted that a vehicle will have a driver and passenger airbag as a minimum, however many vehicles now also have side impact airbags installed within seats or doors and even curtain airbags which deploy from the roof of the cabin. As individuals, we have now come to expect that in the event of a collision, each airbag will operate flawlessly to minimise the risk of injury, giving little if any thought to the processes used to produce these safety critical items.

Read full story »

Rofin’s welding solutions go down to the wire

Rofin’s welding solutions go down to the wire

In September 2006, Rofin-Baasel UK started supplying laser welding wire consumables to customers within the United Kingdom and Ireland who use the company's lasers for injection mould tool repair, jewellery manufacturing and spectacle frame repair. At the time this may have been perceived as just a logical extension of Rofin's philosophy of providing a total solution. However, the result for their customers has been a significant improvement in technical support, shorter delivery times and a reduction in price of over 50% in many cases.

Read full story »

Robot helps glass maker to keep prices keen

Robot helps glass maker to keep prices keen

Gern Glas - Denmark's largest manufacturer of sheet glass and mirrors – is adopting automation to give itself a competitive edge on pricing and to protect its volume business in both home and export markets. One of the company's recent purchases, a Universal Robot, is certainly proving to be a shrewd investment. "This is a completely different kind of industrial robot which is inexpensive, mobile, easy to use and flexible," explained Technical Manager Glenn Larsen. "The robot is mounted on a trolley so we can move it to wherever we can put it to best use. And we don't have to pay expensive consultants to re-programme it for new tasks."

Read full story »

Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology has launched a new low- cost modular actuator range for pick & place and sample dispensing in life science and other analytical equipment applications.

Read full story »

igus adds more accessories to Triflex R system

igus adds more accessories to Triflex R system

Energy chain specialist igus has introduced six new product lines to its Triflex R system of third-generation 6-axis robot energy chains. The multi-axial energy supply system, developed specifically for sophisticated 6-axis robotic applications in harsh industrial environments, now comprises well over 200 components.

Read full story »


Page  1   2   3   4   5