MEPCA Magazine March 2023

Editor

Chris Callander chrisc@cimltd.co.uk

Publication Manager

James Davies jamesd@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509105

Account Manager

Hannah Moody hannah@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509115

Design & Production

Grant Waters Grant@cimltd.co.uk

James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509108

Credit Facilities Manager

Lauren Sharpe creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509103

Administration Manager

Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509103

Sales Director

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

Chief Executive

John Denning jdenning@cimltd.co.uk

www.mepca-engineering.com

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March 2023

At a press briefing last week, the discussion turned to the link between reducing energy usage as a way to save money and as a way of driving sustainability and how that balance may be evolving.

Clearly, current pressures from energy costs are driving the agenda, but while reducing costs is certainly a major driver for many companies, it is not always the only or the primary factor.

In some cases, companies may prioritise reducing their environmental impact as a way to promote sustainability and meet regulatory requirements, even if doing so may come at an initial cost. In other cases, companies may look at the total cost of ownership of systems and equipment and view energy efficiency as a way to reduce their long-term costs, as well as mitigate their exposure to energy price volatility.

Ultimately, the balance between economic and environmental motivations can vary from company to company and from sector to sector. However, it’s worth noting that there is often an overlap between the two, as reducing energy waste can have both economic and environmental benefits.

There are several ways to reduce energy use in industrial equipment, including energyefficient design, improving operational practices, upgrading to more energy-efficient technology, implementing an energy management system and training employees on the importance of energy efficiency.

In the end, it’s important for companies to find the right balance between reducing costs and reducing their environmental impact and to prioritise both whenever possible. By doing so, they can help to drive the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system.

Chris Callander, Editor @Mepca-magazine

Make UK launches National Manufacturing Conference 2023

Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, will hold this year’s National Manufacturing Conference, “Inspiring Solutions”, in London on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The flagship annual event at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, will once again bring together leading politicians, senior industrialists and manufacturing innovators against a landscape of unprecedented challenge.

With energy prices remaining at record highs and global supply chains still under pressure, this year’s conference will look at how companies can adapt their production processes, secure a skilled workforce for the future and look at the benefits of decarbonising their business to save money. A number of high-profile speakers have been signed up, including Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, who will look at the current climate and the opportunities to boost the sector. The audience will also hear from Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will discuss the Labour Party’s vision for the economic and industrial landscape. She will outline what manufacturers could expect

from a prospective Labour Government while mapping out her party’s plans for the development of a new Industrial Strategy to boost Britain’s businesses.

The keynote political insight speech this year comes courtesy of former Downing Street Director of Communications Alastair Campbell and ex-cabinet minister Rory Stewart from The Rest is Politics Podcast. They will give an insider’s view on politics at home and abroad, as well as looking at the current UK and global geopolitical landscape, together with the likely impact on the economy and manufacturing in the near and medium term.

The conference will be chaired once again by broadcaster Steph McGovern, a former engineer who will guide us through the lineup for the day.

A series of workshops designed to help companies find solutions to grow their businesses more successfully going forward and navigate the current challenging landscape will run throughout the day. Key themes for this year’s breakout session

discussions include Recruiting Outside the Box – how manufacturers can snap up the best talent and the chronic labour shortage; Digitise to Decarbonise – how companies can use technology to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and therefore cost; and Global Britain vs Make it Britain – interrogating the benefits of bringing manufacturing back onshore against looking to expand the sector globally.

The final speaker on the agenda is Vicky Austin, Associate Professor of Social Justice and Innovation and CEO of GDI Hub CIC. Previously Head of London 2012 Paralympic Legacy, Vicki brings over 20 years of experience working on disability and social justice on major international projects and will give insight and inspiration on how to deliver inclusivity within the sector and take advantage of the best talent available.

GAMBICA appoint new Board President

Anew President has been elected to lead the GAMBICA Board after the previous President’s twoyear term came to a close.

Ian Clarke, Sales & Marketing Director at InControl, will take over from Steve Leech, Business Manager at Siemens, who becomes Vice-President.

GAMBICA, the trade association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology in the UK, is governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for overseeing the organisation’s activities.

The board is formed of individuals within the membership, all of whom actively input into the organisation’s

culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability, as well as serving as ambassadors and advocates.

Steve Brambley, Chief Executive GAMBICA, said: “I’d like to thank Steve Leech for bringing energy and insight to the role of President, as well as his support to the GAMBICA team and me. Steve was the initiator for the GAMBICA Young Council, a valuable addition to the GAMBICA community that brings benefits to participants, members and staff.”

New President Ian said: “I have worked with GAMBICA as a member since the early 90s, so it comes as a great honour to take on the role of President for the association at this time.

“During my tenure, I hope to champion the

topic of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0; these are exciting digital technologies which touch almost every aspect of the organisation’s four sectors.”

Ian Clarke, Sales & Marketing Director at InControl, is the new GAMBICA President.

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Energy efficiency –are attitudes changing?

Steve

Schofield,

CEO of the British Pump Manufacturers’ Association, considers whether there

at

a change in attitudes towards energy efficiency amongst the general public.

a meaningful impact on decreasing energy consumption across UK industry.

The subject of energy, or rather energy efficiency, has long been a topic of vague disinterest among the vast majority of households and billpayers. Energy, or rather the complex business sector that produces and delivers it, has historically struggled with engagement. Energy efficiency, in particular, has more often than not been misrepresented as simply a penny-saving exercise involving the change of lightbulbs for modern replacements, and switching lights off when rooms are unoccupied. Boiling the kettle less is another suggestion often heard.

However, with the huge global rise in the cost of energy and its near constant headline coverage by the broadcast media, not to mention the financial pain we are all now enduring, perhaps 2023 has the potential to see a real change in attitudes.

A change that could positively impact all aspects of energy use.

Of course, greater autonomy in our energy provision is now understood and acknowledged as a stand-out way to protect ourselves from market volatility caused by unstable regimes.

But the drive for improved efficiency across all the avenues of energy use will simply mean that the energy we do produce and secure as a country will go that much further. This will not only allow us to make big savings on our domestic bills and ensure our homes stay warm through the winter months, but it will also have a massive impact on the efficiency and, ultimately, the profitability of our commercial and industrial sectors.

The British Pump Manufacturers

Association (BPMA) has been a longstanding advocate of not only the need for improved energy efficiency across the UK’s vast installed base of pumps and pump systems but also the massive opportunity it presents for significant emissions reductions.

The operation of pumps and their associated systems accounts for around 20% of the world’s entire electrical energy consumption, and in some high-use industrial applications, this can be as much as 25-50% of the total electrical energy usage. Across the European continent pumps are the single largest user of electricity within industry, consuming over 300 TWhpa of electricity, which in turn accounts for over 65 Mton of CO₂

emissions.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of pump systems operating today were not originally designed with energy conservation as a major consideration. It is now well documented that rotodynamic pumps, which account for 80% of the installed base across Europe, are between 20-30% oversized. This is usually due to an in-built ‘safety factor’ allowing for potential future uprates or any wear in the pump or fouling of the system. But this simply means they are using far too much energy for the required duty. As such, there is huge potential to save massive amounts of energy if these pumps are properly sized, operated and maintained. In fact, if pump systems are initially designed

is,

last,

And if so, whether this can have

with energy use in mind and the pumps are optimised for efficiency, a saving of up to 50% in electrical energy can be achieved.

In essence, it is important to know as much about the pump system as possible and to create a pressure/flow profile for the system, as the energy required to drive the pump is directly related to the flow and pressure required.

Energy Audits

It is also important to carry out regular energy audits to help determine where energy use reduction measures can be employed and, in turn, how operating costs can be lowered. The government has estimated that most companies can reduce their energy consumption by 10-20%, and energy audits carried out in accordance with ISO 14414 have shown that savings of 30-50% are not unusual. By reviewing utility bills, you can get an indication of the savings to be made and the investment that you should be prepared to put into the auditing process.

Across most industrial sites, some twothirds of the total energy consumption is

used to power electric motors, an integral part of any pump system. The overall cost associated with operating these essential pieces of equipment throughout their entire life span can be broken down as follows; 5% accounts for the initial purchase/installation costs, 10% for ongoing maintenance and a massive 85% for the energy used to run them.

Clearly, any reduction in the energy consumed by electric motors is important, and with modern designs, that reduction can be as much as 30%. It is also evident that many pumps and motors are constantly operated at full power, irrespective of process needs, something which can be managed with the addition of variable speed drives. So across Europe’s installed base, there is the potential for significant energy savings, savings which can, in turn, drop to the bottom line and increase the profitability of any business.

Given the amount of energy consumed by pumps in their normal operation, and the potential for energy efficiency gains within pump systems, the BPMA has developed the Certified Pump System Auditor Scheme

(CPSA).

Through the CPSA, pump engineers are being trained to correctly assess the efficiency of pump systems and to provide appropriate recommendations in order to improve the efficiency of those systems. The CPSA accreditation is achieved by successfully completing a four-day residential course, followed by the satisfactory completion of a pump system audit.

It is hoped that with the heightened publicity around the cost of energy, and society’s growing appreciation of its importance to our very existence, we will begin to see far greater urgency in the adoption of energy reduction measures across our commercial and industrial sectors.

Ultimately it’s a question of choice and whether businesses are prepared to finally address the ‘Capex vs Opex’ argument and begin to enjoy the long-term financial gains available through improved operational efficiency. The offer being; pay for the new equipment now, and recoup the cost through the energy savings made over its operational life.

Robotics programming software expands into the cloud

ABB has enhanced its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software with cloud-enabled functionality. The new RobotStudio Cloud enables individuals and teams to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs from anywhere in the world, on any device. New features such as automatic version control increase transparency and productivity across teams. The software’s simplified interfaces and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.

“At ABB Robotics, we continue to develop innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses overcome challenges, respond to changing customer needs and thrive in an age of increasing digitalisation,” said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics division.

“New web-based tools like RobotStudio Cloud bring a new level of agility and flexibility

to manufacturers in how they plan and design their robotic automation solutions. Offering a simplified user experience, RobotStudio Cloud helps to increase collaboration and reduce complexity, enabling both novices and experts to push the boundaries of robotics programming.”

The new and enhanced cloud-based RobotStudio software can help companies program robots more collaboratively while cutting the time, cost and disruption associated with physical testing and commissioning. Now system integrators and engineering teams can collaborate in real-time to design, develop and enhance robotic automation solutions.

New features in RobotStudio Cloud include version control, which allows users to keep track of changes and have full transparency of any amendments. With complete knowledge of who edited the program and when, developers can cut the time needed to resolve

errors and performance issues.

Incorporating RobotStudio’s cloud-based virtual controllers, developers have a rapid and powerful robot simulation tool to tune and test programs. By producing an exact digital twin, the virtual controllers give developers complete confidence that – once installed in the real world – the robot will move as precisely as in the simulation. This allows for fine-tuning and optimisation that can help minimise waste or problems when production begins.

go.abb/robotics

Protection of submerged gas pipeline calls for the SeaShield 70/80 system

Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd.’s SeaShield 70/80 System was recently utilised during maintenance works on a National Grid pipeline in Cumbria.

Crossing the Duddon Estuary near Barrow-in-Furness, the existing anti-corrosion coating on the National Transmission System (NTA) pipeline had suffered mechanical damage due to shifting sand banks in the area. The remote location prohibited excavation machinery from accessing the site, requiring sections of the 10-inch diameter pipeline to be excavated by hand, thereby restricting the amount of pipe that could be accessed.

Once excavated, surface preparation was conducted to remove light marine growth and loose rust before the SeaShield 70/80 System was applied. Designed for the protection of submerged and shoreline pipelines, the system features waterdisplacing petrolatum tape and primer, a tough PVC-backed bitumen tape, and a glass-fibre reinforced outerwrap, all of which combine to form a robust protective coating with exceptional impact and mechanical strength.

Work was undertaken by the Pipeline Maintenance Centre on behalf of Cadent Gas, with products supplied by Lynvale Ltd.

Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd is a leading manufacturer and supplier of corrosion prevention and sealing systems. Its SeaShield systems have offered comprehensive corrosion control on jetty piles and marine structures for the last 50 years.

A completed SeaShield 70/80 System application at Duddon Estuary, with the inner petrolatum tape application shown inset.

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Robotic gripper combines industrial-grade force control with gecko-like adhesive

General-purpose robotics solutions provider Flexiv has announced that it is set to release what it claims is a revolutionary new robotic gripper.

Featuring industrial-grade force control and an adhesive material based on a gecko’s foot pad, the Grav gripper can lift practically any item that fits within its grasp.

Touted as representing the next generation of robotic grippers, it uses impactive and contigutive grasping techniques for maximum handling flexibility. This makes it possible to lift objects which are oddly shaped or have an uneven surface texture.

“We have been working on the Grav gripper for a while, as we wanted one which utilised the same industrial grade force control as the Rizon line of adaptive robots,” said Ryan Coulson, Flexiv’s Lead Mechatronics Engineer. “Not only have we

successfully implemented force control, but we have also given the gripper the ability to handle traditionally difficult objects like spheres thanks to the gecko material.”

Created to reduce the frequency of endof-arm tool changes, the new gripper was initially designed only for use with Flexiv’s Rizon series of adaptive robots. However, testing with customers who also operated traditional cobots made it clear that there was a demand for Grav beyond Flexiv’s existing customer base.

As all of Flexiv’s adaptive robots employ a universal end-of-arm socket, only minimal modifications were necessary to make the new gripper compatible with a standard collaborative robot.

Coupled with the Grav’s handling flexibility is an industrial-grade force control capability which enables the gripper to sense a resistive force in the sub-gram region.

Set to be available from Q2 2023,

and ideal for multiple applications, the new gripper is capable of inserting micro components, transferring delicate objects, or even machine-tending applications.

www.flexiv.com

Ultrasonic flow sensor offers simple installation and setup

Accurate and reliable flow rate measurement for water, including ultrapure water, at up to 1000l/min, is easily achieved with the new SU Puresonic flow sensor from ifm electronic. Since this innovative sensor uses ultrasonic technology, it delivers results that are not influenced by the conductivity of the water, making it an ideal choice for use in water filtration and purification systems as well as in more general applications where precision and dependability are key requirements. These new sensors use a stainless steel measuring pipe free of measuring elements, seals or moving parts. This means no additional restriction to the flow is introduced by the sensor and the risk of leaks and/or blockages, which can occur in mechanical flow measurement systems, is eliminated. As a further aid to reliable operation, the sensors also incorporate a self-monitoring system. This can be used to alert users to, for

example, increases in particulate matter in the medium or to the build-up of deposits on the inner wall of the measuring pipe.

SU Puresonic sensors are available with G1 and 1” NPT process connections and a measuring range of 1 to 240l/m, and with G2 and 2” NPT connections and a measuring range of 5 to 1000l/m. All versions have an IO-Link output that provides comprehensive realtime data for flow rate, medium temperature and sensor status, as well as a 4-20 mA analogue output, a pulse output, a switching output and a diagnostic output.

Compact construction means that installation is straightforward, even in applications where space is restricted, such as on water manifolds with a 50mm pitch. Set up is equally straightforward as, unlike

www.ifm.com

clamp-on devices, SU Puresonic sensors offer plug-and-play operation with no need to make adjustments for pipe material and wall thickness.

HANNOVER MESSE spotlights smart and sustainable manufacturing

Hosting around 4,000 exhibitors between 17 and 21 April, HANNOVER MESSE will shine a spotlight on the way in which a number of different industrial ecosystems are intertwined to provide solutions for resource-efficient, climate-neutral and resilient production.

The lead theme of HANNOVER MESSE 2023 is “Industrial Transformation – Making the Difference” – a reference to how companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries as well as the energy sector, are driving change to tangibly reduce CO2 emissions on a major scale with exhibitors showing how digitalisation and energy management can spare resources and reduce carbon emissions.

The big challenges facing the world today – such as climate change, energy shortages and disrupted supply chains – all have one thing in common: they demand innovative, high-tech solutions. HANNOVER MESSE 2023 features more than 4,000 companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy, software, and IT sectors. Collectively, they present an industrial ecosystem that optimises the way we manufacture, collaborate and do business. To remain competitive, companies need to take steps to increase their efficiency and contain energy costs, which in turn will lead to a reduction in their carbon footprint. High-tech solutions in this area will be presented at HANNOVER MESSE – the world’s leading industrial trade fair, and the only event to centrally showcase the interaction of leading companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries as well as the energy sector.

“With the lead theme ‘Industrial Transformation – Making the Difference’, HANNOVER MESSE 2023 shows the difference that exhibiting companies can make, which changes they can carry out and which innovations they develop on the road to a climate-neutral industry,” said

Hubertus von Monschaw, Global Director of HANNOVER MESSE at Deutsche Messe AG. “This is a call to action for corporations, SMEs and startups as well as science, politics and society. We all have to work together to secure our industrial production, prosperity and future, as well as to protect our environment.”

HANNOVER MESSE 2023 features seven display sectors: Automation, Motion & Drives, Digital Ecosystems, Energy Solutions, Engineered Parts & Solutions, Future Hub, Compressed Air & Vacuum, and Global Business & Markets. The key industry trends are Industrie 4.0, carbon-neutral production, artificial intelligence and machine learning, energy management, and hydrogen and fuel cells.

Global enterprises such as Autodesk, Bosch, Dassault Systemes, Microsoft, NOKIA, Salzgitter, ServiceNow, Schneider Electric, and Siemens join SMEs like Beckhoff Automation, GP Joule, Festo, Harting, ifm, Kaeser Compressors, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, SEW, and Ziehl-Abegg. Well-known research institutes such as Fraunhofer and Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT) sketch industrial solutions for the future, and more than 300 startups from various technology fields show innovations with disruptive potential.

Whether digitalising complex production processes, using hydrogen to operate entire production facilities or employing software to analyse and reduce the carbon footprint, exhibitors at HANNOVER MESSE provide a complete picture of the technological possibilities for the industry of today and tomorrow.

Indonesia, the largest economic power in the ASEAN region, is Partner Country at HANNOVER MESSE 2023. Under the banner “Making Indonesia 4.0 – Connect to Accelerate”, the Indonesia National Pavilion in Hall 2 features roughly 150 exhibiting companies and spotlights the island nation’s industrial capabilities, special economic zones and real estate for foreign investors, and programs for education and human capital.

Conference

HANNOVER MESSE’s conference program features a range of speakers discussing current challenges and opportunities in global industry, bringing together thought leaders from science, business and politics.

The Industrial Transformation Stage focuses on cross-technology and cross-

industry exchange in smart and sustainable production.

The Energy 4.0 Stage revolves around solutions for an energy-intelligent, climatefriendly and sustainable future.

The Industrie 4.0 Stage covers topics such as asset administration shell, OPC UA, machine learning, cloud and edge computing, and data spaces.

The Tech Transfer Stage targets science, business and politics with the latest projects in applied industrial research.

The Industrial Wireless & 5G Stage spotlights how current wireless communication technologies make production lines and intralogistics even more flexible, autonomous and efficient.

The Industrial Startup Stage features pitches, presentations and discussions with startups, entrepreneurs, networkers, incubators, and accelerators.

The Trade & Invest Stage spotlights current challenges and investment opportunities in international trade, including

energy and economic policy.

The Partner Country Indonesia Stage offers a diverse program of product presentations, policy discussions and talks about technologies on display at HANNOVER MESSE.

HANNOVER MESSE is the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology. Its lead theme, “Industrial Transformation”, unites the exhibit categories Automation, Motion & Drives; Digital Ecosystems; Energy Solutions; Engineered Parts & Solutions; Future Hub; Compressed Air & Vacuum; and Global Business & Markets. Leading topics include Industrie 4.0, carbon-neutral production, artificial intelligence and machine learning, energy management, and hydrogen and fuel cells. Conferences and forums complement the program. The next edition runs from 17 to 21 April 2023 in Hannover, Germany. Indonesia is Partner Country in 2023.

Retrofit solution saves thousands

Most brownfield sites have many machines functioning very well, but without the data output common on newer equipment. This data is critical in assessing the efficiency of machinery to realise valuable energy savings and identifying areas where improvements can be made while providing condition monitoring to avoid unplanned downtime. Turck Banner has a wide range of products capable of enhancing a machine and providing crucial data without interfering with the established control system. This is exactly what the company was able to do for a yarn producer with more than a century-long history, as MEPCA found out.

At its Dewsbury plant in northwest England, Lawton Yarns carries out a wide range of yarn-producing activities to provide the carpet industry with quality yarn products. It manufactures yarns for hand tufting, broadloom tufting, and Axminster and Wilton Carpets in 100% wool or wool-rich blends. The company can also combine wool with different fibres, and it excels in dry spinning, in singles, folded and to all colours, yarn counts, and twisted specifications.

Once the fibres are spun, they are transferred onto spools to be used in carpet weaving. This is a process which happens at high speed on machines capable of winding over 100 spools at the same time. If a thread breaks while being wound onto spools, this can damage the spooling machine if left unchecked or cause a machine stoppage, with the associated cost of lost production. To avoid this, on the original machines produced in 1999, the process was to ‘suck’ the broken thread into tubes, clear of the machine’s mechanism. This stopped the thread from building up into large balls and ensured the machine would not be damaged.

“The air used to suck the thread out of the way was constantly running, on every thread, to ensure any broken thread was captured,” explained Tony Coghlan, Managing Director at Turck Banner. “Lawton Yarns calculated that the 20 machines it had on-site cost the company £70,000 per year in energy to keep the air constantly on.”

Turck Banner was invited to the site to look at the application in 2020 and develop

a solution in conjunction with Lawton Yarns’ engineering department. In 2020, a proof of concept was implemented that allowed Lawton Yarns to investigate the energy saving and ROI of the solution developed.

The first element of Turck Banner’s solution was to incorporate an inverter. This allowed Lawton Yarns to drop the air produced to around 15% on each machine. Then a BL20 Programmable Gateway was programmed to detect when the sensor output was triggered, turn on the inverter, and control an indicator. An input card and an output card were used to capture signals from a sensor and output triggers to the inverter to enable this to happen. An indicator was added to the system to show the workers that a thread was broken somewhere on the machine. Finally, one Q45 long-distance sensor was incorporated into the system to detect when a thread was broken and inform the program that a ball was forming.

“Thanks to the system reducing the energy requirement when it was sucking air and only operating when there was a thread breakage, during Lawton Yarns proof of concept study, they saw an 80% reduction in energy on the machine over a six-month period,” added Tony. “The study also found that maintenance activities also reduced on the machine because the motor was not running at full speed constantly.”

Following the proof of concept study, Tommy Fisher, the engineer manager at Lawton Yarns, produced a report for senior management that showed if they installed this small decentralised solution on all 20 machines across the site, the ROI would be

nine months for the complete solution.

The company is now making significant savings thanks to the solution provided by Turck Banner. In addition, further sensors have been added to capture data from the machine, which previously had no data capabilities, and pass it to the cloud where simple analysis identifies air leaks, bearing wear and other trends, which allows predictive maintenance to further reduce their costs.

AZM150 SOLENOID INTERLOCK WITH NEW DHS-150 HANDLE SYSTEM

O

With the new practical DHS-150 door handle system, the slimline AZM150 solenoid interlock from Schmersal is now even easier to use. The ergonomic DHS-150 avoids the need for a separate door handle and is suitable for machine enclosures or fencing and all standard aluminium profiles with a width of 40 mm. The robust door bolt is particularly useful on heavy swing doors and for use in harsh environments.

One benefit of the new accessory is that the actuator is pre-positioned by the bolt in the DHS system, thus ensuring optimal insertion into the device. This gives the system stability against lateral forces. In addition, the DHS-150 door handle system is also equipped with an integrated locking device (LOTO). This locking tag function protects operating staff from mistakenly being locked inside larger, walk-in systems and machines while performing servicing and repair work.

The AZM150 has an interlocking force of 1500 Newtons and can be combined with three different actuators for different attachment situations. A positive of the interlock is the rotating actuator head which can be locked with ease by simple placement on the cover, rather than being bolted into place. The solenoid interlock is electromechanical in design and can be combined with a high safety standard: a low coding level as standard, or optionally with a high coding level in accordance with ISO 14119. Scan

THE DHS-150 DOOR HANDLE SYSTEM IS ESPECIALLY SUITED TO HEAVY SWING DOORS

Filling system gives drink producer the WOW factor

MEPCA discovered how a refurbished, electronic, non-contact filling system from bottling and packaging machinery supplier AVE UK has quadrupled capacity for Essex-based sports water manufacturer WOW HYDRATE.

Now able to produce 8,000 bottles per hour – up from its original 2,000 – AVE’s Unibloc rinser/filler/capper system has also allowed WOW HYDRATE to reshore production of its full range of sports drinks to the UK, reducing its carbon footprint, cutting transport costs from Europe and alleviating supply chain issues. In addition, it has helped to reduce the production cost per bottle by 20%.

Established in 2017, WOW HYDRATE produces low-calorie, sugar-free and fatfree nutritious sports waters with vitamins, electrolytes and proteins. Available in six flavours, the brand is backed by some of the biggest sporting names in the world.

Moving with the times

As demand for WOW HYDRATE began to grow, Founder and CEO Neil Young realised he needed to increase capacity from the 2,000 bottles per hour the company was

currently producing. In addition, Neil felt the time was right to make some significant production changes to reduce costs and boost the company’s revenue.

“The sports drink market is a crowded one with some well-established key players, so when we first launched WOW HYDRATE, we wanted to create something different to help the bottle stand out on the shelf,” explained Neil. “We opted to produce a unique selfdispensing bottle comprising a novelty push cap with a dosing system. This meant the customer needed to add the powder to the drink themselves before shaking and waking it into life.”

The product featured a 38mm porous sports cap with a powder compartment, which was made in Austria, filled in Italy, and then shipped to the UK. While it achieved Neil’s aim of making the product memorable and was instrumental in WOW HYDRATE’s successful launch, as its popularity took off, the production and shipping costs could no longer be justified.

“The unique self-dispensing cap was an expensive feature in itself but added to this was the cost of transporting the product across Europe and then into the UK,” explained Neil. “There was also an associated high carbon footprint, which we were keen to reduce. Then, like so many companies that manufacture outside of the UK, the recent supply chain issues began to impact us, too.”

Reshoring production

Reaching a tipping point, Neil decided to move production to an independent third-party bottler based in Devon. A longterm user of AVE bottling and packaging equipment, they put Neil in contact with AVE UK’s Sales Director Steve Bradley for advice on an alternative method of production that would enable the company to replace the novelty self-dosing cap with a standard 38mm flip sports cap and manufacture wholly in the UK.

“Previously, WOW HYDRATE sports

The refurbished Unibloc rinser/filler/capper was installed by AVE UK within six weeks of ordering.

waters were produced using a gravity filling system,” said Steve. “I recommended that Neil instead consider an electronic filling system (EFS), which uses electronic flow meters to fill to a volume rather than a level. Suitable for a range of bottle and cap sizes, including the 38mm flip sports cap that Neil was keen to switch to, the AVE Unibloc EFS rinser/filler/capper system employs a far more accurate method of dosing and results in a more consistent end product, as well as producing less wastage.”

As there are fewer moving parts in the Unibloc, there is a reduced risk of maintenance issues, too, resulting in increased uptime on the line. The system is also non-contact, making it more hygienic than the previous gravity version. This allows for the full range of WOW HYDRATE flavours to be produced with no fear of crosscontamination.

A refurbished solution

Confident in the suitability of the AVE system, Neil decided to opt for a refurbished Unibloc rather than order a new machine. He explained his decision: “The biggest

deciding factor for us was the short lead time – just six weeks for a refurbished machine, compared to around five months for made-to-order. There were substantial cost savings, too. Plus, of course, it’s better for the environment to repurpose an existing system.”

The order was placed in May 2021, and within just six weeks, a Unibloc, which had previously been used to handle 500ml plastic screw cap bottles, had been delivered to AVE’s UK workshop, stripped down to the base, shot blasted, repainted, refurbished to meet the client’s exact specification with all worn parts replaced, and installed at the customer’s production site. By the end of that same week, it had been successfully commissioned and was in full operation.

AVE UK has a network of local engineers to service the machine as required, but ongoing support has been made easy by the fact that the company also offers remote access. “We can check the operational state of the system at any time and from anywhere, identify any issues before they start to affect production, and even remotely fix faults,” said Steve. “This all helps to

increase operational uptime and keep the line running as expected.”

Trebling capacity, slashing costs

For Neil and WOW HYDRATE, switching to the AVE Unibloc has been a seamless transition which has delivered a host of benefits.

“Changing our production methods and manufacturing wholly in the UK also means our sports waters are around 20% cheaper to produce per bottle,” added Neil. “The Unibloc is more accurate and more hygienic than our previous system, allowing us to produce all six flavours of WOW HYDRATE. Of course, we still clean the machine between line changes, but it’s much quicker and easier to do so and uses less water, delivering cost savings and environmental benefits. There are other environmental benefits too, in the form of a lower carbon footprint thanks to reshoring production, and less wastage as a result of more accurate dosing methods.”

Report highlights UK’s urgent need to increase robot adoption

FANUC UK’s Managing Director, Tom Bouchier, highlights that the UK is currently languishing at 24th in the world robot density rankings, making us the only G7 country to sit outside the top 20.

The UK has a strong and proud manufacturing history and, for a small nation, has long punched above its weight on the global stage. Today, the UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world, with a £183bn output. But our seat at the top table is looking precarious as a result of our slow adoption of industrial automation. No longer the preserve of Asian powerhouses like China, Japan or the Republic of Korea, the recently published IFR World Robotics Industrial Robots 2022 report reveals that countries far closer to home, such as Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Hungary, are now outpacing the UK when it comes to the adoption of robotics. If we are to continue competing on the global stage, it is imperative that the UK’s automation community comes

together to support British firms to embrace robotics and ensure our reputation as a nation of manufacturers continues to thrive.

A record-breaking year

As acknowledged in its foreword, the statistics contained in the 2022 IFR report are a strong indication of the vital contribution that robotics is making towards supporting businesses to protect their core production processes against the effects of the numerous global crises that we have experienced over the past few years. A record 517,385 new robots were installed in 2021 – an impressive 31% uplift from 2020. As well as traditional automation adopters such as the automotive, electronics, and metal & machinery industries, advances in robotic capability through digitalisation and AI have seen sectors such as warehousing

and logistics also begin deploying automated solutions.

UK bucks the global trend

Robotics has a key role to play in enabling manufacturers from all countries to remain agile, cost-efficient and globally competitive, and the fact that 2021 saw the highest number of new robot installations on record is particularly encouraging. But, from a UK perspective, the IFR results were more sobering. At 2,054, the number of new robot installations was down 7% year-on-year, giving the UK an average manufacturing robot density of 111 robots for every 10,000 employees, which the report notes is ‘very low for a Western European country’. This figure is well below the global average of 141 and considerably under the top-performing nation

In 2015, robot density in the UK was just 71 robots per 10,000 employees – the current figure of 111 demonstrates a 56% increase, and this is reflected at FANUC UK with a healthy order book for 2023.

of the Republic of Korea (1,000) and the European frontrunner, Germany (397). In fact, the UK is currently languishing at 24th in the world robot density rankings, making us the only G7 country to sit outside the top 20.

Boosting productivity

The UK’s position as a leading manufacturing nation is unquestionable, but we could increase our productivity levels significantly if we used more automation. To put it into context, many countries have a manufacturing industry that accounts for a similar 10% GDP as the UK (the USA, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, for example), but their productivity rates are higher than ours as a result of their greater investment in automation. Astonishingly, a German worker is around 30% an hour more productive than a UK worker – put simply, we cannot expect to continue competing on the international stage unless we automate.

Labour crisis

The need to automate has become even more imperative in the last few years in the face of a series of unprecedented global and

national crises, which have impacted UK manufacturers’ ability to recruit staff. Already facing a labour shortfall, a perfect storm of Brexit and the Covid pandemic prompted an exodus of European labour from our shores, contributing to the 97,000 vacancies in the manufacturing sector reported in January 2022 (a year-on-year increase of 113%). As well as this ‘cost of leaving’ crisis, the country is also facing a cost of living crisis, which has seen manufacturers grapple with rising bills for energy, transport and raw materials. Recruiting hard-to-find manual labour while managing increasing costs is a difficult balancing act, but it can be alleviated through automation. By using robots to do the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, automation enables manufacturers to make better use of their human employees, upskilling them to boost recruitment and retention rates while increasing productivity.

A bright future

The outlook, therefore, is brighter than it may currently appear. In 2015, robot density in the

UK was just 71 robots per 10,000 employees – the current figure of 111 demonstrates a 56% increase.

The UK already boasts world-class engineers, world-class machine tool builders, world-class integrators and a world-class workforce. To retain our reputation as a nation of world-class manufacturers, we now need to support firms to implement world-class automation technology.

www.fanuc.eu/uk/en

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A robotic solution to labour scarcity

Today’s labour market is changing; Deloitte projects as many as 2.4 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2028.

As human workers become increasingly difficult to find, automation gives manufacturers the flexibility they need to grow their business without depending on scarce human labour. Looking to avoid exactly this issue, a customer reached out to the US-based integrator Midwest Engineered Systems (MWES) to automate the box packing process for its packaged food. MWES designed a custom box packing cell that utilised Kawasaki’s highperformance robots and software to surpass initial objectives.

Having suffered from inconsistent production due to labour issues, the customer needed a solution which could pack 50 bags per minute with an 85% overall equipment effectiveness rate while distinguishing between different box sizes and product types. In addition, they needed a system that facilitated growth through form and function. Meaning the design needed to be mobile, compact, and capable of handling different product and box sizes.

The solution developed by MWES utilised two wall-mounted Kawasaki RS007L robots to handle bagged product using vacuum grippers. Conveyor tracking and the Kawasaki K-VFinder vision software were used to monitor product, and a custom mobile cell was designed to accommodate different box sizes and product types.

The customer’s existing bagging machine places bags onto a conveyor that feeds into the cell. Once the product reaches the Kawasaki K-VFinder vision system, a camera takes a photo. Next, the vision system passes this data on to the first robot along with the conveyor tracking data. The robot uses this to determine the position

and a series of pick points for each bag. Simultaneously, operators load boxes onto a secondary conveyor underneath the robots. The robots pick each bag and drop them into the box below.

Flexibility achieved

When operators need to add a new product, they simply type the bag dimensions, weight and box size into the HMI and assign a new product number. MWES installed a hand crank that adjusts the box conveyor’s place in the cell, allowing for different-sized boxes and giving the customer flexibility. When the operator needs to pack a different product, they simply update the product number on the HMI and turn the hand crank.

To add to the cell’s flexibility, its compact size makes it possible for a forklift to move it anywhere in the customer’s facility. Because the cell only needs power, air and an EtherNet connection, the customer can get started in as little as one day. This is key for a growing manufacturer, said Steve Phelps, MWES Sales Engineer. “This is typical for a packaging environment… and with a customer that’s just getting used to automation and is in a growth phase, they may need to move things around their facility periodically.”

The right robot

MWES chose Kawasaki RS007L robots for this box-packing cell because of their reach, payload and high-speed capabilities. The robots’ 7kg payload, 730mm reach, and flexible mounting options, in addition to their through-arm cable design, made them ideal for this compact cell. The robots’ design enables the housing of vision cables, sensor harnesses, air lines, and other components inside the arm structure. This prevents interference with peripheral equipment and allows for operation in tight installation spaces.

MWES says the Kawasaki RS007L robots can pack up to 80 bags per minute without drops, which exceeds the throughput and equipment effectiveness goals set by the customer. The system allows the customer to redeploy 2-3 workers each shift to higher-level roles better suited to their skills.

According to the integrator, the box packing system is conducive to further automation. A downstream palletising system could prepare the boxes for distribution, or box erectors could be installed upstream for increased efficiency.

kawasakirobotics.com/uk

When a food manufacturer was looking to automate parts of its packing process, a solution based around Kawasaki’s RS007L robots met the challenge, as MEPCA found out.

Wall-mounted Kawasaki robots work together with conveyor tracking and K-VFinder vision software to track and pack product.

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3D scanning and inspection solutions developer, LMI Technologies (LMI), has announced the official release of its new Gocator 2540/50 high-speed wide field of view 3D laser line profile sensors.

Gocator 2540/50 laser line profilers deliver the 2500 series’ signature blazing fast scan rates, with the added advantage of wider fields of view for greater scan coverage. Engineers can deploy these compact, factory-calibrated smart sensors in production lines for high-speed 3D measurement and inspection of a variety of manufactured materials, including shiny machined-metal EV battery and consumer electronic assemblies, various web materials, hot-rolled rail track steel, as well as low contrast materials such as black rubber tires.

The new Gocator 2540/50 features up

to 10,000 profiles per second, including 3D measurement, up to 518 mm field of view, up to 0.064mm X resolution and up to 1.2 microns Z repeatability. Setup and control are carried out via a web browser or SDK, and thanks to onboard tools, no programming is required.

“The Gocator 2540 and 2550 laser profilers continue to extend the versatility of our popular high-speed 2500 series. The ability to scan, measure, and control at up to 10kHz paired with ever wider fields of view opens the door for engineers to deploy this powerful sensor lineup in new inspection applications where speed and maximum line scan coverage are of significant performance advantage”, said Mark Radford, CEO of LMI Technologies.

www.lmi3d.com

Wider FOV 3D laser profiler series launched LUCID launches compact IP67 camera featuring Sony sensors

LUCID Vision Labs, a designer and manufacturer of industrial vision cameras, has announced the availability of the new compact and cost-efficient Triton SWIR IP67-rated 1.3 MP and 0.3 MP cameras.

The Triton SWIR is a GigE PoE camera featuring wide-band and high-sensitivity

Sony SenSWIR 1.3 MP IMX990 and 0.3 MP IMX991 InGaAs sensors, capable of capturing images across both visible and invisible light spectrums and boasting a miniaturised pixel size of 5μm. The camera’s capability of imaging on the short-wavelength infrared light spectrum opens a world of industrial applications with greater precision in fruit inspection and sorting, packaging, IR microscopy, semiconductor inspection, material sorting and more.

Triton’s ‘Factory Tough’ design offers IP67 protection, Power over Ethernet (PoE) and provides protection against shock,

vibration, water, dust, and electromagnetic interferences. It features active sensor alignment for superior optical performance, a compact 29mm x 44mm size, M12 Ethernet and M8 general purpose I/O connectors for a robust connection, industrial EMC immunity and a wide ambient temperature range of -20°C to 50°C. Unlike the Atlas SWIR camera, the Triton SWIR does not have a TEC cooling device and can therefore be lower power and more compact.

“We’re excited to expand our SWIR camera portfolio with the new Triton SWIR IP67 cameras, offering a compact form factor at a cost-efficient price,” said Rod Barman, President at LUCID Vision Labs. “Compared to our high-end Atlas SWIR camera range, the Triton SWIR will enable easier access to SWIR technology for price-sensitive customers, offering the same Sony SenSWIR IMX990 and IMX991 image sensor technology at a more affordable price.”

Triton is a GigE Vision and GenICam compliant camera capable of 1 Gbps data transfer rates and allows the use of standard CAT5e and CAT6 cables up to 100 meters. Triton features Power over Ethernet (PoE) that simplifies integration and reduces cost.

www.thinklucid.com

Innovation in non-contact temperature measurement

As industry and manufacturing evolve at an ever-increasing pace, so has AMETEK Land. The last 75 years have seen the company develop from a traditional family business into a leading specialist in non-contact temperature measurement systems for a wide range of industries, as MEPCA found out.

Originally manufacturing thermocouples, LAND now produces many different types of pyrometers and temperature measurement devices to meet demand, as well as environmental and safety standards and legislation.

Around the world, industries such as steel, hydrocarbon processing, glass manufacturing and power generation use LAND products to measure gas or temperatures in their processes.

But behind these products and devices lies a world of physics and technology to ensure accurate and consistent measurements are delivered for hours at a time in a heavy industrial environment.

The team at LAND is supported by close ties with local and national academia, collaborating on technology projects to ensure best-in-class research and development is applied. This approach is helping to ensure Land focuses on new solutions to meet industrial challenges globally. Decarbonisation is a hot topic and one that can’t be ignored. The electric vehicle market is growing at an extraordinary rate, and manufacturers are looking for better materials and ways to improve production techniques.

The hydrogen economy will play a major part in the future, and LAND will play its part by providing instruments to monitor the furnaces used to make hydrogen.

These sorts of challenges lead companies like LAND as industrial specialists to partner with other companies and organisations to meet these challenges, not just for the company but for the world’s future.

AMETEK Land is well-positioned to help its customers digitalise and stay safe.

Introducing tools to allow manufacturing plant operators to remotely monitor and control processes in dangerous environments. Previously operators would be put at risk by having to be close to the process.

This is where thermal imaging plays a big part, particularly for the future, as it allows operators to monitor their processes remotely and automatically.

LAND’s monitors and analysers for industrial infrared non-contact temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and environmental pollutant emissions ensure the highest standards of process safety, process control and quality are met and exceeded.

Fixed thermal Imagers provide highresolution temperature information for a wide range of industrial processes, with an extensive number of spectral bands and a broad temperature range. Backed by decades of LAND experience, advanced technology and software support, these thermal imagers deliver the data required to keep industrial processes running safely and efficiently.

Portable non-contact pyrometers are

widely used in hostile industrial environments to ensure safety while delivering accurate, precise temperature readings. These hand-held instruments provide easy, pointand-measure temperature readings and are designed to meet the specific process challenges of liquid metal, high temperature, medium temperature, and furnace applications.

Providing high-resolution thermal information, LAND imagers and line scanners set the industry standard for performance. Thermal imagers provide high-resolution temperature information for a wide range of industrial processes to keep them running safely and efficiently.

To meet emissions standards, the measurement of flue gases in industrial plants and power stations is highly important. Portable flue gas analysers help operations achieve this in industries burning coal, natural gas, oil or biomass, including power generation, steel, glass and cement manufacturing.

A new generation of multifunction testers

Combining time-saving features with a new intuitive user interface, the new Megger MFT-X platform is set to transform the market for multifunction installation testers (MFTs). Among its numerous innovative features are True Loop impedance testing with patented Confidence Meter technology, user-configurable automated RCD testing, full CertSuite certification software compatibility, support for EV charge point testing, and easy on-site upgrading to meet changes in test requirements or add extra functions.

“Our existing range continues to be extremely popular,” said Peter Wade, UK LVI Sales Manager at Megger. “However, we believe that even the best can get better. We’ve listened closely to feedback from our users, and we’ve used this to guide the development of our new MFT-X1. As a result, we are confident that they will find the MFT-X1 a great instrument to work with, which not only delivers fast, accurate and dependable results but will also save them a lot of time and trouble.”

A large full-colour display, which changes background colour according to the test being performed, makes the MFT-X1 easy and convenient to use, while enhanced Bluetooth connectivity means that results can be easily transferred to mobile phones or tablets running Megger’s CertSuite software, making test certificate completion on site quick and easy.

True Loop is the most advanced earth loop impedance measurement system that Megger has ever developed. Integrating the patented Confidence Meter with the latest 3-wire no-trip loop testing technology, the user is now able to get fast, reliable, accurate and repeatable readings in the harshest of high-noise environments - where previously readings could not be obtained. In addition, the technology ensures that loop values are immune to RCD uplift and will perform tests on circuits protected by RCDs down to 10mA. To further save time, a new RCD configurator for auto-sequence testing ensures only the tests required are completed.

uk.megger.com

Light curtain system for continuous material flow

SICK has launched a safety light curtain system for Smart Box Detection, designed to enable the continuous safe material flow of cartons or cuboid goods at the entry or exit points of protected areas while safeguarding people from dangerous materials handling, conveying or packaging machinery.

The SICK Smart Box Detection system is a plug-and-play automation solution for the SICK deTec4 Safety Light Curtain. It uses intelligent pattern recognition to detect cuboid objects and even some cylindrical goods that produce a cuboid-shaped silhouette, and differentiate them from people. Unnecessary stoppages are therefore avoided, for example, at the in- and out-feeds of packaging machinery or close to loading and unloading machinery in intralogistics facilities. The protected area above the material remains safeguarded by the light curtain at all times.

No muting sensors or tunnels

The deTec4 Smart Box Detection is the first safety system of its kind to facilitate safe material flow without having to receive signals from an external machine controller. It removes the need to use muting sensors, which take up space, require maintenance and can be easily knocked or damaged.

The system can also replace the tunnel guards that are frequently used to provide protection at the openings of machines. As a result, the maximum distance to the hazard can be reduced by more than half.

The Smart Box Detection system is quick and easy to configure using dip switches integrated into the SP2 system plug, so there is no requirement to use a laptop or software. There’s also no need for any additional teach-in, programming, mounting or wiring. Each system can be configured to meet the needs of the application, and if objects of different heights and lengths are being detected, for example, on a conveyor, there is no need to teach them in or to adjust

the configuration of the safety solution.

Productivity gains

Martin Kidman, SICK UK’s Market Product Manager for Safety Solutions, commented: “Installing a SICK Smart Box Detection system can improve productivity significantly. This will be welcomed both by machine builders and end users in a wide range of industrial and logistics facilities, e.g. in goods inward areas where top- and side-loaders are in operation, in secondary packaging lines, or on the outfeed of rejected boxes.

“There are also both cost- and spacesaving benefits from installing Smart Box Detection. Machine designers can build new machinery in a smaller footprint, while production teams can remove tunnels, or eliminate the need to keep an inventory of muting sensors, for example.”

“Using SICK’s innovative deTec4 safety light curtain means boxes can also be

measured, if needed, without additional sensors by transmitting beam data over IO-Link. The user could then combine it with speed data to calculate volume. Diagnostic information accessed via either near field communications or IO-Link makes it easier for operators to investigate machine stoppages in real-time, as well as making informed service decisions for predictive machine maintenance.”

The SICK deTec4 Prime offers protective field heights in increments from 300mm to 2100mm and a choice of finger (14mm) or hand (30mm) resolution providing protection against operator intervention in accordance with ISO 13855 in applications covering up to 21m. It is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496), enabling compliance in applications with requirements up to PLe (ISO 13849) and SIL 3 (IEC 62061).

Protecting hands in the workplace

In a world increasingly reliant on automation within the manufacturing sector, workers’ hands still play an essential role. John Lambeth, Group Technical Manager of hand and arm protection specialists Unigloves, explains how health and safety managers need to take a multi-layered approach to provide hand protection solutions that workers will embrace.

According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, released in November 2022, there were an estimated 54,000 workers in the manufacturing sector who sustained an injury at work, 26% of these cases resulting in absence from work of over seven days.

Of those, almost 15,000 were injuries to the hands. In addition, it was reported that parts of the manufacturing sector, including chemicals, basic metals and fabricated metal products, had rates of contact dermatitis at least three times the industry average.

Workers’ hands will be exposed to multiple risks, including cuts, impacts, abrasions, burns, chemicals and temperature changes.

When it comes to hand protection, considerations should include the following:

Glove material

Different glove materials will offer different types of protection – so it is important to select the right material for the kind of hazards (or combination of hazards) the hands are likely to come into contact with including.

NRL (natural rubber latex) offers good elasticity and stretch attributes and good abrasion resistance. It provides the best overall dry grip of any coating, especially when processed with a textured latex palm. It offers good durability and strength and can withstand extreme temperatures (environmental). Latex is not breathable, however, and some users are allergic to it.

Nitrile creates a tough coating that provides excellent abrasion and puncture resistance, standing up well to oil, grease and chemicals – generally finished with an embossed palm finish to aid grip.

Double dipped nitrile provides extra durability, liquid and abrasion resistance thanks to the double dipping. The first dip repels oil to keep hands dry, whilst the

second dip limits the ingress of liquids, keeping the glove in more contact with the object being gripped.

PU, Polyurethane, is the lightest, softest, and most flexible of the coating choices. It is durable, offering the best dexterity and tactile sensitivity – offering good comfort and grip.

Compliance

When it comes to hand protection, the gloves selected must have been tested and certified against the hazard/hazards you are looking to protect workers against.

European Union Regulation 2016/425 and the UKCA marking specifies the basic requirements, identifies hazards, determines the marking process and acts as a framework for using the harmonised European & UK Standards to assess the level of glove performance according to the type of hazard.

Core European Standards that relate to hand protection include:

• EN ISO 21420 General Requirements

• EN374 Chemicals and Micro-organisms

• EN388 Mechanical Hazards

• EN407 Thermal

• EN511 Cold

• EN60903 High Voltage

If you are unsure whether the glove/gloves you are considering provides the right levels of protection, consult a specialist

hand protection manufacturer to help gain clarification.

Comfort, grip performance

Wider hand protection selection features should also extend to comfort, grip and performance.

With gloves often worn for long periods, comfort is vital. If a glove is too tight, ill-fitting, or uncomfortable, the risk of workers either not wearing the glove or removing it when at work increases.

The grip performance provided by a glove can be all too easily overlooked. A glove without the correct grip performance can increase the risk of injury to the wearer with grip requirements determined by the environment.

Will the environment and or the materials being handled be wet or oily increasing slip risk, or will the environment change from wet to dry as a result of the task being carried out?

Different grip finishes, including raised diamond, roughened, patterned, smooth, and foam, provide different performances.

Conclusion

An effective hand and arm protection programme includes much more than just physical protection. It takes a multi-layered approach.

www.unigloves.co.uk

Taking indoor air quality monitoring to the next level

Extech’s new 42280A series temperature and humidity data logger features a number of notable enhancements over the company’s highly successful legacy model to ensure even higher performance and capability levels in indoor environmental monitoring applications. This latest-generation, highly accurate, and reliable meter will serve as an invaluable asset for any company looking to monitor the air quality of their production area, for example.

A direct replacement for the popular 42280 series, the new 42280A features the same large, triple LCD display showing temperature, humidity and date/time clock simultaneously. However, the company’s newly developed model introduces a number of added-value functions, including the capability to generate PDF reports or Excel spreadsheets when plugging the device (via an integral USB interface) into a Windows-based PC after data logging.

A further important enhancement is an increase in internal memory to 48,000

points/readings, three times more than the previous model, to suit demands for extended monitoring or monitoring at highfrequency rates. The Extech 42280A also sees the introduction of a Max/Min mode and the presence of a Hi/Lo indication on-screen. Here, the programmable/selectable data sampling rate ensures visual and audible alarm indication in association with Hi/Lo limits.

Adaptable to almost any situation, further features of the new Extech 42280A include a ‘mark’ function that enables users to read out the memory contents starting from a defined time without reprogramming the log. As a point of note, data remains secure within the logger at all times and can be passwordprotected if required.

Extech is also releasing its new

UK manufactured downflow booth hits the market

AirBench has announced the release of a new range of downflow booth models, the VertEx DFB.0

DFB is designed for use in high-end manufacturing environments, including food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, but can also be applied in wider industry settings. Manufactured as standard in polished T304 stainless steel, the DFB is also available in T316 stainless or as a powder-coated mild steel unit.

Developed in response to a customer request for a UK-manufactured downflow booth, DFB is now available to order.

Downflow booths function by providing a flow of clean, filtered air downwards from the roof of the enclosure over the operator. This ensures the operator remains in a

clean air zone at all times. Air is drawn in at the base of the unit, through primary and secondary filters, before being recirculated back through the final stage H13 HEPAs to the operator. A percentage of air is exhausted back to the workspace, ensuring the booth remains in negative pressure at all times.

AirBench offers a full installation and commissioning service for the DFB range.

bit.ly/AirBDFB

42280A-NIST version. This model features calibration traceable to NIST standards for indoor environments where it is necessary to demonstrate accurate and reliable measurements, supported by calibration reports that users can download to a PC.

www.flir.co.uk

Improve efficiency, reduce costs, and exceed targets

Set to take place at the NEC Birmingham, on March 28 and 29, the largest intralogistics show of this year is almost here. Now in its ninth year, IntraLogisteX is not only UK’s biggest and best factory and warehouse logistics event, but it also features the most advanced industry innovations and solutions – everything visitors need to create the factory or warehouse of tomorrow, today.

IntraLogisteX offers visitors the chance to discover how the latest automation and robotics technologies can improve their business efficiency, reduce costs, enable them to improve sustainability, and give them a competitive advantage. By attending IntraLogisteX, engineering and manufacturing professionals can condense weeks of online research into just a few hours, all while networking and sharing ideas with their peers.

Manufacturing companies make up a significant portion of the event’s visitors. As well as most of the major car producers, such as Hyundai, Toyota, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ford, Arrival, and BMW, a vast range of manufacturing giants like Sony, Airbus, Perkins Engines, Caterpillar, Bosch, Lego Group, and Tata Steel are all sending delegations to the event.

Visitors can meet industry-leading exhibitors who will showcase solutions in factory and warehouse automation, robotics, materials handling, storage, racking, sortation, picking, barcode scanning, labelling, packaging, software, facilities management, and more!

The event organiser, Akabo Media, is introducing a number of important changes for this year’s event. Following on from last year’s sold-out event, the organiser has announced that the 2023 edition will take place on March 28 and 29, 2023 at the UK’s leading live events venue, the NEC Birmingham.

This exciting move offers a wider range of services and transport links to exhibitors and visitors. This allows IntraLogisteX to grow after its 2022 event sold out the Coventry Building Society Arena. IntraLogisteX can

now offer its guests an unrivalled selection of 250+ exhibitors.

The move isn’t the only good news for automation and manufacturing professionals. This year, IntraLogisteX will be co-locating with Robotics & Automation Exhibition –the UK’s largest dedicated robotics and automation exhibition. This follows the huge success of Robotics & Automation’s 2022 event, held at the Coventry Building Society Arena last November. This co-location gives visitors access to a wide range of leading robotics and automation organisations such as Geek+, Zebra Robotics, Locus Robotics, Brillopak, Dexory, KNAPP, OnRobot, Orion, and many more.

According to Stephen Brooks, owner and Managing Director of Akabo Media, the decision to co-locate gives both shows an immediate gain in the number of exhibiting companies and qualified professional visitors, with more than 4,000 buyers expected to attend.

The synergy of the two shows is obvious, and visitors’ passes will grant them access to both, meaning they have an even bigger

opportunity to discover the solutions to their current and future factory and warehouse challenges.

On top of all these new features for the 2023 event, IntraLogisteX is once again providing its visitors with a truly worldclass conference programme. Featuring over 60 expert speakers, the IntraLogisteX conference will span both days of the exhibition and offer visitors practical insights into the latest industry innovations. Visitors will be able to hear directly from industry leaders as they share real-world examples of their solutions in action.

Topics covered in the outstanding conference will include decarbonisation and efficient solutions in the automotive industry, growth via investment in automation and technology, and the importance of inclusion within the logistics industry.

IntraLogisteX 2023 is a free exhibition and the best chance to see an unmissable showcase of the latest solutions and innovations in intralogistics. www.intralogistex.co.uk

Discover what’s new in tape and functional film

The Tape & Functional Film Expo is an exciting event that takes place in Amsterdam from March 21 to 23, and it is one of the biggest gatherings in the industry.

The Tape & Functional Film Expo brings together top manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from all over the world to showcase the latest developments in tape and functional films. It is a great opportunity for industry professionals to connect, network, and learn about new innovations in the field.

The Tape & Functional Film Expo is an excellent platform for businesses and individuals to showcase their products and services and demonstrate their expertise in the field. The expo offers a wide range of opportunities for exhibitors to display their products, including a comprehensive exhibition hall, interactive demonstrations, and informative workshops. With so many companies and individuals taking part, this is a great chance for attendees to see the latest products and technologies and to find out more about the latest developments in the industry.

For industry professionals and businesses looking to expand their knowledge, the Tape & Functional Film Expo offers a number of exciting workshops and seminars. These sessions are designed to educate attendees about the latest advancements in tape and functional films and to help them develop new skills and knowledge that can be applied to their own businesses.

In addition to the exhibitions and workshops, the Tape & Functional Film Expo also features a number of networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking to connect with other professionals in the field or you’re seeking new business opportunities, this event is the perfect place to make new connections. With so many attendees from all over the world, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about new products and services, and build new relationships that can benefit your business in the future.

For attendees who are interested in the latest developments in tape and functional films, the Tape & Functional Film Expo is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re an industry professional, a business owner, or simply a curious individual, this expo offers a wealth of information and opportunities to help you stay up-to-date with the latest innovations in the sector.

One of the highlights of the Tape & Functional Film Expo is the opportunity to see the latest products and technologies in action. With a wide range of interactive demonstrations and hands-on workshops, attendees will be able to see these products in action and learn about their capabilities and potential applications. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in the industry and to see how

these products can be applied in real-world situations.

In conclusion, the Tape & Functional Film Expo is a must-attend event for anyone who is interested in the latest developments in tape and functional films. With a wide range of exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities, this event offers a comprehensive platform for industry professionals, businesses, and individuals to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, connect with other professionals, or find new business opportunities, the Tape & Functional Film Expo is the perfect place to start. So mark your calendars for March 21 to 23, and don’t miss out on this exciting event in Amsterdam.

Bit.ly/TFFExpo

The UK’s biggest subcontract manufacturing supply chain show returns

Subcon is confirmed to return from June 7-8, 2023, at the NEC, Birmingham. Over 4000 visitors will come together for two days of innovation and excellence.

Visitors can discover the full manufacturing ecosystem, source suppliers, network with the industry and learn from the experts. With over 200 exhibitors and thousands of products on display, this is a not-to-be-missed event for the sector.

Subcon is also partnered with the industryleading engineering and manufacturing journals, The Engineer, Manufacturing Management and Machinery, bringing 340+ years of manufacturing knowledge to the show. Together they will spearhead two dedicated conference streams showcasing the leading voices in the industry across 20+ hours of free sessions.

World-class solution providers

Subcon will bring together over 200 British and international suppliers. Visitors can

harness innovations from these world-class suppliers to help increase capacity, optimise productivity, and improve flexibility while driving down costs to stay competitive in a global market.

Subcon exhibitors span a massive range of manufacturing and engineering businesses, including assembly work, CNC machining, metal fabrication, electronics, component parts, and many more. As this diversity of exhibitors shows, there will be huge opportunities to forge strategic partnerships and improve existing processes.

Hear from the experts

Alongside the exhibition, there will also be two conference theatres running in parallel, a dedicated supply chain theatre in conjunction with Machinery Magazine and a second theatre bringing together sessions curated by The Engineer and Manufacturing

Management magazine. Together they will provide visitors with high-quality content, case-study-led discussions and best practice to apply directly to their businesses. Previous speaking companies have included AE Aerospace, BAE Systems, Make UK, HP, Inenco, PwC and many more!

Event Director Jason Dante noted: “With the industry facing many challenges from the war in Ukraine to the current cost of living crisis, there has never been a more critical time for businesses to benchmark and refine their supply chains.

Subcon continues to provide a framework where visitors can do just that. With a 46year tenure, Subcon remains the biggest and longest-established UK subcontract manufacturing supply chain show. We can’t wait to open our doors again this June and welcome the industry back”. www.subconshow.co.uk

UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition

The processing and packaging machinery industry is looking forward to another successful PPMA Show in 2023, bringing manufacturers, suppliers, and customers together.

Last year’s PPMA Total Show was hailed by visitors and exhibitors as a resounding success. The industry has provided positive feedback, calling the exhibition “a great networking event that has everything you need in the processing and packaging arena”.

PPMA Show 2023 will be no different, uniting a winning combination of expert exhibitors, representing the full production line, and carrying out live machinery demonstrations for high-calibre visitors and buyers, all under one roof.

From September 26 to 28, 2023, Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham will be transformed into a hive of innovation and interaction.

This will provide a fantastic atmosphere filled with invaluable opportunities, which Yamato’s National Sales Manager Paul Webster described as: “A one-stop shop for our customers. Every solution in the world is here.”

The show will host over 400 stands representing 2500 brands and feature many new product launches and ‘first showings’ of the latest technologies, automated solutions, robotics and vision systems.

Building and maintaining relationships with colleagues and suppliers is made easy by the networking opportunities provided during the three-day event. Chief among them is the highly anticipated combined return of the PPMA Awards Gala Dinner, allowing members to dress up and enjoy the first night of a successful show. There will be fine dining accompanied by entertainment from one of the best comedians in the business. Last year’s Gala Dinner was highlighted by stand-up comedian Jason Manford performing in front of hundreds of guests and VIPs. Previous years have featured household names such as Brian Conley and Jon Culshaw.

The highly sought-after PPMA Industry Awards will be handed out at the dinner.

Winners of the 2022 awards included: Markem-Imaje, Fortress Technology, Pace Machine Handling, Crest Solutions, and Epson (UK). The winners were praised by judges for their creativity, smart technologies, innovative solutions focused on increasing productivity and efficiency, cost reduction, and for delivering excellence in customer service.

Show visitors can also attend a threeday seminar programme of informative, educational presentations and opinionled industry insights. These seminars are compiled specifically to address the many opportunities and challenges facing UK industry. Among the topics will be seminars emphasising the efforts being made to make the manufacturing industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly as it works towards Net Zero.

Summing up the benefits of being at PPMA Show, Stuart Colton from Omron described it as: “An absolutely fantastic opportunity to engage with the most important market

sector in the UK.”

Last year’s show set the standard after nearly two years of lockdown, and the PPMA is proud and grateful to receive the support of the industry and those that perform in the sectors we operate in.

These wishes were extended by Richard Little, PPMA Show Director, who said: “It is both overwhelming and gratifying to receive such positive and encouraging feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike.

“We are delighted that once again, in its 34th year, PPMA Total Show delivered an event that reaches into the heart of our industry, addressing the needs of our members and delivering on the aspirations and expectations of our visitors.”

Feedback like this has given PPMA the drive to deliver another gold standard show in September and to continue assisting its members to achieve their goals and objectives for 2023.

www.ppmashow.co.uk

26–28

High-performance multi-product calibrator

Rotork launches a new Reliability Services programme

Rotork, the market-leading provider of flow control solutions, has launched a new Reliability Services programme that increases the dependability of site assets. The service offering ensures that the most appropriate response is provided based on the criticality of the customer’s application.

It is a tiered approach to maintenance, with three tiers (Basic, Standard, and Premium) that provide progressively increased levels of coverage and support. Rotork’s tailor-made programmes increase reliability and availability by reducing maintenance downtime, with associated reductions in cost.

bit.ly/RotorkRS

Barcode reader boosts throughput

Fluke, a global specialist in the manufacture of compact, professional electronic test and measurement tools and software, has today introduced the Fluke 5560A High-Performance MultiProduct Calibrator, which provides the broadest electrical workload coverage and highest accuracy.

Satisfying demand at the high end of the multi-product calibrator market, the 5560A sits neatly in Fluke’s product range under the high-accuracy, multi-function 5730A calibrator designed for calibrating 8.5-digit resolution DMMs. The 5560A is an ideal solution for calibrating up to 6.5-digit DMMs.

With demand for calibration growing every year, the Fluke 5560A defines a new class of multi-product calibrator by catering for new and inexperienced workers joining the calibration business without much training. Key features of the Fluke 5560A include a large 7-inch display with an intuitive touchscreen for ease of use, Visual Connection Management terminals and an optional accessory for efficient digital multimeter (DMM) calibration with minimal or no lead changes. The rugged and portable calibrator can also be automated using MET/CAL Calibration Management Software.

Among the key benefits to users of the 5560A are minimal training requirements and reduced maintenance, as well as the ability to calibrate a wider range of equipment using a single calibrator.

bit.ly/MPCal

Cognex has released the DataMan 580 fixed-mount barcode reader, designed for five- and six-sided modular vision tunnels. The new logistics tunnel solution gives an edge to companies that want to increase sortation throughput and decrease processing times. All tunnels are pre-configured with pre-built reader modules and can be set up within a day, greatly minimising downtime and delivering fast ROI at inbound, outbound, and sortation areas.

The DataMan 580 barcode reader optimises logistics processes by enabling higher-speed operations while improving traceability. Patented algorithms simultaneously decode multiple 1D and 2D codes at top line speeds, while the nine-megapixel area scan imager enables greater field-of-view.

bit.ly/DM580

Tiny camera promises big things

C.K Tools has launched an inspection camera that promises big results in extremely small spaces. The brandnew Mighty Scope is a compact but high-quality camera designed to give eyes in hard-to-reach locations.

Measuring just three and a half inches in length and one inch wide, the Mighty Scope boasts an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot with a 15m range for ultimate convenience. The dustproof and waterproof design makes it the ideal generalpurpose tool for inspection, cable pulling, maintenance and repairs.

Operated through a free and intuitive app, the camera live streams 720p HD video, with a digital zoom feature and adjustable bright white LED lights giving excellent clarity.

www.ck-tools.com

CONNECTIONS

3D Print Manufacturing

Midlands 3D Printing

Units 6-7 Emerald Way, Stone Business Park, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SR

T: 01785 594389

E: sales@midlands3d.com

W: www.midlands3d.com

Anti Vibration Products, Mounts & Bushes

Fibet Rubber Bonding (UK) Ltd

Unit 9 Dale Mill, Hallam Road, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 8AN

T: 01282 878200

E: sales@fibet.co.uk

W: www.fibet.co.uk

Control Systems

Beckhoff Automation Ltd

The Boathouse, Station Road

Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1AZ

T:+ 44 (0)1491 410539

E: info@beckhoff.co.uk

W: www.beckhoff.co.uk

Dust & Fume Solutions

Impact Technical Services

3 Kingsley Street, Leicester, LE2 6DY

T: 0116 244 8855

E: enquiries@impactts.co.uk

W: www.impacttechnicalservices.co.uk

Flow Meters

Titan Enterprises Ltd Unit 2, 5A Cold Harbour Business Park, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4JW

T: +44 (0)1935 812790

E: sales@flowmeters.co.uk

W: www.flowmeters.co.uk

High Shear Mixing Equipment

Silverson Machines Ltd

Waterside, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1PQ

T: +44 (0)1494 786331

E: sales@silverson.co.uk

W: www.silverson.co.uk

Industrial Communications

Brainboxes

T: + 44 (0) 151 220 2500

E: sales@brainboxes.com

W: www.brainboxes.com

Industrial Fans

Axair Fans UK Limited Lowfield Drive, Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0UU

T: 01782 349 430

E: aj@axair-fans.co.uk

W: www.axair-fans.co.uk

Machine Safety

Schmersal UK Ltd

Sparrowhawk Close, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL

T: 01684 571980

E: uksupport@schmersal.com

W: www.schmersal.co.uk

Pipework Systems

Jacob UK Ltd

Laundry Bank, Church Stretton, SY6 6PH

T: 01694 722841

E: sales@jacob-uk.com

W: www.jacob-group.com/uk

Robotics & Automation

KUKA Robotics UK Ltd

Great Western Street, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7LL

T: 0121 505 9970

E: sales.uk@kuka.com

W: www.kuka.com

Rotation Monitoring Equipment

Rotech Systems

Unit 57, Canal Bridge Centre, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England, CH65 4EH

T: +44 (0)151 356 2322

E: sales@rotechsystems.co.uk

W: www.rotechsystems.co.uk

Sensors

Carlo Gavazzi UK Ltd

4.4 Frimley Business Park, Frimley, GU16 7SG

T: 01276 854110

W: www.carlogavazzi.co.uk

IFM Electronic

Efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD

T: 020 8213-0000

E: enquiry.gb@ifm.com

W: www.ifm.com

Test & Inspection

Cupio Services Ltd

T: 01256 262800

E: info@cupioservices.co.uk

W: www.cupioservices.co.uk

Interested in advertising within future issues of MEPCA?

Please call 01795 509105 or email hannah@cimltd.co.uk for more details.