AUTOMATION UPDATE
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Issue 37
Thatchers Cider Go Paperless
harford logo.pdf 1 24/01/2018 15:24:18
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How Harford Control are helping Thatchers Cider manage their current processes and achieve their growth objectives, without paper recording.
Distributor of Mean Well Power Supplies
Din Rail Power Supplies
Ecopac Power LTD
sales@ecopacpower.co.uk l www.ecopacpower.co.uk Sales: 01844 20 44 20 l Technical: 01844 20 44 30
AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Ellen Tayler 01843 580 460 ellen@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Jodie Little 01843 580 460 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@automation-update.co.uk Advertising Exec Jamie Simmons 01843 580 460 jamie@automation-update.co.uk
Automation Update is an engaging, editorially led publication & directory giving the reader news and updates on new products and services to our ever Progressing industry.
Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge Spratling Court Office Spratling Court Farm Manston, Kent CT12 5AN
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Automation Update - 3
Nikuni VDF Hydrocyclone Separators A&M is the exclusively authorised EU distributor of Nikuni VDF robust stainless steel hydrocyclones, which provide the proven elementfree method of removing metallic contamination in the machining, cutting and forming coolants used in machine tools. Nikuni VDF hydrocyclones are available in a range of sizes from 20 lpm to 300 lpm. Nikuni VDF hydrocyclones will remove as much as 95% of aluminium particles at 10Οm and above in one pass. The product can provide a number operational benefits that include increased capital equipment life, the elimination of filter element replacement, reduced machining costs and can contribute to a better surface finish - often in a reduced cycle time. One major benefit of the Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone is that it can act as either a standalone product or a component for integration within an existing system. This simple product, which uses centrifugal force to separate metallic and other contaminants from fluids, is well established across the Far East and the USA and is currently experiencing a rising demand in Europe. It is becoming of great interest to many companies involved in CNC machining and precision grinding who wish to reduce the cost of replacement filter media, often a significant element of their operational costs. Nikuni’s VDF hydrocyclones ensure coolants fed to machine tools are cleaner whilst avoiding the frustrations surrounding downtime from blocked filter elements. It is normal for a Nikuni VDF to achieve payback for its installation 4 - Automation Update
in a short space of time, because the need for conventional filter maintenance is removed along with the cost of repeated filter element replacements. Furthermore, the optimisation of performance and improvements in productivity are within the reach of all sizes of organisations spanning multi-nationals to single unit SME installations. As a standalone facility, the Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone can be supplied in C-CAT format, with or without a pump and other equipment such as automated air operated valving and a sludge pod for consolidating and collecting separated contaminants. One additional advantage of fitting a sludge pod to a VDF hydrocyclone is the volume of coolant in circulation in the cleaning circuit is greatly reduced saving energy and reducing
the volume of waste collected. The Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone can also be applied to the separation of fine particles of non-metallic wastes and Aeration & Mixing welcome enquiries for applications from all sectors. Tel: +44 (0) 1302 215 156 enquiries@aerationmixing.co.uk www.aerationmixing.co.uk ŠAeration & Mixing Ltd 2018
Indexing Chain Conveyor System Interlink machining stations cost efficiently Sturdy system, total load capacity of up to 700 kg Flexible modular designs, variable lengths & widths possible
www.mkprofiles.co.uk
mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group
A subsidiary of the globally operative Phoenix Mecano AG, RK Rose+Krieger offers an unrivalled range of products in the field of linear, profile assembly, connecting and module technology. RK Rose+Krieger motion control products include lifting columns for height adjustment, linear units for positional control and electric actuators for adjustment and control as alternative to hydraulic or pneumatic options.
achieved along with the ability to move large loads at high speed.
units. Our range of spindle driven linear units and accessories are designed for simple adjustment tasks. Although most have ACME screws threads, we have some units that have a ball screw thread for more demanding requirements.
Our lifting devices are adapted for the linear movement of desks, tables, assembly facilities and handling devices allowing for optimal ergonomic adjustment. Several lifting columns can be combined and synchronised and offer further impressive application possibilities. The MultiControl-units can be linked by a BUS-system and enable the synchronisation of up to 32 lifting columns. RK Rose+Krieger have an extensive range of spindle and belt driven linears 6 - Automation Update
Also within this range are our rolling guide units. These non-driven linear units are an ideal supplement to the driven linear units, e.g. when a supporting axis is necessary due to eccentric loads. Our range of belt driven linear units is designed for applications that require high speed accuracy and repeatability. These units can be combined to provide multi-axis solutions. A proven design incorporating roller carriages traversing along hardened shafts ensures for a smooth and accurate movement with zero play. This enables high load moments to be
Belt driven units are generally fitted with customer sourced motors and controllers. Electric actuators are self-locking, so they do not need energy when they stand still. This makes electric actuators an effective alternative to pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. Powerful DC motors, signal lines, potentiometers and Hall-ICs for position indication, as well as integrated end switches serve for meeting the most frequent requirements. We have a wide range of electric actuators, which are divided into different performance classes. From the simple short-stroke actuator with excellent value for money to the heavy-duty linear actuator with its highly dynamic, extremely precise and individual configuration. www.rose-krieger.co.uk
Incider Information
How Harford Control are helping Thatchers Cider manage their current processes and achieve their growth objectives, without paper recording.
Thatchers Cider, the well-known and rapidly expanding West Country producer of high quality ciders, have recently teamed up with Harford Control to help manage their aim of achieving a smooth paperless production process. Thatchers’ data recording systems have traditionally been all manual - Excel or paper-based - with no ability to enforce tasks to be carried out to schedule, or to sense-check erroneous data; a heavy administrative burden in maintaining a host of manual documents and Excel spreadsheets, and no real-time ability to provide visibility of information across the business. Having considered various options, they chose the Harford system, partly due to its user-friendly interface, its ability to integrate automatically with much of their on-line testing equipment, thereby reducing data entry error and time, and also because the Harford system is designed to support advanced quality management concepts – lean manufacturing, SPC, 6 Sigma, DMAIC, 5 Why’s etc. Harford also have extensive experience in supplying performance improvement solutions to food and drink manufacturers - partnering with other national and international
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companies such as; Diageo, Unilever, Beam Suntory, Muller Dairies, Dairy Crest, Emmett Produce, Shepherd Neame Brewery, Fenmarc Produce, Youngs Seafood, Encirc, Refresco, and more.
historically, at just the press of a button or two. Such information is also available on mobile phones, tablets and laptops to give instant access to information - even when away from the mill.
To date, Harford have successfully integrated with and collected data from most on-line components, including: date coders, in line barcode scanners, balances, checkweighers, Anton Paar Densitometers, Heuft Inspection, PLCs (OPCUA) Mitutoyo gauges, digital thermometers, refractometers, torque meters and so on.
The Harford system has provided an all-inone solution capable of managing the majority of data collection and reporting requirements on Thatchers’ packing lines - the instant visibility and granularity of which has already lead to improvements in efficiency and quality, and reduction in wastage.
At the same time, the Harford system creates a disciplined framework for operating personnel to carry out off-line checks to maintaining legality and the highest quality standards. All collected data is centralised, analysed, prioritised and the resulting information sent directly to the desktops of those who need to know, giving instant real-time information and prioritising key problem areas and thus giving the best opportunity for optimal improvements in efficiency to be made with the minimum of effort. This improved information has given Thatchers greatly increased visibility and granularity of current production status, across all lines, in real time and
Harford and Thatchers are looking forward to rolling out this integrated solution to other parts of the business and to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.
Go paperless
F or a lea ner t o mo rro w
Real-time information that drives performance improvement and wastage minimisation
Having installed the Harford system across all our packing lines, I am very happy with our improvement to date. Through it’s well structured hardware and software routines, it has helped us to minimise production risk, improve quality consistency and improve efficiency, whilst eliminating most factory floor paperwork and providing instant traceability. Operations Director, produce factory
www.harfordcontrol.com
TC Facilities Management (TCFM) unveils refreshed website TC Facilities Management (TCFM) is inviting visitors to explore its recently refreshed website. The refreshed look and feel has been designed to offer a more engaging experience with improved navigation and functionality. All this to allow both existing and prospective customers to see the full range of solutions TC Facilities Management can offer.
Created with the user in mind, the site includes extensive information to help visitors understand TCFM’s complete range of both single and bundled services. This is brought to life with case studies and short video animations showing TCFM’s capabilities across a wide range of sectors they operate in, including retail, logistics centres, commercial offices and the charity sector. With an ongoing increase of the UK population wanting to access information while “on the go”, the site is completely responsive. This means that whatever type of device you need to access information from; desk top, tablet or mobile, the information is presented in an easy to engage with format, providing you with the information you need. 10 - Automation Update
With a number of significant contract wins forecasted for 2018 TCFM is keen to attract even greater numbers of people to come and work with them. The refreshed website includes content to help prospective employees at all levels learn more about TCFM and the whole scope of benefits that are provided by TCFM. Furthermore, the new website allows users to share ‘news and insights’ posts that interest them with others across Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. “Our mission as one of the UK’s leading family-owned FM businesses is to create the FM solution a business is looking for,” said, Fiona Ellingham, Marketing Manager at TCFM who led the project. “The clean and fresh design
of our website along with content that expresses our innate understanding of the challenges our customers face will provide confidence to visitors that we are able to deliver a bespoke solution that is right for them.” www.tcfm.co.uk
TC Facilities Management named as Tomorrow’s FM awards 2018 finalist TC Facilities Management (TCFM) has been named as a finalist in Tomorrow’s FM awards for 2018, thanks to the Cleaning & Security Solutions provided across the country. TCFM are associated with some of the UK’s best-known retailers as well as providing FM services to Distribution, Logistics & Manufacturing Centres throughout the UK.
N
ow in its seventh year, the Tomorrow’s FM awards recognise the most innovative products and services introduced in the facilities management industry in the last 12 months, looking for initiatives that improve customer experiences and driving the industry forward. By combining their proven facility services processes, the most current technology and the right people on the ground, TCFM have been able to create an effective work environment to enable better quality and continued productivity gains and with it help clients achieve their promises to their customers.
Some of the key highlights of what TCFM have been able to achieve in logistics centres sites they manage are: • Upon contract commencement, immediately improve standards on cleaning. • TC Security Services’ approach to Innovation and Technology to minimise risk and protect assets. • Greater cost efficiencies for our client. You can find out more by visiting our recently refreshed website and then if you think we’re worthy of recognition then why not cast your vote in favour of Cleaning & Security Services –TC Facilities Management in the hope that they can take one of the top three slots in this award programme. Steve Wengrow, TCFM Director, Distribution & Manufacturing Sector: “We are extremely proud of our client relationships and work hard to ensure we are an aligned service partner supporting the quality of life for people working in these environments every day.”
Automation Update - 11
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Source something new. Our carefully-selected suppliers have the processes and products to boost productivity and efficiency across the board. Discover solutions to everyday challenges with access to a live programme with industry expert speakers providing tips, guidance and advice tailored for you.
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Tight schedules strengthen demand for Bahco tool storage hubs
As engineers and engineering managers face relentless pressure to deliver within tight schedules, often with fewer skilled hands, the benefits of organised tool storage grow stronger. Bahco’s latest ergonomic tool storage and management trolleys, ideal for use in any engineering, manufacturing or MRO workplace, enable busy trade professionals to find every tool they need quickly and easily, just when they need it, saving time and reducing stress. Already extensively used within the global aerospace, automotive, power generation and oil and gas sectors, Bahco’s tool storage system brings order to congested workplaces. ‘Configurator’ software enables engineers to specify precisely what they need by choosing the size, style and colours of tool storage trolleys and judging how many drawers will be required for each group of tools.
which can result from tools being left in a work location. In addition to tool storage trolleys, Bahco manufactures a wide range of tough, heavy duty but highly portable tool boxes ideal for use by repair and maintenance engineers, technicians and installers. These feature profiled drawers to assist easy location of tools, along with secure storage for power tools and specialist equipment.
Bahco storage trolleys are stable, secure, lockable and easy to move around, helping engineers deliver great performance and results.
For those required to work at height, Bahco’s Tools@Height range includes tools fitted with integral loops and other attachments to enable them to be securely tethered to Bahco tool belts, using lanyards, carabiners and other fixings Bahco is a member of the international DROPS scheme, which provides training for trade professionals in how to avert the threat of tools falling or being dropped from height, with serious potential consequences for anyone working below or just passing by.
A further safety benefit is that it’s easy to see that a tool is missing from its designated storage place, providing an added safeguard against the risk of foreign object damage
Bahco tools and equipment have been synonymous with safety for more than 130 years. Their latest Solutions in Safety brochure can be viewed by visiting: www.bahco.com
Profiled foam inlays in each drawer can be customised to provide the logical, easy access layout of tools and equipment which engineers require to meet their needs.
14 - Automation Update
TF Automation designs five-part assembly process with vision inspection for Pegler Yorkshire An existing customer of TF, Pegler Yorkshire approached the design team to automate a manual handling process which had issues with quality, consistency and reliability as well as being slow and labour intensive. TF designed and manufactured a fully automatic assembly and test machine incorporating five bowl feeders and three stations. The five part assembly focuses on improving quality standards and product consistency as well as increased output and reliability.
a Cognex camera and Smac electric actuators which record force and distance of key parts and the completed assembly. Any failures are automatically quarantined within the machine and live results are displayed on the operator HMI screen which also collects and stores historic data.
An exemplary example of automation engineering, the five components are automatically bowl-fed into the machine where 100% testing is carried out.
Pegler Yorkshire is well known and respected as one of the leading manufacturers of advanced plumbing, heating and engineering products in the world.
The only operator input is to supply the machine with components and remove the completed assemblies (1 assembly per 5 seconds). To complement the assembly process, parts are vision inspected by
It’s a reputation earned through a total dedication to quality, innovation and customer service that’s been the hallmark of the company since it was established in the 1890’s (originally trading as Pegler Ltd
and Yorkshire Fittings Ltd). TF Automation are specialist engineers, who design and manufacture process automation solutions supporting manufacturers across a wide range of industries using the latest technologies. Focussing on consistency, improved production efficiency, precision and quality, TF Automation continues to deliver projects using a wide range of disciplines including robotics, pneumatics, automated assembly and linear drives.
Automation Update - 15
February 2018
Slimline motor controllers create space in enclosures Small drives for machines and equipment are typically powered up to 9.0 A and are protected by conventional motor circuit breakers. However, when space in the enclosure is limited, it is very difficult to find room for significant numbers of protective components.
Climate control from the smallest to the largest. ENCLOSURES
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POWER DISTRIBUTION
CLIMATE CONTROL
February 2018 Rittal’s new motor controllers for its RiLine Compact power distribution system offers a sophisticated solution.
percent more space compared to the standard 45 mm-wide switching device in the range, and as much as 75 percent more space compared to the 90 mm-wide reversing combinations.
To help engineers, Rittal has also produced a 3D configurator that reduces the time required to generate Compact RiLine busbar systems. Following the successful launch of the busbar system “RiLine Compact� at the beginning of the year, Rittal is now expanding the product range.
Hybrid technology to impress
Until now, the small 125-A-max busbar system consisted entirely of shock-hazard-protected boards, which form the basis of the system, along with assembly components such as connection adapters for busbar infeed and component adapters for the easy set-up of switchgear and protection devices produced by other manufacturers. Rittal will shortly be launching new motor controllers into the range. These can be fitted directly and easily onto the board in a one-step installation, to minimise the time and effort spent on wiring.
A compact solution for small spaces Rittal offers motor controllers in three staggered current ranges: 8 A/2.4 A/8 A. These combine the functions of direct starter and reversing starter within one single device. Its slimline profile - just 22.5 mm wide - is particularly impressive and frees up around 50
IT INFRASTRUCTURE
The three-phase motor controller is a high-performance hybrid switching device with a current monitoring function, offering a longer lifespan and low-loss operation. The principle behind it is simple: first, the electronics are switched on using the input signal, and then the mechanical contacts takeover for the duration. The motor controller also provides diagnostics, which to detect internal and external errors. The operating statuses and error messages can then be evaluated through the four different illuminated LEDs.
3D Configurator To help engineers, Rittal has also produced a 3D configurator that reduces the time required to generate Compact RiLine busbar systems. A series of easy to follow steps produces detailed drawings, the ability to select component adaptors, and a bill of materials https://www.rittal.com/com_en/riline/konfigurator/#/6 Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com or on twitter @rittal_ltd.
SOFTWARE & SERVICES www.rittal.co.uk
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T&D Corporation Mr Minoru Ito, European Sales Office, Gronauer Straße 1, 61194 Niddatal, Germany 0049 (0)6034 930970 europe.office@tandd.de www.tandd.com
ECi Software Solutions Si One, St Ives Business Park, Parsons Green, St Ives, PE27 4AA +44 (0) 333 123 0333 www.eci.eu eu-sales@ecisolutions.com
ODU-UK LTD. Unit 3A, Whitworth Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1WA. Tel.: (0044)-330 002 0640, sales@odu-uk.co.uk www.odu-uk.co.uk
Aztec Environmental Head Office, Aztech Environmental Services, The Stables, Llwyndu Court, Abergavenny, NP7 7HG 01873 850222, info@aztechindustrial.com www.aztechenvironmentalservices.co.uk
Phoenix Mecano Ltd
Precision Technology Supplies Ltd
26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RY +44 (0)1296 611660 www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk
The Birches Industrial Estate, East Grinstead, RH19 1XZ, United Kingdom +44 (0)1342 410758, info@pts-uk.com http://www.pts-uk.com
Monitran
Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd
Monitran Ltd, Monitor House, 33 Hazlemere Road, Penn, HP10 8AD, UK T: +44 (0)1494 816569 E: info@monitran.com www.monitran.com 18 - Automation Update
Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF Tel: +44 1844204420 www.ecopacpower.co.uk
EFFICIENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
PNEUMATIC Volume Booster & Filter Booster
500% Higher flow, reducing cost
Safe by design
Configurable patented design
SIL certified
Maximise flow of any circuit
up to 2''
Circuit simplification through
balanced design
Bifold Fluidpower Ltd, Bifold Group, Broadgate, Oldham Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Greater Manchester, OL9 9XA. UK. Tel: +44 (0) 161 345 4777 Email: marketing@bifold.co.uk
bifold.co.uk
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For futher infomation or to book onto one of our courses visit www.pilz.co.uk, webcode: 150535
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