AUTOMATION UPDATE WWW.AUTOMATION-UPDATE.CO.UK
Issue 43
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 Laura Sharpe 01843 580 460 laura@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 Sales Laura Sharpe laura@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
Switch to Profinet Made Easy!
Murrelektronik is the ideal partner to get your machines and plants ready for the future by switching over from Profibus to Profinet In modern production networks, machines and plants need to be connected to one another. Processes can be aligned down to the smallest detail to allow for high automation levels and short lead times. At the same time, our products enable network structures that often undergo frequent maintenance, due to new robots with frequent tool changes or add-ons during operation. These are a few reasons installation concepts based on PROFIBUS inevitably hit a wall. However, this can be resolved with with PROFINET. This established, proven and readily available technology enables effective and efficient installation concepts to be incorporated into complex machine networks. The benefits obvious: •
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PROFINET
are
The number of subscribers for the entire network is unlimited (unlike PROFIBUS, which is limited to 126 subscribers). With a PROFINET configuration, one control unit alone can accommodate 256 subscribers. PROFINET allows IT extensions to be easily integrated into the topology (which was not possible with PROFIBUS). Incorporating IT with PROFINET allows uncomplicated networking up to the office level. For PROFIBUS, all data has the same priority; with PROFINET, on the other hand, important information such as alarms or diagnostic data
4 - Automation Update
can be prioritized and moved to the “priority lane.” • In PROFINET installations, addressing is done by simply allocating a name to the project (not via a DIP switch or a telegram like with PROFIBUS). • The topology becomes more flexible (not only linear configurations are allowed like in PROFIBUS). In PROFINET installations, the use of switches makes star, tree and ring configurations possible. This increases flexibility and reduces the wiring time and effort. • The PROFIBUS DP programs can be simply applied in PROFINET installations. The proven programs do not have to be rewritten and tested, this saves time and effort.
SOLID67, a compact and lightweight fieldbus module, can switch over to PROFINET instantly because it is a multi-protocol module. It is equipped with the newest PROFINET version 2.3. The modules make eight IO-Link ports available in directly on the machine, and also make it easy to integrate traditional IOs into the system.
By switching over to PROFINET, you benefit from these additional features:
A further advantage of the compact MVK Metal fieldbus module is that its robust design makes it perfectly suitable for the roughest industrial environments. Many customers like to use them in applications where they are exposed to welding sparks. The modules feature all PROFINET functions and offer maximum network load reliability (Netload Test Class III). The MVK Metal Safety module supports safe and reliable inputs and outputs up to a safety level of SIL 3 or PL e. In addition, the inputs and outputs support real-time applications because they correspond to Conformance Class C.
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PROFINET/PROFIsafe makes it possible to integrate safety components into installation concepts to protect both man and machine, and yet still enable efficient operation despite the highest safety levels. P RO F I N E T/ P RO F I e n e r g y supports energy management in production facilities. It controls energy consumption when certain systems are not being used for production, whether for scheduled and unscheduled downtimes.
Murrelektronik is the right partner for PROFINET installations Murrelektronik offers powerful devices for first-class PROFINET networks that accommodate plug & play concepts. The IODD On-Board technology also makes it particularly easy and convenient to integrate IO-Link devices. Not only that, the Cube system makes it easy to switch over to PROFINET. Its compact and modular installation is distinctly flexible and has a large variety of modules on the sensor/actuator level which makes it easy to switch out the bus nodes. That’s all it takes to integrate the topology into the PROFINET system. It couldn’t be easier! The entire installation below the bus nodes remains unchanged.
One feature of the Impact67 fieldbus module is its flexibility: the ports are designed with adjustable parameters. Depending on what the demand is, the ports can be used as inputs or outputs. The same port can even be used as an IO-Link master. And of course, the modules offer the maximum PROFINET performance and functions of version 2.3.
In time-critical applications, such as tool changers, the fast startup functionality on our Impact67 and MVK Metal modules has proven to be very useful because it can restart production within a very short period of time. To connect PROFINET subscribers, Murrelektronik offers powerful PROFINET switches, both for the control cabinet as well as the field. Pre-wired cordsets tested and engineered to our highest standards complete our product portfolio. When it comes to single wire cross-sections and shielding, the cables and connectors meet the PROFINET wiring guidelines and make reliable data transmission possible – they are the life line of each and every PROFINET installation. Murrelektronik UK Tel: 0161 728 3133 www.murrelektronik.co.uk
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Great Price 5 Comm Ports Inc. Ethernet Real-Time Data On Display Easy PID Free No-Limit Programming Hardware Auto-Discovery Hot-Swappable I/O Built-in Data Logging Slim Form-Factor Multiple Wiring Options Integrated Web-Server Motion Made Easy
Lamonde Automation Ltd The Officers’ Mess | Coldstream Road | Caterham | Surrey CR3 5QX +44 203 026 2670 | sales@lamonde.com
9 MONTH PAYBACK ON INVESTMENT UPM Conveyors were selected to design, install and commission a fully automated product handling system for Lindal Group in Mexico to transfer injection moulded components to assembly hoppers located on GIMA machines for production of aerosols primarily for Unilever and UPM have now been awarded preferred supplier status to Plastek UK and Nypro Ireland for similar applications for Unilever.
Lindal Group established in 1959 continues to innovate for the design of over 2 billion aerosols per year from clean room produced asthma inhalers to silicone dispensing systems and premium deodorant actuators. Each moulding machine has an under press reversing reject belt conveyor to operate via the machine SPC control to ensure only good product is transported via swan neck belt conveyors to high level conveyors to minimise floor area occupied then through a fire wall to assembly / filling lines with over capacity storage facility subject to high level detectors. Should the reject parameter from the SPC be energised the under press conveyors reverse transporting potential rejects to a holding bin ensuring only good product is transferred to the GIMA assembly machines. Total versatility of operation is provided for all products from injection moulding machines to be transferred to the fully automatic assembly and packaging machines without any manual involvement. This is achieved by the incorporation of multi way diverters which were based on the unique conveyor de6 - Automation Update
sign developed by UPM that resulted in their being awarded the Queens Award for Innovation. UPM Conveyors have invested circa ÂŁ50k in 3D mechanical solid modelling design software for creating 3D digital prototypes using the design visualisation and simulation of products. This will benefit their customers in being able to visualise the proposed solution for the product handling application as the image can be rotated through 360 degrees so eliminating any risk of the system not interfacing to existing equipment and being accommodated within the allocated production area. The new software includes assembly stress analysis allowing UPM Conveyors to input driving loads; friction characteristics and dynamic components then to run dynamic simulation tests to see how a product would work under real world conditions. Due to the tight time schedule UPM organised air freight of all equipment to Lindal Group in Mexico and UPM engineers completed the installation before the required operational date deadline to the total satisfaction of both Lindal Group and Unilever.
TH E FACTOR Y A U TO M AT IO N C O M PA N Y
For all your automation needs
Zero Downtime Intelligent diagnostics for robots
WWW.FANUC.EU
Unexpected downtime could cost as much as £5,000 per minute. With the new ZDT diagnostics tool from FANUC, we ensure that downtime doesn’t happen. ZDT constantly monitors each robot’s mechanical, maintenance and process health in real-time and proactively detects potential robot, controller, or process problems before unexpected downtime can occur. Notifications can be seen even via smartphone.
| marketing@fanuc.co.uk
MANUFACTURED EFFICIENCY
MANUFACTURED EFFICIENCY: 5 PRODUCT GROUPS – ONE COMMON SERVO AND CONTROL PLATFORM
FA
CNCs, Servo Motors and Lasers
ROBOTS
Industrial Robots, Accessories and Software
ROBOCUT
CNC Wire-Cut Electric Discharge Machines
ROBODRILL
Compact CNC Machining Centres
ROBOSHOT
Electric CNC Injection Moulding Machines
SUMMER SUN: WINTER BITES Business Continuity is a prerequisite for any business survival strategy. PowerContinuity asks: How safe is your business from outside issues? Can you operate and remain profitable without mains power? The company’s engineers design from scratch your own bespoke critical power protection system, fully automatic and 100% no break clean power. The first step is to ask what do you really require? Is your priority to remain operational at all times? Or just remote sites? Do you require a short uptime protection or absolute no break power continuity? Power Continuity aren’t just box movers. They have no salesmen. Everyone is an engineer that has personally worked on the front line of projects. Its engineers know what it is like to handle and gland off 240mm steel wire armoured cables. Power Continuity don’t just provide a design concept, they build, supply and install everything you
No one cares about the future when the summer is here. UK sun is rare and fleeting so we catch it while we can. Winter chills are far away and so are the woes- but really the winter is just weeks away. Time to prepare. When was the last time you can remember a summer power cut? Tough one, when you think about it. What about an autumn or winter power cut? Yes, there have been plenty of those. Prevention is better than cure. During these summer months you have the time to review your company strategy before the coming volatile months when the GRID is under real pressure. When was your last Business Power Continuity review? To help, try this simple, “ is my company at risk” test which can find at: https://powercontinuity.co.uk/help/ power-health-check. If you pass the checks then you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if you find areas that need reviewing then this is the time to act before the floods and snow of the coming months test the vulnerability of your critical systems. Power Continuity have decades of installations across the UK, all operating 24/7 power protecting the backbone of UK infrastructure.
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“During the summer months you have the time to review your company strategy before the coming volatile months when the GRID is under real pressure. When was your last Business Power Continuity review? To help try this simple, “ is my company at risk” test on the Power Continuity website.”
need for a critical power protection system, seamless from end to end. So if you’re concerned then let Power Continuity carry out a full review of your systems, warts and all. Then you will have the updated knowledge that you need to make a calculated decision. The company are truly a ‘one stop shop’ from design of your no break power protection system through to the day to day maintenance. Power Continuity build bespoke generators and LV mains panels to operate flawlessly with its world class UPS systems partners. When Power Continuity is your site main contractor then they ensure the best practice at all times to deliver within budget and ahead of schedule. They install everything themselves in house. The company even witness test the complete system in front of you, with a PowerContinuity engineer by your side.
AT POWERCONTINUITY WE CARE It’s not the numbers that count, it’s the quality of the installation, knowing that it will seamlessly operate 24/7 whenever it is called upon to act in anger to power protect your mission critical systems. Get it right first time. Power Continuity www.powercontinuity.co.uk T: 0845 055 8455
BILFINGER TEBODIN OFFERS INDUSTRY A DIGITAL FUTURE Bilfinger Tebodin, the global consulting and engineering firm, is offering clients the very latest in digital technology to design both new facilities and change existing plants.
One element of this is Building Information Modeling (BIM), a collaborative way of working, which unlocks more efficient methods of designing, creating and maintaining of assets. BIM is now widely used, and increasingly specified as mandatory for both residential and commercial construction. However the technology is still new to the industrial sector, a position that the company is changing through her investment in digital technology now available to clients on a local and global basis. Ian Dunkley, Managing Director of Bilfinger Tebodin in the United Kingdom, commented, ‘BIM offers clients incredible advantages when investing in new facilities. Modern industrial processes can be complex, partly due to the number of stakeholders and different engineering disciplines required. BIM enables all the information to be shared during the design process and enhances communications across the project team wherever they are in the world’. ‘Our engineers are able to design complete process and industrial plants digitally from concept to construction with innovative solutions to industrial 10 - Automation Update
design challenges. This seamless collaboration produces considerable savings and dramatically reduces costs and project timescales. Designs can be optimized not just in 3D and 4D, but right up to 7D to incorporate future maintenance costs. It creates a common environment for all stakeholders which can be viewed in virtual reality.’ The technology has been successfully applied by Bilfinger Tebodin on the Great Wall Motors Company’s car factory in Russia. This giant facility (225,000 m2), with a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, was designed by Bilfinger Tebodin involving more than 100 engineers across seven countries. Another digital tool Bilfinger Tebodin has developed is ‘Industrial 360°’, an innovative scanning system capturing industrial sites in a photorealistic way. This together with 3D point data from the site itself creates a transparent information model in HD. The virtual walkthrough can be used for design modifications, maintenance objectives, safety inspections, turnarounds and training. The technology has been extensively used for factory modifications at large petrochemical
companies, HAZOP studies and updates of safety valve calculations, new state-of-the-art laboratories in the pharmaceutical sector, renovation of an outdated production unit in the food sector and expansion of an existing glue-production facility. Ian Dunkley continued, ‘The two technologies, for projected and existing facilities, are great examples of how important we view this digital future and the innovative service we can now offer to clients not only in the UK but on a global basis. We have over 40 engineers of diverse disciplines at our office in Warrington and are already in conversations with a number of clients about the benefits of and applications for the new technology – the future is definitely digital!’ Scans of a Bilfinger plant are available at https://my.matterport.com/ models/FD932sxnX6f whilst scans of a Bilfinger office are available at https://bit.ly/2ItLRcO Further details are available from Bilfinger Tebodin UK at www.tebodin.bilfinger.com or on (01925) 649308.
COMPACT SOLID67 Protocol change in the blink of an eye SOLID67 are the new compact I/O modules from Murrelektronik. They make installation in the field easier and are very attractive for applications with IO-Link sensors and actuators. They provide eight IO-Link slots directly adjacent to the process and can easily incorporate classic IOs into the system. Full encapsulation and impressive vibration and shock values (15 and 50 G) prepare the modules for use in harsh industrial environments – within a temperature range of − 20 to +70 °C. This opens a door to numerous applications. Comprehensive diagnostic options at the module, through the control unit, and through an integrated web server, make troubleshooting a simple exercise.
et fiN
30
mm
t/IP Ne
Ethe r
Pro
Shorter installation times
Using all slots
Minimizing space requirements
Simplifying storage
The compact M12 power cables (L-coded) can transmit up to 16A in a smaller form factor. The power supply can be fed to several modules. This simplifies installation and reduces cable runs. PI (user organization for Profibus and ProfiNet) sees the M12 L-coded connectors as the future standard in power connectors.
The slots (pin 4) of the IO-Link master modules are multi-functional; they can be used for IO-Link sensors and actuators, but they can also be configured as classic inputs or outputs. Just a single module is needed to record signals of various types.
Having a width of only 30 millimeters, the slim IO-Link variants of SOLID67 are ideal for use in installations where space is limited. Modules can be connected directly adjacent to the process, and sensors and actuators can be connected using the shortest connection cables.
The SOLID67 modules are multi-protocol-compatible; they support ProfiNet and EtherNet/ IP. Depending on control concept, a switch is simply placed directly on the module. This reduces the variant diversity. Fewer modules of different types need to be kept on hand.
ÔÔ www.murrelektronik.com
New Curtis AC Control Systems with huge power and performance come with a low price and very small footprint; just perfect for AGV and Robotics. The latest addition to the Curtis AC speed controller family, the AC F2-A, provides a uniquely high specification packed with features and a big power rating - all at an exceptionally low price point. other easily on the same CAN network; this means engineers can work with their components of choice every time, eradicating the need for expensive and time-consuming modifications from a variety of manufacturers. This same CAN master capability means it will easily connect with typical battery management systems used with the lithium battery packs used on AGV’s.
This high performing smart design comes in a tough housing with a very small footprint, making it perfect for use in AGV /Robotics market.
ACF2-A Safety; Exceeds global conformance requirements for EMC, functional and electrical safety, UL583 recognised and CE marked as a programmable safety device.
ACF2-A Flexibility; fully optimised to provide battery powered vehicles with all of the advanced traction or hydraulic pump functions of much larger AC controllers in a rugged outer housing that is at least 30% smaller.
ACF2-A Durability; IP65 protection as per IEC60529 with 23-pin AMPseal I/O connector means its impervious to most oils, solvents, degreasers and other chemicals regularly encountered by automated guided vehicles.
The ACF2-A’s autocharacterisation allows simple on-machine pairing with any Induction and SPM motor types. Simply choose from a comprehensive library of induction motor types stored in the controller memory.
Highly flexible multi-function I/O and comprehensive CAN master capabilities means this low-cost, super capable controller is capable of acting as “CAN interpreter”, allowing different CAN protocols from a variety of devices to “talk” to each
12 - Automation Update
Used together with Curtis’ very low cost 3140 CANopen gauge, provides OEMs with an easy-toread and completely flexible display option that works with any CANopen system with out-of-the-box integration with the ACF2-A controller. This small, function-rich gauge also offers an optional in-built heater, so that it can reliably display operating information for vehicles used in freezers or other cold environments. The CAN-based ACF2-A and 3140 companion gauge bring new levels of performance and flexibility to applications where space is tight and economy essential. Easy programming with the Curtis Software Suite makes the huge versatility of these products easy to exploit. CSS provides engineers with a very simple way to set up and work with the devices, giving engineers and OEMs
an advanced control system that works exactly as they want it to. Curtis UK provides a full range of battery chargers for electric vehicles that deliver superior levels of on and offboard reliability and charge quality. AGV/EV’s are used in difficult settings where high levels of vibration, shock and temperature changes (including cold/wet conditions) are seen, so all our chargers are tested in these typical environments to ensure they provide a long and reliable service. Some models provide bespoke charging for individual battery packs of major lift truck battery companies through the use of custom made charge profiles to give even better performance. Curtis design integrated control systems for zeroemission electric vehicles and manufacturers worldwide use Curtis products to make their designs the best they can be in areas as diverse as AGV and robotics, material handling (forklifts, pallet trucks), recreational (golf cars and off-road), aerial lifts (booms, scissor lifts), medical mobility (wheel/ rehab chairs), airport (aircraft movers and tugs), automotive (Light-On-Road), and many more. To learn more, visit our website www.curtisinst.co.uk, or better still, give us a call on 01604 885201.
Precise coolant filtration VDF vortex dynamic filter One-pass filtration: > 90% of 5µm particles One-pass filtration: > 99% of 25µm particles Filters both ferrous and non-ferrous Simple waste disposal options – automated operation available Wide range of sizes and capacities 9 models: flows from 10 lpm to 1,000 lpm Body materials: 9 in SUS13 & 3 in resin (PA6)
• • • •
VDF 70 - 70 lpm
No foaming, cleaner coolant, longer tool life Reduced running costs, low maintenance Element-free, no filter element replacement costs The environmentally friendly one-pass solution
Aeration&Mixing Ltd Sheffield UK T: +44 (0) 1302 215 156 Web: http://www.aerationmixing.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@aerationmixing.co.uk
VDF 1000 – 1,000 lpm
Reduce your downtime
ROTEX® SH with T-PUR®
It’s a known problem with electric motors; bearings fail prematurely due to misalignment and vibration causing downtime and increased maintenance costs. Choose quality to reduce these failures by half…… insist on a KTR coupling. Any pump to any motor, we’ve got a coupling to suit the job and our split hub ROTEX® and BoWex® designs offer one of the quickest maintenance turnarounds in the industry!
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Automation Update - 13
Business support for manufacturing industry leaders and their funding partners.
How can we help you - the kadops way? At kadops we take pride in our user-friendly, adaptable approach. As handson leaders we provide genuine one-stop support from boardroom to shop floor for manufacturing industry leaders and their funding partners. Our USP is our collective commercial, operational and financial (ICAEW) experience, practised and executed as cross functional leaders within live manufacturing and operational environments. Our goal is to maximise throughput, cash flow and profitability by optimising the factors of production (land, labour, capital and enterprise).
Christopher Buxton DIRECTOR & CEO - British Fluid Power Association As the CEO of the Industry Trade Association for Kieran’s sector, I had the pleasure of working with him when he was one of our Board Directors. He was without a doubt, one of the most supportive and helpful members of our team. Always, fair and always pragmatic, his contributions were valued by everyone on the Board. His direct, honest but always empathic approach was an example to all his colleagues and it has been a pleasure to work with him. Andy Allchin Audit and Advisory Partner - RSM Having worked with Kieran and Kirstie during their time at Oilgear, they proved to be a dynamic leadership team. They combine strategic, tactical and financial awareness and qualifications to execute business recovery and sustainability across all functions to the benefit of major stakeholders. I find them energetic and easy to work with and their partnership under kadops is a natural and welcome progression. I wish them every success in their new venture and look forward to working with them again in the future
We identify business challenges, define and prioritise action plans and facilitate the ownership and execution of solutions. Business owners / leaders can drive their strategic vision, confident that daily tasks are being managed effectively. The “kadops way” promotes sustainable leadership, execution and reflection to aid business growth.
Exit Planning? We combine our operational, financial and commercial expertise to identify the true potential of your business. Our manufacturing industry expertise allows us to identify and drive organic growth and realise opportunities for all stakeholders.
Telephone: 07903 754389 Email: kieran@kadops.co.uk Website: www.kadops.co.uk 14 - Automation Update
References
Craig LaFave PRESIDENT AND COO – The Oilgear Company Kieran Doyle held the position of Managing Director of Oilgear Towler Limited for 6 years from November 2011. Within this period, he also held the position of European Operations Manager from February 2013 to July 2016. During his service as, European Operations Manager the Leeds site has improved in overall performance impacting quality, delivery and profitability.
SICK HEAPS UP THE ‘MARGINAL GAINS’ AT PPMA 2018 SICK will also be demonstrating how its level, pressure, flow and temperature sensors realise optimised processes though accurate measurement and control. Sensors like the LFP Inox level sensor combine accurate measurement with robust reliability in harsh, hygienic environments. Seb Strutt, SICK UK Senior Product Manager explains:
At PPMA 2018, visitors to the SICK UK stand (A26) will learn how technology developments in smart sensors and machinery safety systems can release latent productivity benefits that help engineers to aggregate ‘marginal gains’ and achieve significant yields in efficiency, throughput and reduced waste. SICK will be showcasing its 2D and 3D vision sensors, as well as its comprehensive range of AutoIdentification solutions for coding and labelling to demonstrate how high-performance detection, quality inspection and traceability are meeting the challenges of increasingly flexible and digitally-connected production environments. Solutions including the SICK LabelChecker, an ‘off-the-shelf’ label inspection solution, and the SICK Inline Code Matcher ‘right product, right packaging’ quality control system integrate SICK’s marketleading expertise in machine vision and code-reading technologies to deliver easy-set-up systems with realtime connectivity for trend analysis and system diagnostics. Visitors will
also learn how SICK’s diverse range of registration sensors yield efficiency advantages through reliable detection and control of packaging processes such as cutting, folding and glueing. From contrast to colour and luminescence, no substrate however shiny, matt, dark or uneven is a challenge too far for SICK. SICK will also be demonstrating solutions to machinery safety that protect employees whilst enabling them to work faster, with less downtime and in more effective collaboration with the machines they are operating. SICK’s safety laser scanner, including the MicroScan3, a full range of safety light curtains and Flexi-Soft safety control system will all help engineers to achieve compliance while optimising productivity.
“The notion of winning through ‘marginal gains’ has been pioneered by elite sports teams with remarkable success. Hunting down opportunities to uncover hidden potential across a wide range of parameters can add up to a powerful cumulative advantage over the competition. “Industry 4.0 is not really a revolution at all – it’s all about uncovering buried treasure in your production processes. Every single discovery can add up to a productivity advantage, whether in the form of quicker product changeovers, more consistent quality in labelling and packaging or reduced customer fines and returns. Effective vision sensors eliminate the waste associated with incorrect portioning or rejects. With smart sensors on board, engineers can improve predictive maintenance and reduce their stock inventories.” For more information on the SICK range of products, please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. Automation Update - 15
Understand and optimise your processes with SMC Flow switches KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. KNOWING THE FLOW RATE HELPS USERS SAVE ENERGY AND RESOURCES, ISOLATE PROBLEMS AND CONFIRM CORRECT OPERATION OF A SYSTEM.
Available to measure flow rates of liquids and dry inert gases, the wide range of flow switches from SMC will give the information users need. As well as the flowrate display, the switches all provide a digital or analogue output to the control system. For measuring air or Nitrogen flow the recent expansion of the established PFM series adds the PFMB and PFMC switches. The PFMB offers a clear dual colour red/ green LCD display so any deviation outside the ideal range can be instantly identified and corrected. As well as being IP65 rated for difficult environments the PFMC switches additionally offer a two line display. As well as the main red / green flow rate the subline can show extra information including total flow that has passed through the switch or the peak flow rate. With the new PFMB and PFMC the models in the complete PFM series now covers measured flow rates from 0 to 2000l/min. 16 - Automation Update
Latest additions to SMC’s growing flow switch range are their new PF3A7 range which can measure flow rates up to 12000 l/min plus a separate PFG3 external display unit. The PFG3 display unit allows any of the PFMB, PFMC or PF3A7 flow switches to be mounted in pipework while the flow can be monitored at a separate, convenient location. For measuring liquid flow rates, the PF3W series covers the range from 0.5 l/min up to 250 l/min for water or ethylene glycol solutions. All models in the range feature a two line rotatable display so in addition to the red / green flow rate the sub line can display accumulated flow, maximum or minimum flow. A useful option which can be specified on all models is a temperature sensor, so temperature and flow can be measured with one device. The temperature can be displayed on the display sub-line and is sent as a continuous analogue output to the control system.
Inaccessible pipework need not cause a problem as the entire PF3W series is available with a remote display to be panel mounted in a convenient position, with no loss of functionality. If there is a need to measure the flow of DI water or low viscosity chemicals, the PF3W can also be specified with PVC piping connections and FKM seals. The flowrate of cooling water or water based cutting lubricant containing fragments or machining swarf can be measured using the recently introduced LFE series electromagnetic flow switch. Covering flow rates from 0.5 l/min to 200 l/min the robust IP65 protected LFE has a totally uninterrupted internal bore to prevent damage or clogging by the contaminants in the liquid. www.smc.eu
®
Fast Delivery Options on selected SMC Electric Actuators With a large stockholding of component parts we can now offer excellent delivery times on three of our most popular electric actuator models Series LEY, Series LEYG and Series LEFS.
Simply chose the right actuator for your application and then select the various options and we will guarantee to build it within 5 working days! So even allowing an extra couple of days for delivery – you will have our excellent electric actuator in your hands in around a week’s time from placing the order – and that’s the worst case scenario!
For more information contact: 01908 563888 or check-out our website.
SMC - more than just pneumatics
Follow us on
www.smcpneumatics.co.uk
Croft Additive Manufacturing – Metal 3D Printing Croft Additive Manufacturing Limited is a company based in Warrington, England who supplies industrial Additive Manufactured components to their customers across different industries, helping them to fully utilise the technology to suit their individual needs and to solve their unique problems. Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as metal 3D printing, is the process of creating a 3 dimensional component in a series of layers. The process uses a metal powder, in Croft’s case this is Stainless Steel 316L. The powder is spread evenly across a build plate as a laser then melts the powder according to a CAD file. The build plate then drops 50 micron and another powder layer is added. The laser then melts this layer to the previous layer. The process is repeated until the final part is complete. This process differs to subtractive methods, only using the required material to build the part as any excess powder that has not been fused is recycled back into the machine’s powder delivery system. Benefits of the Additive process, such as: part weight reduction, multi-part to single component and expanded design capabilities, allow Croft’s 18 - Automation Update
customers to re-think their approach to their designs in order to improve the efficiency, utility or aesthetics of their parts. Supported by more than 31 years of engineering experience through Croft’s sister company Croft Filters Ltd, Croft Additive Manufacturing (CAM) is committed to supplying AM parts of the highest quality, and also educating decision-makers in markets that could benefit from additive technology. Last year Croft also launched their Additive Manufacturing training workshop, ‘Let’s Spill the Beans’ that aims to explain Additive Manufacturing and how to use the processes to create complete components. The
workshop has been attended by both academics and industry users of AM as well as Design Engineers, Project Managers and Directors from both SME’s and larger corporations based both in the UK and abroad. For more information about Additive Manufacturing or the service that Croft provides: Call: 01925 767070 or Visit: www.croftam.co.uk
Events
March 2018
25-27 SEPT 2018 NEC, BirmiNgham
FREE TO ATTEND REGISTER NOw!
THE UK’S LEADING PRODUCTION LINE EVENT See the latest processing and packaging machinery in action, network with industry peers and gain valuable insight at our must attend seminars.
ppmashow.co.uk proCEssiNg & paCkagiNg maChiNEry 42| matErials i roBots i iNdustrial VisioN
organised by
Take your machinery safety knowledge to the next level ... Whether you wish to deepen your knowledge in the field of safe mechanical and electrical engineering, optimise projects or acquire further qualifications in the field of machinery safety – with Pilz as your training partner, you’re sure to reach your goal. Our 2018 schedule is now available on the Pilz website. Courses include: • CMSE ® - Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV certified) • City & Guilds 4 Day Machinery Safety Course • Safe Human-Robot Collaboration • Safety Design Incorporating EN ISO 13849-1
For futher infomation or to book onto one of our courses visit www.pilz.co.uk, webcode: 150535
Pilz Automation Technology Corby NN18 8TJ
01536 460766
training@pilz.co.uk www.pilz.co.uk