Automation Update - November 2016

AUTOMATION UPDATE

WWW.AUTOMATION-UPDATE.CO.UK

November 2016

How can we inspire a new generation of engineers?

12

New ultrasonic sensors from ifm electronic Ltd

14

AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Ellen Tayler 01843 580 460 ellen@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Tony Little 01843 580 460 tony@automation-update.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

www.automation-update.co.uk

News wenglor’s new sensors are based on a patented measuring method in accordance with the calorimetric principle. Thermal differences are measured in flowing media and are converted to physical quantities such as flow velocity and temperature. The measurement results of most common sensors provide just one value – not so with the new weFlux² generation which measures flow velocity and temperature simultaneously with a single sensor, regardless of the medium’s direction of flow.

And installation in any desired position assures greatest possible flexibility with regard to system layout. The maintenance-free, nonwearing sensors offer tremendous pressure resistance with values of up to 100 bar. In order to be able to deliver precise measurement results in hygienically sensitive environments at temperatures ranging from -25 to +80° C, the FDA-compliant housing made of 316L stainless steel is not equipped with a display.

The Perfect Combination wenglor Presents New Fluid Sensors for Flow Rate and Temperature

weFlux² from wenglor is the new generation of highperformance, compact Fluid Sensors which unites electronics and analysis module in a single housing. A patented measuring method determines the flow velocities as well as the temperatures of liquid media – regardless of position and direction of flow. The combination of two measuring functions in a single sensor reduces the number of measuring points in closed systems by 50% and minimizes installation, service and inventory costs.

Intelligent Fluid Sensor for the Smart Factory Thanks to wTeach2 software, weFlux² sensors can be conveniently configured via the integrated IO-Link interface – without any IO-Link software tools or further previous knowledge. The analysis of measurement and diagnostics data ensures high levels of system availability, in addition to which the sensors’ switching points can be adjusted individually in diagrams. Furthermore, existing data records can be transferred automatically to new products.

New Generation Distinguished by Use in Diverse Industry Sectors Wherever liquids are monitored, regulated and controlled, weFlux² sensors are made use of in closed piping systems. For example, weFlux² flow sensors are responsible for monitoring coolant water at welding robots in the automotive industry. In the textiles industry they provide for clean rinsing water in textile finishing machines.

Thanks to their outstanding features, the compact fluid sensors can be ideally integrated into blast furnaces with extreme temperatures or bottle cleaning processes in the beverages industry. “With its rugged design and various interfaces such as IO-Link, the new generation of weFlux² sensors assures efficient and flexible fluid management which can be taken advantage of in innumerable industry sectors”, explains wenglor product manager Maria Boos.

“Numerous customers from the food, chemicals, automotive and textiles industries are already benefiting from the advantages of our innovative weFlux² sensors.”

04 - Automation Update November 2016

2 in 1: The new weFlux² fluid sensors measure flow velocity and temperature simultaneously.

The Highlights at a Glance weFlux² Flow Sensor • A single sensor for flow and temperature • Measures flow velocities of up to 400 cm/s • Temperature range: -25 to +150° C • Precise measurement results for flow velocity: < 5% • Latest IO-Link version 1.1 • 2 analog outputs (flow/ temperature) • IP68/IP69K protection

weFlux² Temperature Sensor • Temperature measuring range: From -50 to +200° C with PT100/PT1000 From -50 to +150° C with IO-Link • Precise measurement results: ±0.5° C • Response time T90: < 2 seconds • Latest IO-Link version 1.1 • IP68/IP69K protection

weQube Series 2016

weQube â&#x2C6;&#x2019; the Smart Camera weQubeSeries 2016 enhances the weQube modular image processing platform with numerous innovations! Select between weQube with autofocus or with C mount threaded connection and combine the software packages on your Smart Camera just as you need.

Housing

weQube with C mount

weQube with Autofocus Software

weQubeOCR

weQubeOCR reads predefined OCR-A and OCR-B fonts over several lines in a single scanning operation.

the character recognition package

weQubeVision

weQubeVision combines any number of image processing functions in one application.

the image processing package

weQubeDecode

weQubeDecode reads all common barcodes as well as 2D codes even if damaged or poorly readable.

the scan package

Protocol

Flexible Communication

The new firmware update permits you to simply switch weQube with Industrial Ethernet to PROFINET or EtherNet/IPâ&#x201E;˘ protocol. All weQube models incorporate an Ethernet TCP/IP and a RS-232 interface as standard.

News HARTING features efficiency improvements in manufacturing logistics based on Integrated Industry 4.0 and IoT

At Smart Factory Expo, HARTING (Hall 2 - Stand number 51/52) is demonstrating its range of automation solutions for improving the efficiency of manufacturing logistic processes based on the concepts of Integrated Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT).

HARTING’s approach to smart manufacturing is based on the addition of intelligence to manufacturing processes with the aim of achieving a high level of connectivity, visibility, awareness, and adaptability at all stages in the supply chain.

By enhancing users’ processes with RFID technology, HARTING makes it possible to implement solutions that deliver real profitability gains without the need for re-engineering already proven, stable manufacturing processes.

The two key elements of HARTING’s approach are machine-to-machine communications and manufacturing logistics.

Machine-to-machine communications is typically concerned with the transmission of information obtained from the monitoring of production equipment to improve diagnostics and to enable effective preventative maintenance.

Manufacturing logistics replaces the existing supply chain management model with the use of intelligent systems to implement functions such as supplying the line with discrete and accurate quantities of materials; ensuring goods flow on a “just in time” schedule, and faithfully tracking assets and inventory in the warehouse and in transit.

HARTING’s approach to manufacturing logistics involves the use of RFID sensor

06 - Automation Update November 2016

networks to collect manufacturing data which is then “operationalised”, allowing, for example, production lines to be adjusted, maintained, or re-tooled, based on live information. The ability to use this manufacturing data rapidly to inform IoT systems can be invaluable to users in creating a competitive advantage in complex markets.

New developments in RFID technology being featured by HARTING include the unique Ha-VIS LOCFIELD® flexible coaxial travelling waveguide antenna, which can sense multiple transponders via an RF field radially extended over its length of up to 10 metres. It can be applied in limited space applications where normal patch antennas would be difficult to install. Also on show is the compact Ha-VIS RFID RF-R300 reader, whose rugged construction and IP67 degree of protection means that it can be sited in harsh environment conditions, and a comprehensive range of passive transponders that can be applied on all types of materials, in particular metal surfaces.

HARTING now allows manufacturers to integrate together the two key manufacturing IoT elements of machineto-machine communications and manufacturing logistics through its new open-source industrial computing device known as MICA (Modular Industrial Computing Architecture). MICA can save, evaluate and process data from sensors, and can then either act as a stand-alone offline computer that can either make local decisions or operate as a gateway via the internet to allow access to a higher-level IT system. It operates with open architecture software, allowing it to be very easily

customised. Software applications run in Linux-based containers which hold all the necessary libraries and drivers.

As a result, there should be no concerns over data security when MICA is allowed access to a higher-level production operating network.

“By applying both of these innovative HARTING solutions - passive UHF RFID and MICA technology - production line manufacturing managers can monitor the condition status of key machinery in real time for material supply chain management or preventative maintenance issues”, comments Howard Forryan, Product Market Specialist: “They can then carry out continuous control adjustments through the separate simple, compact and reliable computing device which provides secure access to the main operating software system to maximise process efficiencies.

As a consequence, users can achieve important productivity gains.”

Also targeting smart factory applications is the new module from HARTING’s Han-Modular® family of industrial connectors: the Han-Modular® Switch US4 connector, which integrates a very compact but fully functioning ‘store and forward’ 4-port Ethernet active switch device into the Han-Modular® I/O mixed connector, allowing network devices to be deployed closer in the field while reducing the effort of retrofitting new Ethernet modules.

For further information visit www.HARTING.co.uk or email gb@harting.com

mk

has expanded its portfolio in the field of automation: The new, accumulating pallet recirculation system SPU 2040 is integrated into the transfer systems range.

It enables cost-effective and dynamic feeding, buffering, positioning and separating of workpiece pallets (WT).

When linking multiple workstations with different cycle or changeover times, the SPU 2040 clearly demonstrates its strengths: It allows a countercyclical operation with automatic recirculation of the WT. A flat top chain carries the workpieces on the WT to the plant.

After removal of the workpieces the empty pallets are safely carried over the return roller and then conveyed back on the underside of the conveyor. They are then once again available at the starting point of the conveyor waiting to be loaded with new workpieces. A second conveying level and devices for lifting and lowering with complex control elements are no longer required.

No additional manual or automated loading of pallets is necessary either.

The SPU 2040 is very compact in comparison to other systems on the market. This means not only low space requirements, but also good ergonomic properties for workers which place or remove the components on the system.

The SPU 2040 is ideal for example in the automotive industry, to use in measuring systems or supply in welding units. Also in the plastics industry, for automotive suppliers or manufacturers of machine tools for grinding or turning machines, the SPU 2040 is highly suitable.

Due to the proven mk modular design and variable workpiece pallets, the SPU 2040 is adjustable so also offers flexibility. As single lane, dual lane or double lane solution it can be used for workpieces with different weight distribution. In addition to the modules like WT, transfer line, drive, return and frame, stoppers and separators as well as different protective device guards are available.

To find out more please visit www.mkprofiles.co.uk, call (01949) 823751 or email info@mkprofiles.co.uk.

08 - Automation Update November 2016

Cost Efficient Automation with Accumulating Pallet Recirculation System Space-saving and dynamic buffering and linking with the SPU 2040

ModuLeS and Much More

Packing machine with safety enclosure constructed from clean room profiles Load and unload removal transportation via belt conveyor, timing belt and gravity roller conveyers Transport and filling of cartons, weight measurement via integrated scales Accumulating run with separating function and cyclical operation mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group Unit 2·Wolds Farm Business Park Kinoulton Lane·Kinoulton·Nottinghamshire, NG12 3EQ Phone +44 (0)1949 823751·Fax +44 (0)1949 81270 www.mkprofiles.co.uk·info@mkprofiles.co.uk

PPMA Total Show 2016 confirms the future is bright for the British processing and packaging industry The UK’s latest innovations in processing and packaging machinery, materials, containers and packaging design solutions were on show at the PPMA Total Show 2016, which returned to the Birmingham NEC from the 27 – 29 September.

The triannual PPMA Total Show welcomed 1,200 leading packaging and processing machinery manufacturers to showcase the latest technological innovations and discuss key business opportunities with more than 7,300 visitors.

With the outcome of June’s referendum looming large, the Rt. Hon Lord Francis Maude, former Minister of State for Trade and Investment opened the 2016 exhibition and delivered the opening address on both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Lord Maude, who drew a substantial crowd, addressed the future of the UK processing and packaging sector, discussed the potential aftermath of Brexit negotiations and future plans for the government’s ‘Exporting is Great’ campaign.

Presenting an optimistic outlook on the future, Lord Maude said: “Britain is bigger; its pattern of trade and investment is much more closely intermingled with the EU; and we should aim for and I hope achieve something much more bespoke than Norway, Canada, Switzerland or even Albania.

“When we leave the EU Britain will be able to negotiate its own free trade agreements with what are today third world countries. Yes, we have less clout on our own to negotiate with India, the US, Japan, China and so on.

But we have several advantages. First, we unequivocally want Free Trade Agreements.

Second, we can focus on what is of interest to us and us alone. And, third we don’t need to aim for perfection.

“I’m not going to pretend that the road ahead will always be smooth and straight. It won’t be. There will be twists and turns and bumps along the way. But I have no doubt that there are huge opportunities as well; and that British manufacturing companies are incredibly wellplaced to exploit them.”

Expertise on display Visitors to the PPMA Total Show 2016 were privy to not only headline speaker the Rt. Hon Lord Francis Maude, but a range of industry experts who tackled the most pressing issues such as hygiene compliance, food and packaging waste and the skills gap.

Adding to growing national debate on food and packaging waste, Claire Shrewsbury, Packaging Programme Manager for WRAP, educated visitors on the number of government programmes that promote both environmental improvements and the cost benefits to industry, including current projects with GlassRite Wine, and the benefits of developing recycled food grade PP processes.

In addition, Emma McLeod, Principal Engineer for Process Solutions Global Chocolate R&D Team at Mondelez International, gave aspiring engineers insight into the engineering opportunities in the largest industry in the UK on the final day of the show. Emma discussed her own career as well as how Mondelez are responding to the skills gap, mentoring

young engineers from the beginning of their career to build their skills quickly to become chartered professional engineers.

Commenting on the seminar programme, PPMA Total Show visitor Tim Bednall, Business Development Manager, Lorein Engineering Solutions said: “Having attended a number of the seminar sessions, I must say they were great. It is nice to hear real industry experts addressing the problems of the industry as a whole. By coming to a show like this, I am able to listen to a range of expert opinions all under one roof.”

Demonstrating the latest innovations in manufacturing The food and packaging waste debate was not restricted to the seminar stage with debut exhibitors such as TIPA Sustainable Packaging revealing its flexible food packaging that behaves just like an orange peel to the UK market.

TIPA, a developer and manufacturer of breakthrough bio-based, fully compostable, flexible packaging, also announced its partnership with UK social enterprise, Snact, who make snacks from surplus product.

Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO and co-founder of TIPA, says, “Our partnership with Snact marks a first step in the UK market. We’re currently trialling our products with a number of UK brands within the grocery retail sector and hope to see further partnerships announced as brands recognise the benefits of our technology”.

“Working with such an eco-conscious brand like Snact was a natural fit for us and we’re excited to see the roll out of our fully compostable, flexible packaging in support of such a worthy brand in the fight against food waste.”

Attendees to Hall 5 at the NEC also witnessed a number of new product launches. Fortress Technology unveiled the latest version of its Halo automatic test technology. Building on Emma DeAlwis’s seminar session on hygiene and contamination, the solution is designed to automatically check that a metal detector is identifying ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel contaminants as well as testing the reject system. For food suppliers, it offers a more robust, objective and auditable testing procedure, satisfying the most demanding retailer Codes of Practice.

Speaking about the 2016 exhibition, Phil Brown, Sales Director, Fortress Technology said: “There was a good mix of visitors to the show and we welcomed a number of customers to the stand, both well-acquainted and new.

We took a number of orders on the stand and achieved a great deal of interest on our new Halo automatic testing technology that

we unveiled and demonstrated at the show, particularly from the pharmaceutical industry.”

Discussing the success of the 2016 show, David Harrison, PPMA Group Exhibition Manager said: “The PPMA Total Show 2016 has been extremely successful and the expanded show format was well received by visitors and exhibitors alike. The show was busy and there was a real buzz on the show floor particularly on the second and third day”.

“Over 150 exhibitors have already booked stands at the PPMA Show 2017, which is a testament to how good the event was. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to exhibit or visit the show and made it a success” Celebrating industry excellence Celebrating manufacturing success, over 400 industry leaders, government representatives and press came together on the first night of the PPMA Total Show to see the winners of the PPMA Group Industry Awards 2016 revealed.

Awards were presented in 14 hotly contested categories, covering every facet of the industry from processing and packaging to the environment, vision and automation. Among the winners, Festo & Siemens bagged two awards on the night including Most Innovative Automation System and Partnership of the Year while DC Norris took the Processing & Packaging Machinery Manufacturer of the Year and HepcoMotion walked away with the PPMA BEST (business, education, skills and training) accolade for their apprenticeship programme Commenting on their success at the PPMA Awards, Peter Jones, HepcoMotion Marketing Manager said: “The PPMA Group Awards were a great event, honouring the latest innovation in the industry. The skills gap is a hot topic at the moment, and we’re very proud to be acknowledged for work we do in training young engineers.”

The PPMA Group CEO, Dr. Andrew Mint said: “The PPMA Group Industry Awards was a fantastic evening, celebrating the best that the British processing and packaging industry has to offer. The sheer volume of entries we received this year gave the judging panel an extremely tough task and we’d like to congratulate all those who were shortlisted and those who were successful on the night!”

The PPMA Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham, 26 - 28 September 2017.

For information on exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities please email PPMA Exhibition Sales Manager scott.mckenna@ppma.co.uk.

Seminars & Training

2016 9th November

*New* Introduction to Operational Excellence

Northampton - Marriott Hotel

17th November Machinery Directive

Leeds - Marriott Hotel

22nd November Introduction to Project Management

Northampton - Marriott Hotel

6th December

*New* CE Audit

Manchester - Marriott Hotel

2017 17th January

*New* Managing Workplace Performance Manchester - Marriott Hotel

1st February

Better Communications Skills at Work

Leicester - Marriott Hotel

8th February

Machinery Risk Assessment

Manchester - Marriott Hotel

23rd February

Machinery Directive

Dublin - Carlton Hotel

2nd March

PUWER

Leicester - Marriott Hotel

For further information and to book places, please contact christine.jordan@ppma.co.uk or call the booking line below.

PPMA Booking Line: +44 (0)20 8773 8111

If it’s good enough for bats….

New ultrasonic sensors from ifm electronic Ltd As market leader in industrial sensors ifm electronic Ltd is committed to delivering the best in sensing technologies to detect just about anything.

It comes as no surprise then that ifm electronic also offers a new family of sensors using the ultrasonic principle.

Sensing ranges up to 2200mm can be achieved with the UG range of sensors.

For both space saving and ease of installation the UG range from ifm electronic consists of M18 housings.

Some are standard barrel types while others are in a combination rectangular housing with an M18 section, for more flexibility. ifm electronic is naturally concerned that the UG range are not only reliable object sensors, but are provided at affordable prices. Users won’t be disappointed.

Setting switchpoints is simply done via pushbuttons or over IO-Link.

IO-Link also presents an ideal way of transmitting distance data.

In addition to housing options, ifm also offers two sensing principles using sound. Diffuse reflection devices, like their optical counterparts, send out pulses which are reflected by the surface of an object. Alternatively, there are retroreflective sensors that transmit to a solid surface behind the position of the target, and the object breaks the beam. This is particularly useful when the position and angle of the target object cannot be predetermined.

For many industries handling objects that optical sensors struggle with, ultrasonic is a very useful addition. Tricky surfaces for photocells include basket-type structures, uneven or dark surfaces, or even very shiny ones.

12 - Automation Update November 2016

ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.

For further information, contact Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic Ltd., efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD. Telephone: 020 8213-0000. Fax: 020 8213-2234.

E-mail – gemma.anderson@ifm.com.

IO-Link – Unlock the full potential of your sensors Benefits of IO-Link · Enables the simple setup of IO-Link enabled devices. · Masters store parameters of the IO-Link device locally and automatically transmit these to replacement devices. · Analogues are transmitted virtually error free. ifm offers a range of IO-Link units: ifm now has nearly 4 million IO-Link enabled devices in the field and offer 350 different units including; · Software and IO-Link apps for simple configuration. · IO-Link enabled position and process sensors. · Field modules and IO-Link masters for all major fieldbuses and PLCs.

www.ifm.com/uk/io-link (020) 8213 2222

72% of people believe schools aren’t doing enough to get kids into STEM subjects:

How can we inspire

a new generation of engineers?

• The UK could be set to experience a drastic shortage in engineers, with 40% of engineering employers saying they believe the Brexit will negatively impact their recruitment • Children are the future, yet 72% of the British public believe that not enough is being done to encourage kids to study STEM subjects in school • Tomorrow’s Engineers Week shines the spotlight on engineering careers that young boys and girls may not have considered before • Neutronic Technologies has produced a unique report in time for the campaign, examining what exactly is holding the industry back Research conducted by industrial components and engineering services specialists Neutronic Technologies has revealed that 72% of people believe that not enough is currently being done to encourage children to study STEM subjects.

The UK is already facing such a substantial shortage of engineering talent. But a recent report by The Institution of Engineering and Technology showed that 68% of employers are concerned that our education system is struggling to keep up. A further 40% believe that recruitment will be hit hard over the next few years due to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Given these recent statistics, and the urgent problems facing the modern world, the need for industry-wide change has never been more apparent.

To help inspire the shift that is needed, Neutronic Technologies has produced its own report to thoroughly examine what can be done to get more children interested in STEM. Entitled ‘Inspiring a Generation: How can we get more kids into engineering?’, the report takes an in-depth look at the condition of the engineering industry. It explores what is holding us back, and calls on expert opinion to discover exactly what we can do to overcome these issues.

14 - Automation Update November 2016

Neil Gallant, Managing Director of Neutronic Technologies, hopes the report will help to inspire change: “The shortage of graduates seeking out careers in engineering is a huge concern for everyone in the industry, and the issues between the UK and Europe are likely to only exacerbate the problem. Global demand for talented engineers is growing. If we are to tackle the problems we face, such as global warming and the need to use less energy, we need to increase the supply to meet the demand. But to do that we must show children that exciting careers can be found here, and that’s why we need national campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week.”

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week takes place from 7th - 11th November, and is a national campaign dedicated to showcasing the incredible jobs that reallife engineers do, and changing people’s perception of the industry.

The campaign is now in its fourth year and aims to inspire young people, particularly girls, to consider engineering careers they may not have known existed.

Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, Paul Jackson, who provided a comment on the future of the industry for the Neutronic report, said: “Engineers help to save lives, make our days easier, and create amazing innovations that astound us and keep us entertained. Tomorrow’s Engineers Week showcases what engineers do and it gives young people from all backgrounds the chance to take on engineering challenges and imagine their future as an engineer.

“The aim of the Week is ultimately to address the skills shortage in engineering. 1.82m people with engineering skills are needed this decade, meaning we need to boost the number of apprentices and graduates entering the industry. To achieve this the community must work together to inspire more young people (boys and girls) and encourage them to think of engineering as an exciting career option.”

HOW MUCH TIME COULD YOU SAVE? with the BRADY printer and label solutions

Durably identified cables are a blessing when the pressure mounts during critical power, machine or system downtime.

Avoid 10 time wasters and improve your cable & component identification.

Electrical, Tele- & Datacom Identification Tips

10 TIME WINNERS

IN CABLE IDENTIFICATION

Download 10 time winners!

www.bradyeurope.com/cableid T: +44 (0) 1295 228 288 F: +44 (0) 1295 228 219 E: emea_request@bradycorp.com

BRADY UK Wildmere Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxon OX16 3JU

Girls have the power Female engineers breakthrough in Semta skills competition Eight talented young female engineers have reached the national finals of the sector’s elite competition to be held at the Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham next month (November).

Semta, the national organising partner for the engineering WorldSkills UK competitions, which represents more than 148,000 companies, has been campaigning tirelessly to break down the gender barriers and increase the number of women engineers working in industry.

The ‘great eight’ represents a significant breakthrough for the cause, as there were just four females in an entourage of more than a hundred in last year’s finals – a hundred per cent increase.

No less than 44 per cent of the women that entered the 2016 regional heats were awarded a place in the final – compared to 39 per cent of men.

All finalists have risen to the challenge having completed the required tasks in the regional heats and are now battling to be the nation’s best.

A n n Wa t s o n , C E O o f Semta, said: “This is a major milestone and testament to the work that we are doing to encourage females to enter both the sector and 16 - Automation Update November 2016

Semta CEO Ann Watson

competitions – but it only goes to underline the scale of the problem.

benefit from utilising their true potential?”

“There is still much work in terms of re-educating parents, teachers and careers advisors

Among the disciplines practised by the female finalists are: Aeronautical Engineering: Avionic, Robotics, Industrial Electronics, CNC Turning, Mechatronics and the Manufacturing Team Challenge.

”However, this does show that female engineers who enter the industry can compete at a very elite level.

“The only barriers in the way of creating more women engineers are ignorance, misinformation and outmoded gender stereotypes.

“In order to close the skills gap - it is an absolute necessity for huge numbers of women to pursue a career in the sector. Why should the majority of women miss out on an extremely exciting, rewarding career? Why should the nation not

The winners of the national finals in November will be considered for selection to Team UK – with the chance to represent their country at WorldSkills International in Kazan, Russia in 2019.

Further information on a rewarding career in engineering can be found here.

PSS 4000 - Simplify Your Automation

De-centralised Safe Automation System PSS 4000 Instead of a centralised control system, the PSS 4000 provides a modular user program within a centralised project which enables a consistent distribution of control functions across multiple PLCs and remote I/O. • Flexible and easy implementation • Control data, failsafe data and states are exchanged and synchronised via the real-time Ethernet SafetyNET p • SIL 3 / PL e capable for functional safety • Economical hardware solution for high I/O counts • Cost effective software licensing model, no up-front cost • High speed FAST input cards are available for high-speed safe logic functions Pilz Automation Technology Corby NN18 8TJ 01536 460766 sales@pilz.co.uk www.pilz.co.uk

Scan to watch our range of PSS 4000 videos

LOMA’S COMPACT X5C X-RAY INSPECTION SYSTEM MEETS THE PRESIDENT OF ICELAND

VIP visitors learn how latest streamlined X-ray model can help fish processors introduce a new level of certainty by detecting bones, shell fragments and grit At the inaugural Iceland Fishing Expo held recently in Reykjavik, the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, and Minister of Fisheries & Agriculture, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, visited distributor, Eltak Ltd’s stand where they learned how Loma’s (www. loma.com; +44 (0) 1252 893300) X5c X-ray inspection system can help fish processors identify contaminants such as *bones, shell fragments and grit.

In addition, Icelandic television station, INN-TV interviewed Eltak Ltd’s Managing Director Jonas Agustsson for an episode titled ‘Hrafnathing’.

Jonas comments: “Over the past few years, the Icelandic fish processing industry has grown considerably with lots of businesses, including startups, developing innovative new products.

As a result, we welcomed this annual exhibition to showcase equipment such as Loma’s exciting X5c X-ray system which is ideal for detecting contaminants such as bones, shell fragments and grit in both fresh and processed fish products.

“The plug and play machine, which is designed to be flexible enough to fit into most production lines without making

18 - Automation Update November 2016

any major modifications, generated lots of interest at the show and we were honoured that the President of Iceland and Minister of Fisheries & Agriculture took the time to visit our stand on the opening day. It really was a great opportunity for us to explain how the X5c can help introduce a new level of certainty for fish processors.

Jonas adds: “For example, in fish processing plants the X5c can be easily integrated into a line to detect the presence of most bones in fish fillets coming out of automatic bone removers.”

Loma’s X5c X-ray inspection system adheres to the company’s ‘Designed to Survive’ ethos whilst significantly reducing the cost of ownership of X-ray inspection technology. It represents considerable investment by Loma in developing a fully specified system that offers high quality contaminant inspection using a reduced number of well-proven subcomponents and streamlined design.

To comply with CFR21 part 11, Loma’s X5c is multilevel password protected for improved data management allowing the system to log events against individual

operators. Produced from brushed stainless steel, it also offers an ultrahygienic design for easy cleaning and low maintenance and serviceability. A quick release belt can be removed without the need for tools and the tension eased for cleaning. The sloping surfaces stop food particles and washdown droplets accumulating in crevices and reduce drying time.

Ideal for the detection of glass, calcified bone, rubber, stone as well as ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel metal in various packaging, Loma’s X5c operates at line speeds up to 50 metres per minute and measures just one metre in length. It is capable of handling products up to 100mm (height) and 300mm (width) but weighing no more than 3kg.

With the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and retailers’ Codes of Practice further recognising the use of X-ray inspection systems in the food industry, Loma used its considerable knowledge, experience and resources to build a system that offers major cost advantages, and opens up X-ray inspection technology to those companies who previously considered it too expensive.

As with all Loma’s products, customers benefit from a high level of service and receive a tailor made solution to their inspection requirements. *Except pin bones and dependent on density of bone in relation to the density of the fish product.

For product enquiries please contact: Anita Miault, Telephone: +44 (0)1252 893300 Web: www.loma.com Email: enquires@loma.com

Protecting Your Plant Before

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used whenever information or monitoring of shaft rotation, position, direction, speed, slip etc is required!

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used for indication, control, interlocking, protection, sequencing, alarm initiations and many more functions!

Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used wherever materials are transported or processed By conveyors, elevators, screws, mixers, etc!

ROADSTONE

STONE

POWER STATIONS

AGGREGATE

…AND MANY MORE!

RELIABILITY Tel : +44 (0)151 356 2322 Website: www.rotechsystems.co.uk Fax: +44 (0)151 356 2437 Email: sales@rotechsystems.co.uk

Monitoring the world

PLC HMI ALL IN ONE

"For a first-time user, I had a great experience.

I look forward to incorporating Unitronics on future jobs."

Jeremy Charles Keene, Controls Manager at General Broach Company

In the picture – Packaging Machine controlled by Unitronics V1210™ and SAMBA 4.3™. Bimetec BV, Netherlands.

12.1"

Vision1210™ Advanced PLC with an integrated HMI USB programming port

Unitronics is a pioneer in the manufacture and design of PLCs with integrated HMI and on-board I/Os - rugged PLC product lines that meet a diverse range of requirements. You program your entire application in a single, intuitive software environment, and benefit from premier technical support, both provided at no extra cost.

SD card

CANbus

Supports up to 1000 I/Os

SNAP I/O Module (optional ) Digital, analog and temperature

RS232/RS485 Ethernet

Options for high-speed, temperature and weight measurement Variety of communication options Software & Support included at no extra cost!

I/O Expansion port

Epsom 2 Keys Business Village. Keys Park Road, Hednesford, Staffordshire, WS12 2HA Tel: +44(0) 1543 271899 sales@alldrivesandcontrols.co.uk www.alldrivesandcontrols.co.uk