AUTOMATION UPDATE
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JULY 2014
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CONTENTS
|4 Editors Choice |10 Product News |18 Events |26 Research & Development
Editorial Assistant Ellen Tyler 01843 448 443 Publishing Director Tony Little 01843 448 443 tony@automation-update.co.uk
Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd
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Innovative sensor technology from Panasonic Photoelectric Sensors
Measurement Sensors
Laser Sensors
Pressure and Flow Sensors
Fiber-optic Sensors
Safety Sensors
Inductive Proximity Sensors
Mark Sensors
Ionizers
provide precise measurement results even in the most complicated of applications.
Discuss Products – Request Demos – Get a Quote Panasonic Electric Works UK Ltd. Sunrise Parkway, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6 LF, Tel. +44 (0) 1908 231555, Fax +44 (0) 1908 231599, Info.pewuk@eu.panasonic.com www.panasonic-electric-works.co.uk
Editors Choice
Simplicity is the key to design and component selection for pneumatic control automation systems
The use of pneumatic process control systems has been adopted by a wide variety of industries and as the complexity of these control systems grows, so it becomes even more important to ensure high levels of reliability and integrity.
Element Valves in a Decentralised Setup However, not every system requires a huge valve island or bus communication to achieve the required level of automation. Neil Saunders, General Manager at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems looks at the common components and processes involved; from the most basic design to a complete production line.
is fed direct to the control valve and the integral control head uses control signals to determine what action is required. The choice of system is dependent on the application since both have their advantages depending on the circumstances. The crucial point is to ensure that the system is properly
regulations when operating in hazardous atmospheres. As the system starts to take shape, one-way valves and check valves to
and reliable operation.
Pneumatic control has been in use for many years, especially in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries where hygienic conditions must be maintained to a very high standard. Pneumatics have many advantages, including a simplicity of design, low maintenance requirements and excellent reliability due in part to the use of compressed air as the power source, which is effectively inert and readily available. In addition, these systems are intrinsically safe and so can also be used in hazardous atmospheres, such as those in the petro-chemical industries.
Once the design scope is agreed, even for the simplest of installations, it is important to ensure the proposed design
Modern control systems can be divided into two groups, centralised and decentralised. As the names suggest the main control functions will either be grouped at a central point or located at the point of control, such as a process control valve. A centralised control solution is the more traditional solution and will usually involve a control panel containing a bank of control solenoids which are connected to the process control valves using air lines alone. In a decentralised system, the air supply
units remove water and oil aerosols while also controlling the system air pressure all of which makes them crucial to ensuring correct operation of the system as well as reducing wear and corrosion of the components.
4 - Automation Update
than 0.005 mg/m3. In addition, a range of connection sizes is available as well
control system which will be easy to maintain and, if necessary, clean to the required standard. Although many of the components used in a pneumatic control system are relatively cheap, the cost of generating the compressed air is not and so it is crucial that the air is used in the
the compressed air supply to the control system using air preparation units which
Air preparation units, such as the type TPM001 from Bürkert, are available 0.01μm, as well having the option of remove oil aerosols to a level of less
direction is correct for the equipment it is supplying. These need to be matched to the application with regard to construction material, sealing properties and connection sizes, to ensure reliable type TRG001, also from Bürkert, which contains a complete range of restrictor valves, with non-standard versions, materials and seals also available. All of this equipment will need to be connected together and this requires careful selection of connectors, threaded, push-in or a combination of both. In all cases the application is the deciding factor when determining the correct design of connector, especially the material choice, which could require FDA approval or the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. For those looking for pneumatic control system components as part of an installation project or for maintenance purposes, expert advice can be found at the local Bürkert branch. For more information on the range of products available visit the website, www.burkert.co.uk
July 2014
Editors Choice
Integrated weldIng cell from aBB helps major agrIcultural machInery manufacturer to cut productIon tImes By two-thIrds ABB FlexArc integrated cell helps Shelbourne Reynolds to cut production times and expand its manufacturing capabilities
an aBB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer shelbourne reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous manufacturing process. the installation features a specially adapted version of aBB’s flexarc cell, which brings together a robot, positioner and the welding equipment needed for the process into one integrated package. Installed as the latest step in a drive to automate shelbourne reynolds’ suffolk factory, the cell is used to handle the company’s hedge cutting attachment, the cell is also used to produce other equipment, including a grain stripper and subassemblies for combine harvester headers, both of which involve complex welds. “the decision on which tasks to automate with the robot was based on the amount of time they took compared to our existing process and the potential savings that could be achieved,” explains michael scarfe, manufacturing manager, shelbourne reynolds. “for this reason, we introduced a cut-off point whereby anything that previously took an hour or more to weld was allocated to the robot cell.” with the assistance of aBB, a time study was conducted with processes in order to identify the ones best suited for handling by the cell.
July 2014
products now being welded in one-third of the time previously required. not only that, but complex welds, such as those involving welding around pipes and tubes, are now performed to a much higher aesthetic standard than previously. “circular interpolation processes involving welding around tubular objects can be a challenge for even the most skilled manual welders, particularly when time is of the essence,” says mr scarfe. “the robot cell is able to handle these processes at a much faster rate, producing consistently strong, high quality and visually pleasing welds.” the manual welders who previously made the products now being produced by the cell. compared to the previous team of six needed to handle the welding process, the robotic cell now only needs one team member to supervise one of two production shifts. “It would be true to say that some of the team were understandably welding cell,” admits scarfe. “however, the idea was always to use it to complement, not replace, our manual operations.” proof of this is demonstrated by the fact that no-one has been made redundant since the cell was introduced. Instead, workers have been redeployed to add value to other production processes, including fast turnaround tasks and those which are too large for the cell to handle. For more information about ABB’s FlexArc welding cells or remote service technology, call 01908 350300 or email robotic@gb.abb.com | www.gb.abb.com
5 - Automation Update
Editors Choice
Murrelektronik Ltd
The UK arm of one of the world’s leading suppliers to the engineering industry: Murrelektronik GmbH. Founded in Oppenweiler, Germany in 1975, Murrelektronik is one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of advanced technology in electrical engineering and electronics. Murrelektronik offers complete electrical equipment for machine and system installations for all different market segments across the world.
Based in Manchester, Murrelektronik Ltd has a dedicated team ensuring
experience and our specialized knowledge with our innovative system technology and proven Murrelektronik products to create a customized solution.
possible service and with Regional Sales Murrelektronik offers customers a unique pool of components. Over 40,000 Managers operating across the UK, it is products are tested in our in-house test centre, loaded with patents, innovations easy to arrange an on-site consultation. and really clever ideas. By combining German-made quality with an exceptional Technical Support Team and Industry Experts in sectors including Food & Beverage, Packaging and Automotive, Murrelektronik
From Control Cabinets ‌
tested products, unrivalled service, expert advice and cross-industry knowledge
function with a power limiter output allows large loads to be started easily. The wide input voltage range makes Emparro a global player.
Everything from a single source Murrelektronik supply everything for machine and plant installations – consistently and from a single source. By offering such a wide range of industrial automation products, Murrelektronik customers can opt to purchase the simplest of components solution. Murrelektronik offer a bespoke approach combining your 6 - Automation Update
from a single source. Our product portfolio includes a complete range of products, from simple transformers through to battery-backed, redundant, intelligent power distribution systems. Emparro is a highly innovative power supply unit with
space, reduces switch-on peaks, saves operating states and stops overcurrents quickly and safely. of suppressor technology are enormous and far outweigh the measures linked with its deployment - prevent malfunctions or faults and save considerable costs. For expert system solutions, real cost savings, large material availability and short delivery times call Murrelektronik on 0161 728 3133 email sales@murrelektronik.co.uk July 2014
KUKA Palletizing Robots have enabled dramatically increased production levels at one of Britain’s oldest Cheesemakers. AJ and RG Barber is a farmhouse cheese producer based in Somerset in the UK. The Barber family have been farmers and cheese producers in the area since the 1800s and now produce a specialist range of cheeses including West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester. The issue Within the Manufacturing Plant at Maryland Farm, the cheeses are packed into boxes and loaded onto pallets, before being moved to the stores where they are matured for anything from 3 months to 3 years. Production had been restricted to 35 tonnes per day due to the physical limitations imposed by manual handling of the boxes. Barber’s were looking for a way to increase capacity without incurring any health and safety issues or losing staff as Julian Ing, Barber’s Head of Engineering explains: We had quite a task ahead of us as there were several physical factors working against us: footprint. Add to that the challenges of a low sloping roof and a busy fork-lift truck access area and we knew we had our work cut out. At the same time, Barber’s is a major employer in the local area, and it was very important that no jobs were lost as a result of introducing robots into the plant. This wasn’t about streamlining the workforce.
KUKA partners In addition, SCM Material Handling Ltd , a KUKA System Partner was also conveniently local so it made sense to approach them for the second robot cell. Two KUKA KR100-2 PA models are being used at Barber’s Maryland Farm in Somerset in separate areas of the plant. The Julian Ing, Barber’s Head of Engineering, said at the time, “It is a real success story, and everyone is very pleased with the way the system is running. We spent quite a lot of time on developing the right solution given the physical limitation of the space. As well as helping to address health and safety concerns by reducing the amount of manual handling, the switch to automation has also A second KUKA KR100-2 PA robot has now been installed in the Packaging Plant with the cooperation of local KUKA’s System Partners SCM Material Handling Ltd. In this area, the matured cheeses are de-stacked and fed into the cutting and packing lines. There are extra cleanliness regulations here compared with the box packing line, and the levels. Mr. Ing says, “We have installed the second cell with no problems. Barber’s is a major employer in the local area, and it is important to our Company that no jobs have been lost as a result of introducing robots into this plant. We have been able to redeploy all the
July 2014
7 - Automation Update
Editors Choice Part-system build service for OEMs: MiniTec’s full service (supply chain management) capability Abingdon-based Cobalt Light Systems develops products and technologies for non-invasive sub-surface chemical analysis and produces its INSIGHT100 table-top screening device for evaluating the chemical composition of liquids, powders and gels in glass or plastic containers. Used widely at airports, high security establishments and other passenger hubs, it employs an exclusively developed technology called SORS (Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy) which was invented at the STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and through technology transfer use. The machine is part of a range of screening, analysis and characterisation products that Cobalt Light Systems market for security, pharmaceutical and biological applications that rapidly and accurately measure materials without touching or altering the sample. MiniTec UK works closely with Cobalt Light Systems as a INSIGHT100’s console frame in addition to managing a partbuild programme that includes purchasing and sourcing thirdparty components as well assembly and testing for the partassembled device. Major components such as the control panel, main PCB boards, power supplies and cable harnesses are purchased from Cobalt Light Systems preferred and other MiniTec selected suppliers, and held in CANBAN stock before pre-testing and assembly into the console frame. Dedicated test rigs verify operation of the part-assembly before shipping installation, programming and interfacing; external covers are assembly is included in the scope of MiniTec’s supply. The partner arrangement extends to managing cost reduction initiatives with suppliers as well as providing a pro-active responsibility for component/product improvement and obsolescence. After working with MiniTec at the design and development stages of the INSIGHT100, the two companies collaborated on the part-system build programme in a close relationship that management and a large proportion of the assembly effort for the device - to concentrate on its core capabilities in non-invasive subsurface analysis. The INSIGHT100 has achieved ECAC standard 3 - the highest standard for European airport security equipment and is in use for liquid screening at Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton Airports as well as Amsterdam Schipol, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly Airports and many more. MiniTec provides its part-system build service for many customers through its own in-house design and production capability based machine building system includes thousands of components such as links, hinges, handles, locks, feet, wheels, panels and more as well as control system and motion components for electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic automation. Varying levels of partsystem build and management include simple structures such as work trolleys for mail order companies to complete automated turn-key projects; for example, pick and place systems for production lines and parts handling conveyers for OEMs across many market areas that typically add and optimise their own specialist processes and technologies.
8 - Automation Update
July 2014
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FANUC
showcases widest range of food handling robots PPMA Show, Hall 5, Stand C50
FANUCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s M430 articulated arm robot will load biscuits into blister trays with repeatable accuracy at the PPMA Show
R
obots in action include a cell combining two robots, an M3 delta style system and a M430 articulated arm robot, which will pick biscuits and place them into blister packs. Following on from this an articulated arm LR Mate 200iD will pack the blister packs into retail trays. To represent packing further down the production line, two palletising robots, a FANUC M710iC/50 and an M410-iC/185, will demonstrate palletising of both trays and bulk bags. With the food industry experiencing a rapid rise in robot integration for production processes, worker safety is a prime consideration, especially when humans and robots share the same workspace. FANUC will also demonstrate its Dual Check Safety (DCS) Position & Speed Check software at the show - a package of safety options integrated into FANUCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R30iA and R30iB robot controllers to ensure safe monitoring of robot position and speed.
12 - Automation Update
July 2014
New Products Three phase monitor
Independently read the RMS values between the phase pairs, up to 240V. Values can be read using the RS232 serial port, or a Web browser on a client computer using an IP address. The monitor can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. The unit requires an external 24Vdc power supply. Dimensions: 90mm * 82mm * 45mm Application Examples: On line health monitoring of bus rails, and three phase power supplies.
PCM signal decoder
4 independent channels are supported in a single module. Read 230V PCM signals and decode them into customer the translation table. Values can be read using the RS232 serial port, or a Web browser on a client computer using an IP address. A PROFIBUS interface is under development. The monitor can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. The unit requires an external 24Vdc power supply. Dimensions: 90mm * 82mm * 45mm Application Examples: On line monitoring of control commands on bus rails.
PCM signal generator
4 independent channels are supported in a single module. 230V PCM signals. We can help analyse and create the translation table. Values can be input using the RS232 serial port, or a Web browser on a client computer using an IP address. A PROFIBUS interface is under development. The monitor can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. The unit requires an external 24Vdc power supply. Dimensions: 90mm * 82mm * 45mm
Application Examples: Provide a PCM driver for PLC and other controllers. It relieves the central processor much of work load.
DIOLink controller
12 independent digital inputs and 12 independent digital outputs are supported in a single unit. The versatile unit can be customised to work in many applications. An extension module can be added to support more digital inputs and outputs as well as analogue inputs and PWM outputs. The monitor can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. The unit requires an external 24Vdc power supply. Dimensions: 90mm * 82mm * 20mm Application examples: Remote appliance control - The controller can report the statuses of the inputs to a Web browser on a client computer using an IP address. Similarly, the outputs can be controlled by commands from the client computer. Cable replacement - two controllers work as a pair over RF and use their own inputs to control the outputs on the other unit. Current model uses 433MHz and work up to 200m.
www.szabo-software.co.uk info@szabo-software.co.uk 01509 222448
Szabo-Prevent Szabo Software Engineering Ltd is a Concept Automation business with a track record of delivering successful projects in a variety of industries.
Szabo-Prevent
Fault Management & Maintenance Tool.
Dashboard Alarm Groups
The cost of maintaining complex automated systems can be substantial in terms of: Requirement of skilled people operating out of hours Downtime Replacement of wear items premature Replacement of wear items after failure Szabo-Prevent combines a number of functions to deliver a comprehensive fault prevention, fault management and maintenance management tool.
Schedule
Materials
Exceptions
Process Help Work instructions
Reporting
Logging
Response
If your organisation relies on continuity of complex systems and automated processes, Szabo-Prevent will ensure that: Disruption is minimised Maintenance and repair times are optimised Maintenance costs are reduced
Industrial Automation Partners Software solutions that enable you to deliver complex projects - without investing in costly software engineering resources that are rarely needed.
www.szabo-software.co.uk
LG Motion and Airex Corporation set up integration partner agreement for industry leading linear servo motors and precision actuators LG Motion Limited has recently set up a distribution agreement with the USA-based Airex Corporation to sell and integrate its innovative range of linear motors, linear positioning actuators, rotary motors and voice coils. Perfectly complementing LG Motion’s expertise in motion system design and integration, the Airex range includes patented and distinctive characteristics that enable the high levels of dynamic performance that is called for in demanding motion control applications such as semiconductor manufacture, imaging & photonics, aerospace & undersea, medical, life sciences and military equipment.
Airex Ironless ‘zero cogging’ Linear Motors... ... boast the highest motor constant in any similar volume of motor for industry-best response and settle and times as well as exceptional control characteristics. These motors are built into the cleverly designed modular P3 series linear positioning actuators - featuring a single linear motion guide bearing system, a choice of optical or magnetic encoder feedback and travel range from 125 mm up to 1 metre. This direct-drive ‘plug and play’ actuators offer high stiffness and zero servo motion which includes backlash free performance and extremely long working life with very low maintenance. The P3 will sit very well with LG Motion’s range of servo drives and motion controls as a very cost competitive choice for precision positioning where smooth motion combined with rapid move and settle times are prerequisites for high throughput production machinery and test equipment applications.
LG Motion will market the Airex range as individual linear and rotary servo motor components, as complete actuator solutions, or integrated into custom positioning systems. Particularly for systems solutions, the Airex range is a motion control platform product range from Precision MicroDynamics Inc. (PMDi) that LG Motion also represents. This highly advanced distributed and deterministic motion control platform allows automated machinery manufacturers the capability for nanosecond level motion and machine synchronisation and includes robotic kinematic transforms and complex contoured motion for up to 124 axes. Comprising motion controllers, advanced servo drives point calculations for extremely high levels of positioning accuracy and exceptionally fast servo feedback rates. With its comprehensive capability for in-house design and production, and with its own range of linear, rotary and vertical elevation stages, LG Motion works with a select group of global distribution partners for motion controls, automation components and positioning mechanics. LG Motion provides its customers - OEMs, end users and research organisations - with the enabling motion control and mechanical positioning system solutions that they need to prosper in their own specialist technological area.
July 2014
15 - Automation Update
Take the Electrical Design Fastlane EPLANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market-leading CAE (computer aided engineering) software is a unique database driven system providing information from a central, consistent source. The software, which holds standardisation at its heart, allows engineering adhered to throughout the design process. Users can remain safe in the knowledge that the quality of documentation will not be compromised and that errors are kept to an absolute minimum. A key advantage of EPLAN is the softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high level of automation that ultimately speeds up the design process, including automatic wire numbering, device tagging and cross referencing. engineering to PLC programming and 3D wire harnessing.
based on wiring diagrams is an integral part of a comprehensive documentation system and provides subsequent
engineering, can be exchanged via interfaces within the CAE software, which guaratee consistency and integration throughout the entire product development process. Another time saving aspect is the EPLAN data portal providing users with access to the device data of over 375,000 components with are controlled and managed by 60 high-end manufacturers such as Siemens, ABB, B&R and Schneider Electric. For more information about EPLAN CAE software solutions please email info@eplan.co.uk or call 01709 704 100. 16 - Automation Update
July 2014
www.ppmashow.co.uk
Supermarket Enforcer Helps Unblock Barrier to Automation By Grant Collier BARA/PPMA (British Automation and Robot Association) Tasked with ensuring that supermarkets treat their suppliers fairly and lawfully, the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) will undoubtedly have a positive effect on confidence in much needed Automation for the Food Sector. With her responsibilities backed up by law, Christine Tacon can not only launch investigations into suspected breaches of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), she can also name, shame and even fine the culprits for any misconduct. This former boss of the Co-operative Group’s farming business will explain at the first day’s seminar programme at the PPMA Show 2014 on September 30th, and is keen to resolve issues affecting the entire supply chain, thereby encouraging greater investment in automation within the food sector. Underlining her commitment to improving conditions right across the supply chain, Christine Tacon is keen to hear from indirect, as well as direct, suppliers, either personally, anonymously or through a trade association – and this doesn’t just mean front-line organisations such as the Food & Drink Federation or the National Farmers Union; it also includes the PPMA. At a recent seminar organised by the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum, entitled ‘The Groceries Code Adjudicator and the next steps for the food supply chain’, Christine announced her plan to crack down on unscrupulous practices by the multiple retailers. Regarding retailers charging suppliers hundreds of thousands of pounds for discrepancies on promotions going back up to six years, Christine stated that she was seeking agreements from the major retailers to restrict their use of such ‘forensic’ investigations. Another frequent complaint that Christine is seeking to outlaw relates to retailers deducting payments from meat suppliers for failure to receive full orders, as a result of ‘shrinkage’ in the supply chain after goods have been dispatched. According to Grant Collier, PPMA Group’s Head of Marketing, Christine’s appointment has significant implications for PPMA members: “This is good news as far as automating the food sector is concerned, and also for our members, most of whom supply machinery to the food sector. After surveying the 367 manufacturers that took part in the government’s Automating Manufacturing Programme there is clear evidence that the reluctance to adopt automation is in part driven by endless squeezing of supplier margins by the major multiple retailers. The Adjudicator’s actions will hopefully help to change this culture and enable much-needed automation of the UK’s largest industry.” Christine herself is equally certain of the benefits to be gained right across the supply chain: “I am sure that if we can increase trust between retailers and their direct suppliers, it will lead to greater efficiency and can only have a beneficial impact on the rest of the supply chain.” With the Grocery Code Adjudicator determined to shake up the food sector, her appearance at the PPMA Show 2014 is not to be missed.
Hear Christine Tacon live at the PPMA Show 2014 seminar programme, 11am, Tuesday 30 September 2014, NEC, Birmingham. | www.ppmashow.com
18 - Automation Update
July 2014
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING IN ACTION
SEE IT ALL AT
DIARY THESE DATES! 30 Sept – 2 Oct 2014, NEC, Birmingham “The complete production line event”
SEE YOU THERE!
www.ppmashow.co.uk
Laser Lines
20 - Automation Update
July 2014
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Seminars Combina Latest DAQ Knowledge With
Invaluable Hands-on experience A series of technical seminars and workshops – is being held at the Williams Conference Centre in Oxfordshire on the 11th and 12th June to help update engineering knowledge on the latest DAQ techniques and equipment as well as giving delegates invaluable hands-on experience. Each of the seminars contains delegates to undertake a variety of exercises on specially equipped expert advice. Delegates will also be given a chance to go on a tour of the world’s largest collection of Grand Prix Formula 1 racing cars and there will be many opportunities to network and share ideas with colleagues from different areas of engineering. Delegates will have to choose one of two possible options that are available on each day and places are limited. On 11th June delegates can opt for either a workshop on “The Installation of Strain Gauges and an Overview Of Optical Strain Gauges’ or a workshop on “Professional Measurement Software Made Easy”. The strain gauge workshop will look at the principles of measuring with strain gauges and how they work which will include an in-depth examination of the different types of strain gauge along with their properties and technical data. The different types of adhesive and covering agents that are available to ensure accurate measurement with strain gauges will also be covered in the workshop and there will be on a bending beam. Other aspects of the workshop include how to measure strain and compensating for different aspects such as temperature that might adversely affect measurements. strain gauges is also included in the workshop. The workshop on “Professional Measurement Software Made Easy” focuses on variants of HBM’s catman® DAQ software including catman, catmanEasy and catmanAP. Topics devices and installing the software. Delegates will be shown how to connect to a QuantumX unit along with utilising Live Update as well as how
22 - Automation Update
at the sensor database and the use of TEDS will also be covered along with visualisations and creating DAQ jobs in catman. By contrast the choices on the 12th June are either a workshop on the “Practical Use of Modern Day Data Acquisition Systems” or a seminar on Trains”. The workshop on modern day data acquisition systems will look at various developments in DAQ technology including the digitization of analogue signals and the different kinds of A-to-D converter as well as the impact of sample rate, aliasing workshop includes three practical exercises to challenge delegates enabling them to explore various theoretical concepts with the trainers and the key capabilities of HBM’s Glyphworks will be introduced. The electric drive seminar looks at the importance of torque and the different methods that it can be measured as well as the importance of calibration. There will then be an examination of the different methods of measuring power on inverters that will look at different ways of obtaining measurements and consider calculations of both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal quantities. The trainers will also introduce HBM’s e-drive solution that covers the connection of a GEN3i to an inverter, displaying the calculated with a formula database. HBM On Tour 2014 represents a wonderful opportunity for engineers to deepen their knowledge of new measurement technologies and quickly learn how to use modern systems effectively and safely. HBM’s team of highly trained facilitators will conduct the workshops and seminars and further information can be found on HBM’s web site.
July 2014
Man and Machine Training Academy
Man and Machine offer an extensive range of Autodesk 2014 training courses
Man and Machine specialise in Autodesk training for Manufacturers, Engineers, Architects & Product Designers. All courses are taught with the official Autodesk courseware and includes one month’s free post training support. Autodesk AutoCAD courses include: • • • • •
AutoCAD Essentials AutoCAD Electrical Fundamentals AutoCAD Advanced AutoCAD 3D Drawing & Modelling AutoCAD Mechanical Essentials
E: marketing@manandmachine.co.uk W: www.manandmachine.co.uk T: 01844 263 700
Connect with us
Fiber-optic sensors in an industrial environment The same question emerges again and again for users of photoelectric sensors: How should I come up with a solution for the application at hand? The parts to be detected are too small and there is barely room to mount standard photoelectric sensors. Often the required cycle time is problematic, which may have to be much less than the 300 - 400ms typical for the blinking of an eye. One option available to the system design engineer is to The much more convenient way is to contact the specialists of Panasonic Electric Works, who, on the one hand, have a wide range of sensing solutions at their disposal and, on the other hand, have many years of applications. If the task is time-critical, the mounting site barely optic sensors are almost always chosen to solve the
which in turn projects the light onto the sensing object.
Just as with typical photoelectric sensors, three basic
settings are possible. The physical distance between the object detected and where the electronics are located is often a decisive factor. Let us consider an application with temperatures above 55째C. The majority of conventional photoelectric to +55째C. Panasonic Electric Works SUNX Co., Ltd. offers up to +350째C. However, temperature is not the only possible environmental condition. 24 - Automation Update
July 2014
Gill Research & Development high-tech engineering services Gill Research & Development Limited, a world leading electronics engineering company, is pleased to offer its advanced engineering services.
For more information on Gillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full range of research and development services, visit www.gillrd.com or contact info@gillrd.com
Renowned within motorsport, defence and industrial markets for their innovative sensor technologies, Gill employ a range of specialist disciplines including electronic hardware, software and mechanical design, project management and volume manufacturing facilities. With nearly 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in producing innovative product designs and engineered solutions, Gill offers full product life cycle development projects from initial concept and prototype development to quantity production. Gill has become specialists in ruggedising existing technologies for harsh environment applications such as construction, mining, aerospace, defence and transport. In addition, Gillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proven capabilities
26 - Automation Update
in software development, PCB design, modelling and environmental testing, enables dependable and cutting-edge engineered products from sensor technologies to complete systems architecture. Utilising in-house design and manufacturing facilities, Gill are able to transform a prototype into a fully commercial product, from high quality materials and incorporating the latest technologies to deliver a reliable Specialising in engineered products for extreme environments and hazardous applications, Gill successfully develops creative, high quality solutions for complex problems.
July 2014
ESI Technology Ltd
Sensor House, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK T: +44 1978 262255 F: +44 1978 262233 E: info@esi-tec.com W: www.esi-tec.com
Hydrostatic Level Measurement There are many types of level measurement technology. For hydrographic surveys, water table and borehole measurement, hydrostatic pressure measurement is one of the most reliable. Hydrostatic pressure is described as being the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium to a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. A liquid column above the pressure sensor creates hydrostatic pressure, which is a direct indicator of the liquid level. In Europe the standard unit of measurement is metres of water gauge (mWG), also referred to as metres of water column (mWC), or metres
28 - Automation Update
of H2O (mH2O). ESI Technology design and manufacture a range of pressure transmitters for hydrostatic level applications. They are available in a range of diameters and can be calibrated to any unit of measurement. It is also necessary to use a special vented cable so that barometric pressure does not aďŹ&#x20AC;ect the true hydrostatic pressure measurement. Also, a desiccant housing at surface level is required to prevent moisture ingress over time. Stilling tubes and weighted nose cones are also available.
www.esi-tec.com
ESI Technology can quote for individual sensors or complete systems to include cable, housing, display and other accessories.
July 2014
Take the Electrical Design Fastlane EPLANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market-leading CAE (computer aided engineering) software is a unique database driven system providing information from a central, consistent source. The software, which holds standardisation at its heart, allows engineering standards throughout the design process. Users can remain safe in the knowledge that the quality of documentation will not be compromised and that errors are kept to an absolute minimum. A key advantage of EPLAN is the softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high level of automation that ultimately speeds up the design process, including automatic wire numbering, device tagging and cross referencing. engineering to PLC programming and 3D wire harnessing.
such as production, assembly, commissioning and service with the data required. engineering, can be exchanged via interfaces within the CAE software, which guaratee consistency and integration throughout the entire product development process. Another time saving aspect is the EPLAN data portal providing users with access to the device data of over 375,000 components with are controlled and managed by 60 high-end manufacturers such as Siemens, ABB, B&R and Schneider Electric. For more information about EPLAN CAE software solutions please email info@eplan.co.uk or call 01709 704 100. July 2014
29 - Automation Update
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