Industry USA-ASIA-EMEA | 02 - July 2023

4 WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR AI AND MACHINE LEARNING

10 STRONG HIGH FEED GEOMETRY

11 PRODUCTIVE SHOULDER MILLING

12 SOFTING LAUNCHES THE CABLEMASTER 210  ETHERNET CABLE TESTER

13 COPLEY CONTROLS INTRODUCES COMPACT, EFFICIENT NANO DRIVES WITH ETHERCAT AND CANOPEN SUPPORT

14 A RELIABLE EYE ON HEALTH

18 COMAU IS DEVELOPING A FULLY AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE BATTERY RECYCLING AND SECOND-LIFE REPURPOSING

20 SOPHISTICATED DATA SCIENCE TOOL FOR OPTIMIZED OPERATIONS

21 KOLLMORGEN INTRODUCES THE AKMA SERVO MOTOR FOR MEDIUM- TO HEAVY-WASHDOWN APPLICATIONS

22 DELTA ELECTRONICS’ AMERICAS HEADQUARTERS BECOMES THE FIRST LEED ZERO ENERGY-CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDING IN FREMONT, CA

24 COMAU’S MATE-XT WEARABLE EXOSKELETON SUPPORTS ERGONOMIC WELL-BEING AT JOHN DEERE’S PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN BRAZIL

26 HISTORICAL TEXTILES IN FOCUS

30 HMS NETWORKS PRESENTS NEW EWON REMOTE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS WHERE HARDWARE MEETS SOFTWARE

31 NEW OPTIONS FOR

CARBON APPLICATOR

45 ROLLON INTRODUCES HIGHLY ADAPTIVE BEARING FOR LIGHT-TO-MODERATE LOADS IN LINEAR MOTION APPLICATIONS

46 ONE SWEET MACHINE

48 EMERSON LAUNCHES FIRST COMBUSTION SAFETY SHUTOFF VALVES CERTIFIED FOR BIODIESEL USE IN AMERICAS AND ASIA

49 ANELLOTECH WELCOMES JEAN-PIERRE BURZYNSKI AS TECHNICAL ADVISOR AND BOARD MEMBER

50 NEW TELEDYNE GAS AND FLAME DETECTION WEBSITE LAUNCH

51 THE LEADER IN STRIP LEVELLING TECHNOLOGY UNGERER GMBH WILL BE FULLY INTEGRATED INTO REDEX GROUP

52 27 STAGEMAKER ELECTRIC CHAIN HOISTS FROM VERLINDE NOW EQUIP THE NEW LIGHTING SYSTEM OF THE FAMOUS KEISTUOLIAI THEATRE IN LITHUANIA

54 FPT INDUSTRIAL CHOSEN BY MASERATI FOR ITS NEW FULL-ELECTRIC GRAN TURISMO FOLGORE

56 PROACTIVE EQUIPMENT MEASURES VITAL TO OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT

57 NEW FAMILY MEMBER FOR THE MEDIUM POWER RANGE

58 DRIVES FOR SPEED IN INTRALOGISTICS

60 WHY A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IS THE PERFECT MEDICINE FOR PERMEDICA

ADVERTISERS: • MEPAX 8

www.magazine-industry-usa.com

INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL MARKET MAGAZINE

62 UNDERSTANDING THE ROI OF VISUALIZATION

66 CONTINUED GROWTH FOR INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET AND WIRELESS NETWORKS - INDUSTRIAL NETWORK MARKET SHARES 2023 ACCORDING TO HMS NETWORKS

68 HMS NETWORKS EXPANDS RANGE OF NEXT-GENERATION GATEWAYS WITH ANYBUS COMMUNICATOR ETHERCAT MAIN DEVICE

70 HMS NETWORKS PRESENTS NEW EWON REMOTE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS WHERE HARDWARE MEETS SOFTWARE

71 SECO JS754 STUB SERIES BRINGS VERSATILITY AND VALUE WHEN MILLING TOUGH MATERIALS

72 SECO IS MOVING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AND SWITCHING TO RECYCLABLE PACKAGES

74 EMERSON’S NEW ALUMINUM FILTER REGULATORS ENHANCE PROCESS EFFICIENCY AND STREAMLINE SUPPLY CHAINS

75 QVI ANNOUNCES KEITH E. POLIDOR AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

76 ROUTECO AND CORETIGO ENGAGE IN PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONIZE UK FACTORY AUTOMATION

77 CORETIGO RECEIVES INVESTMENT FROM AMAZON INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION FUND TO ACCELERATE INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIVITY

78 MOXA JOINS AVNU ALLIANCE AS PROMOTER MEMBER TO FUEL THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION WITH TIME-SENSITIVE NETWORKING

79 THREE CODESYS-BASED MOTION CONTROLLERS, INCREASING AX-3 SERIES SCALABILITY

80 CASE COMPLETES ENVIRONMENTAL BEACH CARE CLEAN-UP PROJECT

82 KOMATSU INTRODUCES A MEDIUM-SIZED HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR WITH HYDROGEN FUEL CELL SYSTEM

83 ENABLING LI-ION BATTERY MANUFACTURERS TO TURN DATA INTO EFFICIENCY GAINS 84

TO JUPITER: EXXELIA HIGH RELIABILITY PASSIVE COMPONENTS READY TO WITHSTAND EXTREME SPACE

By K.A. Gerardino.

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR AI AND MACHINE LEARNING

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a key game-changer across many industries. The leading approach to AI is machine learning, in which programs are trained to pick out and respond to patterns in large amounts of data. -

By K.A. Gerardino.

AI and Machine Learning are already transforming the way people interact with technology, making it easier and more efficient to perform tasks, such as data analysis and predictive modelling. This technology is also being used to automate mundane tasks, enabling companies to save time and resources. With the global AI and Machine Learning market anticipated to grow exponentially, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% between 2023 and 2033, according to International Data Corporation (IDC). This growth is being driven by advancements in the technology, including more sophisticated algorithms and better data processing capabilities, IDC reported.

Today, most of us encounter AI every single day. From the moment we wake up to check our smartphone to asking Siri to help find our AirPods or telling Amazon Alexa to turn on the lights and music. AI has quickly made its way into our everyday lives. In fact, AI and machine learning have been around for a long time. The earliest successful AI program was written in 1951 by Christopher Strachey, later director of the Programming Research Group at the University of Oxford. Strachey’s checkers (draughts) program ran on the Ferranti Mark I computer at the University of Manchester, England. By the summer of 1952 this program could play a complete game of checkers at a reasonable speed.

So, What’s The Setback?

With the existing state of things, some people argue that AI will displace occupations and increase unemployment. One application of AI is a robot. Therefore, they claim that there is always a chance of unemployment as a result of chatbots and robots replacing humans. For example, robots are often utilized to replace human resources in manufacturing businesses in some more technologically advanced nations like Japan. AI offers both the promise to improve the safety and health of workers, and the possibility of placing workers at risk in both traditional and non-traditional ways.

In a world still dealing with the impact of an unprecedented pandemic, combined with an increasing amount of industrial automation, the “new normal” has generated significant demand for applications capable of ensuring worker safety. These applications include physical identification and compliance for sensitive environments like cleanrooms used in silicon production, monitoring of industrial settings with heavy machinery in use, keeping track of security zones with restricted personnel access, and more. Enforcing compliance with policies for the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and limiting personnel to the locations for which they are equipped results in reduced work-related accidents, thus improving employee safety while also supporting steady productivity. These practices also enable organizations to avoid expensive and reputation-damaging citations from government agencies monitoring industrial environments.

Worker safety is not to be taken lightly, as safety concerns have become an issue of widespread concern around the world. Many are turning to AI-powered machine visionbased applications to ensure compliance and maintain enforcement using a centralized architecture. By doing so, these organizations have successfully automated their systems via a combination of smart cameras, sophisticated machine vision applications, and industrial computing solutions that do not require human resources to ensure compliance. These systems are better equipped than humans to complete tasks of this kind. For example, smart monitoring solutions ensure employees are wearing the appropriate PPE when required, ensure the right people are allowed in the correct zones, and enable real-time implementation of corporate policy where it is needed.

However, there are also concerns regarding the use of AI in the workplace. This is especially true if the data used are incomplete, inappropriate, or insecure; the methods are not easily explained or understood; or if the systems operate without the oversight of a human agent. Integration of this technology, using systems which are predictable and reliable, has been shown to improve performance and acceptance. The opposite also appears to be true, demonstrated by failures associated with the Maneuvering Characteristic Augmentation System (MCAS), an AI system designed to activate and assist the pilot under circumstances, which resulted in the two crashes of Boeing 737 Max airplanes.

Trends in AI and Machine Learning

Although research gaps exist regarding the use and impact of AI and machine learning, the use of this technology is already very much part of modern living. Rather than worrying about a future AI and machine learning takeover, let us focus on some of the AI-specific trends that will help us in the next couple of years:

Adoption of cloud computing for machine learning applications: The growing adoption of cloud computing for machine learning applications is also set to be one of the major trends in AI in 2023. With cloud computing, businesses can benefit from improved scalability and flexibility when it comes to their machine learning projects. By leveraging cloud-based services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, companies can quickly scale up or down depending on their needs while also taking advantage of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. As a result, more businesses are turning to cloud computing for their machine learning needs in order to take advantage of its many benefits.

Improved language modelling: ChatGPT demonstrated a new way to think about engaging with AI in an interactive experience that is good enough for a wide range of use cases in many fields, including marketing, automated customer support and user experiences. In 2023, expect to see a growing demand for quality control aspects of these improved AI language models. There has already been a

backlash against inaccurate results in coding. Over the next year, companies will face pushback on inaccurate product descriptions and dangerous advice, for example. This will drive interest in finding better ways to explain how and when these tools generate errors.

Chiplets: AI acceleration has been one of the main drivers for heterogeneous compute in the last few years, and this trend will certainly continue as Moore’s Law slows. Heterogeneous compute refers to the system design technique whereby accelerators for specific workloads are added to more general computer hardware like CPUs, whether as separate chips or as blocks on an SoC. This trend is obvious in the data center, but endpoint SoCs for everything from household appliances to mobile phones now have specific blocks dedicated to AI acceleration. For large-scale chips, such as those used in the data center, chiplets are a significant enabling technology. Chiplets allow huge chips to be built by connecting multiple similar reticle-sized die through a silicon interposer, but they also enable heterogeneous compute by enabling the connection of CPU, memory, and accelerator die at high bandwidth. Chiplet technologies are maturing and will continue to do so in the next two years as we see chips like Intel’s Ponte Vecchio hit the market.

Human and machine collaboration: In the coming years, we can expect to see an increasing trend towards human and machine collaboration in the field of AI. As AI technologies become more advanced and sophisticated, they will be able

to work with humans in order to achieve greater results. This could take many forms, from machines providing assistance with tasks or decisions that are too complex for humans alone, to humans teaching machines new skills and knowledge. By leveraging the combined strengths of both human intelligence and AI technology, businesses will be able to unlock a wealth of possibilities for improved efficiency and productivity.

Transformer networks have been widely used for naturallanguage processing for some time, with impressive results. Today’s large language models (LLMs) can be used to power chatbots, answer questions, and write essays, and the text they produce is often indistinguishable from what a human might have written. These networks use a technique called attention to explore relationships between words in a sentence or paragraph. The trouble is that to really understand language, LLMs need to consider relationships between words that are further apart in the text. The result is that transformer models are rapidly growing, and so are the computers needed to train them. Training of GPT-3 was estimated to cost millions of dollars — that is to train one model, one time. Despite huge costs, the demand for accelerated compute from transformer networks is not slowing down. Economic or practical limits to transformer size – if they exist – have not yet been sighted, let alone reached.

Generative AI has already been used in creative applications such as music composition and video game design. In 2023, we can expect this trend to continue as generative models become even more sophisticated and powerful. This could lead to new possibilities for creative expression and innovation across a variety of industries. Generative AI models use neural networks to generate new content from existing data. This type of AI can be used for a wide range of applications – from creating images or video effects to generating natural language text and music. Generative models offer an efficient way to generate large amounts of artificial data, allowing organizations to save time and resources in the creative process. For example, generative AI can help developers create virtual environments for video games by automatically generating textures and patterns based on pre-existing data. Generative AI is also helping businesses better understand their customers’ preferences and tailor products accordingly. Companies such as Amazon are increasingly using generative AI technologies to recommend products that customers may like based on past behaviour – resulting in improved customer experiences and better sales.

AI industry regulation: As the use of AI becomes more widespread, governments worldwide are beginning to take steps toward regulating its use to protect consumer privacy and ensure ethical practices are followed. We can expect this trend toward regulation to continue in 2023 as governments look for ways to ensure that companies using AI technology

do so responsibly. Heightened AI industry regulation is already being implemented across the world. In Europe, for example, the General Data Protection Regulation (or GDPR) sets strict standards for companies that collect and use consumer data.

AI-driven technologies such as facial recognition are also increasingly falling under governmental scrutiny – with some countries passing laws to ban their use or restrict its application in certain areas.

In the coming year, we can expect even more regulations to come into effect worldwide – making sure organizations using AI technology do so ethically and responsibly. Such regulations could be critical to protecting public safety and privacy while continuing to allow businesses access to powerful AI toolsets reaping rewards without creating a risk of harm.

AI to make ethical decisions: In 2023, Explainable AI (XAI) is set to be a major trend in the world of Artificial Intelligence. XAI can help machines make ethical decisions by providing humans with an explanation of how a decision was made and why it was taken. This will enable humans to better understand the machine’s decision, thus enabling them to take corrective action if needed. XAI also allows for greater accountability, as humans can review and reject decisions that are not in line with company policies or public safety regulations. XAI makes use of techniques such as natural language processing and machine learning to analyze data and provide meaningful explanations for AI-generated decisions. By using explainable AI, companies can ensure that their AI systems are making ethical and responsible decisions without compromising on accuracy or speed. As such, XAI technology will be essential for businesses looking to deploy AI systems responsibly in 2023 and beyond. Furthermore, explainable AI can be used to promote transparency when it comes to data privacy and usage practices. By providing users with detailed explanations about how their data is being used – including what kinds of algorithms are being employed – companies can ensure that users have full control over their own personal data while still benefitting from the advantages of AI technologies. As a result, explainable AI looks set to become an important tool in helping businesses achieve greater levels of trustworthiness when it comes to protecting user data in 2023 and beyond.

Brain-inspired computing: Neuromorphic computing refers to chips that use one of several brain-inspired techniques to produce ultra-low–power devices for specific types of AI workloads. While “neuromorphic” may be applied to any chip that mixes memory and compute at a fine level of granularity and utilizes many-to-many connectivity, it is more frequently applied to chips that are designed to process and accelerate spiking neural networks (SNNs). SNNs, which are distinct from mainstream AI (deep learning), copy the brain’s method of processing data and communicating between neurons. These networks are extremely sparse and can enable extremely low-power chips. Our current understanding of neuroscience suggests that voltage spikes travel from one neuron to the next, whereby the neuron performs some form of integration of the data (roughly analogous to applying neural network weights) before firing a spike to the next neuron in the circuit. Approaches

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to replicate this may encode data in spike amplitudes and use digital electronics (BrainChip) or encode data in timing of spikes and use asynchronous digital (Intel Loihi) or analog electronics (Innatera). As these technologies (and our understanding of neuroscience) continue to mature, we will see more brain-inspired chip companies, as well as further integration between neuromorphic computing and neuromorphic sensing, where there are certainly synergies to be exploited. SynSense, for example, is already working with Inivation and Prophesee on combining its neuromorphic chip with event-based image sensors.

Voice and language-driven intelligence: is set to be a major trend in AI in 2023, as the technology gets better at understanding natural language. This will enable machines to interact with humans more naturally, allowing for more efficient conversations and greater accuracy when it comes to interpreting user commands. By utilizing voice recognition and natural language processing technologies, businesses can provide their customers with an enhanced level of customer service that is both faster and more accurate than ever before. Furthermore, this type of AI technology can be used for a wide range of applications such as automated customer support systems, virtual assistants, and even conversational agents that can help users’ complete tasks or make decisions quickly. As such, voice and language-driven intelligence looks set to revolutionize the way we interact with computers in 2023.

Conclusion

2023 is set to be a year of major advancements in the world of AI and machine learning. From AI-driven text, speech and vision to explainable AI, these trends will shape how businesses interact with their customers. It is prepared to function at scale. Its full application cannot be predicted at this point, but it ensures real-time actionable insights and offers newfound responsiveness in an uncertain world. We can expect increased investment in quantum computing research and development as companies look for ways to take advantage of its powerful capabilities. Additionally, edge computing is ready to become more important for low power devices, such as wearables or IoT sensors due to faster response times and lower energy consumption. Meanwhile, cloud computing is on the rise for machine learning

applications because it provides improved scalability and flexibility when compared to traditional methods.

Although innovation has unintended side effects and too much of a good thing can still be damaging, it is important to criticize with basis. Yes, history is scattered with bad technology calculations, but early adopters of AI should involve judgements with an open mind. The opportunities for AI and machine learning are infinite. While moral, ethical, and legal questions are important for society to answer, the technology needs principled direction and smart engineers to support the implementation. Integrating AI and machine learning into core functions will help companies become more resilient and recession-proofed.

When leveraged correctly, this technology can help save time, streamline processes, efficiently access organizational knowledge, and provide masterful insights. But it is about more than just disregarding mistakes and inefficiencies— it is customizing our preferences and work out complex problems as they happen. In ways we cannot yet imagine, AI will help make us more human and help humans interact in more natural ways. It just needs our help getting started. AI will help individuals, companies, and government to navigate through the emerging risks and uncertainties of the future if applied smartly.

With all these developments taking place over the next few years, one thing is certain: AI and machine learning has an exciting future ahead!

STRONG HIGH FEED GEOMETRY

Dormer Pramet is introducing new products for use in various die and mold machining.

The international cutting tool manufacturer is releasing a new strong HM geometry within its popular doublesided Pramet SNGX 11 high feed milling range. The HM geometry is ideally suited for use on hardened steels and cast irons.

This addition extends the application range of the Pramet SSN11 cutter family, which already includes the versatile M geometry for steels and cast steels, and the MM for stainless steels, soft steels, and superalloys.

The new HM geometry has a highly negative and narrow T-land, as well as a positive rake to reduce vibration and enable a smoother cutting action. Together, these improve the durability and process security, prolonging tool life in the relevant materials by up to 50%, compared to the existing assortment.

www.dormerpramet.com

PRODUCTIVE SHOULDER MILLING

A new assortment of Pramet LNEX 12 negative tangential inserts, with four cutting edges, provides a highly productive solution for a wide range of applications.

The LNEX 12 is a robust insert designed for shoulder milling with a maximum depth of cut up to 10 mm. It features a positive rake angle and narrow T-land to provide a smooth cutting action with lower demands on spindle torque.

The peripherally ground insert offers improved wall accuracy and straightness and creates a true 90° corner. The LNEX12 also featuring a patented U-groove segment on all four cutting edges which provide a good surface finish and expand its application range to low-power machines and small depths of cut.

In addition, the two-sided design supports performance by making ramping possible.

The insert comes in two different geometries, F- for machining of various workpiece materials in light and medium applications. While M- is suited for medium to semiroughing in steels and cast irons.

Alongside the new insert is a line of perfectly matched cutters. The Pramet SLN12X series is available in Cylindrical, Weldon and Shell styles, with all featuring internal coolant systems for improved surface quality.

Its improved body strength and thick core offers enhanced rigidity, giving a reliable cutting process with low vibrations and long tool life for both the insert and cutter. Easily accessible large clamping screws provide simple indexing and handling of inserts.

The combination of the Pramet LNEX 12 inserts and the SLN12X cutters give operators a smooth cut with a clean finish, reducing the need for additional operations, such as deburring.

LNEX 12 negative tangential inserts provide a highly productive solution for a wide range of applications.

www.dormerpramet.com

SOFTING LAUNCHES THE CABLEMASTER 210  ETHERNET CABLE TESTER

Softing extends its portfolio of professional Ethernet cable testers to include the CableMaster 210, the most economical cable tester — less than $100 — that fits in your pocket.

Softing introduces the CableMaster 210, a professional, economical Ethernet cable tester that’s small enough to fit in your pocket. CableMaster 210 is part of a complete portfolio of professional Ethernet cable testing solutions offered by Softing including the flagship WireXpert copper cable certifier, FiberXpert fiber cable certifier, the award-winning NetXpert XG2 Ethernet cable BERT (bit error rate tester) and the award-winning LinkXpert active network tester.

For years, Softing has offered globally recognized, professional, cable testing solutions and continues to innovate, providing a portfolio of complete solutions to meet the needs of IT network managers, professional cable installers and industrial network managers. Softing now offers a small, easy-to-use cable tester, affordable enough for everyone to carry in their pocket or toolbox.

“Most cable testers less than $100 are large and have LED readouts that look more like science projects,” says Deane Horn, Director, Marketing.

“The CableMaster 210 is a professional cable tester, distinguished from other cable testers by its large LCD, backlit display that makes results easy to see and understand, and by its remote that neatly docks inside the local tester making this an economical solution that fits in your pocket.”

For troubleshooting Ethernet cable or testing after cable installation, the CableMaster 210 solution includes a local and remote cable tester to connect to each end of a cable. A click of the large “OK” button starts the cable test. The results show pass/fail, resulting wiremap diagram, shorts, opens, mis-wires and length of cable. And for finding wires in a bundle of cables, CableMaster 210 includes a tone generator compatible with optional tone receiver Cable Probe (CP15) from Softing and optionally up to 24 cable identifiers.

https://itnetworks.softing.com/cabling-testers/copper/ cablemaster210/

COPLEY CONTROLS INTRODUCES COMPACT, EFFICIENT NANO DRIVES WITH ETHERCAT AND CANOPEN SUPPORT

These compact units integrate easily into autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic joints and other automated equipment that need precise speed and position control despite limited space.

Copley Controls has introduced the Nano Series of digital servo drives. “Designed with precision and performance in mind, the Copley Controls Nano Series of servo drives represents the next generation of motion control technology, enabling our customers to achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in their applications,” said Dennis Sykes, VP of Copley Motion.

The Nano Series comes in a small footprint of 35 x 30 x 23.4 millimeters, operates from 9 to 180V DC input voltage and delivers up to 35A of continuous current and 70A peak current to provide exceptional power density and efficiency. The Nano Series’ compact size also gives integrators the flexibility to mount the units directly onto the motor or within robot joints. The optional connectorized PCB and CME commissioning software facilitates setup and tuning.

The Nano Series supports the EtherCAT or CANopen communication protocols for real-time data exchange.

Additional features and specifications include:

• Safe Torque Off (STO) capability with Sil 3, Category 3, PL e conformance

• Six digital inputs and four digital outputs

• Four voltage/current combinations

• One ±10V 12-bit analog input

• BiSS-C unidirectional and SSI absolute encoders (primary)

• Dual encoder feedback support

• Digital incremental encoder (primary and secondary)

• Digital Halls

• 32-bit floating point filters and multiple advanced filters

• Frequency analysis tools

Nano Module EtherCAT NES and Nano Module CANopen NPS models are available with an EZ Board option to simplify mounting.

www.copleycontrols.com

A RELIABLE EYE ON HEALTH

Automatic visual inspection of rigid endoscopes.

Rigid endoscopes are used in medical diagnostics and therapy to examine body cavities and hollow organs and to perform minimally invasive procedures. In order to avoid risks for patients and medical staff, it is essential that the devices function perfectly. Reliable quality testing is intended above all to exclude risks from infections and injuries, but also misdiagnoses. In many countries, hospitals are required by law to regularly check and maintain their endoscopes to ensure that they function properly and do not contain any germs that are harmful to health. In addition, there are European guidelines and standards that regulate the quality assurance of rigid endoscopes. These checks are carried out by specially trained staff and include endoscopy tests and sterilization tests as well as extensive visual inspections.

The Dutch company Dovideq Medical Systems B.V. specializes in measuring instruments for minimally invasive surgery. The current product range is aimed at central sterilization departments in hospitals, endoscope manufacturers and endoscope repair companies. For the inspection of rigid endoscopes, Dovideq Medical Systems has developed various automated and networked systems. Particularly handy, small, light, cost effective and fast is the automatic endoscope tester LightControl. Using six test and measurement parameters, detailed data on the condition of the endoscope is recorded and evaluated. This ensures that only flawless endoscopes reach the operating theatre.

The LightControl system ensures a high degree of efficiency and reliability with the help of IDS cameras from the LE camera family. For the safety of all, for the well-being of the patients and ultimately also for the benefit of the hospital balance sheet.

The COVID 19 pandemic has brought the importance of hygiene and sterility of endoscopes and other medical devices even more to the fore, leading to a greater awareness of the need for automated inspection procedures. An endoscope that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected can cause the transmission of

infection, and a defective endoscope can lead to injury during patient examination or treatment. No less serious are the consequences of a misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment if an endoscope does not function properly or is damaged, resulting in incorrect images.

Quality defects and the associated impaired functioning of an endoscope can have various origins. In addition to incorrect handling and lack of maintenance, these include factors such as material fatigue and contamination. Improper transport or unsuitable storage can also lead to damage, as can the simple ageing of the medical device. Lenses and other optical components can wear out over time, resulting in blurred or distorted images. To prevent bacteria or other pathogens from settling on the endoscope and thus not only impairing the quality of the images but, in the worst case, also harming the person being treated, they are regularly sterilized. However, the sterilization process can also affect the quality and accuracy of medical devices, as the high temperatures and chemical substances used in the process can be potentially harmful to the sensitive components of the endoscope. In particular, heat and steam can trap moisture in the lenses and cause damage. In addition, some sterilizing substances, such as formaldehyde, can have a corrosive effect on metal parts.

As complex as the possible causes are, as versatile are the possible damages of an endoscope. In order to efficiently deal with the complexity of the required inspection criteria,

Dovideq Medical Systems has developed the patended LightControl visual inspection system. “With the help of the camera, it sees far more than the human eye of a surgeon, for example dirt particles, lens fractures, impurities or colour deviations,” explains Chielant de Wit, Managing Director of Dovideq Medical Systems.

LightControl runs the automated visual inspection with the aid of a uEye LE camera from IDS. Price, sensor and size were decisive factors in the choice of model. The built-in USB3 Vision industrial camera U3-3860LE Rev.1.2 is reduced to essential functions and has a light-sensitive Sony sensor. The integrated IMX290 with BSI technology (“back-sideillumination”) ensures excellent image quality with clean colour separation and enables true-to-life reproduction of the subject, which is so important here - even under poor or fluctuating lighting conditions. The camera is small and versatile; the lightweight, coated plastic housing is nevertheless robust. This makes it ideal for integration into small devices and embedded systems and predestines it for use in medical technology.

For the automated quality inspection of endoscopes, Dovideq has identified six test and measurement parameters that the camera examines and about whose status the system provides detailed feedback in real time:

• The “Lens Fracture” algorithm measures whether one or more internal lenses have a fracture. The “Particle Detection”

algorithm finds out whether fine dirt particles, moist or other contaminations have entered the internal areas of the endoscope. For both measurements, the camera takes several pictures and makes a histogram from them. The system references the images in relation to previous images and feeds this data into a neural network.

• “Light fibers” are measured in lux and are based on light emission. The light fiber measurement uses reference values to ensure that the fibers or fiber bundles of the endoscope allow enough light to pass through. This prevents the endoscope from providing unclear images.

• The “light transmission” through the lenses is determined on the basis of individual images from the integrated IDS camera. For this purpose, the measuring device uses a calibrated light source that falls on a pixel plane. Each pixel is assigned a specific RGB value of a colour spectrum. The combination of all pixels is converted into a luminance value and referenced with the help of a specially developed algorithm.

• The “focus measurement” uses the scientific Harr wavelet transformation to check whether the lenses are intact and not contaminated or whether the endoscope provides a clear image. During the measurement, the system takes several pictures to get an idea of the condition of each lens. In the optimal case, the camera looks through the endoscope and shows sharp contours.

• “Colour Correction” is performed to detect discolouration due to the sterilisation process. The system warns against misinterpretation of images due to colour deviations. The unit takes images and measures deviations in colour transmission using the HSV model, which describes the colour of a pixel based on the 3 values Hue (hue), Saturation (saturation) and Value (brightness). Colour Correctness ensures that the actual colours of organs or tissues are reproduced to avoid incorrect diagnosis or treatment.

“With the help of the test and measurement details, information about the performance of the tested endoscopes can be evaluated and history and trend analyses can be created,” explains Chielant de Wit. “LightControl stores all details of the endoscope measurements, together with the test results, in a database called EndoscopeManager for reporting and management purposes, enabling dedicated management and quality reporting.”

According to Chielant de Wit, the customer benefits are obvious. “The automated visual inspection of endoscopes serves quality assurance, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and patient safety in hospitals and medical practices. Systems like LightControl make a significant contribution to this by providing objective results and detecting even the smallest defects, scratches or wear on endoscopes. Moreover, they always work with the same accuracy and consistency, regardless of factors such as fatigue or human

error, and are much faster. This saves time and costs, leads to higher equipment availability and improved resource utilisation. Potential defects or damage are detected at an early stage, which can avoid costly repairs or replacement of endoscopes. The resulting images or videos are available as proof of inspection and can be used for fault analysis and training purposes if required.

Outlook

“Endoscopes are vital medical devices that enable doctors to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions by providing a clear, internal view of a patient’s body. However, like any medical device, endoscopes are subject to wear and tear, and over time they may need to be repaired or replaced”, says Chielant de Wit. Already now, the demand for automated intelligent visual inspection of endoscopes is high and is expected to increase further in the coming years. In particular, due to the increasing number of endoscopy procedures and the growing sensitivity to infection risks, the demand for automated inspection technologies will become stronger. In addition, artificial intelligence will help improve the efficiency and accuracy of inspection processes and minimise human error.

The needs of the health sector are evolving as fast as the technologies used in this field. The use of IDS cameras is increasingly proving its worth here. “In medical technology, the demand for our products has increased particularly in the past year, which pleases us not only from an economic point of view,” explains IDS Managing Director Jan Hartmann. More and more IDS cameras are thus making a contribution to health promotion worldwide.

Camera

Our cost- and space-saving project camera: The uEye LE

• Interface: USB 3

• Model: U3-3860LE-C-HQ Rev.1.2

• Sensor type: CMOS

• Manufacturer: Sony

• Frame rate: 135 fps

• Resolution: 1936 x 1096 px

• Shutter: Rolling-Shutter

• Optical class: 1/3”

• Resolution: 1,31 MPixel

• Dimensions: 47,0 x 46,0 x 23,9 mm

• Weight: 36 g

• Connector: USB Type-C

• Applications: Machine Vision, Medical technology and Laboratory automation, Inspection application

Client

Dovideq Medical Systems specializes in measuring instruments used in minimally invasive surgery. The current product range is aimed at central sterilisation and biomedical engineering departments, as well as professional hospital OR managers concerned with endoscope use and quality. Dovideq solutions lower total cost of ownership, reduce surgery downtime and increase efficiency, predictability and traceability by automating key processes, including repairs.

https://en.ids-imaging.com/

COMAU IS DEVELOPING A FULLY AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE BATTERY RECYCLING AND SECOND-LIFE REPURPOSING

Comau has renewed its commitment to the EU’s Flexible Battery Dismantling (Flex-BD) project for the second year, to help deliver a fundamental pillar on the path towards a truly circular economy.

Comau continues its participation in the renewed EU project “Flex-BD” for which it is developing a robotized electric battery dismantling cell as part of its on-going commitment to advancing sustainable electric mobility solutions.

With a view to the circular economy, Comau will test and validate the solution as a first step towards cost-effective second life repurposing of automotive batteries.

The Comau-designed cell will facilitate the manipulation of low-charge batteries while minimizing risks to operators and equipment.

Flex-BD is a robotized system that automates the entire process of dismantling worn-out electric batteries using a highly flexible, repeatable and standardizable process. Now, having validated the proof-of-concept, Comau has expanded the scope to include second life repurposing of automotive batteries. In doing so, Comau, in collaboration with other partners within the EU EIT Manufacturing community, is taking an important step towards greater sustainability within eMobility.

Comau estimates, based on the predicted electric battery production volumes within Europe over the next several years, that the EU could easily have over 1 million discarded batteries to be reused by 2030. To this end, Comau is helping anticipate what it believes will be a growing market demand for powerful electric battery recycling and repurposing solutions. In tandem, it will enable businesses to reduce waste and optimize the reuse of raw materials contained within battery packs.

Flex-BD represents a significant improvement to manual handling processes that often include repetitive and heavy tasks in addition to contact with potentially harmful substances. It therefore makes the recovery of battery modules and their components more efficient and sustainable while having a positive impact on workers’

health and safety. With second-life battery repurposing, on the other hand, the fully automated manipulation of low-charge batteries minimizes risks to both operators and the dismantling equipment. Unlike the materials recovery and recycling process, in which the battery is completely discharged and destroyed, second-life battery repurposing is done while maintaining a low but active battery charge.

The way the Flex-BD cell works is as intuitive as it is innovative. One by one, battery packs are introduced into the specialized cell where a high-payload Comau NJ industrial robot automatically executes its path and changes its end-effectors based on the required application. In a typical recycling application, for example, the robot unscrews the battery cover, changes grippers to remove the cover, re-attaches the screwdriver to unscrew the modules and then using its gripper moves the pieces to a dedicated storage area. What’s more, Flex-BD is designed around a highly flexible programming approach based on a reduced use of codes, state-of-the-art environmental perception techniques and the robot’s reactive capacity, the entire dismantling cycle is defined through CAD. The use of LowCode programming also allows operators to quickly and easily redefine the cycle with no need to reprogram the robot.

Comau’s efforts to advance green energy deployment extend beyond its expertise in automated manufacturing systems for batteries, electrical motors and drive units,

competencies that are key to enabling the mass production of electric vehicles. At the same time, the company is addressing several key technical and development aspects of the automation process for battery cell manufacturing, including process design and assembly of rechargeable cells, as well as the use of renewable energy and second-life strategies for automotive batteries.

“Our work with the Flex-BD project leverages Comau’s long standing automation expertise in the development of flexible, scalable and sustainable processes,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO at Comau. “By expanding our smart automation solution to include second life repurposing of high-power batteries, many of which have a residual capacity of up to 80%, Comau is making a concrete contribution to the realization of truly sustainable mobility.”

www.comau.com

SOPHISTICATED DATA SCIENCE TOOL FOR OPTIMIZED OPERATIONS

MELSOFT MaiLab enables users to effortlessly navigate and experience data analytics with minimal training to save on costs, optimize operations, and drive overall business success.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. announces its MELSOFT MaiLab software that uses the company’s Maisart intelligent technology to enable companies to easily analyze and diagnose factory data. Through analysis of past manufacturing data, the software makes sophisticated data decisions, akin to skilled workers, requiring less investment of time and expertise in a company’s workforce. As the global economy continues to navigate through the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of labor shortages has become a critical concern for businesses and consumers alike. In this context, the use of the software to replace more experienced operator personnel is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many companies.

MaiLab’s sophisticated software design with a user interface includes single-tool capability, enabling both offline analysis and real-time diagnostics, with direct feedback to the production site. Its integrated open concept, such as the Python programming language or web-based environment, ensures the software’s longevity and future-proof design.

“MaiLab provides an exceptional data analytics user experience by offering a range of licensing options to meet the varying requirements of different industries. With the support of predictive analytics, plant managers can receive alerts regarding necessary maintenance, streamline their production processes, and enhance the overall quality of their products,” said Agnieszka Zupancic, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/edge/ edgsw/rda/mailab/index/

KOLLMORGEN INTRODUCES THE AKMA SERVO MOTOR FOR MEDIUM- TO HEAVY-WASHDOWN APPLICATIONS

Kollmorgen has extended its highly regarded AKM™ servo motor portfolio with a new highperformance motor that delivers durability, cleanability and versatility.

Kollmorgen has launched the AKMA servo motor built specifically for durability, cleanability, and versatility. The motor employs a hardened anodized aluminum surface to offer machine designers a cost-effective hygienic option to stainless steel in medium- to heavy-washdown applications.

The lightweight design of the AKMA motor makes it easy to install and maintain, and its high torque density offers machine builders more performance in a smaller footprint. The motor is ideally suited for precision motion applications in food & beverage processing, and in pharmaceutical & medical packaging operations. The AKMA’s IP69k rating enables it to deliver high performance even in wet and rugged environments, supporting critical applications like tracking and positioning for antenna pedestal systems.

An anodized aluminum surface offers strong resistance to chemicals across a wide pH range. Since the motor’s smoother and hardened surface is more scratch resistant and will not flake like a painted motor, it can be used above the food line. The AKMA’s stainless steel shaft meets functional safety requirements, while its “one-piece” rounded housing structure eliminates the need for a seal between the flange and housing to prevent puddling and water ingress. The AKMA motor also features a vented design to equalize pressure inside and outside for increased OEE and motor durability.

“We are excited to offer the AKMA servo motors to engineers searching for an affordable motor choice in wash-down environments where stainless steel surfaces are not necessarily required,” said Ross McMillan, Vice President of Engineering at Kollmorgen. “Now, it’s possible to balance performance with value and avoid overspending for a surface quality you may not need.”

https://www.kollmorgen.com/en-us/products/motors/ servo/akma

DELTA

ELECTRONICS’

AMERICAS HEADQUARTERS BECOMES

THE FIRST LEED ZERO ENERGY-CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDING IN FREMONT, CA

Delta has announced its Americas regional headquarters (HQs) has become the first green building in Fremont, CA, and second in the Silicon Valley Bay Area, to achieve the LEED Zero Energy certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The accolade, granted to green buildings that generate as much electricity as they consume, has been attained thanks to the further implementation of Delta’s own solutions on this originally LEED Platinum facility. A new solar PV carport, supported by a 330kWh Delta energy storage system, now helps to increase the building’s annual green electricity generation to over 1.4 million kWh. With 32 green buildings(1) enabled worldwide, Delta’s solutions are nurturing sustainable cities.

“Just as Fremont leads the way in clean technology, Delta Electronics continues to set the industry standard for building performance. The company’s built-to-suit Americas HQ in Fremont previously laid claim to being one of the earliest private sector LEED Platinum facilities in California. Delta Electronics sets another milestone as only the second facility in the entire Bay Area to achieve LEED Zero-Energy.”, said Lily Mei, Mayor of Fremont. She added, “As one of the greenest cities in the nation, we’re proud that Delta Electronics continues to showcase sustainability through thoughtful application of technology, including using its Fremont facility as a proving grounds for many of its own products while working through pandemic disruptions to invest even further in our community.”

Kelvin Huang, President of Delta Electronics (Americas), said, “Fremont has been Delta’s home in the Americas for over 30 years, so it is an honor for us to contribute to our community with the environmental and social benefits of the city’s very first LEED Zero Energy green building. With its net-zero energy capabilities, our Americas HQs green building will contribute even further to Delta’s RE100 initiative, which is a promise to power our worldwide operations with renewable electricity by 2030. By developing smart energy-saving solutions capable of fostering green buildings and sustainable cities, Delta demonstrates that its ESG-embedded business model can bolster mankind’s environmental goals.”

Aided with an energy-conscious design that utilizes geographical advantages unique to Fremont while considering the productivity and needs of its operations, the Delta Americas HQs building is an example of what a total integrated solution can look like. The most recent upgrades made possible with Delta’s own IoT-based Smart Green Solutions are:

• The facility generates over 1.4 million kWh of renewable electricity through a 616kW rooftop solar PV system and a recently constructed 504kW bi-facial PV carport system, both supported by Delta’s high-efficiency PV inverters.

That green energy output covers 100% of its consumption needs over a full calendar year.

-The recent addition of a 330 kWh Delta energy storage system helps to optimize energy management in the facility.

• A recent enhancement of Delta’s data center cooling solution, featuring a dedicated economizer supported by our own DC brushless electronically commutated (EC) fans and variable frequency drives for HVAC applications, have contributed significantly in lowering the annual power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the building’s data center from 1.5 originally to as low as 1.25.

• Optimized energy management is also attained by the implementation of Delta’s next-generation SCADA system and building control platform. The former is VTScada, the industry’s most powerful SCADA system, developed by Canadian-based Trihedral, a Delta Group Company; the latter is the enteliWEB building control platform, developed by Canadian-based Delta Controls, also a Delta Group Company. These platforms integrate seamlessly with the existing building sub-systems, such as HVAC, LED lighting and other energy-intensive applications, to create set points, collect data and track trends, create reports, and manage alarms, remotely. With unlimited scalability, this solution grows with the facility as new solutions are integrated to ensure lower energy consumption.

(1) Delta has created 32 green buildings worldwide since 2006 to promote the environmental, social and health benefits of green buildings. Several of these green buildings have been donated to academic institutions to inspire next generations to foster sustainable development.

Here are some of the original integrated solutions that made Delta Americas’ HQs a LEED Platinum green building back in 2018, and that have certainly contributed to the new LEED Zero Energy certification:

HVAC

Host to one of the largest geothermal systems in Silicon Valley, Delta’s unique location in the Bay Area takes advantage of the natural underground warm springs. With over 20 miles of horizontal piping at 15 and 30 feet depths, a Delta VFD circulates water in a closed-loop system to exchange heat for an HVAC system estimated to be 70% more efficient than a cooling tower.

92 miles of piping is embedded in the facility’s floors and ceilings for radiant heating and cooling, providing stable and comfortable temperatures, efficiently. Working in collaboration with CBE Berkeley, this system has been a case study to determine optimal operations and controls for maximum energy efficiency.

Lighting

With LED lighting systems in the parking lot and around the office, Delta’s lighting controls integrates with its building management system to ensure smooth operations at all hours. Taking advantage of the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, the open floor plan, and low-e windows, zones are created to minimize waste from excessive lighting. Light meters placed around the office ensure sufficient lightlevels for safety and productivity.

Additional Green Features

-(19) Delta Level II EV Chargers, free for employee-use

-Delta elevator regenerative drives

-Bioswale for natural filtration of rainwater and pollutants to the Baylands

-140,000 gallon rainwater harvesting tank for landscaping and agriculture

-Native, drought-tolerant plants and trees

-100% fresh air unit, improving IAQ

https://www.deltaww.com/en-US/index

COMAU’S MATE-XT WEARABLE EXOSKELETON SUPPORTS ERGONOMIC WELL-BEING AT JOHN DEERE’S PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN BRAZIL

Comau has equipped John Deere with multiple MATE-XT wearable exoskeletons to help sustain worker well-being, alleviate physical stress and reduce the ergonomic risk within its parts logistics operations. MATE-XT accurately replicates all movements of the shoulder, helping employees perform their jobs comfortably by reducing muscle fatigue without limiting mobility or adding bulk. Its ergonomic design can be easily adjusted to fit different people with different body types – changing the length of the shoulder straps and the required level of assistance based on the worker or the job at hand is quickly achieved in a few simple steps. Working closely with John Deere to implement the exoskeleton within its daily operations, Comau provided a hands-on training course held at John Deere’s 75,000m2 parts distribution center in Campinas, in the state of São Paulo.

As parts are often required for next-day delivery, John Deere’s employees must select, sort and package hundreds of parts per day, a task that involves repetitive movement of the arms, shoulders and back.

MATE-XT’s highly breathable design is worn like a backpack, providing comfortable, all-day ergonomically-assisted support aimed at increasing the quality and precision of manual tasks. In addition to offering highly effective postural support, MATE-XT is EAWS-certified (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet), which enables John Deere to acquire an objective measurement of ergonomic improvement and projected benefits in terms of reduced muscle fatigue and execution speeds.

Even when working with small and lightweight objects, the apparently minimal effort of repeated manual movements can take a toll on the body. To help John Deere quantify the benefits of using MATE-XT, Comau performed an electromyographic analysis of the ergonomic risk factor.

MATE-XT kept the muscle at a rest stage for 98.5% of the activity time (compared to only 2.4% of the time without MATE-XT).

Furthermore, Comau’s MATE-XT ensures proper muscular balance while optimizing the energy expenditure needed to stabilize and sustain the weight of the arm. Wearing the exoskeleton, arm stability can be maintained using only 10% of the operator’s maximum force capacity. This translates to an improved feeling of well-being in addition to tangible performance-based results such as process optimization and productivity gains. All said, MATE-XT is helping John Deere to mitigate ergonomic risks and achieve a 68% reduction in muscle overload.

“Our efforts to provide customers with innovative automation technologies extends to finding new ways to ensure their workers stay safe during their day-to-day activities, in different applications and markets,” said Laerte Scarpitta, Comau Leader for the Americas. “MATE-XT is an easy-to-use wearable exoskeleton that allows John Deere to provide greater added value and measurable benefits in terms of reducing perceived muscle fatigue and as a consequence, the mechanical stress on a worker’s back, lumbar region, arms and shoulders. It is yet another example of the value that robotics can bring.”

https://www.comau.com/en

HISTORICAL TEXTILES IN FOCUS

New approaches to investigate damage due to environmental fluctuation on textile artefacts by image processing.

Preventive conservation plays an important role in the preservation of art and cultural assets. In order to preserve their condition for as long as possible, it is essential to slow down ageing processes and evaluate factors that alter materials. To do this, it is necessary to grasp and have an holistic understanding of the artefact. Cultural heritage science and engineering methods for understanding material behaviour require an interdisciplinary approach. Textiles are among the most sensitive art and cultural heritage objects. In the course of their production and handling, their presentation and storage, they are often exposed to influences that can have a damaging effect. The French start-up company S-MAC-H has studied the Bayeux Tapestry as part of a research project and, with the help of IDS cameras, has developed a system that provides valuable insights for the conservationoptimised storage and presentation of this delicate and extraordinary artefact. The expertise of conservators, combined with state-of-the-art technology, helps to identify potentially damaging factors at an early stage, to minimise them or, at best, to exclude them altogether.

The system was designed for a comprehensive study looking at the mechanical behavior of the Bayeux Tapestry - commissioned and funded by the Normandy Regional Office for Cultural Affairs. “We contributed our expertise in mechanical engineering by fully monitoring the stress and strain on the tapestry. In addition to monitoring, we helped to devise conservation solutions. This involved classifying and assessing the degree of risk and sensitivity of the tapestry in its surrounding indoor climate,” explains Cécilia Gauvin, co-founder and managing director of S-MA-C-H.

A multidisciplinary team of textile and preventive conservators as well as heritage conservation scientists characterized the artefact’s response to appropriate environmental fluctuations. “The project addressed two main questions: what are the optimal parameters for a presentation on sloping supports and how does the tapestry react to its microclimate?”

To be able to answer these questions, the tapestry was monitored by temperature and humidity sensors as well as by force sensors to record the gravity pressure. The heart and brain of the system: a non-contact 2D full-field Digital Image Correlation (DIC), consisting of an IDS camera and specially developed software for digital image correlation.

“Digital image correlation is an image processing technique that can be used to analyze movements and deformations of objects. For this purpose, high-resolution images of the object’s surface are captured and then evaluated with the help of software algorithms to detect changes in the shape, position or size of the object,” explains Patrick Schick, IDS Product Marketing Manager. In the search for the right camera model for the system, parameters such as interface, sensor and price-performance ratio were the main deciding factors. “For the analysis of the tapestry, extremely highresolution images with low image noise are required to capture the smallest details.” The USB 3 uEye CP meets these requirements thanks to the particularly light-sensitive IMX183 rolling shutter CMOS sensor from Sony’s STARVIS series. With BSI technology (“back-side illumination”), this sensor ensures outstanding image quality even under difficult lighting conditions. “The camera is thus ideally suited for demanding image evaluations such as this monitoring, which takes place in low light for conservation reasons. The USB3 Vision camera records high-resolution images at a very low frequency over a longer period of time,” adds Patrick Schick. For the research project, for example, the monitoring ran around the clock for a month, with only one image capture per hour.

“The Python interface of the IDS peak API allowed us to quickly and easily develop software to parameterise the camera and capture images,” explains Cécilia Gauvin. The images are then processed with DEFTAC3D, a software

developed by the French Pprime Institute specifically for digital image correlation. This results in full-surface measurement data of the object’s surface based on thousands of 2D or 3D coordinates with very high resolution. The displacement of the image points within the examination period is interpreted as a deformation that is due to a mechanical load or stress on the object. Based on the results, full-field strain maps as well as deformation maps are generated. Full-field strain maps illustrate the strains in a material over the entire surface. They therefore show whether and how the tapestry has deformed as a whole. Deformation maps, on the other hand, provide information about the local deformations in a material. They provide S-MA-CH staff with information on whether and how the tapestry has deformed at specific points.

The full-field strain maps are processed together with the environmental variation findings to understand the hygromechanical behaviour of the Bayeux Tapestry. Hygromechanical behaviour refers to the interplay between moisture and the mechanical properties of the textile. This can be influenced by a number of factors, including the type of yarn used to make the fabric and the type of weaving or embroidery technique used to make the tapestry, which adds to the complexity of the study.

In order to incorporate scientific data into the decisionmaking process, tests were carried out on both facsimiles and the tapestry itself. On the facsimiles, the full-field strain

Figure 1: A calibration plate is used to calculate the 2D position of the camera in relation to the object and to correct any kind of distortion caused by the camera and lens.

maps were combined with the stress results from the force sensor measurement and the climate measurements (temperature and humidity). The results allow conclusions to be drawn about the climate regulation for optimal storage of the artefact.

The data collected by the sensors and camera system was documented in real time to analyse long-term trends. With the help of the information provided, it can be ensured that the climatic conditions in the Bayeux Museum are within the optimal limits to avoid damage to sensitive art objects or historical exhibits, such as the Bayeux Tapestry.

Outlook

The market for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage is slowly opening up to structural diagnostic procedures. “Our goal is to develop appropriate systems for conservators in a plug-and-play system,” explains Cécilia Gauvin. In addition, the French start-up wants to use vision systems to monitor structural damage to paintings in museum galleries and historical monuments in the future. This approach across disciplines makes it possible to assess the condition of exhibits so comprehensively that the appropriate conservation measures can be taken.

“Our knowledge of mechanical engineering, combined with industrial image processing, opens up new approaches, expands the range of actions and produces innovative solutions.”

An elaboration of the conservation conditions for handling, storage or presentation of artefacts based on these interdisciplinary research results offers protection against further damage. Historical as well as modern products of textile art can thus be preserved in the best possible way for the future. Image processing components make a valuable contribution to this.

Data and facts about the exhibit

• 68 meters long

• 52 cm high

• 9 panels of woven linen fabric

• 4 seams

• 10 colors of woolen yarn

• 58 individual scenes

• 623 people

• 202 horses

• 55 dogs

• 505 other animals

• 27 buildings

• 41 ships and boats

• 49 trees

The Bayeux Tapestry, is an embroidered work created in the second half of the 11th century on a strip of cloth about 52 centimeters high. Depicted in images and text over 68 meters in 58 individual scenes, the Conquest of England is considered one of the most remarkable pictorial monuments of the High Middle Ages because of its

Figure 2: IDS camera point of view for 2D strain analysis.

abundance of detailed individual depictions, well thoughtout iconography and quality of craftsmanship. Despite its name, the Bayeux Tapestry is not actually a tapestry but a narrative embroidery. It consists of images and text inscriptions and comprises nine interconnected linen panels.

Camera

GigE uEye CP - Incredibly fast, incredibly reliable, incredible sensors

• Interface: USB 3 Vision

• Model: U3-3800CP-C-HQ

• Sensor type: CMOS

• Manufacturer: Sony

• Frame rate: 19,5 fps

• Resolution (h x v): 5536 x 3692

• Shutter: Global-Shutter

• Resolution: 20,44 MPixel

• Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 29 mm

• Weight: 49 g

• Connector: USB 3.0 micro-B, screwable

Applications: e.g. industrial image processing, surface inspection, metrology, medical technology, biotechnology and life sciences quality assurance, etc.

Client S-MA-C-H is an innovative start-up based in France that promotes the introduction of mechanical engineering into heritage conservation research. The experimental approach is to the interface between art and technology. The mechanical behavior of complex and aged materials (including stress and damage) focuses on controlling the deformation and damage of artworks and is tested at different levels using innovative and non-invasive optical and mechanical techniques. For this, the start-up offers simple and accessible solutions to concrete conservation questions.

www.s-ma-c-h.com

“The Bayeux municipality and the Bayeux Museum team gave us access to the tapestry and helped us with logistic.”

(Cécilia Gauvin, S-MA-CH) Bayeux Museum: https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/ the-bayeux-tapestry/ Bayeux Municipality: https://www.bayeux.fr/fr

The study was commissioned by the Regional Office of Cultural Affairs of Normandie (financial support).

Author Silke von Gemmingen +49 7134 96196-0 silke@gemmingen.de www.ids-imaging.us

© 2023 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH

HMS NETWORKS PRESENTS NEW EWON REMOTE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS WHERE HARDWARE MEETS SOFTWARE

HMS Networks reinforces its remote connectivity solutions by presenting the recently acquired software solutions WEBfactory i4connected and i4scada under the Ewon® brand.

The new offering gives machine builders and their customers an end-to-end IIoT solution which gathers data from machines and presents it in an easy-to-use web interface.

The Ewon offering from HMS Networks features the world’s most used solutions for remote machine connectivity, enabling secure remote machine access and data collection for proactive and efficient maintenance of machines.

With the new i4 software solutions, machine builders and their customers will be able to visualize data from connected machines in a web interface to help improve decisionmaking, control and service – minimizing the risk of costly machine and system downtime.

How it works

As soon as an Ewon gateway – Flexy or Netbiter – has been installed to a machine, the Ewon i4connected software can go to work. i4connected gathers data from Ewon gateways and presents it to the user in an easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Complex industrial processes are displayed in a straightforward way, enabling the user to securely connect and get data from plants, buildings, machines, equipment,

and sensors. In i4connected, the data can be visualized and analyzed in real-time, helping the user to make data-driven decisions and perform predictive maintenance.

Additionally, with Ewon i4scada factory owners and system integrators benefit from a fully web-based SCADA software to help improve the efficiency of complex on-site industrial processes in real-time. i4scada enables data-driven decisions for better productivity and cost optimization.

“This integrated approach combines our successful Ewon gateways Flexy and Netbiter with the state-of-the-art i4connected software. Machine builders and their clients will be able to easily unlock and leverage precious data from their machines to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. HMS stands for ‘Hardware Meets Software’ and this integration is a perfect demonstration of that,” says Alexander Hess, General Manager of HMS Networks’ Business Unit Ewon.

https://www.hms-networks.com/products-solutions/ewonby-hms-networks

NEW OPTIONS FOR ECONOMICAL FACE MILLING

A new highly economical face milling family from Dormer Pramet has launched, covering a wide range of applications with negative octagonal and square inserts, along with a variety of shell mills.

The latest Pramet range includes three variants of a 16-edged ONMX insert for depths of cut up to 0.157” (4mm). The standard geometries include the F for light operations, M for versatile use, and R for rough cuts in a variety of materials. Additionally, the 8-edged ONMX-W is a specific wiper insert for high-quality surface finish with large cutters and high feed rate.

Along with the Pramet ONMX inserts, the global manufacturer has added a range of 8-edged SNMX inserts for higher metal removal rate. This includes an M chip breaker for medium machining and an R geometry for roughing, both for depths of cut up to 0.275” (7mm) in various materials.

All the new face milling inserts can be used with our new shell cutter body. The Pramet ISON06 is available in sizes 2-6 inches, and the metric family SON06 is available in range 1.968”–9.843” (50–250mm).

The assortment is made of high-quality hardened tool steel, to improve durability and process security. Combined with internal coolant systems on the entire range, these tools improve chip evacuation to achieve a high surface quality.

www.dormerpramet.com

ONMX06 ECO Face milling B9763

ONMX06 ECO Face milling B9754

STAY FLEXIBLE SAFELY

Different material widths, varying material positions or partially loaded pallets pose special challenges for transfer station access guarding. For this, Leuze relies on the concept of dynamic format adaptation. In this way, productivity and safety can be optimally harmonized.

Variation becomes a safety risk

Access monitoring on conveyor lines can be implemented with classic tried and tested safety concepts if the dimensions of the goods remain constant. These are mostly based on muting functions for automatic temporary bridging of the safety function. However, the area of application of the access guarding with muting function is limited. If the width or position of the goods on the pallet or the position of the pallet on the conveyor varies, unmonitored safety gaps directly next to the goods can emerge. A person would then be able to access the danger zone. However, these gaps can be reliably closed with a safety solution tailored to them. The Leuze safety solution with dynamic format adaptation provides the right concept for this purpose.

Just triggering is not enough

A look at three examples of real-world situations illustrates the challenges of access guarding. The initial situation in all three cases: Pallets are automatically conveyed into or out of a danger zone using a conveyor line.

- Example 1: The space next to the goods on the conveyor is larger than 200 mm.

- Example 2: The goods have different widths and/or the pallets are occasionally only partially loaded, resulting in open spaces greater than 200 mm next to the goods.

- Example 3: The position of the goods on the conveyor itself varies, which also results in large gaps next to the goods. The reason could be due to offset pallet positions on the conveyor or a missing pallet centering device depending on the application.

When muting is used, the goods would activate the associated muting sensors in all these cases. The protective function is then bypassed by the muting function. However, it is not always possible to comply with the specified normative framework conditions for lateral safety distances (< 200mm).

Measurement

sensors and laser scanners cleverly combined

The Sensor People from Leuze offer a safety solution that closes these safety gaps: access guarding with dynamic format adaptation. For this, Leuze relies on a combination of safety sensors, measuring distance sensors and the associated safety program. The operating principle can be easily illustrated using the application described above. Two RSL 400 safety laser scanners are installed in the safety solution in front of the danger zone to safeguard the entry/exit point. Together they create a vertical protective field. The safety laser scanners are extremely compact and powerful at the same time. Their high operating range of 8.25 meters makes it possible to monitor even extensive entry/exit points. Other important components of the safety solution from Leuze are two optical distance sensors. These are located in front of the protective field of the safety laser scanners on both sides next to the conveyor line. The distance sensors determine the width of the goods and thus also indirectly their position on the conveyor line.

Based on the information from the distance sensors, the safety system releases a “clearance window” in the protective field corresponding to the width of the goods. After the goods have completely passed through the opened window, the protective field is reset by the system to its original closed state. If goods are not only to be fed in but also discharged at one location, the system can be easily expanded. For this purpose, only two additional distance sensors are required, which are installed behind the protective field - i.e. within the danger zone. Thus, the

For access guarding with dynamic format adaptation, Leuze relies on a combination of safety laser scanners, optical distance sensors and associated safety program.

Material width too narrow at entry/exit point (example 1)

safety system works identically in both conveying directions. The entire process sequence, from distance measurement, protective field opening to resetting, is monitored in terms of safety by the solution’s safety program. All necessary configurations and parameters are individually adapted by Leuze to the needs of its customers.

Another issue for these applications is how the safety system behaves in the event of a deliberate bypass attempt by travelling on the goods. A function extension is also available for this scenario. However, further risk minimization using this additional protective measure is often not necessary, or the risk is already sufficiently minimized by existing protective measures. Here it is worthwhile to conduct an evaluation by means of an application-specific risk assessment. This could be conducted by the safety experts from Leuze, for example.

Overcoming the limitations of muting

The Leuze safety solution for dynamic format adaptation overcomes the limitations of conventional muting concepts. Material width and material position on the conveyor can vary without compromising on safety. The safety solution reliably detects people walking sideways next to the goods, as well as people walking ahead or behind. In this way, operators and manufacturers prevent dangerous situations while having the highest level of flexibility. Productivity is also increased - as no further protective measures are required, the process in the danger zone can continue to run uninterrupted during the material transfer. Last but not least, this safety solution is easy to retrofit and provides optimum protection against deliberate or unintentional bypassing.

The way to a solution

Partially loaded pallets result in undesirable open spaces next to the goods (example 2)

As a reliable partner, Leuze is at your side in all project phases - from the coordination of requirements at the start of the project, through implementation, documentation and commissioning support, to final application validation and including legal security through CE conformity. This makes safety-related challenges particularly easy to implement for operating companies and manufacturers.

www.leuze.com

The author

Matthias Bristle Product Manager Safety Solutions

Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG +49 7021 573-0 matthias.bristle@leuze.com

Varying goods positions result in gaps on the conveyor (example 3)

Limitation of conventional muting concepts

Customized safety solution from Leuze

COMAU TO DEVELOP NEW MOBILE ROBOTICS SOLUTION

Comau is designing a powerful mobile robotics platform as part of an open, highly collaborative production environment, in the context of 3 different European Projects.

The integrated solution, which leverages Comau’s proven expertise in IoT-enabled technologies and collaborative robotics, is a natural evolution of the company’s automated workflow optimization systems. Modular, scalable and completely re-configurable, the platform can be easily adapted to different applications without changing the system’s underlying software or hardware architecture. Furthermore, because the robotic arm is mounted on an autonomous mobile platform it is not tied to a single operation but can address a large number of applications in different areas of the plant as needed.

Comau’s mobile robotics paradigm integrates the company’s high-payload Racer-5 COBOT, a 6-axis articulated robotic arm that can work at industrial speeds of up to 6 m/s when human operators are not present, and its Agile1500 autonomous mobile vehicle. It supports customized and efficient operations where human operators and machines work side-by-side, and is designed to handle individualized production within an Industry 4.0-enabled manufacturing environment. It can also be seamlessly integrated within Comau’s digital infrastructure, further safeguarding productivity and profitability across the entire manufacturing line. Visual feedback for pick and place operations, as well as other tasks, is provided thanks to an integrated vision system, such as the novel Comau MI.RA, installed directly on the arm. Finally, the robotic arm is mounted on an autonomous mobile platform equipped with two independent batteries that power the AGV and the robotic arm separately and can be managed using different types of navigation modes and a standard Comau controller.

The solution is currently being used within several European projects. In the first application, with DIMOFAC, an EU-initiative aimed at helping companies implement a smart factory architecture, the platform is being used for pick and place and warehouse automation tasks within a machining scenario. For PeneloPe, on the other hand, it is being used for glue dispensing and non-destructive quality inspection in the public transport domain. Here, the goal of the Horizon 2020 program is to develop a closed-loop, end-to-end digital manufacturing solution that facilitates bidirectional data flows across the entire manufacturing value chain. Finally, the platform is being used as part of ODIN to support the manipulation of mechanical parts for automotive applications with the aim of demonstrating the technical and performance feasibility of collaborative robotics on the factory floor.

The global market for collaborative mobile robots is significant, based on an internal analysis of published market data. Especially considering that collaborative robotics already represent up to 13% of the industrial robotics market and Automated Mobile Robots are expected to achieve a 5-year CAGR of 15% (2022 to 2027). www.comau.com

CONTA-CLIP GROWS

CONTA-CLIP is tipped for success. In the last two years, the manufacturer of electrical and electronic connection technology has increased its sales by more than 50%. In 2022 alone, the company enlarged its workforce at its German headquarters by 36%.

This process is accompanied by the largest investments in the company’s history. CONTA-CLIP is continuously developing new, inventive solutions for cable management and control cabinet wiring with many advantages for users. The innovation potential is reflected in a large number of filed patents. Only recently, CONTA-CLIP announced the worldwide launch of new, particularly easyto-install transformer terminals with push-in connection for fast, tool-free wiring.

An important new business unit is wireless networking, visualization and remote control of industrial processes.

The family-run company caters to a global market and is at the same time strongly rooted in its region. Bianca Klass, Managing Partner, says: “The ‘Made in Germany’ label continues to earn us great recognition among our customers worldwide. We are pleased that we are also perceived as an attractive employer with a good working atmosphere, short decision-making processes also due to flat hierarchies and good career opportunities for committed employees.”

Joerg Nowastowski-Stock,

Managing Director Marketing/ Sales at CONTA-CLIP, says: “CONTA-CLIP is increasingly developing from a supplier of components to a design and production partner for OEMs, whom we support with EMS and E²MS (Electronic [Engineering and] Manufacturing Services). We are anticipating double-digit percentage growth again this year.”

After the addition of a new plant at its headquarters in 2020, CONTA-CLIP is already nearing full capacity again. As new production areas are being planned, automated production methods and the overarching concern for sustainability will continue to play an important role in the company’s future development.

https://conta-clip.com/en/

CONTA-CLIP supplies customers worldwide with connection technology for efficient, comfortable installation from its headquarters in Hoevelhof, Germany.

ORBEX GROUP OFFERS NEW CUSTOM BRUSHLESS DC MOTORS

Orbex Group, has introduced two new custom products to its offering of precision motion solutions. These custom flat brushless DC (BLDC) motors provide smooth motion, high precision and excellent power density, as well as an integral gear reducer in a compact package.

Both EC Family motors are part of assemblies that include a planetary gearbox, delivering high power density, low noise and efficient operation. Each motor also features either an absolute or incremental encoder for accurate positioning.

The first assembly features a 31-millimeter BLDC motor with two-stage planetary reducer and encoder. It can achieve a rated output speed of 175 rotations per minute, and its magnetic encoder features a resolution of 4,096 counts per revolution. This motor is ideal for powering small devices, such as the pump on a battery-driven medical device.

The second assembly features a customized EC 6025 motor with integral encoder and 10:1 planetary reducer, delivering a rated output speed of 240 rotations per minute and torque up to 5 Newton-meters. This motor’s optical encoder features a resolution of 2,080 counts per revolution. It was recently implemented as a steering actuator for an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

Both motors include many options for integral electronics and are available with short lead times to meet fast project schedules.

www.orbexgroup.com

HILSCHER’S NETX 90 AND NETRAPID 90 RECEIVE CCLINK IE FIELD NETWORK BASIC SLAVE CERTIFICATION

Hilscher North America is pleased to announce its netX 90 system-on-a-chip (SoC) and netRAPID 90, a netX chip carrier, have received the CC-Link IE Field Network Basic slave conformance certificate from the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA).

This certification enables the netX 90 and netRAPID 90 to be implemented as slaves in simple field devices on CC-Link Industrial Ethernet networks. CC-Link IE Field Network Basic is a general-purpose Ethernet protocol that facilitates easy use and development of small-scale devices that do not require high-speed control capabilities. This 100-Mbit/s protocol is an easy entry in the CC-Link IE technology ecosystem for developing field devices.

“Official certification from the CLPA for both the netX 90 and netRAPID 90 further strengthens our multiprotocol capability,” says Philip Marshall, Chief Operating Officer of Hilscher North America. “It also enables device manufacturers to easily enter the Asian market with our latest netX 90 technology and products.”

The CLPA offers several Ethernet-based network technologies to assist device makers in developing products compatible with the CC-Link Industrial Ethernet network, including CC-Link TSN, CC-Link IE Control, CC-Link IE Field Network, CC-Link IE Field Motion and CC-Link IE Safety.

Visit www.cc-link.org to learn more about CC-Link.

www.hilscher.com

HART MULTIPLEXER SOFTWARE FROM SOFTING INDUSTRIAL NOW SUPPORTS SIEMENS CONTROLLERS

The HART multiplexer software smartLink SW-HT from Softing Industrial, for accessing configuration and diagnostic data, now supports ET200 remote IOs from Siemens and the FDT DTM interface.

SmartLink SW-HT is a Docker container-based software application. It allows easy and fast access to HART devices connected to remote I/Os that can be reached via Ethernet. No additional hardware is required for this. As the only solution available on the market, smartLink SW-HT so far enabled the use of remote I/Os from Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric and R. Stahl. The current version 1.30 now also supports ET200 remote IOs from Siemens and the FDT DTM interface.

Configuration and diagnostic data are accessed via Emerson’s AMS Device Manager or other HART IP-enabled Plant Asset Management applications. smartLink SW-HT provides an Ethernet connection for tunneling the HART commands to the remote IOs.

On the field side, smartLink SW-HT is low-risk and easy to integrate. This is even possible during operation and does not require a plant shutdown. The application thus makes it easy for users to implement open, standards-based, and scalable system architectures and integrate connectivity into edge solutions managed by IT.

https://industrial.softing.com/

smartLink SW-HT allows access to configuration and diagnostics data

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AUTOMATION INTRODUCES POWERFUL MODULE ALLOWING USERS TO CONFIGURE TWO NETWORKS USING ONE MODULE

The newly introduced iQ-R Series CC-Link IE TSN Plus module allows dual network communication, easy configuration, simple diagnostics using one software environment, simplified wiring, and much more.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation announces the iQ-R Series CC-Link IE TSN Plus module which supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP™ networks in one module. CC-Link IE TSN is an open industrial network technology that combines gigabit Ethernet bandwidth with Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) allowing for highspeed motion control, safety, and standard communication I/O devices. EtherNet/IP networks allow for communication with third party devices. The new iQ-R Series CC-Link IE TSN Plus module allows users to connect CC-Link IE TSN devices to port 1 and EtherNet/IP devices to port 2 without affecting CC-Link IE TSN communication performance. The module functions also include easy configuration in PLC programming software, saved space on a PLC rack, centralized control of servo motors, and dual ports that allow for customization of use to best fit your needs.

Aside from the main benefit of dual support of networks that were once separate entities, a user will appreciate the saved cost of not having to purchase and implement additional devices, easy network troubleshooting to reduce downtime, and an overall decrease in the need for additional spare parts.

“Due to the great demand for a module that reduces the need for additional networking products, we are pleased to bring the iQ-R Series CC-Link IE TSN Plus module to the market. We are confident that this product will fulfill the demand of our customers and give them a solution that will save them money, space, and time.”, said Agnieszka Zupancic, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/news-andevents/2023/march/cclink-ie-tsn-pluspr/

DELTA HONORED WITH THE ENERGY STAR® PARTNER OF THE YEAR SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The U.S. EPA has recognized Delta as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for each of the past eight years.

Delta, a global leading provider of power and thermal management solutions has announced it was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the prominent 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence award for the sixth consecutive year. The prestigious distinction values Delta’s outstanding leadership in energy efficiency over the years, demonstrated by the indoor air quality (IAQ) energy savings achieved in North America by our wide portfolio of Delta Breez bathroom ventilation fans, which in 2022 alone, saved over 30.8 million kWh of electricity for U.S. consumers. By leveraging its own DC brushless motor technology, which is 70 percent more energy efficient than traditional AC motors, over 90 percent of Delta Breez fan models are certified by the ENERGY STAR program.

“As we accelerate historic efforts to address climate change, public-private partnerships will be essential to realizing the scale of our ambition,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I applaud this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for working with EPA to deliver a clean energy future that saves American consumers and businesses money and creates jobs.”

Kelvin Huang, President of Delta Electronics (Americas), said, “Being recognized with top-tier accolades consistently over the years, such as the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence, is an integral part of what makes Delta a world-class corporate citizen. Delta commonly invests 8 to 9 percent of its annual revenues into innovation and employs more than 10,000 R&D engineers in 73 R&D centers worldwide to enhance its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and develop solutions that are contributing to the creation of smarter, healthier sustainable cities. Our growing capabilities in the U.S. are also a testament to Delta’s commitment to Americas’ sustainable future.”

Wilson Huang, General Manager of Fans and Thermal Management Business Group, Delta Electronics, Inc., said, “We are proud to be recognized by the EPA for each of the past eight years for the environmental benefits our line of Delta Breez ventilation fans have generated. In line with our corporate mission, ‘To provide innovative, clean and energyefficient solutions for a better tomorrow’, we continuously develop low-carbon products and systems based on Delta’s leading DC brushless motor and switching power supply technology, which are designed to meet fast-growing customer demands such as excellent indoor air quality.”

The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence not only values Delta’s leadership in energy efficiency over the years, but also its excellent commitment to training employees and educating customers on the benefits of the ENERGY STAR program and the certification of over 90 percent of our Delta Breez fans. Currently, Delta offers 97 fans in the U.S. that are certified to meet the rigorous ENERGY STAR energy efficiency standards, with some models exceeding the standards by up to 337 percent.

For decades, Delta’s fans and thermal management solutions have been leading the industry in enhancing the energy efficiency and productivity of a wide array of critical applications in the IT, telecom, industrial, automotive, energy, appliance, and consumer electronics sectors. By currently expanding its R&D and manufacturing capabilities in key areas across the U.S., such as Texas and Michigan,

Delta is increasingly contributing to the development and deployment of its IoT-based Smart Green Solutions for smart manufacturing and sustainable cities.

www.delta-americas.com

FREE UPDATE MAKES THIRD DEEP LEARNING METHOD AVAILABLE FOR IDS NXT

In quality assurance, it is often necessary to reliably detect deviations from the norm. Industrial cameras have a key role in this, capturing images of products and analyzing them for defects. If the error cases are not known in advance or are too diverse, however, rule-based image processing reaches its limits. By contrast, this challenge can be reliably solved with the AI method Anomaly Detection. The new, free IDS NXT 3.0 software update from IDS Imaging Development Systems makes the method available to all users of the AI vision system with immediate effect.

The intelligent IDS NXT cameras are now able to detect anomalies independently and thereby optimize quality assurance processes. For this purpose, users train a neural network that is then executed on the programmable cameras. To achieve this, IDS offers the AI Vision Studio IDS NXT lighthouse, which is characterized by easy-touse workflows and seamless integration into the IDS NXT ecosystem. Customers can even use only “GOOD” images for training. This means that relatively little training data is required compared to the other AI methods Object Detection and Classification. This simplifies the development of an AI vision application and is well suited for evaluating the potential of AI-based image processing for projects in the company.

Another highlight of the release is the code reading function in the block-based editor. This enables IDS NXT cameras to locate, identify and read out different types of code and the required parameters. Attention maps in IDS NXT lighthouse also provide more transparency in the training process. They illustrate which areas in the image have an impact on classification results. In this way, users can identify and eliminate training errors before a neural network is deployed in the cameras.

IDS NXT is a comprehensive system consisting of software and hardware for image evaluation with AI.

Update for the AI system IDS NXT: cameras can now also detect anomalies.

IDS NXT is a comprehensive AI-based vision system consisting of intelligent cameras plus software environment that covers the entire process from the creation to the execution of AI vision applications. The software tools make AI-based vision usable for different target groups –even without prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or application programming. In addition, expert tools enable open-platform programming, making IDS NXT cameras highly customizable and suitable for a wide range of applications.

https://youtu.be/2kyIe-8bC3Q

www.ids-nxt.com

The AI vision system IDS NXT now also provides anomaly detection.

PHOENIX LABELING E-COMMERCE LOGISTIC SOLUTIONS: VOLT770 FULL-ELECTRIC CARBON APPLICATOR

Labeling packages is a crucial step in the logistics process of e-commerce. It involves identifying the contents of the package and ensuring that it reaches its intended destination. The process of labeling packages in an e-commerce logistics facility is a complex one, involving multiple steps and systems.

The first step in the labeling process is the creation of a shipping label. This label contains information such as the sender’s address, the recipient’s address, and the tracking number. The tracking number is a unique identifier that allows the package to be tracked throughout the shipping process.

Once the shipping label has been created, it is printed and affixed to the package. This is typically done using an automated labeling system, which can handle large volumes of packages quickly and accurately. The labeling system uses a combination of barcodes and RFID tags to track the package as it moves through the logistics facility.

The perfect automated labeling systems solutions is VOLT770: a full electric print & apply applicator made of carbon fibers and for this reason is light, safe and high performing. Typically requested for integration in the SLAM processes (Scan Label Apply Manifest), where the use of compressed air is eliminated, this wipe-on applicator id adaptable to different heights and thanks to the electric stepper motors is extremely safe: no need for protective barriers.

After the package has been labeled, it is scanned and entered into the logistics system. This allows the package to be tracked and monitored at every stage of the shipping process. The logistics system can also provide real-time updates to the customer, allowing them to track the progress of their package and receive delivery notifications.

In addition to the shipping label, packages may also require additional labeling for customs purposes. For example, if the package is being shipped internationally, it may require a customs declaration form or a label indicating the contents of the package. These labels are typically generated automatically by the logistics system based on the information provided by the customer.

Overall, the process of labeling packages in an e-commerce logistics facility is a highly automated and streamlined process. By using advanced labeling systems and logistics software, e-commerce companies can ensure that packages are labeled accurately and efficiently, minimizing errors and delays in the shipping process. This, in turn, helps to improve customer satisfaction and build trust in the e-commerce brand.

www.phoenixlabeling.com

ROLLON INTRODUCES HIGHLY ADAPTIVE BEARING FOR LIGHT-TO-MODERATE LOADS IN LINEAR MOTION APPLICATIONS

Ideal for applications that require moderate loads, it features super smooth and silent operation and an adaptive design that is easy to customize and integrate into assemblies.

MiniRoller Rail eliminates the noise, difficult assembly, misalignment and unnecessary weight typically associated with using linear guides with recirculating ball bearings in lighter-duty aerospace, medical, pharma, life science and packaging applications. It also offers machine builders exceptional flexibility with a variety of optional materials, surface treatments and mounting hardware and fasteners, including both metric and inch sizes.

The new linear bearing’s induction-hardened and machined raceways reduce noise and deliver a long, reliable lifetime. It is highly impervious to environmental contaminants that can otherwise cause early failure. MiniRoller Rail also manages misalignment so installers can minimize surface preparation time. And, thanks to end chamfers, customizable mounting holes and optional locking Helicoils® — a requisite for aerospace designs — MiniRoller Rail gets up and running fast.

Additional features include:

• Lifetime lubrication, lowering maintenance requirements.

• Choice of cold-drawn carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum alloy construction.

• Weight-reduced high-quality bearing steel linear rails and sliders that allow for custom hole patterns.

• Zinc or nickel plating and anodized aluminum for corrosion protection.

• Ability to be equipped with rolling bearing pack sliders.

MiniRoller Rail is well-suited for space-constrained designs, as well as designs that require a lightweight guide such as for armrests and trays in aircraft interiors. Each unit comes in the industry-standard size 12 mini-Monorail configuration, with rail lengths up to 2 meters standard or longer, if required.

www.rollon.com

ONE SWEET MACHINE

From candy to coffee beans, AD Process Equipment’s confectionery equipment applies coatings that make food taste better. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS helps them do so more efficiently.

Most of us would agree: everything’s better when smothered in chocolate. Or yogurt. Or maybe peanut butter. AD Process Equipment, a Gray company, knows this, which is why the Naperville, Illinoisbased custom equipment and process engineering solutions provider offers the REVOLV™ line of belt coating systems.

They turned to long-time supplier NORD DRIVESYSTEMS in Waunakee, Wisconsin, for assistance with a critical component of the redesign.

A Century of Confectionery

Belt coating systems are nothing new. In fact, the first “enrobing” machines came online in Europe more than a century ago and soon made their way to the United States. History lesson aside, AD Process Equipment manufactures a wide range of machinery for use by confectionery, chocolate, coffee, and cannabis producers, with subject matter expertise to integrate the equipment into efficient process systems. These include demolders and depositors, cookers, cooling wheels, polishing pans, and more. The REVOLV belt coater, which, as its name suggests, applies uniform coatings such as chocolate and yogurt to nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, coffee beans, cannabis products, and more.

The heart of the system is a rotating tank that keeps these products in continuous motion during processing. An atomizing spray nozzle sits overhead, delivering precise amounts of glaze or sugar according to recipes contained within an onboard PLC equipped with a user-friendly interface. When ready, a pulsating discharge mechanism drops coated goods into a conveyor system that carries them to a series of self-stacking trays. The entire system is fully automatic, and thanks to its CIP (Clean-In-Place) design, is both sanitary and easy to maintain.

Good to Great

When the REVOLV coating line was acquired from another machinery manufacturer, the team saw an opportunity to update the design to add features and cost effectiveness to the already high-quality system. For example, the catch pans sitting at the bottom of the machine were once custommade but have been changed to standard, off-the-shelf components to reduce material costs and allow for easier replacement. A set of polycarbonate access doors now have stronger magnets to prevent accidental opening during operation and are equipped with locking mechanisms for additional security. The new user-friendly control interface simplifies programming while providing greater flexibility and the ability to add different recipes on the fly. There was also the elimination of the belt drive that once powered the coating belt in favor of a NORD gear motor. This makes the unit far easier to assemble and saves customers a lot of time during routine maintenance.

Aaron Hansen, the district sales manager for NORD, explained that there were some excellent reasons to use the company’s SK 9012.1 UNICASE helical-bevel gear motor. Boasting a premium NEMA-certified, high-efficiency 3 hp motor with stainless steel hollow shaft, food-grade lubrication, and an IP66-rated washdown enclosure, the unit’s right-angle design gave AD Process Equipment a space-saving, integrated, and dependable alternative to legacy belt drive solutions.

Hansen noted that the 90-series bevel unit is a great performer, but thanks to the custom paint selection, it is also quite attractive. “They requested a blue lilac color, which we supplied using NORD’s four-step Severe Food Duty 3+ (NSDF3+) with clear coat paint option,” he said. “It’s just one of our many surface treatment options, which range from basic protection for general-purpose applications to those designed for extremely caustic or contaminated atmospheres. The NSDF3+ sits right in the middle and is ideal for food packaging areas.”

Each of these surface treatments is available in a range of standard colors, he added, or can be color-matched to the customer’s specific requirements. “It really stands out,” said Hansen.

A Long Partnership

The REVOLV belt coater redesign is the latest example of AD Process Equipment and NORD collaborating on custom equipment. The companies have been working together for many years, not only on this piece of machinery. The product offerings, along with service and support, have been key throughout the partnership.

From her perspective, Brook Harter, technical sales at AD Process Equipment, is similarly pleased with the revamped REVOLV unit and is more than happy to show it off to potential buyers. “This unit has a nice compact footprint, which is a main benefit compared to some other conveyance lines I’ve seen out there,” she said. “I’ve heard from many customers that the REVOLV’s tumbling motion produces an extremely consistent coating no matter what they put into it. The changeover is both fast and easy, and the REVOLV is ideal for integrating into their total process needs.”

Another advantage of the system is the “dual valving” to create separate coating zones for processing smaller batches. The machine saves multiple recipes, so customers can easily switch between product runs to meet market demand. With various recipes comes the need for additional cleaning. The REVOLV unit has accessible components from the side and rear doors, and the belt is easy to remove, which helps increase throughput and avoid the hassle that normally comes with changeover.

For companies not yet ready for these high throughput capabilities, AD Process Equipment also offers a tabletop version—the Mini REVOLV—designed for small batch sizes, retail stores, and product testing and development efforts. The Mini REVOLV and its larger cousin are each made in the USA.

AD Process Equipment and NORD will continue to work together to bring the latest tools, equipment, and drive technology to their customers – a testament to the cooperation between the two companies and their commitment to serve the Food and Beverage industry now and into the future.

https://www.nord.com

The REVOLV™ belt coater from AD Process Equipment—an ideal solution for fast, efficient coating of nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, and more.

EMERSON LAUNCHES FIRST COMBUSTION SAFETY SHUTOFF VALVES CERTIFIED FOR BIODIESEL USE IN AMERICAS AND ASIA

New ASCO Series 262 and 263 Biodiesel Valves enable industrial boilers to use more sustainable fuel, reducing emissions and ensuring compliance.

Global technology and software leader Emerson has launched its new ASCO™ Series 262 and 263 Biodiesel Valves, the first combustion valves certified for use with biodiesel blended fuel in industrial and commercial boilers in the Americas and Asia. These biodiesel valves make it possible for district heating and commercial boiler burner applications to transition to a more sustainable energy source, simplifying compliance with evolving regulations while reducing boiler users’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon footprints.

Biodiesel heating fuel is biodegradable and cleaner burning, producing fewer GHG emissions than petroleum alone. Multiple studies have found that biodiesel fuel can reduce GHGs from 50% to 86% compared to conventional diesel fuel. Using non-certified biodiesel automation products in biodiesel applications may lead to a severe reduction in the performance and safety of the valves. This could lead to long-term damage for the fuel train and the impact could range from leakages to a complete loss of process control. Biodiesel is a corrosive medium that requires specially designed and certified products. As sustainability is a top priority worldwide, regulations and certifications are changing in favor of using biodiesel blends. Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) recently updated its oil burner standard, UL 428B, to include biodiesel blends up to 20% (B20). Series 262 and 263 valves feature an elastomer that is compatible with B20 and are certified under UL 428B.

“We’re dedicated to helping our customers improve their environmental sustainability efforts while achieving regulatory compliance and the highest levels of performance,” said Ali Sarwar, director marketing, industrial and combustion for Emerson’s fluid and motion control business. “Our new ASCO Series 262 and 263 Biodiesel Valves make it possible to meet the extreme demands of combustion applications and emerging biofuel regulations while producing fewer emissions.”

The robust construction of Series 262 and 263 solenoid shut-off valves provide long service life and low internal leakage, minimizing maintenance and improving reliability, while the welded core tube offers high pressure ratings for efficient fuel use. Mountable in any position with a range of elastomer options, these compact poppet valves allow tight shut-off that can improve efficiency while reducing emissions and cost. A full selection of explosion-proof enclosures is also available.

https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/asco-262-263

New ASCO Series 262 and 263 Biodiesel Valves enable industrial boilers to use more sustainable fuel, reducing emissions and ensuring compliance.

ANELLOTECH WELCOMES JEAN-PIERRE BURZYNSKI AS TECHNICAL ADVISOR AND BOARD MEMBER

Anellotech announces today that Jean-Pierre Burzynski, who served as Director of the Process Business Unit at IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), which is a major research and innovation center in the fields of energy, transport and the environment, has been retained as an R&D Consultant and appointed as a Strategic Advisor to Anellotech’s Board of Directors.

These appointments come on the heels of Anellotech’s long-standing strategic partnership with IFPEN, materialized by their recent achievement of the development of the Bio-TCat™ technology, an efficient thermal catalytic process converting non-food renewable biomass feedstocks into aromatics.

“I’m very pleased to be joining Anellotech and serving as technical advisor,” says Burzynski. “We have always shared the mutual goal to develop and commercialize technologies for the efficient chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste into light olefins and aromatics, as well as the production of cost-competitive renewable chemicals and fuels. I’m excited to help accelerate these efforts.”

While at IFPEN, Burzynski, who holds advanced degrees in chemistry and fluid dynamics, drove research and innovation (R&I) efforts in areas like petrochemicals, natural gas conversion, biofuels, bioproducts and plastic recycling. During his tenure, he was responsible for the development of many processes related to renewable fuels and bioproducts. Many of these processes are commercialized, licensed and implemented in various industries throughout the world and have contributed to the success of IFPEN Group.

For more information, contact us or visit https://anellotech. com

NEW TELEDYNE GAS AND FLAME DETECTION WEBSITE LAUNCH

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, a global leader in gas and flame detection solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, featuring updated informational content and a user-friendly interface.

The website is designed to provide an enhanced experience, including improved accessibility and mobile compatibility.

It introduces new content on a range of gases, including H2, CO, O2, NH3 and more, helping users understand the potential risks associated with each gas and how to detect them.

In addition, the site includes detailed information on the company’s range of gas and flame detection products, such as detectors, controllers and alarms, making it easy for users to find the right product or service for their specific needs.

The new website is designed with a responsive layout, ensuring that it looks and functions seamlessly on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Moreover, it is further improved with intuitive filtering options, allowing users to easily find the products they need without wasting time scrolling through irrelevant items.

“We are thrilled to launch our website, providing our customers with efficient navigation. With proven reputations for quality and reliability, our dedication to safety now goes further.” said Marion Defasques, Global Digital Communication Developer of Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection.

“With our updated comprehensive content and smart design, we are confident that our users will find the information they need quickly and easily, creating a more pleasant and productive browsing experience.”

Visit Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection’s new website to learn more about gas and flame detection solutions, and to take advantage of informational content and intuitive filtering options.

www.teledynegasandflamedetection.com

THE LEADER IN STRIP LEVELLING TECHNOLOGY

UNGERER GMBH WILL BE FULLY INTEGRATED INTO REDEX GROUP

Since 2017 UNGERER Technology GmbH has been an important part of the REDEX Group, delivering levelling lines to metal industry leaders using the latest UMS Pro® automatic flatness control technology utilizing high and low-tension measurement, as well as the latest Siemens S7-1500 automation technology.

UNGERER has also continued to support their large installed base of existing metal strip finishing lines by supplying new flying shear controllers for cut to length lines, new Unflatness Measurement System software and electrical retrofit packages based on Siemens and ABB automation technology. UNGERER has further developed its service and spare part capabilities by investing in a state-ofthe-art grinding and super finishing shop for levelling rolls, as well as offering on-site training for maintenance teams.

REDEX Group has decided to merge all its German affiliates in one organization. This change will allow UNGERER to be even more integrated into REDEX’s international sales, service and technology network in the USA, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Slovakia, China and India. It will allow new R&D programs to take advantage of Industry 4.0 digital breakthroughs through the “Smart Machine” R&D program, a REDEX Group led initiative alongside Siemens and several other start-ups. REDEX Group will strive to keep UNGERER’s products at the forefront of technology and ready to face the new technological challenges arising from the e-mobility, energy and digital revolutions.

As of July 1st 2023, UNGERER Technology GmbH will be integrated into REDEX GmbH. The same team for sales, technology and service will remain at the same addresses in Pforzheim and Duisburg. UNGERER Technology’s metal strip finishing technology will remain a key brand in the REDEX Group’s product portfolio.

www.redex-group.com

27 STAGEMAKER ELECTRIC CHAIN HOISTS FROM VERLINDE NOW EQUIP THE NEW LIGHTING SYSTEM OF THE FAMOUS KEISTUOLIAI THEATRE IN LITHUANIA

The Keistuoliai Theatre, opened in 1989 in an old building in the capital Vilnius, is the first independent professional theatre in Lithuania. Its artistic creations, known for breaking the boundaries of classical music, literature, theatre, and cinema are highly appreciated by a wide audience. After 30 years of activity, the Keistuoliai Theater underwent a dramatic renovation in 2019. Scenos Techninis Servisas, Verlinde’s partner in Lithuania, created a novel, custom-made lighting system for its special circular shaped stage.

The Lithuanian company Scenos Techninis Servisas (STS) is the largest provider of technical services for the entertainment, culture, and performance sector in Lithuania. For more than 30 years, STS has been providing standard and non-standard stages and technical equipment for many performances in Lithuania and abroad. Depending on the space and type of event, it designs fully customized sound, lighting, mechanical, stage and video systems. These systems interact not only with each other, but also with other building systems (electrical, fire, etc.). STS also handles project implementation, ranging from installation to staff training.

STS has long-standing partnerships with foreign suppliers, and Verlinde in particular for lifting equipment. The STAGEMAKER range of hoists from the French manufacturer is designed and developed specifically for the entertainment industry in compliance with applicable worldwide standard and regulatory requirements (CE, DIN, UKCA) and market needs. STAGEMAKER boasts an excellent reputation worldwide in the entertainment and theatre industry with over 45 years of expertise and experience in these market segments. This longevity and the long list of references are proof of the equipment durability and reliability.

A lighting system unique in the world

The lighting system for the circular stage at the Keistuoliai Theatre was designed by Darius Malinauskas, the theatre’s lighting designer. STS was responsible for carrying out the project. The installation of the lighting system was subject

to the highest quality requirements, which STS was able to meet.

“During the renovation process, which lasted more than two years, the Keistuoliai Theatre was given a new lease of life,” explains Julius Gružinskas, head of the STS design department. According to him, the biggest challenge of this project was the hall layout: the single amphitheatre hall and the circular stage required a non-standard lighting system.

Indeed, in order to make the best use of the existing space and to install a versatile lighting system, non-standard stage constructions were required. Aluminium trusses with different curvatures were specially manufactured for this project. The lighting system of the large theatre hall is unique and there is no other lighting system of this kind in Lithuania.

STAGEMAKER hoists dedicated to stage lift systems

Today, more than 100 new lights illuminate the renovated stage of the main hall of the Keistuoliai Theatre during performances. This system is exceptional in several respects: for its unique shape, the large number of lights, and also for its mechanization. The lights are

suspended from ten lighting bridges; the front lighting bridges are formed by impressive curved trusses up to 15 meters long. The entire system is mechanized by 27 Verlinde chain hoists from the Stagemaker range, which hoist the lighting equipment in complete safety. The electric chain hoists make it easy to adapt the system to different types of shows and to quickly change the lighting.

Verlinde’s Stagemaker range, dedicated to the entertainment industry, lifts loads from 125 to 5000 kg. It benefits from constant innovations designed with the market players. For example, with the patented “Perfect Push” concept, the 5-cell lifting nut contributes to a smoother drive of the lifting chain. This innovation provides better guidance to avoid any risk of jamming. Another example of innovation on this type of equipment is “ChainFlux”, a unique concept with horizontal ejection of the chain that allows the hoist to be used in either industrial or climbing position.

In addition, LED lighting strips have been fitted all around the semi-circular room. By varying the colours and intensity of the lighting in the hall, it is possible to change the atmosphere depending on the performance.

At the time of the renovation, the theatre acquired a small auditorium. A special frame for the lighting system was

designed for this room and built around its perimeter. It allows the lights to be mounted in different ways. The entire frame is also lifted with Verlinde hoists.

STS also installed the video equipment of the theatre: video projectors and screens, as well as the stage curtains, the front stage curtain and the side backdrops. The lighting effects in this theatre are enhanced by fog machines.

The strength of a partnership of excellence

STS is one of the few Lithuanian companies that offers complete and customized installation solutions for its customers’ performance venues. Non-standard solutions in public and cultural spaces are undoubtedly its strength. An experienced design team finds the best solutions and relies on STS’ long-standing partners in the production of stage equipment to materialise their ideas.

“The success of the Keistuoliai Theatre renovation project is the result of our successful cooperation with our customers and partners,” says Julius Gružinskas, head of the STS design department. “The end user is pleased with the result. His vision is brought to life thanks to the installer and all the partners who played a role. The chain hoists, manufactured by Verlinde, are the central part of this installation and fulfil their function perfectly.”

Verlinde is pleased to bring its expertise and high-grade products for the installations carried out by STS. This quality partnership in the cultural and entertainment industry in Lithuania contributes to building our reputation in the world”, concludes Jean-Yves Beaussart, International Sales and Marketing Manager for the Stagemaker range.

www.stagemaker.com

FPT INDUSTRIAL CHOSEN BY MASERATI FOR ITS NEW FULL-ELECTRIC GRAN TURISMO FOLGORE

FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of Iveco Group (MI:IVG) and world-leading manufacturer of low environmental impact solutions, and Maserati, the legendary House of the Trident, have worked closely together to create the new Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore, the first car in the Brand’s history to adopt a 100% electric powertrain.

The new car from Maserati – symbol of power and elegance for almost a century – the Gran Turismo Folgore is based on 800V technology and has been developed with cutting-edge technical solutions derived from Formula E. As a key point, it is equipped with three 300 kW permanent-magnet motors integrated into front and rear FPT Industrial electric axles, delivering up to 761 hp to the vehicle. This powerful and efficient system allows for an astonishing 2.7 sec 0-100 km/h time, with a top speed of 325 km/h.

Perfectly in keeping with Maserati’s DNA, the FPT Industrial ePropulsion system offers superb performance, combined with the high quality and elegance typical of the Trident.

Jointly developed by FPT Industrial and Maserati, the FPT Industrial eAxles – a single-motor electric axle at the front and a two-motor electric axle at the rear – deliver top levels of power density (up to 4.83 kW/kg). These axles are a first from the FPT Industrial brand, and feature a compact and lightweight design thanks to their fully aluminum structure.

Perfectly fitting into FPT Industrial’s sustainability focus, the eAxles are manufactured in the ePowertrain plant, the Iveco Group’s first carbon-neutral premises, located in Turin (Italy).

Both the front and rear eAxles stand out for being a complete solution in a very compact design. All components, including the inverters, are perfectly integrated into the eAxles, avoiding the need to place them elsewhere in the car structure. This offers significant benefits in terms of space

and weight distribution, especially for a high-performance car like the new Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore.

The eAX 300-F front electric axle boasts a peak power output of over 300 kW and maximum wheel torque of 3,100 Nm. It also incorporates a parking lock system for enhanced safety, preventing vehicle movement while parked.

The eAX 600-R dual-motor rear electric axle features peak power of over 600 kW and maximum wheel torque of 6,500 Nm.

The two motors integrated into the patented rear axle are totally decoupled, with no transmission connecting the wheels. This design makes it possible to independently manage the torque of each wheel. The Torque Vectoring delivers considerably higher levels of safety, stability and control to the Gran Turismo Folgore in any situation.

The new 100% electric Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore was presented to the press at the end of January 2023, while it was unveiled to the public during the Motor Valley Fest in Modena, Italy.

“To be chosen as technology partner by Maserati means facing challenges that require the highest levels of experience and expertise, combined with the right flexibility,” says Andrea Cugnini, Head of FPT Industrial’s ePowertrain Business Line. “And I am proud to say that the

team went the extra mile to overcome all these challenges, giving FPT Industrial an opening into the high-performance car segment and making it an integral part of a genuine new Italian masterpiece. We have combined tailor-made technology, sustainability, and the thrill provided by only the best high-end cars.”

https://www.fptindustrial.com/

FPT Industrial eAX 300-F front eAxle - eAX 600-R rear eAxle

PROACTIVE EQUIPMENT MEASURES VITAL TO OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT

Given recent warnings of forthcoming supply constraints in the wind sector, Aggreko has updated their offshore equipment offering with oil-free air compressors.

The Global Wind Energy Councilhas warned that the wind sector is likely to face a supply chain crunch this decade, with the potential for supply bottlenecks of key components. According to the industry body, current ‘space capacity’ in wind energy manufacturing is ‘likely to disappear by 2026.’

This is in the backdrop of ambitious renewable energy projects across Europe. The UK, for instance, aims to triple offshore wind capacity to 50GW by 2030 and just last month Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark pledged to build at least 150GW by 2050.

To support Europe’s developing renewable energy sector, Aggreko has recently expanded its rental fleet with oil-free air compressors – a component crucial to create bubble curtains surrounding offshore facilities.

Russell Brown, Product Manager Oil-Free Air at Aggreko, told us: “With demand expecting to surpass supply by 2026, the offshore wind sector may be left with equipment shortages and long waiting times. This will not only impact the profitability of individual projects, but forestall the development of wind energy, restricting Europe’s ability to hit ambitious energy targets.

“These warnings underline Aggreko’s decision to expand its rental fleet with new oil-free air compressors, a key

component for offshore wind facilities. By partnering with suppliers who take a proactive approach to bolstering supply of necessary equipment, facilities will be wellplaced to mitigate difficulties associated with the decade’s forthcoming supply chain squeeze.”

Air compressors are vital to produce bubble curtains which surround offshore facilities. Without these, the underwater noise pollution can result in deafness or disorientation to nearby sea mammals.

According to Aggreko, it is also crucial air compressors are oilfree due to the enormous environmental consequences to the surrounding aquatic area of undersea oil contamination. Rising operating costs further lends to the importance of energy-efficiency – Aggreko’s models, for example, are powered by variable speed drives (VSD) for the electric models and modern Stage V engines on the diesel models, thus reducing both costs and emissions.

Russell concludes: “Hired procurement strategies can give organisations the dynamism to avoid long waiting times and the pressures resulting from capex. Moreover, as efforts to adopt renewable energy sources are ramped up, it is also crucial suppliers pre-empt uplifts in demand with updated equipment offerings.”

https://www.aggreko.com

NEW FAMILY MEMBER FOR THE MEDIUM POWER RANGE

FAULHABER has added another extremely compact Motion Controller without housing to its product range. The new Motion Controller is ideal for integration in equipment manufacturing and medical technology applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), it covers the power range up to approx. 100 W and is suitable for DC-motors with encoder, brushless drives or linear motors.

Miniature motors and micromotors only become a reliable drive system when combined with the matching Motion Controller. This is why the extensive range of motors offered by the drive specialist FAULHABER (see company box) includes a broad selection of Motion Controllers which are designed in different power classes with or without housing for a wide variety of applications. There is now a new addition to the family of Motion Controllers without housing: The MC3603 (Fig. 1) which owing to its compact size is ideal for integration in equipment manufacturing and medical technology applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), the new Motion Controller covers the medium power range up to approx. 100 W. It is suitable for “normal” DC-motors with encoder, brushless drives and linear motors. The I/O options and encoder interfaces are the same as the rest of the product family. USB, RS232, CANopen and EtherCAT are available for communication. The Motion Controller already has the new firmware version “M”. To ensure simple and convenient system setup, the latest update (version 6.9) of the FAULHABER Motion Manager should be used.

Motion controllers for various application areas. They comply with current EMC regulations. The detailed documentation supports the user during the certification of his own devices.©

FAULHABER

EMC-compliant design for all Motion Controllers

With the introduction of the new MC 3603, the Motion Controllers now cover the entire application range typical for miniature motors and micromotors (Fig. 2), starting with the postage stamp sized MC 3001 with 30 W and 1 A (peak current 2 A) through to the MC 5010, the largest member of the family with 10 A (peak current 30 A), which is designed for installation in switching cabinets and has been tried and tested primarily in the industrial sector. All motion controllers comply with current EMC regulations. This is why the drive specialists have explored this complex topic in great detail. Not only has the hardware been appropriately optimized, but the documentation has also been redesigned to provide users with the best possible support during the certification of their own devices.

https://www.faulhaber.com/

DRIVES FOR SPEED IN INTRALOGISTICS

Competitive intralogistics requires extensive automation, something that is inconceivable without micromotors. Drive systems from FAULHABER prove their ability to perform here during sorting, transporting and with robotics solutions.

Suitable transport structures in intralogistics are a prerequisite in all industries in order to be able to withstand competitive pressure in the future. An increasing number of work steps involved in storing items in warehouses as well as retrieving these items and preparing them for dispatch are being taken over by automatic storage and retrieval machines, driverless transport systems and intelligent logistics robots. To speed up the processes, flexible systems that work reliably around the clock are needed here. Such logistics solutions are often driven by high-performance micromotors.

The demands that modern intralogistics place on the used drives are high: In many instances, they must be capable of releasing tremendous forces under extremely confined conditions, also work reliably in continuous or stop-and-go operation, and oftentimes they must also perform highly precise positioning tasks. The speed also plays an important role, after all, many thousand orders need to be processed every day in large warehouses. Drive systems from FAULHABER have often demonstrated their performance here during sorting and transporting as well as with storage and retrieval. Thanks to their modular design, the motors

can be combined with a variety of high-resolution encoders for precise positioning tasks and with high-performance gearheads for high torque requirements. There are also compact motion controllers that can either be integrated in the drives or arranged externally.

Powerful handling with finesse

Autonomously driving and self-contained logistics robots are a critical component of “Intralogistics 4.0”. They are used both for storage as well as removal and dispatch preparation. They optimize material flow, relieve employees and replace, e.g., conventional lift trucks or pallet trucks. Autonomous picking robots that allow individual objects to be precisely accessed are one example. A typical picking robot comprises a lifting column and gripper. As a drive unit, it contains, e.g., BX4 series brushless DC-servomotors with integrated motion controller and planetary gearhead. When used in the gripper, this combination ensures precise positioning during storage or retrieval – all during continuous operation with constant load changes.

Yet the complete drive unit weighs only about 300 grams. This means that no counterweight is required even when

Sorting, transport or storage and retrieval: compact FAULHABER drive systems are found throughout intralogistics.

the gripper is fully extended. With a diameter of only 32 mm and a length of 85.4 mm, the brushless DC-servomotors are also very compact. This makes it possible to design the gripper very flat, allowing it to also pick up packages that are stored just above ground. Expensive storage areas can thus be optimally used. Thanks to the brushless commutation system, the motors are long-lasting and reliable. They deliver high torques and, with the balanced rotor, are very quiet running. With the integrated current control, the torque demands are limited and the drive is reliably protected against overload.

Compact drives for rapid start/stop operation

Graphite-commutated DC micromotors of the CXR series combined with matched gearheads have also proven themselves in handling tasks. Their commutation system is very robust and is especially well suited for dynamic, highperformance applications with fast start/stop operation as is required in many handling systems as well as with automatic sorting, e.g., in cases where switches are used to change routes on transport paths.

Thanks to their linear characteristics, the DC motors are also easy to control. Combined with high-resolution encoders, this makes them ideal for precise positioning tasks. Highquality neodymium magnets and the proven Faulhaber winding ensure a high power density in a compact design. They can thereby be installed directly in the handling elements. In spite of their small size, they can lift considerable weights there.

Flexible through production

Automated guided vehicles (AGV) are the means of choice when it comes to ensuring flexible transport in production processes. Among the most important requirements for the used drives with in-house material transport systems are availability, speed, flexibility and – often – low space requirements. The current consumption also plays a role in ensuring that the battery of the vehicles is as long lasting as possible. For example, brushless DC-servomotors of the BP4 series are suitable to drive the wheels, whereby the motor power can be transferred to the wheels via planetary gearheads and drive belts. The motors operate with high efficiency: their innovative winding technology allows for a high copper content and keeps losses to a minimum thanks to high winding symmetry.

Encoders of the IE3-1024 series are built right onto the servomotors for precise position detection. The magnetic incremental encoders, which are available with different resolutions, feature an indexing channel for referencing a revolution of the drive shaft as well as a standardized, electronic encoder interface. The resolution, direction of rotation, index width, and index position can be flexibly adapted to the application. A motion controller controls the servomotors. Such drive systems are also used for mobile robot platforms, which move about completely autonomously in industrial halls without a preinstalled guidance system. Above all, their high power density is particularly evident in the wheel modules.

A lot of power in a very small space

If there is limited installation space for wheel drives in the axial direction, the high-torque flat motors of the BXT series are often an option. Thanks to innovative winding technology and an optimised design, the motors are just 14, 16 and 21 mm in length but deliver torques up to 134 mNm, within a diameter of 22, 32 and 42 mm respectively. For precise speed control or in the case of high requirements on positioning accuracy, diameter-compliant magnetic encoders or speed controllers are now fully integrated into the housed motor variants, whereby the drive is increased by just 6.2 mm. Speed control is performed by the digital Hall sensors integrated in the motors. Thus, a wide speed range from 200 rpm to 10,000 min -1 is available. The compact drive combination is ideal for space-critical applications and simplifies installation and commissioning. The matching metal planetary gearheads of the GPT series too are characterised by a short design, high torque and extremely fine graduations of the numerous reduction ratios.

https://www.faulhaber.com/

WHY A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IS THE PERFECT MEDICINE FOR PERMEDICA

Business has been growing so quickly for Italian medical implant manufacturer Permedica that it can barely keep up with demand. However, a new strategy for its CNC department, in partnership with Seco Tools, has started to make a powerful increase to its productivity.

The global market in medical implants is booming. One estimate says that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2030 will be 5.4%, increasing the overall value from $95.1 billion to $145.6 billion.1

Over the past decade, this constant upward trend has seen Italian-based implant manufacturer Permedica transform itself from being a well-respected name in its native market to becoming an international business. The company now has subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany, India, Austria, South Korea, Australia, and France, with plans for expansion to the UK and US in the pipeline. Export now makes up 60% of its €35 million annual turnover.

Extreme productivity challenges

But Permedica’s rapid growth has posed what the company’s Sales Manager Federico Perego calls “extreme challenges” to its productivity.

“Many distributors, partners and surgeons love our products for their design and quality, so they keep demanding more and more. Unfortunately, we can’t keep up with current demand, and how the CAGR rate is increasing in our sector,” says Federico, the son of Permedica’s founder and President, Marco Perego.

Initially, the management tried to address this by increasing resources.

“We were trying to solve the problems internally by investing in more people for our company and streamlining the training process to perform a better method of manufacturing,” says Federico.

“However, it was a problem of multiple issues that characterise our complex operational structure. And the family nature of our business makes it important for us

Machining of the Femoral.

to solve problems because we haven’t got the time or resources to do everything.”

A turning point for productivity

The turning point came when the parent of one of the company’s distributors suggested a meeting with Seco in 2022. That began an improvement journey, and a partnership, that continue to gather momentum to this day.

After an initial assessment of the factory by South Europe Cluster Manager Steven Bell, Permedica and Seco Tools Italy agreed to start a pilot to address a key productivity bottleneck in Permedica’s CNC department that was creating problems for the supply chain in its hip cup products.

“One of our machines could not operate at night due to the programming and the kinds of tools we were using. The material was overheating, which was stopping the machine and meaning that it couldn’t be programmed to operate automatically during the night,” Federico explains.

“Due to Steven being so clear and practical in his assessment of the problem, and because he had a team and a structured proposal to manage the issue, I automatically trusted them with a pilot. Steven and Seco were always very direct in relation to the issue and in proposing a better solution. They didn’t make a promise they couldn’t keep, and they didn’t just try to sell us tools. Instead, they helped us to solve what was an important issue for Permedica.”

One of the Seco Tools Italy team working with Permedica, Manufacturing Transformation Manager Matteo Foglietta, adds, “We were able to address swarf issues that were a big problem for the night shift.

“So Permedica has gained not only more productivity in terms of a shorter cycle time, but also an increase in capacity of the machine during the night in the unmanned shift. This is also thanks to the global competence from our innovation hub that we can bring to the customer side through the local and technical expertise here in Italy.”

Federico Perego estimates that this initial success has helped to increase Permedica’s productivity by more than 40%. Now further initiatives, including the installation of tool vending machines to help with warehouse management, are underway.

“So far, we are very satisfied,” says Federico. “There are still headaches to solve, but I hope we can continue with this great start and achieve important things together because there is a lot of complexity in our business, and we need many resources to support this. Permedica is reacting to the help being provided by Seco by placing more orders for tools, so it’s a win-win relationship.”

He adds, “This is just the beginning of a partnership we are going to create together because our intention is to grow our business as much as possible – there is huge potential for us. And for Seco the medical sector in which we operate is one of the strategic areas where it wants to grow. I think that there are all the bases for a long-term partnership.”

1 Medical Implants Market Size to Surpass USD 145.6 Bn by 2030 - https://www.precedenceresearch.com

https://www.secotools.com

Close collaboration between Federico Perego, Permedica and Matteo Foglietta, Seco Tools

UNDERSTANDING THE ROI OF VISUALIZATION

It has long been said that Internet-of-Things (IoT) should play a key role in the manufacturing industry, but according to a white paper issued in 2019 by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the percentage of Japanese manufacturers that collected manufacturing data was just 51%. COVID-19, however, has had a major impact on manufacturing, and according to Mitsubishi Electric’s own research in 2020, 46.5% of businesses that use FA products have accelerated the evolution of their factories to become smarter. The trend towards smarter factories is closely linked to the increased need for coping with demand fluctuations and new working styles, including remote work.

A digital pioneer

In Japan, the term ‘IoT’ started to become commonly used around 2016, but long before this, in fact, as far back as 2003, Mitsubishi Electric was providing IT-OT manufacturing solutions, forerunners to IoT, to create and improve value for QCD + SE (Quality, Cost, Delivery + Safety, Environment) under the banner of its ‘e-F@ctory’ concept.

Hiroshi Nishiyuki, Head of Mitsubishi Electric’s FA System Solutions Department, explains, “e-F@ctory is our leadingedge manufacturing solution that aims to increase productivity in the entire production process from engineering and manufacturing to maintenance, with the aim of reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). For maximum flexibility and breadth of applications, e-F@ ctory is supported by more than 1,020 e-F@ctory Alliance partners around the world, all helping to create and provide digital manufacturing solutions.”

One of the priorities of e-F@ctory is to utilize data to make products more quickly, at lower cost, and reduce defects. From a management point of view, the most important aspect is the return on investment (ROI), or in other words, the payback period for your IoT investment.

“Let’s look at an example e-F@ctory solution,” Nishiyuki continued. “One of our customers wanted to achieve a high-mix production with a minimal number of line workers. They built a system where the line supervisor is immediately notified of equipment stoppages with an alert, in this case, on their wearable device. They also introduced a traceability system that utilized a commonly used BI tool. These measures helped reduce monthly equipment downtime by approximately 25%, and the payback period for this IoT investment was three years.”

The customer was able to keep the line running for an additional 13.3 hours per month, which when converted to production volume and multiplied by the unit cost, indicating an ROI of approx. 112,000 yen per month.

Therefore, the payback period for that customer’s 4 millionyen investment was approximately 36 months (three years).

How do you decide what investments can help improve your factory?

Nishiyuki goes on to say, “At Mitsubishi Electric, we provide a target-setting tool called Smart Manufacturing Kaizen Level (SMKL) to help users easily understand their current stage in IoT deployment and set targets for additional improvement initiatives.”

By using a simple index (maturity model) that is easy to understand, decisions for investments can be agreed and implemented on a step-by-step basis, and benefit from a common understanding and agreement between management and factory operators.

In the following figure the vertical axis represents the IoT maturity level from data collection and visualization to optimization. The horizontal axis represents the management level, starting with workers and extending to the workplace, the entire factory, and then the entire supply chain.

“When we utilize IoT in manufacturing, it is of course intended to improve the process,” added Nishiyuki. “However, we often hear from our customers that they first want to visualize data in the facilities and production lines before they start discussing about making improvements. We are also frequently asked what the purpose is for visualization, since simply visualizing data won’t generate any effective results. Such comments highlight some challenges where visualization has become the purpose, not a means to increase productivity.”

ROI example of a case where equipment downtime was reduced by 25% by using low-cost IoT.

By using a simple index (maturity model), decisions for investments can be made on a step-by-step basis. It also helps create a common understanding of the actions and the reasons for those actions for all parties concerned.

To illustrate this let’s look at two cases studies, that of Iiyama Seiki and of Sunouchi, who both succeeded in introducing visualization as an effective tool to solve their issues.

Iiyama Seiki Co., Ltd.

In order to manage their precision machining costs efficiently, Iiyama Seiki visualized data from their machine tools through an ‘ANDON’ system that leveraged the edge computing platform ‘Edgecross’. In general, an ANDON system visualizes information (production status, alarms) that is collected from production equipment, sharing the information among site workers, managers and maintenance staff.

Iiyama Seiki linked the data collected by the Edgecross system with their in-house management system to visualize the operating conditions and the state of production for the various machine tools, despite using an assortment of tooling from multiple vendors. Making the information openly available allowed all relevant members to take collective action.

Sunouchi Corporation

To quickly respond to client inquiries on delivery times and to increase production capability, Sunouchi decided to digitalize their paperwork and build a one-stop system where they could see all the data from production management to sales information. Furthermore, they also fully automated the inspection processes, which were previously done manually, so that they could inspect 100% of the products they made. This added visibility was achieved by collecting data and leveraging Mitsubishi Electric’s Real Time Data Analyzer with Edgecross software.

The forefront of data visualization

“When it comes to visualization, how we show the data is more important than you think,” emphasized Nishiyuki. “SCADA, such as GENESIS64TM, is a great tool to support customers leverage visualized data for advanced improvement activities.”

GENESIS64TM is an integrated SCADA solution that can centrally monitor and manage IT-OT data using rich visualization functions.

Not every SCADA system has the same detailed functionality, however, in the case of GENESIS64TM its scalable architecture is a big help in delivering an integrated solution that can centrally monitor and manage OT and IT data using rich visualization functions. There are three key features to this solution.

1) It references the layer structure of the production equipment that is already managed by Edgecross (data model management) deployed on an industrial PC, and then creates and shows a monitoring screen for each layer.

2) Data from the production site can be uploaded to an IoT cloud service and remotely monitored via a web browser or a mobile device.

3) It utilizes an open environment such as the edge computing platform Edgecross to freely interface with other Edgecross devices and software.

GENESIS64TM is an integrated SCADA solution that can centrally monitor and manage IT-OT data using rich visualization functions.

To try to make this example more relatable, the screenshot below depicts a sample SCADA monitoring screen that shows the operation status of a production cell manufacturing PLC units. The center of the screen displays the layout of the production line and the status of each section. The red frames indicate where an error is occurring and the yellow frames indicate the location of the workpieces, which help make it easy to understand the condition of the production line. What’s more, various KPIs can be shown, for example on the right side of the screen, to check the production progress and the current OEE.

The use of SCADA is invaluable to communicate a lot of information in a very visual way, and in the case of GENESIS64TM it is possible to have a highly scalable view

spanning from individual devices and equipment to the entire system. In addition to visualizing the entire process, with the related data from across the whole production environment, it is also possible to add all of this to a product lifecycle “log” for greater traceability from design to operation and maintenance, and achieve an even higher level of integrated monitoring and analysis.

SCADA software, however, is not the only tool that can be used to visualize data. There are a variety of different options depending on the condition of the factory and the user’s needs. For example, if there is stand-alone equipment consisting of a PLC with an accompanying graphic operation terminal (GOT), it might be advantageous to leverage its data for further analytical processes. In that case Mitsubishi Electric might propose using an e-F@ctory Starter Package, which can even be used by inexperienced line engineers as it comes with free of charge sample projects. On the other hand, if a small start on a low budget is required, and the target is to monitor multiple devices which may or may not be already using Mitsubishi Electric’s GOTs, then the ‘iQ Monozukuri Process Remote Monitoring’ package might be a good choice to get started quickly. There are a variety of solutions with different technical merits, expansion possibilities and cost points, however, regardless of that if you are considering such a system taking the advice of an established system integrator can be a really big help to efficiently deploy the right level of control and monitoring. The important thing is to find the ‘visualization’ tool that best fits the situation and needs of your factory.

Nishiyuki concluded, “Here, I introduced several different ways to ‘visualize’ production lines. Since budgets so often guide the selection, having a flexible approach from data capture, local processing, light monitoring up to cloud connectivity is important for users who may wish to start small and grow as their experience grows. For whatever you decide, I advise that you set targets and estimate the potential ROI in advance by using the SMKL index. And of

course, if you wish, Mitsubishi Electric can help support you in setting goals and selecting the most relevant visualization tools for your facility.”

https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/

Hiroshi Nishiyuki, Head of Mitsubishi Electric’s FA System Solutions Department, explains, “The important thing is to find the ‘visualization’ tool that best fits the situation and needs of your factory.”

CONTINUED GROWTH FOR INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET AND WIRELESS NETWORKS - INDUSTRIAL NETWORK MARKET SHARES 2023 ACCORDING

TO HMS NETWORKS

Every year, HMS Networks analyzes the industrial network market to estimate the distribution of new connected nodes in factory automation.

This year’s study shows that the industrial network market is expected to grow by 7% in 2023. Industrial Ethernet still shows the highest growth and now accounts for 68% of all new installed nodes (66% last year). Fieldbuses decline to 24% (27) while wireless grows to 8% market share (7% last year). PROFINET and EtherNet/IP share first place in the network rankings with 18% market share followed by the strong contender EtherCAT now at 12%.

Each year, HMS Networks presents their analysis of the industrial network market, focusing on new installed nodes within factory automation globally. As an independent supplier of solutions within Industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has a substantial insight into the industrial network market. The 2023 study includes estimated market shares and growth rates for fieldbuses, Industrial Ethernet and wireless technologies.

In the 2023 study, HMS concludes that the industrial network market continues to grow and that the total market growth in 2023 is expected to be +7%, confirming the continued importance of network connectivity in factories.

Industrial Ethernet is growing steadily

Growing by 10%, Industrial Ethernet continues to take market share. Industrial Ethernet now makes up for 68% of the global market of new installed nodes in factory automation (compared to 66% last year). The head-to-head battle between PROFINET and EtherNet/IP continues as they lead the 2023 network rankings with 18% market share each, but EtherCAT also continues to grow strongly and is now in an unthreatened third place at 12% market share.

Fieldbuses are decreasing again

Last year’s growth for Fieldbuses was temporary as new fieldbus installations decline with -5% in 2023. PROFIBUS leads the fieldbus rankings with 6% market share, but not with much as Modbus-RTU is close behind at 5%.

Together, fieldbuses account for 24% (27) of the market in 2023. Although the number of new fieldbus nodes are declining, a lot of devices, machines and factories will still be relying on the well-functioning and proven fieldbuses for many years to come.

Wireless grows fastest

The Wireless growth accelerates to +22% in 2023, as more wireless industrial networking solutions are introduced in factory automation. Typical use cases include cable replacement applications, wireless machine access and connectivity to mobile industrial equipment.

Industrial networking is key for productivity and sustainability in manufacturing

“Solid industrial network connectivity is key to achieve the manufacturing uptime which is needed to reach productivity and sustainability objectives in factory automation,” says Magnus Jansson, Product Marketing Director at HMS Networks, Business Unit Anybus. “Quality, security, safety, and gaining insights through device and machine data, are key drivers we see for the continued expansion of industrial networking.”

Regional network variations

EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and EtherCAT are leading in Europe and the Middle East with PROFIBUS and Modbus-TCP as runners up. The U.S. market is dominated by EtherNet/IP with EtherCAT developing strongly and gaining market share. PROFINET leads a fragmented Asian market, followed by EtherNet/IP and strong contenders CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, EtherCAT, PROFIBUS, and Modbus (RTU/TCP).

Scope:

The study includes HMS’ estimation for 2023 based on number of new installed nodes within Factory Automation. A node is defined as a machine or device connected to an industrial field network. The presented figures represent HMS’ consolidated view, considering insights from colleagues in the industry, our own sales statistics and overall perception of the market.

https://www.hms-networks.com/

HMS NETWORKS EXPANDS RANGE OF NEXT-GENERATION GATEWAYS WITH ANYBUS COMMUNICATOR ETHERCAT MAIN DEVICE

HMS now launches the Anybus® Communicator™ EtherCAT Main Device, a high-performance gateway that provides an easy and reliable way to connect EtherCAT subordinate devices to different industrial networks and control systems.

Rapidly growing EtherCAT market

In recent years, EtherCAT has rapidly gained popularity and is now the third most widely installed industrial network in factory automation globally(1), and the preferred choice in the semiconductor industry. As the number of subordinate devices utilizing EtherCAT continues to increase, there is a growing demand for high-performance gateways that can seamlessly connect these devices to other major industrial networks. The Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device addresses this demand by providing a reliable solution for connecting EtherCAT subordinate devices to PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or Modbus-TCP control systems.

Effortless scan for EtherCAT devices

With the Anybus Communicator, users can quickly and effortlessly scan the EtherCAT network for devices directly from its web user interface. The Communicator automatically identifies each device and maps its data to the control system, eliminating the need to manually search for and import device description files (ESI).

Next-generation technology

Like all Anybus next-generation gateways, the Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device provides reliable, secure, and user-friendly technology:

Proven and fast communication using

Anybus NP40 technology

The award-winning Anybus NP40 industrial network processor ensures that the Communicators meet demanding requirements in terms of industrial performance, reliability, and security. Featuring new hardware and software, the gateways enable instant data transfer – up to 10 times faster than their predecessors. Users can also exchange significantly more data between the networks as the

gateways transfer up to 1 500 bytes to and from connected PLCs.

Robust and secure communication

Built using carefully selected industrial components and verified against the CE and UL industry standards, the gateways are designed to handle harsh industrial environments.

To protect users from cyberattacks, the gateways have an onboard physical security switch that prevents unauthorized configuration changes and secure boot functionality to resist attacks and infections from malware.

Fast installation and intuitive configuration

Fast installation and smooth configuration procedures are guaranteed thanks to an optimized housing design, an intuitive User Interface, and easy-to-understand documentation.

Installation is simplified thanks to the compact gateway design with forward-facing ports and DIN-rail mounting, which allows gateway installation close to connected devices, reducing the amount of required wiring.

Users can configure the gateways using drag-and-drop functionality in the web-based user interface, which is accessible via a dedicated Ethernet port on the gateways. In the user interface, users can also monitor network traffic and diagnose issues before they become problems.

Hands-on assistance is also available, as a QR code in the user interface provides a step-by-step installation and configuration guide.

“We are delighted to add the Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device Gateways to our list of nextgeneration gateways”, explains Fredrik Brynolf, Product Manager for Anybus gateways at HMS Networks. “With the effortless scanning for EtherCAT devices, the intuitive user interface, and the advanced technology, these EtherCAT gateways offer the easiest and most reliable way to connect EtherCAT subordinate devices to other leading industrial networks and control systems”.

Anybus Communicators are available off the shelf as stand-alone ready-to-install units. Users can personalize the Communicators to meet OEM and brand labeling requirements. The gateways can also be pre-configured and locked to be used as tightly integrated communication components of an automation device or a machine.

Use Case

The Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device is the easiest and most reliable way to connect EtherCAT subordinate devices to control systems.

https://www.anybus.com/landing-pages/anybuscommunicator-campaign

(1) According to the latest edition of HMS Networks annual analysis of the industrial network market.

The Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device is the easiest and most reliable way to connect EtherCAT subordinate devices to control systems.

HMS NETWORKS PRESENTS NEW EWON REMOTE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS WHERE HARDWARE MEETS SOFTWARE

As of April 17th, HMS Networks reinforces its remote connectivity solutions by presenting the recently acquired software solutions WEBfactory i4connected and i4scada under the Ewon® brand.

The new offering gives machine builders and their customers an end-to-end IIoT solution which gathers data from machines and presents it in an easy-to-use web interface.

The Ewon offering from HMS Networks features the world’s most used solutions for remote machine connectivity, enabling secure remote machine access and data collection for proactive and efficient maintenance of machines.

With the new i4 software solutions, machine builders and their customers will be able to visualize data from connected machines in a web interface to help improve decisionmaking, control and service – minimizing the risk of costly machine and system downtime.

How it works

As soon as an Ewon gateway – Flexy or Netbiter – has been installed to a machine, the Ewon i4connected software can go to work. i4connected gathers data from Ewon gateways and presents it to the user in an easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Complex industrial processes are displayed in a straightforward way, enabling the user to securely connect and get data from plants, buildings, machines, equipment,

and sensors. In i4connected, the data can be visualized and analyzed in real-time, helping the user to make data-driven decisions and perform predictive maintenance.

Additionally, with Ewon i4scada factory owners and system integrators benefit from a fully web-based SCADA software to help improve the efficiency of complex on-site industrial processes in real-time. i4scada enables data-driven decisions for better productivity and cost optimization.

“This integrated approach combines our successful Ewon gateways Flexy and Netbiter with the state-of-the-art i4connected software. Machine builders and their clients will be able to easily unlock and leverage precious data from their machines to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. HMS stands for ‘Hardware Meets Software’ and this integration is a perfect demonstration of that,” says Alexander Hess, General Manager of HMS Networks’ Business Unit Ewon.

https://www.hms-networks.com/products-solutions/ewonby-hms-networks

SECO JS754 STUB SERIES BRINGS VERSATILITY AND VALUE WHEN MILLING TOUGH MATERIALS

To address the challenges of difficult and unstable machining conditions caused by long tool overhangs, the Seco JS754 Stub Series end mills feature short protrusion lengths that maximize tooling value while increasing tool life by 20 to 40%.

The four-flute end mill is designed for mill-turn and multi-tasking machines and incorporates the industry-proven JS754 cutting geometry and unique HXT coating for high performance machining. This design makes the Seco JS754 series ideal for difficult applications involving ISO M (stainless steel) and S (heat-resistant superalloys and titanium) materials. The shorter length of the JS754 Stub adds strength and vibration control for increased tool stability when machining with main or sub spindles, as well as with milling heads and driven tools.

Ideal for minimum clearance setups

Many CNC mill-turn and multi-tasking machines are designed with a limited machining envelope that can prohibit the use of longer end mills. The JS754 Stub Series’ short protrusion lengths require less room in the subor 2nd spindles of these machines. This end mill series provides freedom of movement to easily maneuver around workpieces with increased tool stability in these tight workspaces, which allows shops to maximize the benefits that mill-turn and multi-tasking machines offer, including shorter setup times and improved part quality.

“Within all manufacturing segments, especially general machining and aerospace, the high-mix/low volume (HMLV) production environment continues to drive the need for automation and efficiency, achieved most commonly through mill-turn and multi-tasking machines,” said Rob Mulders of SECO Tools. ”The JS754 Stub Series contributes significant flexiblility for the single-setup part manufacturing, which these multi-purpose machines provide.”

Reduced end mill waste

Due to its shorter cutting length, the JS754 Stub end mills provide full cutter engagement along the entire length of the tool. This maximizes cutter edge use, which helps reduce carbide waste for improved efficiency and increased sustainability.

https://www.secotools.com

The JS754 Stub series is offered in both chamfer and corner radius configurations in diameters from 3 mm to 16 mm and is available in cylindrical and Weldon shanks.

SECO IS MOVING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AND SWITCHING TO RECYCLABLE PACKAGES

With ambitious targets of being 90% circular by 2030 and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, Seco is making a major move towards sustainability by switching to product packaging made from recycled materials. “We believe that to be a sustainable business, we must act with economic, environmental, and social responsibility, all while taking advantage of the opportunities that arise from the integration of sustainability in our value chain,” says Maria Blomqvist, Head of Sustainability & EHS at Seco.

The move is part of the continuing push to work with sustainability in an active and structured way. Seco aims to recycle as much raw material as possible and to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes - the effect of these efforts will be the continued reduction of waste and improved consumption of energy and water.

“We aim to be recognized as responsible manufacturers and to take resolute actions on sustainability, and as part of that we are switching our product packages and packaging material to sustainable packages made from recyclable material,” says Eva Söderberg, Product Manager Product Packaging at Seco. “Sustainability is built into every one of our strategic pillars and it forms a part of our vision. We follow four objectives that guide our sustainability work - we aim to be regarded as one of the sustainability role models in our industry, we increase circularity by driving the shift to a circular economy, we reduce our climate impact and we put safety on top of the agenda, as our employees are our most valuable resource.”

Cutting emissions with new product packaging

The new sustainable packages will replace the previous versions made for inserts that have been in use since 2008

Seco New Sustainable Packaging for Inserts

and which were made from virgin materials. The new packaging will be made of recycled material which mainly comes from discarded packaging plastic from households, and the increased use of recycled plastic will improve sustainability by reducing carbon emissions while helping Seco to reach the goal of 90% circularity by 2030.

In 2021, the virgin plastic used for insert boxes consisted of about 122 ton of plastic and generated approximately 173 tons of CO2, and solid tool boxes generated approximately 35 tons of CO2. The short-term goal for 2023 is to convert 17 ton into recyclable material in the product packages which is equivalent to 14% of the total amount being used. In 2024 the amount will reach 99 ton or 81%. Seco will save around 131 tons of CO2 emissions compared to 2021 by replacing virgin plastic with recycled material.

The introduction of recycled materials will see the color of insert boxes change from pure white to a darker grey color, which is most efficient from a sustainability point of view.

Packaging boxes with 100% recyclable materials

Until now, Seco has used white DC packaging boxes made of Kraft Liner, with an overlay of white linen paper, a material that requires an additional bleaching process which generates waste and is harmful to the environment. The average overall percentage of recycled raw material used in the white boxes used by Seco is calculated to be 77.2%,

while the new brown packaging boxes will consist of 100% recyclable material.

In the Asia Pacific Distribution Center (ADC) Seco will shift from boxes made from 77.2% recyclable material to new designs made with 100% recyclable material. In the America Distribution Center (UDC) the recyclable material will go from 20% to 100%, while the China Distribution Center (SDC) is transitioning from white recycled paper to brown recycled paper, with the bleaching process being stopped entirely.

Since 2020, the filling material in the boxes has consisted of paper filling rather than plastic bubble sheets, and the updated brown boxes will be branded with an inked black Seco logo which will be more environmentally friendly than printing a blue logo on white boxes. “Every year vast amounts of waste are generated from packaging, and our goal is to break that cycle. We want our packaging to be part of a circular, sustainable economy. We are constantly looking for new ways, materials and processes to ensure that our business can reach its sustainability goals,” says Maria Blomqvist.

https://www.secotools.com

EMERSON’S NEW ALUMINUM FILTER REGULATORS ENHANCE PROCESS EFFICIENCY AND STREAMLINE SUPPLY CHAINS

Able to handle the highest flow rates, the new Aluminum Filter Regulators allow manufacturers to single-source complete valve piloting solutions.

Emerson has launched its new ASCO™ Series 641, 642 and 643 Aluminum Filter Regulators, which maximize process efficiency and reduce unplanned downtime in a broad range of process applications. This line of durable, aluminum filter regulators can handle the highest flow rates of any regulators in their class and provides precise pressure regulation to downstream instruments.

An alternative to stainless steel filter regulators, ASCO Series 641, 642 and 643 Aluminum Filter Regulators complete Emerson’s full suite of valve piloting technologies. This allows process manufacturers to source their total valve piloting solutions, including solenoid valves, switch boxes, filter regulators and accessories, from one global technology partner.

By using one supplier, manufacturers can simplify their supply chains, improve design accuracy and access comprehensive engineering support. Designing a valve piloting solution that includes technologies from different suppliers splits vendor responsibility and can introduce an opportunity for error.

With the market’s highest flow rate capabilities of up to 370.8 standard cubic feet per minute (10,500 liters per minute), the aluminum filter regulators improve process efficiency and ensure that stringent process valve opening/ closing requirements like those for emergency shutdown valves are met. Higher flow rates provide more air to the valve actuator, which increases the opening and closing speed of process valves. Depending on the application, slow valve closures can increase safety risks.

These robust filter regulators feature rugged construction and advanced engineering that further enhance safety and maintain plant uptime, while specialized powder coating ensures reliable operation in harsh, corrosive process environments. Effective moisture removal keeps media dry to protect downstream devices, and sophisticated media filtration prevents downstream process contamination.

This three-tiered regulator line provides a .25-inch to 1-inch coverage and is highly customizable. Process manufacturers can choose advanced features such as Quick Relief, which enhances safety and operational certainty by exhausting downstream pressure if supply air pressure is lost, as well as low-temperature and low-copper variants, manual and automatic draining, global certifications, and many other options that serve specific applications, in the chemical, oil and gas, energy and utilities, food and beverage, and water and wastewater industries.

For more information, see ASCO Series 641, 642 and 643 Aluminum Filter Regulator specifications, features and resources

The ASCO Series 641/2/3aluminum filter regulators maximize process efficiency by providing high flow rates and precise pressure regulation to downstream instruments.

QVI ANNOUNCES KEITH E. POLIDOR AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Quality Vision International Inc (QVI®), a world-leading manufacturer of precision metrology systems, has announced that Keith E. Polidor has been named as President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 9th, 2023.

Keith has had 23 years of experience with QVI, most recently as Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2016 and as QVI’s Corporate Secretary since 2007. Prior to his role as COO, he led strategic and operational functions in Manufacturing, Quality, Information Systems, and Marketing. His educational credentials include an MBA degree from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BA degree from Colgate University. He will be the 3rd generation President of the company.

Keith is stepping into the roles being vacated by Edward “Tarry” Polidor. Tarry’s career with QVI has spanned six decades. He was the 2nd generation company President for 46 years, assuming the role from his father and company founder in 1977. During Tarry’s tenure, the concept of video metrology was invented and introduced to the world, enabling manufacturers to measure their parts optically in new and revolutionary ways, which drove company growth. Under Tarry’s leadership, QVI is well positioned for the leadership transition being announced. He will remain with the company, transitioning into the role of President Emeritus.

Tarry commented on the change, saying, “Over the company’s 78-year history, technology introduced and offered by QVI has transformed the industry. Under Keith’s leadership, the tradition of innovation in dimensional metrology will continue.”

http://qvii.com/

ROUTECO AND CORETIGO ENGAGE IN PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONIZE UK FACTORY AUTOMATION

To meet rising demand for Industry 4.0 factory automation solutions keeps across the United Kingdom, a new partnership was recently created between UK’s industrial automation distributor Routeco, and global wireless industrial automation solution provider CoreTigo.

Engaging in a strategic partnership to revolutionize the factory automation field in the UK, the two companies agreed on pursuing a joint effort, leaping industrial automation forward and creating numerous new applications and capabilities. By doing so, Routeco is expending the spread of IO-Link Wireless communication in its territories, shifting machines to wireless communication, and unbinding their full capabilities.

IO-Link Wireless provides essential characteristics, essential for advanced industrial manufacturing capabilities. Ranging from a 5 Msec low latency and deterministic nature, through scalability reliability and coexistence capabilities, it portrays must have abilities for the 2020’s competitive market. IO-Link Wireless presents reliability of 1 e-9 Packet Error Rate (PER), which compared to everyday wireless communications protocols such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee and BLE (Bluetooth low energy), is 1 million times better (1e6).

Complementing Routeco’s portfolio, some of CoreTigo’s main solutions target challenges in the Packaging, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals and Metal Works. Enabling for the first time real-time control and monitoring on industrial rotating devices, IO-Link Wireless enhances and opens the door for new capabilities with Rotary Tables & Carousels, Transport Tracks, Smart Machine Tooling, Robotic End-ofArm, Condition Monitoring and many others.

https://www.coretigo.com/solutions/

CORETIGO RECEIVES INVESTMENT FROM AMAZON INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION FUND TO ACCELERATE INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIVITY

CoreTigo’s enhanced wireless communication drives flexibility, agility and operational excellence.

CoreTigo, an industrial wireless automation solution provider, announced that Amazon has joined their Series B1 round of fundraising. Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund investment brings CoreTigo’s Series B1 round to a total of $18M and joins CoreTigo’s strategic investors, including, Emerson Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures LLC, and Verizon Ventures, among others.

“We’re thrilled to have Amazon as an investor,” says Eran Zigman, CoreTigo’s CEO. “Amazon and CoreTigo share a vision of seamless reliable connectivity, and Amazon’s investment is the next step in advancing our mission to create game-changing solutions for the entire space.”

“Amazon continues to accelerate robotics deployment across our operations, and we see first-hand the need for more seamless, reliable, and scalable communications for industrial machinery,” said Matt Peterson, Director of the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. “With CoreTigo’s solutions, machine builders and manufacturers are able to eliminate wired communication constraints and enable their equipment to be much more flexible and adaptive across a number of different environments.”

CoreTigo’s solutions address challenges in a variety of industries. In logistics specifically, CoreTigo’s wireless technology enables connection across robots, smart conveyance and sorting systems, machine tooling, and

other rotating units. This yields numerous benefits, such as adaptive machine designs that can support a large variety of products and reduce energy consumption, maintenance, and footprint in a cost-effective manner. As an example, wireless connectivity in conveying and sorting systems allows for performing tasks during high-speed motion, effectively minimizing complexity and enhancing the handling flexibility and speed of transported items. In robotics, eliminating the cables and dresspacks increases the maneuverability as well as reducing maintenance operations. In addition, CoreTigo’s Industrial IOT, machine optimization, and data collection solutions facilitate accessibility even in demanding environments. This empowers businesses with valuable insights to enhance operational excellence and improve overall efficiency.

CoreTigo shares Amazon’s vision of a future of manufacturing and logistics systems that are highly flexible and capable of responding quickly to changing market demands, customer needs, and supply chain innovation. The goal is to create an agile, resilient, and adaptive industrial space by connecting people, devices, and machines.

https://www.coretigo.com/solutions/

MOXA JOINS AVNU ALLIANCE AS PROMOTER MEMBER TO FUEL THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION WITH TIME-SENSITIVE NETWORKING

Moxa Inc., a leader in industrial communications and networking, announced that it has joined Avnu Alliance, the industry forum driving deterministic capabilities into open, standards-based networking as a promoter member to advance time-sensitive networking (TSN) ecosystem interoperability.

Moxa’s joining shows great promise, focusing on working on a truly unified and high-performance network infrastructure that permits all types of traffic to coexist for real-time communication, low latency, and high-reliability requirements in diverse applications.

Moxa and Avnu are also members of the TSN Industrial Automation Conformance Collaboration ( TIACC ), the industrial industry initiative to drive TSN interoperability. Avnu and other industry protocol organizations and their members, such as Moxa are working towards a jointly agreed and owned test plan for the industrial automation market.

“As one of the pioneers in developing TSN standards, Moxa has committed to collaborating with key industry players and customers to bridge the gap between standard Ethernet and industrial applications and to speed up the cross-vendor interoperability of automation components in automation systems,” said Jack Lin, product manager and project lead of Moxa’s Global TSN Initiative. “Membership in Avnu aligns with our global strategies and our vision for TSN as the network for the future of industrial automation. Avnu and Moxa have many synergies with our work in TIACC and our shared goal of interoperability and coexistence in open, standard networks.”

Moxa is involved in many TSN standardization projects worldwide, including the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN profile for industrial automation, IEEE 802.1 TSN Task Group, etc., and launched the industry’s first TSN-enabled switch with all ports supporting TSN in 2018. On top of which, Moxa has also dedicated significant effort and commitment to the world’s most significant TSN interoperability testbeds to ensure that TSN solutions are stable and reliable before going to market, which includes:

• Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) TSN testbed

• Labs Network Industrie (LNI) 4.0 Testbed for TSN

• Edge Computing Consortium (ECC) OPC UA TSN testbed

• Alliance of Industrial Internet (AII) TSN testbed in China

• China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI) TSN testbed

• Taiwan Institute formation Industry (III) TSN Testbed

As a Taiwan-based company and the newest promoter member company of Avnu, Moxa will take the reach of the interoperability ecosystem further to the Asia Pacific region and across multiple industries. Moxa can now collaborate freely with fellow Avnu members to develop interoperable TSN products and further enable an ecosystem where devices from different manufacturers, which support different automation protocols, will coexist reliably over wired and wireless TSN on a unified network infrastructure for communications at all levels.

“Moxa brings over a half-decade of experience developing TSN infrastructure to the Avnu Alliance, as well as a strong commitment to the APAC region, specifically China and Taiwan, which will help bring Avnu the capacity to expand our reach and community. Moxa also has shown a deep commitment to driving network convergence and interoperability through its work with the TIACC and participation in industry TSN test beds,” said Dave Cavalcanti, President of Avnu Alliance. “We look forward to working together with Moxa to grow the ecosystem of interoperable wired and wireless TSN products that will benefit multiple industries.”

Membership allows Moxa a chance to network and consult with time-sensitive application experts and engineers, discussing best practices for implementation and realtime updates on specifications and testing requirements. Avnu members work together to define conformance and interoperability tests as well as certification programs, ensuring that TSN products are easy to implement and enjoy broad global market appeal.

www.moxa.com

THREE CODESYS-BASED MOTION CONTROLLERS, INCREASING AX-3 SERIES SCALABILITY

Delta’s motion controller portfolio now supports a range from 4 to 64 axes.

Delta has recently launched the AX-304EL, AX-316E, and AX-364EL motion controllers to complement the existing AX-308E motion controller. AX-3 series motion controllers offer a CODESYS development environment to enable intelligent industrial automation applications. Compatibility with Delta AS Series IO products and support for major industrial communication protocols including EtherCAT and MODBUS.

Delta released the AX-308E as the first CODESYS-based motion controller in the AX-3 series, which was an immediate success. To fulfill the need for controllers that could handle more than 8 axes as well as a more cost-efficient model beneath it, the new AX-3 series models are now being introduced. Alongside the AX-8 series, Delta now offers extremely cost-competitive solutions across a broad range of automation scenarios.

Flexible usability, high performance and seamless communication

The new controllers expand Delta’s motion portfolio and enable single-axis movements as well as synchronous multiaxis motion such as gearing, ECAMs, and interpolation. IO capabilities are integrated into the motion controller but can also be implemented using external Delta AS-series modules for remote input/output setups.

The AX-304EL, AX-316E, and AX-364EL support up to 4, 16 and 64 axes respectively and offer an EtherCAT master, 2 Ethernet ports, serial ports, 16 built-in digital inputs, and 8 digital outputs. The AX-3 series motion controllers are compatible with the common communication protocols OPC UA, Modbus and Ethernet/IP. As the CODESYS AX-3 Series is an evolving and growing product series, the goal is to offer more communication protocols as well as more advanced product.

Faster time-to-market with DIADesigner-AX

DIADesigner-AX software integrates CODESYS into Delta’s DIAStudio software platform. The environment provides support from the planning stage through execution and commissioning, easing the implementation of both simple and complex motion control, including single- and multiaxis movements, gearing, ECAMs and interpolation. It also helps ensure compliance with international standards such as IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen. Software developers will benefit from integrated tools including an oscilloscope, simulator, and CAM design editor.

The AX-304EL, AX-316E, and AX-364EL motion controllers are now available throughout the EMEA region.

www.deltaww.com

CASE COMPLETES ENVIRONMENTAL BEACH CARE CLEAN-UP PROJECT

CASE Construction Equipment contributed to the Beach Care Project, an eco-friendly coastal clean-up initiative involving over 400 students and providing educational materials to over 10,000 school children in Italy, France, Spain and the UK.

The project, which resulted in the cleaning and ecological maintenance of beaches across Europe, was centred on education and awareness. It involved collaboration with leading academic and scientific institutions including the Italian Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Spain’s Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC).

Commencing in 2020, after an Italian television documentary La Natura che parla (Nature Speaks), the first beaches to benefit from the project were at Rovigliano, in Campania, Italy, around the mouth of the Sarno river. The project was then expanded in 2021, to take in Carini Beach in Sicily, where 2-tonnes of mainly plastic waste was removed and at Foce Varano in Apulia, where 2.5-tonnes of waste were collected.

On to the Cote d’Azur in France the activity involved ecological management of the Banquette of Posidonia Oceanica, a seagrass species that is vital for the marine ecosystem. Further sites were developed in Tarragona in Spain and the project was part of the Posidonia Green Festival in Barcelona. While many of the initial locations were city beaches, the final site to benefit from the project’s work was a river mouth at Thorney Bay Beach, on Canvey Island in the UK.

Working with parent company CNH Industrial, CASE Construction Equipment supplied a range of machines, including a 621G wheel loader and a TV370B compact tracked loader to the projects. The machines were used to collect and load plastic waste from the sand on the beaches, preventing it being washed into the sea. This plastic was

analysed by CNR and CNRS, before being recycled into educational toys, contributing to a circular waste economy.

“At CNH Industrial, sustainability informs everything that we do,” said Daniela Ropolo, Head of Sustainable Development Initiatives. “Through this important international project, we are promoting the protection of the environment across generations. Its impact is getting bigger and bigger with each country we visit.”

Overall, the Beach Care Project has involved thousands of school children across Europe. Around 400 students have taken part in the actual cleaning projects, with 10,000 school children provided with educational materials to help them learn about beach ecosystems.

“CASE and its partners are cleaning beaches to give them back to the community, completing leading edge academic research, educating and promoting responsible values among younger generations, and fostering interest and engagement in environmental protection and care,” said Federico Bullo, Head of Europe Construction Equipment CNH Industrial.

“Since 2021, over 10,000 children learned about beach ecosystems, as the Beach Care Project was rolled out in schools, with educational materials and dedicated lessons.”

Barry Campagna, Chairman of Canvey Bay Watch, one of the local organisations behind the UK site added: “When the beach is clean, people show it more care and respect. Our efforts make people further appreciate the marine environment. It also enables other opportunities for local children to learn about the positive ecological impact they can make. CASE’s machinery certainly makes our work easier.”

https://www.casece.com/

KOMATSU INTRODUCES A MEDIUM-SIZED HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR WITH HYDROGEN FUEL CELL SYSTEM

PoC advanced to accelerate towards achieving safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future.

Concept machine for a medium-sized hydraulic excavator equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell

Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) has developed a new concept medium-sized hydraulic excavator that combines a hydrogen fuel cell and Komatsudeveloped key components to achieve carbon neutrality at workplaces of construction equipment. By advancing the PoC (Proof of Concept) tests it started in May 2023, Komatsu has accelerated its efforts to embark on the commercial production of medium-sized and large construction equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells in the near future.

In its mid-term management plan, Komatsu committed to minimizing environmental impact throughout its business, targeting a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from use of its products and production of its equipment by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and a challenge target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To help its customers achieve carbon neutrality, Komatsu has been providing a variety of products, services, and solutions that reduce environmental impact, such as hybrid hydraulic excavators and electric mini excavators. Komatsu is also engaged in research and development to provide products equipped with new power sources.

For the new concept machine, Komatsu adopted a hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen tank, which were produced by Toyota Motor Corporation (Operating Officer, President: Koji Sato) (hereafter “Toyota”), on Komatsu’s medium-sized hydraulic excavator. In addition to Komatsu’s comprehensive

control technology, the combination of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system and Komatsu key components, Komatsu is working towards zero exhaust emissions and a significant reduction in noise and vibration, while delivering the same powerful digging performance and high operability as engine-driven excavators.

Medium-sized and large construction equipment both require a power source with higher energy density than that of small construction equipment, which has led to the move to electrification with batteries. Because hydrogen has a higher energy density and can be refuelled in a shorter time than is required for recharging batteries, Komatsu has been advancing its R&D efforts as a promising electrification choice for medium-sized and large models. To contribute to realizing a hydrogen society and carbon neutrality, Komatsu will continue its efforts towards the commercial production of medium-sized and large construction machinery equipped with hydrogen fuel cells by conducting PoC tests of this new concept machine.

DANTOTSU Value is defined as customer value creation that generates a positive cycle of improvement of earnings and ESG resolutions in Komatsu’s new mid-term management plan, entitled “DANTOTSU Value – Together, to “The Next” for sustainable growth”. Through this DANTOTSU Value, Komatsu will strive to create new values in order to take steady steps forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and pass on a sustainable future to the next generation.

www.komatsu.eu

ENABLING LI-ION BATTERY MANUFACTURERS TO TURN DATA INTO EFFICIENCY GAINS

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is continuing to skyrocket, driven by the growing market for more sustainable e-mobility solutions. For LIB cell manufacturers to get the most out of the current opportunities, they need to be able to quickly deliver high volumes of quality products while maintaining a low environmental impact.

Klaus Petersen, Director – Automotive & Lithium Battery Industries, Factory Automation EMEA at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., explains how digital technologies can help LIB manufacturers in this pursuit in the videocast “Lithium-Ion Batteries: From data to competitive advantage”.

It is a truly exciting time for LIB cell producers, as demand for their products will continue to rise for the foreseeable future and there is considerable room for expansion in the supply chain. To successfully navigate the opportunities that this trend holds, it is important for companies to have an in-depth understanding of what the driving force is and what users are looking for. These can be summarised as the need to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector with reliable innovations. In turn, this means that manufacturers need to be able to consistently deliver LIB cells with optimum capacity, voltage and resistance while minimising waste, energy usage and resource utilisation.

The most effective and future-proof way to do this is through data-driven process control, according to Klaus Petersen. Thanks to his extensive experience as a quality specialist in the automotive sector, he has an in-depth understanding of how process knowledge can help to simultaneously improve end products and production efficiency. To gain the unique, actionable insight required to realise these benefits, LIB cell manufacturers need to quantitatively monitor what is going on in the shop floor as well as how these activities

and their operating conditions influence quality. This type of setup is also key to identifying inefficiencies and tackling them, lowering expenses while supporting the delivery of cost-competitive, reliable LIB cells.

Ultimately, by developing a comprehensive overview of their processes and products, companies can also take key steps to implement automated operations that adjust their parameters in real-time to consistently create quality batteries and improve productivity. Even more, they can set up fully integrated production lines as well as connect to partner companies to share data. As a result, value-adding knowledge can be shared to support traceability and create quality-centric supply chains with a limited environmental footprint.

To watch Klaus Petersen’s full interview and learn more about the real-world benefits of digital technologies for competitive process control in LIB cell production visit: https://bit.ly/3BKDN12

https://emea.mitsubishielectric.com/

JUICE MISSION TO

JUPITER: EXXELIA

HIGH RELIABILITY PASSIVE COMPONENTS READY TO WITHSTAND EXTREME SPACE CONDITIONS

Exxelia, one of the world leaders in high-performance passive component design and manufacturing, is proud to announce that its capacitors and magnetics have been selected for use in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission.

Exxelia is known for the quality and reliability of its products, making it a popular choice for space missions

Exxelia components are used in many embedded systems on board the JUICE mission. Selected components include capacitors (High Voltage C Series X7R & TCK Series X7R, CEC Series NP0, Polyester PET PM 948) and magnetics (Inductors MPCI and SESI, Common mode choke CMC and specific transformers). All have been carefully designed and tested to withstand the extreme conditions of space.

Exxelia has been working closely on this project for more than 10 years, notably on the GALA (GAnymede Laser Altimeter) and MAJIS (Moon and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer) instruments.

Conditions in space are extreme, with high levels of radiation, drastic temperature variations, and intense vibrations. Exxelia components have been designed to withstand these conditions, providing consistent and reliable performance throughout the mission, proven by a qualification testing that mimics what they will be seeing during their approximately 15 years of service.

The JUICE mission is an ambitious mission aimed at studying Jupiter and three of its largest moons, Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa, with the goal of better understanding the origin and evolution of planetary systems. Exxelia’s components will play a key role in collecting vital scientific data, particularly for measuring magnetic fields in the vicinity of these moons.

Strong of its 40+ years’ experience in space, Exxelia offers the most complete space qualified passive components portfolio

www.exxelia.com

SMART COCOA PROCESSING THAT HITS THE PRODUCTIVITY SWEET SPOT

Companies in the food and beverage industry are grappling with a number of challenges that can prevent them from thriving in today’s marketplace. However, there are real opportunities for these manufacturers to optimise and improve their operations using data science.

Across the food and beverage value chain, businesses are encountering a number of obstacles that are holding back the potential for increased profitability, efficiency, throughput and, ultimately competitiveness. This is driving producers and packaging experts to look for technologies to help optimise product quality, uptime, productivity, costs, resource utilisation and environmental footprint.

These aspects can all be enhanced with the adoption of value-adding solutions based on data-driven digital technologies, according to leading expert Malte Schlüter. For example, it is possible to streamline and improve the results of product and packaging inspections using innovative vision systems that identify anomalies and remove defective or off-spec materials. These combine high-resolution, highspeed cameras, artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis platforms and automated machines, such as industrial robots. An additional benefit of these setups is the ability to continuously improve their detection performance over time, thanks to the data-led refinement of the models used.

The potential gains that companies can achieve were highlighted by one of Mitsubishi Electric’s latest demonstration units on show at interpack 2023 from 4th10th May in Düsseldorf, Germany. Attendees will be invited

to join the company at Stand A40 in Hall 6 to explore an open, modular and fully integrated quality inspection line for chocolate bars and their packaging.

The solution features a conveyor belt that passes three different stations. Firstly, the products go through an X-ray system that can spot foreign objects and impurities, subsequently, they are taken to a deep learning-based solution that evaluates packaging seal quality. Finally, an articulated six-axis robot picks, lifts, and turns the product around so that it can be weighed and then inspected by a vision system, which is used to perform a final check of the chocolate bars. All in all, this is a fully automated product and packaging quality inspection solution, that can be placed modular and highly flexible at many process steps on every production line.

To watch Malte Schlüter’s full interview on the Mitsubishi Electric Videocast and learn more about how data science can drive the performance of your food and beverage production lines, visit: https://youtu.be/82iStuwgW-0

https://emea.mitsubishielectric.com/

PORTABLE JUST GOT MORE POWERFUL

Brady Corporation’s new M610, M611 and M710 portable label printers offer the speed, versatility and durability to get any labelling job done right, at any time, anywhere.

To maximally support users, the new portable printers from Brady offer countless options to design any label - via the onboard keypad, via PC, and via smartphone. These designs can be printed on the widest range of label materials, sizes and colours, fit for any identification job. All 3 printers also immediately recognise every loaded material, they auto-calibrate and warn whenever a label design would need a different label size.

Work the way your work demands

With Brady’s new high-end portable printing range, users decide how labels are created.

Printers have label design wizards installed that can be operated with the on-board keypad, available in all key layouts.

Alternatively, labels can be designed with Brady Workstation on PC, stored on the printer, or sent to the printer when needed via Wi-Fi.

The new printers’ top feature perhaps is they can all be operated with the user’s smartphone, provided Brady’s free Express Labels Mobile app is installed. The app makes label design extremely easy, practical and fast for almost any label with any recent smartphone model.

Depending on the needs of the job, users can load printer consumables with precision pre-cut labels or rolls with continuous label material that can be auto-cut after printing. For large print jobs, Brady also offers compatible bulk rolls that maximise the portables’ fast print speeds of up to 76 mm per second.

Create premium labels from anywhere Brady offers thousands of printer label options, including general identification materials and highly specialised solutions designed for maximum reliability in specific contexts. With the widest choice in label materials, sizes and colours, users will enjoy the freedom to clearly and reliably identify just about anything with a single label printer.

The M610, M611 and M710 are all designed for use on the road and in busy workplaces. They are tough and rugged and can resist more than the occasional bump. All models offer a 1.8-metre drop resistance and military grade shock resistance, and they include a rechargeable li-ION battery that keeps users printing all day long, up to around 4500 labels per charge.

An elevated labelling experience

Any of the new portable label printers from Brady unlock a seamless identification ecosphere that offers a premium labelling experience.

Thousands of authentic Brady label materials are automatically recognised by the printer, by Brady Workstation on a user’s PC, and by the Express Labels Mobile app on a smartphone. The printer will auto-adapt its settings, and the Brady Workstation software and Express Labels Mobile app for label design will immediately take into account the specific loaded material, so users can push identification to the limit without a single worry.

Effortless communication between label material, label printer and label design software results in first time right labels, all but no label loss, and fast identification in the office, and in the field. It also enables error-free printing of custom, fully personalised label rolls that can be pre-printed in advance with a logo or any other information.

Available via Brady’s worldwide network of experienced distributors, the M610, M611 and M710 are ready to change the labelling experience of businesses in many industries, anywhere in the world.

www.bradyeurope.com/portableprinters

KOMATSU ANNOUNCES SWITCH TO HVO AS FACTORY-FILL FUEL

Acting now on the road to zero emissions.

Komatsu and its wholly owned subsidiary Komatsu Europe International N.V. are pleased to announce the company’s decision to switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as factory-fill fuel for Komatsu equipment produced in Europe.

In line with Komatsu’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and as a challenging target in the midterm management plan, this Komatsu world first will begin in April 2023 at the Komatsu Germany GmbH, Construction Division (KGC) plant in Hannover, Germany, and at the Komatsu UK plant in Birtley, England, with other Komatsu Europe plants to follow.

The combustion engines in Komatsu machines*1 can be operated with HVO*2, with no modifications required. The switch to this renewable, paraffinic fuel as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel is a major step Komatsu is taking towards reducing its environmental impact. It shows that the company’s machines can run on a cleaner and more sustainable fuel, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality.

HVO is produced from renewable raw material such as cooking oil and animal fats wastes. It is a simple drop-in replacement for fossil diesel, but with high cetane, no oxygen and no aromatics. It can lower the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by your Komatsu equipment by up to 90 percent, if the machine is fuelled with Neste MY Renewable Diesel (= HVO 100) from Neste, one of our main suppliers of HVO.

“HVO not only grants lower emissions during operation by superior chemical composition. said Ingo Büscher, Managing Director of KGC. “Komatsu’s HVO first fill product (Neste MY Renewable Diesel) is mainly made of waste material limiting consumption renewable resources such as vegetable oils.” He added: “We are committed to support our customers in achieving their long-term sustainability goals as a one team approach. We believe that HVO is an effective

and economical option to both reduce emissions and save limited resources.”

Komatsu’s switch to HVO factory-fill fuel is just one of the many steps that the company is taking towards sustainability, along with the research and development of new technologies and solutions such as electric and hydrogen-powered machines, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve its zero-emission goal.

By embracing solutions like HVO fuel, Komatsu is helping to create a more sustainable future for the construction and mining industries.

DANTOTSU Value is defined as customer value creation that generates a positive cycle of improvement of earnings and ESG resolutions in Komatsu’s mid-term management plan, entitled “DANTOTSU Value - Together, to ‘THE NEXT’ for sustainable growth”. Through this DANTOTSU Value, Komatsu will strive to create new values in order to take steady steps forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and pass on a sustainable future to the next generation.

www.komatsu.eu

*1 including the construction, forklift, mining and forestry machines

*2 Only HVOs that conform to the standards can be used for Komatsu machines equipped with Komatsu engines.

Note: The GHG emission reduction varies depending on the region-specific legislation that provides the methodology for the calculations (e.g. EU RED II 2018/2001/EU for Europe and US California LCFS for the US), and the raw material mix used to manufacture the product for each market.

PEPPERL+FUCHS FACTORY AUTOMATION: INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONIZES 3-D MEASUREMENT

Combination of Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) with MEMS technology enables high-resolution 3-D point clouds.

From industrial automation to autonomous vehicles to care robots, mastering the challenges of the future will require powerful 3-D sensors that capture their surroundings quickly, comprehensively, and with millimeter precision. A technological innovation from Pepperl+Fuchs in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT enables maximum precision and performance - while remaining highly cost-efficient. For the first time, high-performance distance measurement technology is combined with MEMS technology. This forms the basis for the R3000 3-D LiDAR/MEMS sensor, which will be presented as a product study at the Hannover Messe 2023.

Combining the Benefits of Two Technologies

The 3-D measurement is based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), a distance measurement method developed by Pepperl+Fuchs that can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements. Based on over 250,000 emitted laser pulses per second, it measures distances from a few centimeters to several hundred meters with millimeter accuracy. Ambient light and other environmental influences are effectively suppressed. As a result, PRT delivers fast, precise, and reliable measurement results.

To reach the third dimension, Pepperl+Fuchs combines PRT with a micro-electro-mechanical system from Fraunhofer ISIT for the first time as part of the R3000 product study: A small, economical, and mechanically robust MEMS mirror is integrated into the sensor.

Through the motion of the piezoelectrically driven element, the emitted laser beam is deflected in two axes by 40° x 30 °. Unlike conventional 3-D sensors, no pixel grid is created during the process of measurement. Instead, the R3000 uses a particularly small light spot and seamless scanning to produce ultra-high resolution 3-D point clouds with exceptional detail.

The R3000 3-D LiDAR/MEMS Sensor

Intuitive Operation Due to Intelligent User Guidance

To make communication between man and machine as simple as possible, the R3000 is equipped with additional functions. The sensor not only generates a 3-D point cloud, but also a superimposed intensity image that can visualize the scene and therefore facilitate programming and operation. In addition, each measurement point can be displayed with a visible laser beam. The synchronous laser projector allows the R3000 to be precisely aligned and adjusted without additional tools, ensuring easy commissioning. This function also enables interaction between the user and the service robot, for example.

Powerful 3-D Measurement for the Automation of the Future

With its innovative technology, the R3000 LiDAR/MEMS sensor will herald a revolution for solving complex automation tasks. Precise 3-D images of unknown environments are essential for the next generation of autonomous driving—from driverless transport systems in industry to automated transport of patients in retirement and nursing homes.

With the combination of PRT and MEMS, such complex, dynamic scenes can be captured in detail in real time. This creates a comprehensive database for completely new evaluations using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. As a compact and cost-effective sensor, the R3000 will make high-precision 3-D measurements available for a vast range of applications.

In combination with advanced algorithms, the sensor will significantly drive development in the field of autonomous vehicles and service robotics - not only in manufacturing plants, hospitals or nursing homes, but in all areas of life.

www.pepperl-fuchs.com

With the motion of the integrated MEMS mirror, the laser beam is deflected in two axes.

Due to precise scanning, ultra-high resolution 3-D point clouds are created.

The compact and cost-effective R3000 enables high-performance 3-D measurement

EXXELIA EXPANDS ITS HIGH-PERFORMANCE DIELECTRIC RESONATORS AND FERRITES CAPABILITIES FOR MICROWAVE APPLICATIONS

Exxelia, enlarges its Dielectric Resonators (DR) material and Ferrite offering for high-frequency applications.

New capabilities include the use of its latest E7000 material, which provides narrow bandwidths, temperature stability and high Q-factor together with advanced manufacturing skills such as the capability to deliver extremely small size, and complex ferrite designs.

Exxelia’s E7000 series is a Ba-Mg-Ta based material that combines an ultra-high Q-factor and the possibility to get different temperature coefficients upon request. E7000 features the highest performance requested for space use in the frequency range from 5 to 32 GHz, and guarantees a Qxf up to > 250 000 at 10GHZ.

In addition, Exxelia is now able to support the most advanced RF designs with the delivery of complex geometries such as Y-shape ferrites for microwave switches or Toroidal designs for phase shifters applications. Those miniaturized and complex products may be as small as few mm only and benefit from exceptional quality, superior performance and low loss (ΔH) materials.

Exxelia is a unique manufacturer producing its own raw materials for Ferrites and Dielectrics with proprietary formulations for use in the most demanding environments.

Nicolas Dabadie, Microwave Materials business development manager at Exxelia said: “We are pleased to support our customers’ more and more complex designs and demanding applications. Our unique capability to master the manufacturing from raw materials to highend finished products opens the way to new solutions for microwave applications going from few MHz to 40GHz”.

E7000 series technical specifications:

• Dielectric constant: 24

• Q x f Factor (GHz): 250000

• Frequency : Min: 5900 MHz / Max: 37150 MHz

• Custom shapes available: disk, cylinder, square etc…

• Typical Q factor: 25000 at 10 GHz

https://exxelia.com/en/product/detail/636/e7000

Ferrite materials are used in microwave devices such as isolators, circulators, diplexers, filters and phase shifters. They have dielectric and magnetic properties due to the presence of magnetic ions such as iron within the composition. Exxelia also offers a wide range of dielectric resonators series, including coaxial resonators in different sizes. Please contact us for additional details!

www.exxelia.com

LEMO PRESENTS 12G-SDI 4K ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION TRANSMISSION PUSH-PULL CONNECTORS

LEMO’s new 1S.275 Series push-pull connectors are compliant with the SMPTE ST 2082-1 standard and provide 8 times the bandwidth of HD-SDI in a single link.

LEMO has developed the new 1S.275 Series pushpull connectors in response to the rapidly advancing technology landscape and market demands for high transmission rates, lighter structure, low-latency in live events for the Audio Video Broadcasting (AVB) market segments and other market segments like medical imaging platforms such as endoscopy and laparoscopy, among others.

The optimum design of this connectors ensures seamless transmission with high precision, reliability, low return loss, making it a viable alternative to using dual 6G or Quad 3G links. Currently, many 4K professional cameras use Quad link BNC connectors to transmit 12G signals for UHD displays. The new connectors will facilitate the transmission of 12G-SDI using a compact single link connection for UHD displays, enabling higher panel density thus reducing the number of cables/connectors.

Thanks to its expertise and cable assembly capabilities, LEMO is at your disposal to assist you in providing complete interconnect solutions.

www.lemo.com

FUZZY LOGIC AND VISIONIC, PARTNERS IN AUTOMATING THE CLEANING OF COMPLEX PARTS IN AERONAUTICS

Fuzzy Logic and Visionic are removing the technological and financial obstacles to the robotization of applications that were previously unheard of, such as pressure cleaning and the decontamination of engine parts in the aeronautics industry.

Aeronautics is a demanding sector that requires extremely rigorous and standardized industrial processes. For example, machined engine parts must be rendered particle-free before assembly, and are therefore subjected to meticulous cleaning at very high pressure. These noisy and arduous processes are currently performed manually. Operators exposed to high pressure water jets, up to 60 bars, pollution and noise are at high risk of MSD. Aeronautical manufacturers and subcontractors are having difficulty recruiting candidates for these jobs, which are also highly regulated and whose difficulty is closely monitored by the unions.

In order to reduce the difficulty of these tasks, manufacturers are seeking to automate them. Nevertheless, they are confronted with the complexity of robotization, due in particular to the diversity of the parts and their number, to the expert costs and to the lack of availability of roboticists.

In response to these specific and complex problems, Visionic has designed a robotic cell that includes a chassis, a robot, high-pressure hydraulic circuits, a filtration system and a closed-circuit particle recovery system. It is controlled with Fuzzy Studio. Unique in the market, it allows the robotization of these complex tasks, without expertise in robotic programming and at lower costs.

Automatic trajectory generation without programming, a unique feature

Generating robotic trajectories requires long and complex programming by a roboticist. Automation is even more complicated for applications such as high-pressure cleaning of aeronautical parts that involve a large number of parts with variable geometries. With Fuzzy Studio, these complex trajectories are automatically generated in a few clicks using 3D information from objects placed in a virtual cell. It is possible to add an unlimited number of waypoints to these

trajectories. This feature saves users considerable time and frees them from dependence on robotics experts.

Xavier Savin, CEO of Visionic comments: “The key element of Fuzzy Logic’s software is its ability to generate automated trajectories, its simplicity and speed of execution. In this complex application, it introduces a radically new paradigm that is a major shift from classical systems that require a robotic operator. Here, the payoff for our customer is the conversion of a tedious, risky, non-value-added task to a basic operator task.”

Ryan Lober, CEO of Fuzzy Logic explains, “With Fuzzy Studio, integration specifications are validated in minutes versus days or weeks and at lower costs. Cell sizing information is displayed for easy decision making, before moving on to real-time robot control with Fuzzy RTOS. Parameters can be quickly modified in the simulation. These advantages are unique in the market, and they allow to drastically reduce the investment risks of a robotics project. They offer the possibility to robotize where it seemed impossible.”

Xavier Savin adds, “Projects to reuse this cell are underway in the aeronautics sector. We are aiming further ahead and want to extend this solution to other industrial applications, for example welding or control. It is applicable wherever complex robotic trajectories need to be generated quickly.” He concludes: “At Visionic, we are fully convinced of the interest of Fuzzy Logic’s software for our customers on the

one hand but also for our R&D. It gives us a considerable technological advantage.”

https://flr.io/

WEAV3D AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT FOR NATURAL FIBER POLYPROPYLENE ENHANCEMENTS

WEAV3D Inc., an innovator in composite materials, manufacturing processes and processing equipment, has been awarded a $200,000 Technology Enhancement for Commercial Partnerships (TECP) supplement to its 2021 National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant. The new award focuses on the use of WEAV3D’s woven composite lattices to enhance the performance and sustainability of natural fiber polypropylene (NFPP) composites for automotive applications.

“ This grant will fund a detailed study of mechanical performance and manufacturability of latticereinforced NFPP panels, including the development and validation of finite element simulation tools,” says Chris Oberste, President of WEAV3D and Principal Investigator for this award. “Our technology enhances the performance of NFPP materials, enabling these sustainable materials to be optimized for a wide range of applications within the vehicle.”

Antolin, one of the largest international suppliers for automotive interiors and a leader in innovation and sustainability, is the commercial partner for the TECP award.

“The use of WEAV3D reinforcements promises to reduce the weight of our NFPP components, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions and trims waste to improve the overall sustainability of these parts,” says Pablo Soto, Materials Specialist with Antolin’s Corporate Innovation Department. This supports Antolin’s sustainability commitments to reduce CO2 emissions by 75 percent and nonhazardous waste generation by 10 percent by 2028.

Polyvlies, a leading supplier of nonwoven materials, is also participating in the project. The company’s Naroplast® thermoplastic natural fiber composite targets automotive compression molding applications. “WEAV3D’s ability to tailor the tapes and woven patterns to the application provides an extremely flexible way to increase the strength and stiffness of the panels while improving the design flexibility,” says Axel Hinrichs, CEO of Polyvlies USA.

This additional award follows a previous $1 million grant to fund the design, fabrication and testing of a continuous composite forming line that uses ultrasonic welding to increase the production throughput of WEAV3D’s patentpending continuous composite forming process. This nextgeneration system is being built according to automotive production speed and quality standards, with a target production capacity of 200,000 to 300,000 automotive door panel size parts per year per machine.

https://www.antolin.com/ https://weav3d.com/

ROTACHROM RCPC PLATFORM ADHERES TO CGMP GUIDELINES FOR PHARMACEUTICALS

RotaChrom has announced its rCPC platform conforms to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for the pharmaceutical industry, allowing the use of its rCPC purification and separation systems within cGMP-compliant laboratory and manufacturing environments.

“ The GMP rCPC is a preparative purification platform that we specifically designed for the highly regulated pharmaceutical GMP environment,” says Andras Gaspar, Ph.D., Chief Product Officer. “CPC enables you to research and produce APIs, macromolecules, nucleotides, botanical extracts and other compounds from the pilot- to industrialscale.”

Designed for pilot-scale centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) in laboratory environments, the rCPC platform accommodates both small and large batch sizes, operates continuously and is ideal for all types of research projects. This platform also functions as an at-line purification platform in conjunction with its industrialscale purification unit, enabling orthogonal separation. A cost-effective purification solution, it delivers excellent throughput, purity and yield for lab-scale separation applications.

To accommodate a wider range of chemical purification applications for rCPC, RotaChrom offers custom modifications, all while maintaining regulatory requirements.

www.rotachrom.com

EMITECH GROUP INVESTS €10M IN VEHICLE HOMOLOGATION AND QUALIFICATION OF LARGE SYSTEMS

Emitech, a French key player in environmental testing to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations, announced the inauguration of its new test centre dedicated to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electronic equipment, as well as vehicle homologation and large system qualification.

A unique testing facility in Europe

Emitech Group laboratories are specialized in environmental testing, subjecting equipment to stresses representative of real-world conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, vibration, shock, dust, corrosion and other environmental factors to assess their compliance.

The new test centre has the largest (27m x 18m x 10.5m) and most recent Faraday cage built in France. This facility is dedicated to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure that electronic equipment works together without interference. It is used to meet the needs of homologation (UN ECE R10) of a wide range of vehicles, as well as for the qualification of large systems.

The centre has a 2 or 4 wheel drive chassis dynamometer for vehicles to be tested in running order, which can simulate speeds of up to 120km/h and wind speeds of up to 60km/h, with a wheelbase of up to 6 metres and a carrying capacity of up to 6 tonnes per axle, allowing test campaigns to be carried out on truck tractors or agricultural equipment. The facility includes various easements to accommodate all current and future motorisations: petrol or diesel combustion engines, micro-hybrids, hybrids and rechargeable hybrids, electricity and hydrogen. It also has a heavy load area that can support up to 40 tonnes, allowing it to accommodate construction machinery and equipment of high tonnage and volume encountered in the various sectors of defence, aeronautics, rail, nuclear and industry.

Image caption: Marc Mortureux, DG de la PFA, Mathieu Cognet, PDG Emitech, Stéphane Lassausse DG Emitech, Charles Rodwell, Député de la 1ere circonscription des Yvelines.

Sustainable mobility

This new €10 million investment is part of the Emitech Group’s strategy to support sustainable mobility. It reinforces the Group’s skills in the evaluation of antipollution devices with Euro6 and Euro7 measures to support manufacturers and equipment suppliers in their objectives of lowering pollutant emissions. The Emitech Group’s testing and engineering solutions also extend to vehicle sub-assemblies such as lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, powertrains, etc.

https://www.emitech.fr/en/emc-testing-vehicles-emctesting-large-systems

VERLINDE OFFERS ELECTRIC BELT HOISTS FOR A BRINING PROCESS

A cheese dairy plant in Mayenne was experiencing various maintenance problems with its chain hoists for a cheese brining process. Bretagne Manutention, a partner of Verlinde, and a 30-year supplier of handling equipment to this manufacturer, was able to offer them a tailor-made solution.

Bretagne Manutention, part of the Fenwick Group, specializes in the sale and maintenance of handling equipment such as forklift trucks, electric pallet trucks and aerial platforms. Their head office, located in Rennes, and the 8 branches spread across Brittany and Mayenne, comprise 200 people. Some branches employ lifting equipment specialists, a know-how preserved from the time when Fenwick offered hoists, and work in partnership with Verlinde. This is the case of the Laval branch, which has been working for 30 years in a cheese dairy plant for the maintenance and equipment of handling products, which has around fifty items.

The Mayennaise cheese plant, which produces several varieties of cheese, is equipped with a brining room. This process consists of soaking the cheeses in a brine bath so that they absorb the salt.

The room has 7 dipping tanks, each equipped with a hoist that handles the cheese-filled trays. These are soaked in the brine baths in several stages, then sent to the maturing cellar.

The cheese plant used chain hoists from a rival manufacturer, but had problems of corrosion on the lifting chains despite regular lubrication. This oxidation was causing numerous production stoppages. During a customer visit, Dominique Denou, Sales Manager at Bretagne Manutention Laval, with his long experience in the food industry, recommended Verlinde EUROLIFT BH electric belt hoists to replace those using traditional chain hoist technology.

Hoists for the food industry environment offering perfect cleanliness of operations to meet the most stringent hygiene requirements

Verlinde EUROLIFT BH electric belt hoists meet the strictest hygiene standards in the food industry. The special feature of these hoists is that they are equipped with a high-strength, rot-proof lifting belt and a dirt-free guide system for use in all kinds of environments. The mechanically variable 2-speed lift motor and the 2-speed steering motor, together with the perfectly sealed gearbox, provide the precise and silent movement of loads from 500 to 5000 kg.

A customised adaptation

The industrialist asked Bretagne Manutention for a complete study, as he wanted to optimise the entire lifting solution to increase the load capacities of his hoists from 1000 kg to 1200 kg. Verlinde assisted Bretagne Manutention with these offers.

In addition to optimising the lifting part, the project also involved specific structural constraints: as a general rule, a EUROLIFT BH hoist moves on an IPN rail, but the configuration of the brine room did not allow the hoist enough travel with this type of rail. The existing structure had to be changed and the loads of the suspended structure recalculated, which was expensive, or the hoists had to be adapted. Verlinde proposed to move the hoist motor to a different location in order to gain height and thus reuse the existing galvanised hollow section rails.

Increased production capacity and hygiene

The first EUROLIFT BH hoist was installed in 2020. Within three months, the test proved successful: maintenance and lubrication operations were reduced and corrosion problems were eliminated. The other six hoists were then replaced, reducing breakdowns and production downtime. The installation is maintained by Bretagne Manutention Maintenance. Monitoring is regular, with a visit every six months.

Dominique Denou says: “Since the installation of the first EUROLIFT BH hoist, our customer has expressed satisfaction with the improvement in hygiene and the reduction in downtime due to corrosion. We have continued to assist them, particularly in the adjustment of the belt and the various settings according to the constraints. Providing solutions is the strength of the installer.”

He adds: “Verlinde was present throughout the project, even when it came to choosing the most suitable belt and its adjustments. That makes all the difference with a supplier like Verlinde who offers premium solutions and is able to provide assistance right till the end. This way, everybody works in confidence.”

www.verlinde.com

PLANT DOCUMENTATION 4.0 – AN ESSENTIAL ENABLER FOR INDUSTRY 4.0

Specialist articles on Industry 4.0 generally emphasize the aspect of technical feasibility of the consistent, intelligent networking of machines, processes and personnel: What gateways, protocols and platforms will be needed to interlink machines from different manufacturers? What legal requirements have to be observed? How can security be designed to avoid hacker attacks?.

We are living in a time of perpetual change. This is also reflected in industrial production. Manufacturing processes are continually adapted and optimized; products are increasingly being individually manufactured. This is not new, because in the past, too, production plants were in a state of perpetual change: failed components were replaced, software patches and updates were installed, process optimization programs were developed, and much more. Nevertheless, this trend is gaining speed and processes are becoming more dynamic.

Reliable documentation of as-built status

As-built documentation – meaning documentation that reflects the actual state of a new plant – has always been required for commissioning, but in fact the time and resources involved in preparing the relevant documents is always immense. And controlling the delivered documents, to make sure they really do tally with plant reality, is always very time-consuming – thus quality control process is generally confined to some random checks. Thus often enough, plant documentation does not even correspond to plant reality at the start – and even if it does correspond initially, the task of keeping the status of this documentation up to date is anything but trivial. The bigger and more complex the plant, the greater this challenge appears. It may even sound a little schizophrenic to be talking about digital twins on the one hand, whereas in many places a daily struggle is still going on to master plant documentation with the aid of paper documents, Excel lists and complex file structures. However, this is exactly where Plant Documentation 4.0 can

LiveDOK makes distributed documentation of large-scale plants digitally available to engineers and plant operators: all relevant documents and drawings are presented in a structured way on one unified, intuitive user interface –regardless of their format and medium. Plant data can be administered, searched and corrected in real time – from planning to operation, anytime, anywhere. (Copyright: Rösberg)

make a vital contribution, especially if a system is also able to simplify the management of changes.

Current status of all built-in components – and much more

In sectors such as petrochemicals, chemicals, logistics, manufacturing, in power plants, plant construction or the pharmaceutical industry, production processes are generally complex, and plants often assume gigantic proportions. Thus these sectors of industry have had to rely on digital documentation for a long time now to keep track of the as-built status of their plants and manage the relevant interrelated processes. So it is not surprising that a company like Rösberg Engineering GmbH from Karlsruhe – already active in these sectors for decades – developed digital solutions many years ago in order to keep an overview of the flood of information in these types of

plants. Christian Stolz, Account Manager Plant Solutions at RÖSBERG Engineering GmbH comments: “With our I&CCAE system ProDOK we primarily document the planning and construction of plants. However, it is also important to know the current status and components built in during the operational phase. Our software tool LiveDOK (Fig. 3) helps with the administration and documentation of changes. A main focus of the tool is on simply find documentation updates and enabling the changes to be made available to everyone quickly and easily.”

Various use cases benefit from Plant Documentation 4.0

When envisaging Plant Documentation 4.0 probably the first aspect to be considered is the advantages for maintenance. Here, of course, it is extremely useful to know the current state of the plant and be able to easily

Christian Stolz, Account Manager Plant Solutions at RÖSBERG Engineering GmbH: “As well as maintenance, many other areas benefit from digital documentation: troubleshooting, large-scale revisions, project-related documentation, loop checks and the management of assets, the integration of package units, and know-how transfer. And when it comes to audits, it certainly pays off to have up-to-date, legally compliant documentation to hand.”

(Copyright: Rösberg)

ProDOK is the I&C-CAE system for the planning and operational support of process control equipment in process plants. ProDOK enables rational, consistent project planning and consistent documentation, ensuring an integrated planning process that follows unified rules. (Copyright: Rösberg)

document the changes. “To do this, maintenance crews can simply enter the change on a tablet with a stylus (Fig. 4), and it is saved together with the information about who made the change, when, and explanation if necessary”, says Stolz. “Workflows built into the system then ensure that the original documentation is reviewed regularly and thus stays clear and up-to-date.”

In addition to maintenance, many other areas benefit from digital documentation (Fig. 5). These include e.g., troubleshooting, large-scale revisions, project-related documentation, loop checks and the management of assets, the integration of package units, and know-how transfer. And when it comes to audits, it certainly pays off to have up-to-date, legally compliant documentation at hand at all times.

Troubleshooting, large-scale revisions and loop checks

When something goes wrong, every minute counts. In a situation of this kind valuable time is lost if the current documentation status of the plant first has to be assembled – in the worst case, inability to react fast enough may result in damage or danger to people and the environment. In large-scale revisions, too, time is usually tight. Numerous employees need to be coordinated and very many changes made to the documentation simultaneously. This makes it all the more important to ensure that everyone involved in the process has access to the current documentation at all times. Similarly, loop checks also involve the coordination of

large numbers of employees and the structured execution of various tasks.

Managing assets and package units

Digital documentation is also beneficial for effective asset management – for instance, when a manufacturer discontinues an asset, making it necessary to know how many of the relevant components are built into the plant and where; or when compiling an overview of components that will no longer receive support in the near future. Only a company managing its assets effectively can keep production running reliably. Another aspect that necessitates digital documentation is the trend in the process industry towards integrating Package Units, meaning the distribution of large plants into smaller units. This raises the question of how the documentation that is delivered together with a functional unit can most easily be transferred into the already-existing plant documentation.

Project-related documentation and know-how transfer

When engaging in extensive plant retrofit or extensions, or for inspection purposes, many project-related documents also have to be immediately available as and when required. If these documents only exist in paper form, or are only available from different sources and in assorted file formats, compiling them is effort-intensive and not overly efficient. Another advantage of consistent digital documentation is that know-how can be preserved, because the knowledge no longer exists solely in the minds of experienced

Redlining: Changes can be very simply noted, for example by a handwritten notice on a tablet. (Photo: Rösberg)

Very diverse use cases benefit from the use of LiveDOK.

employees. This substantially facilitates knowledge transfer to new employees.

“In all these and many other use cases, LiveDOK has been proving its worth for decades now” Stolz says, and adds: “With digitalization the focus was on the PC, but with Industry 4.0 the focus is on the Internet. This also applies, so to speak, to Plant Documentation 4.0. We have been creating digital documentation for a long time now, but we have consistently developed our concepts further, for instance regarding cloud enablement, in order to stay with the pulse of the times. Thus our customers get a tried and tested product that uses today’s state-of-the-art technologies to fulfill the technical and legal requirements of tomorrow.” In the use cases described above, the documentation tool enables documents to be found fast, provides a realistic overview of the components built into the plant while helping to keep documentation up-to-date, ensures standardization in documentation in line with current legal requirements, gives all disciplines involved in a project access to the documentation without media discontinuity, and ensures that everyone in the team is working with the same documents.

Getting started is easier than you think Companies who wish to consistently implement Industry 4.0 cannot do so without digital, cloud capable plant documentation, especially where large plants are concerned. Nevertheless, many companies are still put

off by the initial effort and expense of digitalizing their documentation at all in the first place. Here the process automation experts can reassure them – numerous projects carried out in the past have shown that getting started is much easier than users generally fear. “And not only that – very often digitalization opens up many optimization opportunities, so the effort pays off much faster than many people think”, says Stolz, speaking from his own experience.

https://roesberg.com/

(Graphic Rösberg)

KEYENCE INTUITIVE VISION SYSTEM ENABLES

ALPHR TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER RELIABLE, CUSTOMISED AUTOMATION TESTING SOLUTIONS

ALPHR Technology is a global market leader providing an industry-leading range of high-end automation solutions, specialising in Test & Measurement, advanced robotics and world class modular automation solutions.

Customers around the world have turned to ALPHR for a range of modular and bespoke solutions, whether a relatively straightforward assembly station or a fully automated assembly and test line.

ALPHR chose the CV-X Series Intuitive Vision System manufactured by KEYENCE

Consisting of a controller, camera and lighting solution, this vision system makes use of a wide range of high-resolution cameras designed to satisfy any application need. It delivers up to 64 megapixels and features a multi-spectrum image capture system that uses eight wavelengths of coloured light.

The CV-X Series is not only a powerful and sophisticated vision tool but is also designed to be extremely easy-to-use. By making use of the ShapeTrax™3 search tool, the CV-X ensures stable detection of the target even if changes occur such as chips, contrast reduction and size changes.

Furthermore, it is compatible for communicating with Vision Guided Robots from most robotics manufacturers. This is vital because calibration is the most difficult factor when developing and operating a system that links robots and vision systems. The KEYENCE solution uses an autocalibration function to provide highly accurate and effortless calibration. Through a single click, reliable and stable results are delivered without the subjectivity of a manual process. Because calibration can be carried out immediately, it’s possible to recover quickly from any positional shift and achieve fast and accurate reproducibility regardless of location.

A key feature of the KEYENCE CV-X Series Intuitive Vision System chosen by ALPHR is the CA-DQP12X Pattern Projection Lighting (PPL) system which offers simultaneous 2D and 3D inspection. The PPL light works by flashing multiple projections onto a part using its eight-directional

projectors, and calculating the height of the part based off the distortion in the projections. Due to this, inspections can be carried out without being affected by surface conditions or contrast between the part and the background. By adding height data to conventional 2D inspection, PPL provides dramatically improved stability during inline inspection.

The CA-DQP12X projects multiple stripe patterns at the target surface at high speed and an ultra-fast CMOS sensor and processor analyse the reflected light in real-time to generate a 3D height image.

Says Iqbal Kazi, General Manager at ALPHR: “When implementing a vision system, having the correct lighting is paramount in determining if the installation will be a success or otherwise. KEYENCE was able to demonstrate why a specific light source should be used and proved that the CA-DQP12X PPL system was the right lighting for the applications we operate in.”

For more conventional imaging applications, the CV-X Series makes use of 2D inspection lighting such as the LumiTrax™ capture mode as well as the Auto-Teach Inspection function, providing stable inspection for a wide range of different products.

In most cases, dimension or geometric measurement for image processing requires multiple tools and complicated calculation processing but with the CV-X Series’

Measurement and Dimensions tools these processes can be carried out through a few simple clicks.

“Not only are KEYENCE’s sales engineers highly knowledgeable of their products but they are also very approachable and willing to help” continued Iqbal Kazi.

“KEYENCE makes the whole process from specifying to integration and set-up as simple as it could be. When working with them we know we are dealing directly with a manufacturer of highly complex hardware, and we can discuss projects with acknowledged experts in their field.

KEYENCE can also carry out trials on the product to be tested and create detailed reports, eliminating guesswork.”

The direct approach of specialised product experts, as well as the unparalleled capabilities of the CV-X Series Intuitive Vision System, set KEYENCE apart from the competition.

http://www.keyence.co.uk/

TELEDYNE FLIR INTRODUCES PREMIUM E8 PRO EDITION FOR POINT-AND-SHOOT THERMOGRAPHY INSPECTION

Improved Optics, a Touchscreen, and FLIR Ignite Cloud Connectivity Helps Inspectors Locate Electrical, Building, and Mechanical Problems Quickly.

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the FLIR E8 Pro, providing a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen with FLIR Ignite Cloud connectivity within the same pistol-grip form factor as legacy E8 series thermal cameras. Through the touchscreen, users can share captured images with colleagues, partners, and clients over Wi-Fi, including with on-screen annotations to highlight findings. Images can then be loaded straight to the FLIR Ignite Cloud for improved efficiency and a smoother workflow.

“As part of effective predictive maintenance and condition monitoring programs, thermography inspectors require easy-to-use and cloud-connected handheld thermal cameras to quickly locate issues and effortlessly share that data with colleagues and clients for further analysis,” said Rob Milner, global business development director, Teledyne FLIR.

“The FLIR E8 Pro answers the call with a larger touchscreen and improved 640 × 480 screen resolution. It also features FLIR Ignite cloud connectivity for instant documentation to provide inspectors with a familiar, yet superior, handheld thermal imaging camera to get the job done quickly and efficiently.”

The FLIR E8 Pro offers crisp thermal and visual detail at an affordable price by pairing a 5 MP digital camera with a powerful thermal camera via the FLIR patented MultiSpectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®) capability. MSX overlays the edge detail of the visible camera upon the thermal image, providing significantly greater detail and contextual awareness without sacrificing any thermal data. The tool also includes a built-in LED lamp to capture critical details via MSX in low-light scenarios for improved decision support.

When connected to Wi-Fi, the FLIR E8 Pro can automatically sync with the FLIR Ignite application (now available with an additional 10 GB storage for only $30 USD per year), accessible from anywhere on mobile devices, a web browser, or a desktop, eliminating the need to carry extra USB flash drives, card storage, or cables. Images and videos shared via FLIR Ignite can then be accessed through FLIR Thermal Studio software so inspectors, colleagues, and clients can instantly review, edit, analyze, and report findings.

Built to handle the harshest of industrial and outdoor environments, the FLIR E8 Pro is drop-tested up to two meters (6.5 ft). The ruggedized design also features a 25G-shock and 2G vibration test rating along with built-in lens protection. The FLIR E8 Pro also offers up to 4 hours of continuous operation on one battery, which can be quickly swapped out and recharged for all-day use.

The FLIR E8 Pro is available to buy globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorized dealers. The purchase also includes two removable and rechargeable batteries, a hard-carrying case, a battery charger, a USB cable power supply, and printed documentation.

To learn more or to purchase, visit www.flir.com/E8-Pro

DAHL AND FRIGA-BOHN PARTNERSHIP WILL DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY REFRIGERATION SOLUTIONS IN SWEDEN

An exciting new partnership will ensure companies in Sweden have access to the latest advances in highefficiency refrigeration products for commercial and industrial applications. Sweden-based Dahl, part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain corporation, will now represent refrigeration solutions from Friga-Bohn (part of the Lennox EMEA group), a France-based leader in the manufacture of refrigeration equipment.

Dahl, backed by over 100 years of experience, is Sweden’s leading trading company in sectors that include plumbing, building materials, and heating and cooling. The partnership combines Dahl’s expertise in refrigeration engineering and project management with Friga-Bohn’s extensive range of commercial and industrial refrigeration solutions.

“Friga-Bohn’s reputation for producing high-quality refrigeration equipment is very impressive,” states Andreas Jalmarsson, Business Area Manager Refrigeration at Dahl.

“We’re confident that our partnership will allow us to deliver even better customer solutions.”

Fabrice Jallerat, Sales Manager Distribution in Europe at FrigaBohn adds  “Dahl has highly experienced sales engineers and offers vast coverage of the Swedish market. We can therefore expand our reach and provide more customers with reliable and efficient refrigeration equipment.”

Dahl and Friga-Bohn will provide semi-bespoke refrigeration solutions that meet local requirements. The combination of high-quality products and expert service and support is certain to help optimize refrigeration systems for customers and reduce their environmental impact.

About Dahl

Dahl is part of SGDS Gruppen and Sweden’s leading trading company in plumbing, building materials, heating and cooling sector with over 100 years of experience.

In Sweden, Dahl has 80 stores (and approx. 100 more the whole group included), from Ystad in the south to Kiruna in the north. We treat our customers with expertise in both products and the industry. We are just over 1,200 employees

who constantly strive for our customers to perceive us as accessible, reliable and competent. These are also our three watchwords. In addition to plumbing, our business also includes Civils, Industry, Property and Refrigeration, with a wide range and good knowledge. Our large support warehouse in Järfälla handles daily transport to 1,600 locations, both to customers and stores. The goods are delivered by our drivers who have good local knowledge and drive trucks for a smooth delivery.

About Friga-Bohn

Friga-Bohn is a leading manufacturer of commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, offering a wide range of products including commercial and industrial evaporators, condensing units, condensers, split units, gas coolers and compressor racks. Through commercial presence in 46 countries in Europe and the Middle East and Africa, FrigaBohn has a heart for developing, manufacturing and selling state-of-the-art solutions for commercial and food services applications. We are actively taking part in the refrigeration transition by offering CO2 and A2L solutions.

https://www.lennoxemea.com/en/

POTENTIAL WATER RESTRICTIONS SHOULD SPARK COOLING CONVERSATIONS IN EUROPEAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Following climate change-related water shortages across the European continent causing governments to take action, a process industry expert is highlighting the knock-on effect to manufacturers reliant on waterways for cooling processes.

Matt Watson, Sector Lead for Manufacturing at Aggreko Europe, is highlighting the rise in extreme weather across the continent and how they may necessitate a rethink in manufacturers’ equipment procurement strategies. Specifically, with reports of heatwaves and droughts across Europe, Matt is calling for manufacturers to explore closed loop cooling solutions that do not take water from nearby communities.

“Water from riverways is vital to many manufacturers’ existing cooling processes but climate-related news across the continent is leading to a situation where this precious resource may become increasingly scarce,” Matt explains. “ News from Germany, Italy, Spain and France about governments enacting water preservation measures is something the continent’s manufacturers should watch with interest, especially ahead of the hot summer months.

“Consequently, manufacturing sites currently reliant on local water bodies for cooling purposes should look to adjust their processes accordingly to reduce river water use. By implementing closed loop systems that do not require as much use and subsequent cooling of water, manufacturers could mitigate costly drought-related issues that might result in expensive site disruption and shutdowns.”

With water scarcity expected to be a major concern across the continent, manufacturers are increasingly considering hire-based equipment procurement strategies to address weather-based uncertainty without limiting purchasing power. According to Matt, consulting with temporary suppliers capable of providing closed loop cooling systems promptly in response to water shortages is a vital first and incremental step to ensuring a site’s continued smooth running.

“The pressure to do more with less continues to affect all industries, including the manufacturing sector,” he concludes. “As such, the business case for purchasing expensive, permanent equipment to address something as changeable as the weather may be inadvisable with costs being so closely monitored.

“By contrast, options such as hire from Europe-wide suppliers could provide these manufacturers with the dynamism they need to maintain site productivity. I would therefore advise relevant stakeholders consult with relevant experts from organisations such as Aggreko, which have the Europe-wide expertise and reach to help mitigate these concerns.”

https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/sectors/manufacturing

AGGREKO INVESTS £150M INTO EUROPEAN FLEET OVER 2022-23

Following the announcement of its One Europe strategy late last year, global provider of modular power, temperature control and energy solutions, Aggreko, has confirmed a £150m investment into its European fleet this year.

The majority of this investment is centred on the business’ ongoing Greener Upgrades portfolio, comprising of new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers.

Greener Upgrades is Aggreko’s commitment to helping companies choose the most efficient and sustainable solutions to meet their net zero ambitions. It is a portfolio of newer technologies and solutions which lower carbon emissions, NOx and deliver fuel savings.

The new fleet is available from Aggreko’s depots across Europe and strategically placed to address local challenges and support flexibility of supply chains. Regions include Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Aggreko partners, consults, and delivers for different industries across the world, including data centres, manufacturing, petrochemical and construction. According to its sector experts, most of these energy decision makers are increasingly conflicted by balancing planet with profitability. As such, Greener Upgrades is designed to simplify the decision making process so businesses can make small switches that make a big difference. This could be displacing a 200 kVA generator for a smaller one with a battery, to much larger decentralised energy projects using load on demand configuration to improve efficiency.

Aine Finlayson, Director of Product Management and Manufacturing, comments: “Greener Upgrades has been a real step-change for our customers and business in the UK, but there is still so much more to achieve together. The nature of our inbound enquiries has seen a fundamental shift lately, with more people wanting to now minimise risk, save on running costs and meet sustainability goals all at the same time. Our business model is structured to confidently respond to these challenges, but most importantly while keeping things simple for energy decision makers in a time of extreme complexity.”

https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/solutions/greenerupgrades

PCVUE INTRODUCES THE PCVUE 16 PLATFORM

The platform is a step forward for power systems & smart buildings, digital assistance, and cybersecurity.

PcVue releases the PcVue 16 platform, engineered to enhance remote operations with digital assistance, provide new innovative features in areas like smart power systems and buildings while ensuring the highest level of cybersecurity and connectivity.

The PcVue platform is a monitoring and control software platform enabling its users to develop applications in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), the Internet of Things, and human-machine interface (HMI). Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, PcVue is used in over 80,000 applications around the globe.

With it’s new features, PcVue 16 presents a robust, reliable, and secure platform which contains the complete innovation and power of PcVue to stay ahead of the curve.

Digital assistance for a better efficiency

PcVue 16 supports control room and mobile field operators with digital assistance which includes smart bots for interactive instructions, automated reports and access to subject matter experts. This full set of digital services allows operators to access their organization’s resources, leading to better results and smarter decisions. Operators can consult experts, access necessary documents, and submit their work in real-time, providing vital information for analysis and future planning.

Innovative solutions for smart buildings

This latest PcVue release enables improved operations of buildings to optimize energy consumption and ensure comfort and security of occupants with features for video protection, access control, and intrusion detection. The technology utilizes state of the art building information modeling (BIM) for 3-D rendering of facilities and campuses.

PcVue 16 is able to integrate smoothly with OnVif cameras or RTSP stream for seamless video integration in the mimics. For BIM operation, it is compliant with IFC files and includes a full featured built-in BIM viewer animated with real-time field values offering a first path for digital twin.

Our ready-to-use solutions for Photovoltaic and Electric Charging Stations

PcVue 16 also supports applications that monitor and control EV charge stations giving access to a wide range of services for all EV stakeholders. It includes the open standard protocol OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) for monitoring any charging station. In addition, an EV-smart assist mobile app is there to help drivers along the EV charge process and a Smart Charging feature is available for global power optimization.

As the electrical power industry is expanding into renewable energy sources, PcVue 16 offers a ready-to-use application set for the monitoring of Solar PV plant system in order to reduce solar fleet operators time-to-deployment for monitoring and control.

Cybersecurity and advanced connectivity

The variety of systems, the convergence of operations technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) and the multiplication of cyber-attacks are potential risks for critical sites under supervision. That’s why PcVue 16 reinforces the cybersecurity features such as PKI integration and built-in OPC UA Client driver for a secure system architecture.

Thanks to its PcVue DataHub, PcVue 16 platform offers new ADO.net connectors that allow dynamic data exchange with third-party solutions of the digital ecosystem. Connections

are possible with ERP, databases, CMMS, online weather forecasting services or social networks.

For more information on the benefits of PcVue 16, visit our What’s New webpage