Automation Update - issue 76

AUTOMATION UPDATE

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Issue 76

Virtual Showrooms

3D-models, 3D-scenes

WWW.DOSCHDESIGN.COM

Power Security & Back-Up

Instruments Ltd

DC UPS

CBI Series Input 90-305 V AC Output 12/24/48 V DC upto 20 A MODbus / CANbus Comms Remote Monitoring via ethernet Status Relay

Battery Chargers CB Series Input 90-305 V AC Output 12/24/48 V DC upto 20 A MODbus / CANbus Comms Remote Monitoring via ethernet Status Relay

Power Supplies

FLEX Series Input 90-500 V AC Output 12/24/48 V DC upto 25 A Single / Dual or 3 Phase inputs

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Multifunction Meters | CTs, VTs and Shunts | Transducers | Energy Meters - MID Bargraphs | Earth Leakage Relays | Protection Relays | Battery Chargers | Power Supplies DC UPS | Generator Controllers | Remote Monitoring | Ventilation Control

S

Instruments Ltd

TVR Instruments Limited 143 Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DP Essex United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1206 575755 Email: sales@tvri.co.uk www.tvri.co.uk

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AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Laura Sharpe 01843 580 460 laura@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Jodie Little 01843 580 460 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@automation-update.co.uk Advertising Exec Jamie Simmons 01843 580 460 jamie@automation-update.co.uk

Automation Update is an engaging, editorially led publication & directory giving the reader news and updates on new products and services to our ever Progressing industry.

Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge, Spratling Court Offices, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

www.automation-update.co.uk

Forerunner Yesterday. Today.

Tomorrow.

The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. In the field of safety at work, we convince right from the start with trend-setting inventions, such as the development of the first protective sensor ever, to our latest safety innovation, “Smart Process Gating” – the space-saving solution for access guarding on conveyor lines. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving.

www.leuze.co.uk Automation Update - 3

CKF enable Laithwaites to reach 98% productivity CKF have recently designed, installed and commissioned an extensive new case feed and palletising system for Laithwaites wine, an established, thriving ecommerce and retail business based in Gloucester.

The new system enabled Laithwaites to handle a 50% increase in demand during 2020 and improve productivity from 65% to a phenomenal 98%.

F

or over 50 years Tony Laithwaite and the team at Laithwaites wines have been providing their valued customers access to the very best quality wine from around the world, having uniquely developed personal relationships with over 450 passionate growers and wine makers.

An increase in customer demand for online purchasing meant the ageing plant at their Gloucester facility, which had served them well, was no longer fully supporting their needs. Towards the end of 2019 CKF were approached by the Laithwaites team to develop and deliver a new automated palletising solution to meet their current and projected future requirements.

CKF are leaders in automated palletising and case handling with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. The engineering team at CKF gained a comprehensive understanding of Laithwaites operations through detailed analysis of the available product data and key review meetings with the Laithwaites ops team.

CKF proposed a new fully automated layer palletising system with a multi-lane accumulation feed system mounted on a new mezzanine floor.

Laithwaites wine distribution from the Gloucester facility is defined by online and retail sales, delivery routes, carriers, regions and time to consumer. This requires the filled cases of wine to be automatically sorted and placed onto the correct pallet to be shipped through the correct carrier.

Laithwaites Gloucester facility is a high-bay warehouse with a large demand on floor area. The new CKF installed system maximises the use of the ground floor by moving the accumulation and handling of cases to a new high-level mezzanine. The new fully automated solution uses multiple lanes of low friction conveyors which accumulate full pallet loads of cases (weighing up to 25kg per case) prior to releasing them to two layer palletisers.

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The new CKF fully automated system was installed and commissioned in two phases through 2020 working closely with the Laithwaites team to eliminate any operational disruption. Providing a significant increase in productivity to 98%, the benefits of the new system configuration have also enabled Laithwaites Wine to handle a substantial increase in throughput, reduce excessive manual handling and relocate the remaining manual processes into the area below the mezzanine floor and away from busy trucking routes, providing increased safety for their employees.

CKF Systems Ltd website www.ckf.co.uk

sales@lamonde.com

     

4 Comm ports, inc Ethernet Built-in data logging to microSD Free no-limit programming Slim stackable design Multiple i/o wiring options Starter kit available

www.lamonde.com +44 (0)20 3026 2670

Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advice

Zimmer Group and Schmalz Match Gripping Technologies The result of a collaborative project between Zimmer Group and J. Schmalz GmbH is MATCH - a multi-functional end-ofarm platform equipped with an extensive range of functions and universal communication interfaces. Recognised as leaders in their respective areas - Zimmer Group with a focus on mechanical grippers and Schmalz with vacuum-based technologies - the collaboration combines the best expertise in the world of gripping technologies.

Smart system with Intuitive software Zimmer Group and Schmalz each have their own systems that the user can draw upon for digital integration. In addition to the SCM communication module (master gateway), additional functionality is offered by the intuitive guideZ setup software for further configuration of the gripper, and Schmalz Connect Suite for diagnostics of IO-Link devices in the cloud.

The advantages of the new MATCH system include: suitability for a wide range of conventional, lightweight and collaborative robots, the capability for either automated or manual gripper exchanges, compatible with a wide range of mechanical or vacuum end effectors and a long service life even in continuous automated operation.

Multi-faceted system with numerous application areas Designed to be compatible with all common lightweight and conventional robots on the market, MATCH is very easy to install. The system can be mounted to the robot flange and set up quickly with just a few manual adjustments. The configuration of this quick change system is highly intuitive and extremely easy, featuring various interfaces. In addition to a compatible mechanical interface, a pneumatic / vacuum connection and electrical interfaces are incorporated. The variety of options available makes it possible to use many different robot types with a wide variety of end effectors.

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The flexibility of the system gives the user access to a wide range of applications, whether they are with mobile robots, collaborative robots or other types of automation, across production, assembly, warehouse logistics, shipping and even laboratory automation operations. This compact quickchange module provides two options for the interchange of end effectors. In addition to automated changeover using a gripper docking station, items can also be exchanged manually within seconds. Thanks to the ergonomic click system integrated within end effector being changed, it is possible to carry out a manual gripper change using just one hand.

Achim Gauß, Managing Director of Zimmer Group commented: "This collaboration created something unique: a modular system that the customer can use to meet various requirements and handle diverse applications in robotics," Dr. Kurt Schmalz, Managing Partner of the J. Schmalz GmbH added: "Furthermore, in addition to their accumulated solution knowledge, both companies offer a global sales network for support and service."

Contact: +44 1283 542103 https://www.zimmer-group.de/en info@zimmer-group.co.uk

Attract Customers With Virtual Showrooms and Exhibitions Virtual showrooms and exhibitions offer the opportunity to present products in an innovative way and create interactive experiences. Invite your customers and audience on a virtual journey to discover new products and collections and create memorable experiences – around the clock 24/7.

Virtual Reality offers the opportunity to put products in context of a realistic 3D environment, present them in a 360° view and zoom them in and out.

Everyone can visit the virtual showroom from anywhere in the world without travel time and costs. The customers have the opportunity to encounter products and services more deeply without ever leaving their personal comfort zone. Once created, the showroom can be equipped with new products, information or technical details and updated as often as desired.

work. Especially in the field of Automation, Mechanical Engineering or the automotive industry, 3D-Design has become an indispensable element. Textures, HDRIs, Viz Images or High-quality 3D models from DOSCH DESIGN - directly importable in OBJ and FBX formats - are a great enrichment.

Helpful visualization tools to create amazing showrooms

The website is worth a visit, as new developments are regularly published there. Using the website’s search function, customers can quickly and easily find the right product for their individual enquiry.

DOSCH DESIGN has developed a large range of products that allow designers to create ultimate virtual showrooms or exhibitions and to perfectly present the products and services in photorealistic quality. In addition to products like DOSCH 3D: Trade Show & Exhibition V2, DOSCH 3D: Event & Stage or 3D Scenes with a large number of different Exhibition Halls, the company also offers a wide selection of 2D and 3D people, plants and furniture as well as classic exhibition equipment such as flipcharts or office technology.

The selection is extensive and leaves nothing to be desired. In this way it is possible to present an exciting showroom also digitally.

DOSCH DESIGN – Your innovative partner for a successful 3D-experience Since 1995 DOSCH DESIGN has been a fixture in quality CG products by staying on the cutting edge in 3D-design, animation, architectural visualizations or motion design. With its well-diversified product range DOSCH DESIGN supports 3D- and marketing experts in their daily 8 - Automation Update

Download free samples at: www.doschdesign.com/samples.zip www.doschdesign.com

DOSCH DESIGN WWW.DOSCHDESIGN.COM

Dosch 3D: Factory Accessories

Dosch 3D: People Clean Room Vol. 1

Dosch 3D: Environments - Factory

Dosch 3D: People Factory Worker Vol. 2

Dosch 3D: Car Details V3

Dosch 3D: Industrial Objects V3

Dosch 3D: Liquid Effects Vol.2

Dosch 3D: Accident Cars

Dosch 3D: Trade Show & Exhibition V2

Dosch 3D: Food

Dosch 3D: Shipping Packaging

Dosch 3D: Medical Supplies

3D-Design, Animation, Visualization Besides complete 3D-models and scenes >Dosch 3D, DOSCH DESIGN products contain surface materials >Dosch Textures, High Dynamic Range Images >Dosch HDRI, as well as 2-dimensional objects for visualizations >Dosch Viz-Images.

WWW.DOSCHDESIGN.COM

Tel s o n i c ’s u l t ra s oni c t e c h n o l o g y i n d e m a n d for w e ara bl e t hera py d e vi c e m a n u f a c t u re The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has required an agile response from not only the NHS but also the manufacturers of the personal protection equipment, medical devices and monitoring systems required to treat seriously ill patients.

Achieving the high volumes required, has in turn, generated an increase in demand for the technologies used to produce these essential items, including ultrasonic systems used for performing welding processes.

Telsonic has been pro-active in assisting both end user manufacturers and automation machine builders by providing the modules, systems, tooling and technical support needed to respond quickly to these unprecedented challenges.

In a recent application, Telsonic UK has supplied a complete twin head ultrasonic welding station, integrated as part of the manufacturing process for a wearable therapy device. This battery powered disposable device, similar in size to a small wristwatch, is attached to the patients leg and sends out electrical impluses that reduce the risk of Venous Thromoembolism, a dangerous blood clot condition suffered by almost one third of seriously ill coronavirus patients. As a result, the NHS has ordered thousands of these potential life saving devices.

The device is manufactured by Firstkind medical, a UK based science-led medical devices company who manufacture a range of non-invasive geko™ branded products with an embedded ground-breaking NMES technology platform. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a treatment using electricity to stimulate muscles and nerves, helping to improve flexibility, strength, and movement The ultrasonic welding technology supplied by Telsonic for this application has been integrated as part of a comprehensive pallet line automation system, built in-house

by Firstkind. The device casing is manufactured in Polypropylene and the ultrasonic system is used to precisely stake four hollow pins into moulded recesses, effectively attaching the back onto the device, thus enclosing the internal assembly and sealing the battery in place.

Components are presented on twin cavity pallets for processing by Telsonic’s twin head installations. Each ultrasonic system comprises of a MAG3512S generator, an air cooled precision adjustable and spring

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loaded integrated SE3512VF converter module together with a Titanium booster mounted to a Telsonic AC450 pneumatic actuator with a Titanium 4 point single body sonotrode.

The sprung loaded head assemblies deliver a controlled staking action, allowing the material to flow at a low part reactive closure force. Weld delivery control is determined by precise weld and hold time from the machine’s main PLC. The challenge presented by the weld specification dictates that the ultrasonic welding process has to produce an aesthetically pleasing result whilst achieving a tight closure gap between the parts. In addition, to ensure patient comfort, the weld must be constrained sub flush within the recesses. The component assembly retention strength has to be fit for purpose whilst in use, offering anti-tamper proofing, yet ultimately allowing disassembly for battery removal after use for recycling and disposal purposes. The application requirement for multiple stake positions welded simultaneously on one tool requires pin / recess moulding design in collaboration with precise sonotrode tool face design and actuator force delivery.

In addition to the technical challenges surrounding the application, timescales were extremely important to get the weld station completed ready for the line installation and in production as quickly as possible. To adhere to COVID rules, the factory acceptance test (FAT) at Telsonic UK was conducted remotely and successfully with Firstkind using PC based visual tools. Experience of this type of application, underpinning Firstkind’s confidence gained in the weld solution proposed, together with Telsonic’s pro-active engagement throughout the project, relating to material selection, joint design, and process integration, were contributory factors in Telsonic securing this business.

Telsonic UK offer a comprehensive range of ultrasonic modules and systems for a variety of , plastic welding, cutting, sealing, cut’n’seal, food cutting, metal welding, packaging, sieving, and cleaning applications within a wide range of industries.

Claim your FREE DC Motor Guide!

Email us at sales@qelectrical.co.uk

All your Electrical Services and Solutions in one place Q Electrical Industrial Services, has a team of experienced engineers based in Lothian, Scotland providing services such as; • Turnkey projects from design to control panels, PLC programming, SCADA and Installation • Electrical Contracting Services • Electrical Installation in many industrial processes • Electronic Repairs for industrial equipment and Instrumentation • Inspection & Testing • Power Factor Correction The service centre is also home to 10 Variable Speed Drive Service Engineers available 24/7, providing a full turnkey electrical service centre for the Scotland and Northern UK.

IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY CALL US FOR 24/7 SUPPORT:

0330 9001 247 www.qelectrical.co.uk | 01875 816 302 | The Cross, Pencaitland, East Lothian, EH34 5DA

One Design Fits All New ASME B73.3 / ISO 2858 Sealless Pumps Modularity = Versatility Reliability Safety Serviceability & Availability Representing a leap in design and technology, HMD Kontro’s latest CSA (ASME) and CSI (ISO) Frame 1 groups of sealless pumps take a modular approach to combining performance with durability and versatility while ensuring industry and regulatory safety compliance to ASME, ISO and IECEx standards.

Specifically designed for maximum part interchangeability, to reduce inventory, ease of onsite servicing and upgrade, the CSA and CSI ranges have been developed to maximise uptime while delivering cost savings through improved efficiencies and to be available for delivery within short lead times.

Sealless pumps are playing an ever-greater role in meeting the challenge of transferring hazardous chemicals and other liquids in maximum safety. Indeed, in some cases more stringent regulations and local regulatory agencies are mandating their use.

The new HMD Kontro CSA and CSI ranges offer total containment, eliminating potentially dangerous leaks, essential for handling hazardous, toxic or hot substances, and preventing the loss of high value product.

The new pump design allows for easy on site replacement, servicing and maintenance without the need for hot working or specialist tools, minimising production downtime and disruption. The ease of interchangeability helps cut lead times and results in much more efficient management of the spare parts inventory.

The containment shell can be provided either in metal or as HMD Kontro’s unique ZeroLoss® format, which enhances resistance against system upsets and saves energy. An optional fully contained casing gasket further improves safety by eliminating the risk of blowouts and providing secondary containment The latest ranges conform fully to the latest IECEx standard and assures compliance with ASME B73.3 and ISO2858/15783 for the CSA and CSI respectively.

The pumps are available from HMD Kontro’s reseller Channel Partners across the world, the modular nature enabling them to provision pumps to specific customer requirements and deliver them rapidly. For more information on the CSA/CSI range please visit www.hmdkontro.com/csa-csi or telephone +44 (0)1323 452 000.

Getting to grips with sealless pumps: HMD Kontro has also introduced a new website section and additional learning resources to help build awareness of magnetic drive sealless pumps and assist specifiers less familiar with the technology. To access this information, please visit www.think-sealless.com

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Indexing Chain Conveyor System Interlink machining stations cost efficiently Sturdy system, total load capacity of up to 700 kg Flexible modular designs, variable lengths & widths possible

www.mkprofiles.co.uk

mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group

SEEPEX to showcase at the Water Equipment Show pump technology to unlock the power of digital for Water 4.0 At the virtual Water Equipment Show (12th and 13th May 2021), global leader in design, manufacture and applications of progressive cavity (PC) pumps, macerators and digital technology, SEEPEX, will showcase their latest innovations.

With the advent of Water 4.0, SEEPEX has positioned themselves at the forefront of the digital revolution, driving digital transformation in pump technology by incorporating smart features into their products and digital solutions into their portfolio that optimise uptime and reduce TOTEX. S E E P E X d i g i t a l i n n ov a t i o n s incorporating the Pump Monitor turn the pump into an intelligent field device providing important information on the pump’s operating condition, enabling the implementation of predictive and forward planned maintenance.

Advanced analytics, provided

by Connected Services and our application expertise deliver process optimisation, improved equipment and plant efficiency, creating unimagined potential for increased equipment availability.

SCT AutoAdjust, our latest innovation, coupled with SEEPEX Connected

Services, is the most intelligent PC pump in the world. It allows remote automated adjustment to maintain pump performance without onsite manual intervention.

SEEPEX’s digital innovations enable predictive and forward planned maintenance.

Our dewatered sludge conveying solutions include Smart Air Injection (SAI) technology, a highly efficient system to transport 14-40% DS sludge distances up to 1,000 m.

SEEPEX continues to extend its world class portfolio of maintain-in-place technologies for liquid and high % DS pumping handling up to 300m3/h and 48bar. Rotor, stator and drive train components can be easily replaced, simplifying customer’s maintenance.

SEEPEX’s Smart Air Injection for dewatered sludge pumping over long distances

We are excited to welcome visitors to our virtual stand at The Water Equipment Show and helping them to solve their pumping challenges.

SEEPEX’s maintenance-in-place solutions increase operating time and system availability

SCT AutoAdjust Technology enables remote adjustment without onsite manual intervention

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ENGINEERING PDATE

April 2021

[Click & Safe]

PushPull is completely safe for installation and application.

The robust connection for mechanical engineering.

Fast and simple plugging and unplugging delivers time savings of up to 60%.

Tool-free, simple installation even in tight spaces thanks to tried-and-tested PushPull mechanism.

Acoustic plug-in feedback ensures safe connections even in unfavourable working conditions.

Thanks to IP65/67 ratings, dust and water don’t stand a chance.

Shock and vibration-resistant for maximum reliability.

Find out more:

www.harting.com/UK/en-gb/pushpullconnector

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manufacturers rank this as their key issue along with supply chain issues. In the highly competitive world of food & beverage production any change in hygiene standards or safety can cause lasting brand damage, and it doesn’t need to. These issues can be directly addressed by using the data available to manufacturers.

Smart Food Factory Stratus Technologies – Greg Hookings, Head of Business Development – IIoT Enterprises are viewing the opportunity to create more intelligent automation environments by moving towards the ‘Smart Factory’, or IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) as a great opportunity to streamline their factories.

Connecting devices throughout the production process and the supply chain lets manufacturers collect operational data, which, when organised and analysed, grants a new range of powerful capabilities, including real-time process optimisation. But, addressing these concerns and therefore improving asset performance forces manufacturers to move on from outdated technology.

Many see the transition to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) as painful as it usually involves incorporating new applications with outdated systems, and that can be a source of anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

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Modernising computing platforms is a good place to start and can ensure that organisations have a simple platform which also offers higher levels of reliability and better manageability. This will create a solid future-ready platform on which to build on your organisation’s IIoT journey.

And all journeys start somewhere, right?

Many of the issues facing the food & beverage sector can be tied directly to a company’s level of IIoT adoption. One such issue that remains at the forefront is compliance with the Food Safety and Modernisation Act. According to LNS Research 60% of food & beverage

Utilising this data helps manufacturers address these issues by automatically meeting the constantly changing regulatory challenges. For example, hazard analysis within food & beverage is currently performed by manually collecting sample lots and sending them to the lab for analysis. What we are likely to see as food & beverage manufacturers advance on the IIoT journey is a more automated, in-line analysis. Samples would be tested at ‘the edge’ on the factory floor in real-time using chemical and spectroscopic analysis, via the IIoT the data would be made immediately available to centralised quality systems.

Few industries are more focused on return on investment (ROI) than food manufacturing, and this is why we aren’t seeing as much adoption of IIoT as other sectors.

So, what is the ROI on the IIoT? The greatest measurable return may be in helping avoid a food quality or safety issue. By helping manufacturers perform realtime quality analysis, the IIoT can protect an enterprise from a recall that could prove catastrophic to brand integrity and reputation.

With reported spend on supply chain operations going down this year now is exactly the right time to start your IIoT journey. Making compliance issues a thing of the past with regular actionable data coming from the line is what will really set your production facility apart from the competition.

For more information, please visit www.stratus.com or follow on Twitter @StratusAlwaysOn.

The demand for stainless steel clamps is especially high for the bottling, packaging and processing technology as well as for outdoor appliances and equipment bearing thermal loads.

We work constantly and with great dedication on innovative products and solutions for our customers.

The range of linear, lifting column, profile and connecting technology products include catalogue as well as tailor-made products, system solutions such as platforms, work stations and special projects. We are happy to advise you in choosing a product or to develop a tailor-made system solution with you from our extensive modular product range.

RK Rose+Krieger 26 Faraday Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8RY 01296 611660 www.rose-krieger.co.uk www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk

Forerunner Yesterday. Today.

Tomorrow.

The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. In the field of safety at work, we convince right from the start with trend-setting inventions, such as the development of the first protective sensor ever, to our latest safety innovation, “Smart Process Gating” – the space-saving solution for access guarding on conveyor lines. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving.

www.leuze.co.uk

Automation Update - 17

Rationalizing Electrical Installation Technology In electrical installations decisions are made in the early stages that ultimately result in hidden cash drains. By using system-oriented concepts and decentralized automation technology such financial consequences can be avoided. Murrelektronik’s approach keeps cost savings at the forefront of these early decision-making stages. By looking at the whole system from the start, we focus on how to increase standardization and efficiency in the electrical installation. Meaning that Murrelektronik can provide electrical installation solutions that reduce costs by up to 30%.

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he three scenarios below demonstrate that electrical installation technology cannot simply be an afterthought. It must be an intentional engineering consideration and factor into the calculations for overall costs.

A long time ago, electrical installation played a classic role in machine construction. All of the control technology was placed in the control cabinet and connected to sensors and actuators in the field via large terminal blocks. The individual components – whose compatibility determined how errorprone the system was – came with expensive installation and commissioning tasks that had to be repeated from one machine to another. Standardized plug connections were rare and, when they did exist, they had to be manually configured, a tedious process.

More recently, power and data were distributed in separate terminal boxes on the machine periphery. This moved the

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classic parallel wiring method from the control cabinet to the field. While this did lighten the installation workload slightly, the additional terminal levels meant there were more sources of potential errors as well as wiring errors between the control cabinet and the periphery. This led to the difficult and time-consuming task of troubleshooting in the event of short circuits and overloads resulting in long stretches of downtime and production failures.

These days, the IO level is located in the vicinity of the process - at the sensors and actuators. This significantly reduces the size of the control cabinet. The benefits of this method include plug-in system components and molded, fully tested connectors that are IP67 rated, vibration resistant and come in a variety of lengths. Electrical installations are simpler and take significantly less time to install. Wiring errors are virtually eliminated, making the commissioning process quicker and less frustrating all around.

So, what does the future hold? No matter how far ahead you look, it is impossible to achieve significant cost savings without taking a systematic approach and using installation technology in a targeted way. Murrelektronik’s tailor-made concepts and components not only can reduce overall costs by up to 30% but also allow systems to benefit from technological progress including innovative diagnostics functions – added value for both mechanical engineers and machine operators alike.

Installation costs using a series machine as an example Caption: Decisions made at the start of the engineering process ultimately determine over two-thirds of the costs generated during machine construction. There is also great potential for savings in special machines.

A holistic approach now to avoid cash drains later Everyone, from purchasing and design to installation and commissioning teams, can help to reduce overall machine costs by taking a holistic, systematic approach and using installation technology in a targeted way. If all parties recognize that installation technology is the core driver of cost efficiency, then planning, construction and production can be more flexible, less complex and ultimately more efficient.

Is there a case for a “plug and play” IP67 field installation instead of costly terminal boxes? Would standardized,

preconfigured components (from a smaller number of suppliers) allow for a coordinated system solution? Can PLC I/O assemblies be replaced by decentralized fieldbus I/O modules? Can complex cable bundles and trays be avoided by placing distribution boxes near the sensors and actuators?

Are plug-in, molded cable connections being used in place of single conductors to terminals to allow for faster, less error prone installation, servicing and maintenance? How might user-friendly diagnostics increase system availability for the operator?

Connectivity as a Key Technology Murrelektronik has the answers to these questions as well as sophisticated solutions for each customer. Installation technology for machines and systems can take many shapes.

Efficient installation technology planned for each application and designed with a system-oriented view opens up the potential for enormous savings, which makes the decisionmaking process easier. A systematic approach certainly falls within the scope of responsibility of the mechanical engineers and technicians, but also shows managers and executives how to avoid cash drains.

Murrelektronik works with the customer to identify untapped opportunities and release the potential in systematic thinking.

In turn, the approach often increases machine availability and leads to more simplified installation technology and smarter diagnostics.

The Murrelektronik System Specialist are available to help you test out their holistic approach to system design. See where the promised 30% savings can be found!

Call 0161 728 3133 or email the UK team on sales@murrelektronik.co.uk or visit the website: https://www.murrelektronik.com/highlights/systems-engineering/ Automation Update - 19

SICK Launches Compact 2D Vision Camera with Deep Learning Onboard

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he SICK Intelligent Inspection Deep Learning App runs on SICK’s newly launched Inspector P621 2D programmable vision camera.

The all-in-one package enables machine builders and end-users to set up vision classifications using artificial intelligence in a fraction of the time and cost it would take to program challenging inspections based on recognising the pre-set rules and patterns of traditional vision systems.

SICK is launching its first vision camera with a pre-installed Deep Learning app onboard to make it simple to create custom quality inspections of complex or irregular-shaped goods, packaging and assemblies, especially where they may have previously defied automation using traditional systems.

Practical and Affordable AI Classification

Intuitive Step-By-Step Process

Where it has previously been very challenging to achieve consistently robust and repeatable quality inspections, with SICK Intelligent Inspection they can now be mastered with high levels of reliability and availability.

Automation is therefore now practical and affordable for complex imaging tasks such as sorting fresh fruit and vegetables, checking the orientation of timber profiles by recognising the annual ring structure, checking leather car seats for creases or flaws, or inspecting the integrity of solders in surface mount assemblies.

Using the SICK Inspector 621’s in-built image capture tool, users begin by collecting example images of their product in realistic production conditions. Guided stepby-step through the intuitive graphic interface, the system prompts them to sort the images into classes. Using SICK’s dStudio service, the pre-sorted images are uploaded to the Cloud where the image training process is completed by the neural network. The user can then apply further production images to evaluate and adjust the system.

Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging explains: “By embedding the Intelligent Inspection App onto SICK’s Inspector P621 deep learning camera, SICK has made it possible for users to purchase a ready-made package that uses artificial intelligence to run complex vision inspections with ease.

“Users are guided through an intuitive process that teaches the system how to recognise ‘good and bad’ examples using SICK’s specially-optimised neural networks in the cloud.”

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Once the user is satisfied, the custom-trained deep learning solution is downloaded to the SICK Inspector P621 camera where it can begin to take decisions automatically with no further Cloud connection necessary. Results are output to the control system as sensor values and digital I/O. The image inference is carried out directly on the device, so there is no need for an additional PC. As the system training is done in the Cloud, there is also no need for separate training hardware or software, saving on implementation time and cost.

“Because it runs directly on the camera, the SICK Intelligent Inspection app does not require any additional hardware,” Sandhu continues. “So, users can automate complex vision inspections for a much lower cost of ownership. They can now consider automating quality inspections of products or goods that have just proved too difficult previously.

“Even better, the system can be set up in no time at all. Many users will be able to manage this process themselves. However, if needed, SICK is also offering services to support customers through the feasibility, commissioning and neural network training process.”

Users also have access to a large set of traditional machine vision tools installed as standard on the SICK Inspector P621, so they can extend the functionality of their quality inspection further. Developers working in SICK’s AppSpace can also use SICK’s Nova software tools for further custom development and to create their own SensorApps. Starting with the Intelligent Inspection on-camera package still saves significant development time and cost.

SICK Inspector P621 The SICK Inspector P621 is a versatile all-in-one 2D CMOS vision sensor with 1.3mpix image resolution. With flexible illumination provided by powerful on-board LEDs, a high-quality lens, and an adjustable electric focus, the SICK Inspector 621 provides highquality images out of the box to support the Deep Learning process.

With a rugged IP65 housing, its compact 71mm x 43mm x 35.6mm dimensions mean it can be installed even in small machine spaces and at tight angles. Its versatility for many applications is assured through a wide range of communications interfaces and compatibility with EtherNET/IP, EtherCAT, Profibus and PROFINET fieldbuses.

SICK Deep Learning is also now available as licensed option for all InspectorP600 2D vision sensors. Initially available with image classification, the SICK Intelligent Inspection App, will be extended to incorporate anomaly detection, localisation and segmentation functions later in 2021.

For more information about SICK Intelligent Inspection and the Inspector P621, please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.

www.sick.co.uk Automation Update - 21

Ixxat Smart Grid Gateways enable IO and Wi-Fi sensors to be connected to energy networks HMS Networks is now expanding its Ixxat® SG-gateway series for networking of energy components. Two new multi-IO versions allow traditional IO-sensors as well as sensors or devices in Wi-Fi networks to be connected to energy systems using IEC 61850 and IEC 60870. Users benefit from direct and seamless access to sensor data from the control room, as well as IIoT capabilities for monitoring, maintenance and forecasting purposes.

Enabling digital energy controlDigitalization of energy technology is important for mastering the future challenges of sustainable energy supply. With Ixxat SG-gateways, device manufacturers, system integrators, energy suppliers and network operators get instant status information into the control room through direct access to plant data from various sources. This enables efficient system operation, fast reactions to network disturbances, as well as remote monitoring and maintenance of devices and systems. The compact Ixxat SGgateways are especially suitable for retrofitting plants and digitalization of substations, and are used in many areas of energy automation, e.g. in power plants and at large energy consumers.

All-in-one solution with all the needed connectivity Thanks to the wide range of interfaces and protocols supported, Ixxat SG-gateways remove the need for installing several separate gateways, such as fieldbus gateways, sensor gateways, IoT gateways and firewalls. Adding to the existing support for IEC 61850, IEC 60870, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MQTT and 4G, the two new SG-gateways feature Multi-IO and Wi-Fi capabilities (WLAN according to IEEE 802.11 a/b/ g/n). With this, traditional as well as wireless sensors can be 22 - Automation Update

easily connected to control rooms and cloud systems. Besides RS232/485 and Ethernet, eight digital inputs/outputs (24 V DC) and eight analog inputs (0-20 mA or 0-10 V) are available for direct sensor connection, all switchable via software.

Example applications are temperature monitoring of highvoltage lines via Wi-Fi using Modbus TCP, pressure and density measurement of cooling liquids using Modbus RTU, and room temperature or humidity measurement in buildings using analog or digital IO.

Efficient and secure access to all data The acquired data from sensors, fieldbuses and energy protocols is made available by the SG-gateway in control room applications, SCADA and can also be integrated into the user´s cloud system of choice. For direct use in a targeted system and protocol, the data can be pre-processed by the SG-gateway using the integrated WEBPLC. Data security is ensured via a local firewall, access management and via encrypted data transmission. Depending on the used protocol, this is done either with openVPN or TLS 1.3.

Learn more about Ixxat SG-gateways at www.ixxat.com/energy

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Monitoring the world