Automation Update - issue 82

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Issue 82

R+K add new Multilift-II with internal carriage to further expand the Multilift-II family

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

A H

h r A

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

Ala

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

An electronic device looks set to save time, and money for British Manufacturers Adding water to a mix - everything from feeding mixing bowls to filling tanks has long been carried out using pails or hosepipes.

Time consuming, open to accident and operator error, there has never been a viable, micro-computer controlled, UK alternative.

However, Aquameter Ltd based in Hertfordshire is already changing all that.

Their ABACUS digital device delivers exact, pre-selected quantities of water from a single pipe - straight into the mixing vessel.

This precise metering of the water means the operator can exactly re-create batch consistency each time Operation of the ABACUS is simplicity itself: the quantity of water required is keyed in, the “start” button pushed, and the water flows.

A water solenoid valve located in the water pipe closes the flow at the completion of the cycle; when the pre-set batch quantity is reached.

The unit is already in use across the UK and beyond, and is being snapped up by food manufacturers around the globe.

Matt Bell, Production Manager with Bell Bakers, located near Glasgow, says of the system: “We use two systems for metering water into the mixers in the main bakery area and one into the boiling pans for stews.

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Were it not for these units we would be using buckets of water or a line of hose - not that convenient.” He goes on: “We have control over the whole operation... it’s obviously more accurate; using the meter rather than relying on staff to put it in by pail.”

Thanks to a small Hertfordshire company, manufacturers now have the ability to reproduce exact batch consistency each and every time.

Call us on 01 992 442 861 Visit our website www.aquameter.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

Wait or Hold?

Warehouse and production operations use buffer systems when their processes include a wait or hold step, material handling process requires reserve inventory to manage fluctuating demands, or when there’s a requirement for a quick and accurate order consolidation process before shipping. Without the proper buffering system in place, warehouses often waste space, and experience longer travel and search times than necessary.

Using automated technology will require up to 85% less floor space than a traditional rack or shelving system.

Common buffer systems such as miniload and bin-shuttle systems manage buffer inventory well but they come with a hefty price tag. While these solutions work for larger operations, they are unable to scale down to handle smaller volumes cost effectively. Vertical Buffer Modules (VBMs) are uniquely designed to maximise storage capacity and manage items in a compact footprint. They buffer 500 - 2.000 totes and are both, cost and energy efficient. Implementing the LR 35 for automated buffering provides multiple benefits such as buffering for small parts 6 - Automation Update

in a fast and efficient manner. Eliminates operator travel time and minimises storage footprint. There are two types of buffer that can be utilised by using the LR35: Consolidation Buffer: To consolidate orders quickly and accurately before shipping or packing the use of a the LR 35 using Java Machine Interface (JMIF) software and automated conveyor connection is a Kardex recommended solution. Order bins are scanned, stored, and retrieved when needed without any human intervention. When all items for the order are in the consolidation buffer, the JMIF software notifies the host system and starts the retrieval when needed.

Production Buffer: The LR 35 is used in production to buffer goods between individual work steps, avoiding costly interruptions in the operating processes.

It’s designed to absorb surplus production and to decouple the process sections, ensuring the highest possible production rate. Production components are mostly transported with an automated conveyor system connected to the LR 35 or with automated guided vehicles (AGVs). For

additional picking, the LR 35 can be equipped with a turntable.

Companies without buffer storage may experience waiting times between individual steps. In addition, many warehouses lose valuable space when manually buffering customer orders ready for dispatch in the shipping area.

Manual storage on pallets or in static shelves is chaotic, takes up more space than necessary, and requires longer travel distances and search times for personnel. The implementation of an automated buffer system like the LR 35 for intermediate storage and consolidation of orders and goods ensures safe, fast, and smooth material flow in the production and shipping departments. To learn more about how the LR35 can manage your order picking and consolidation requirements click here. Or contact Kardex on 01992 557237, email: info.remstar.uk@kardex.com www.youtube.com/ watch?v=N44wYI6h_FA&t=24s

Leaders in temperature measurement

Hand Held Instrumentation Heading 3

A selection of hand held instruments for many applications including a large range of digital thermometers, light level meter and a range of great value handheld sensors.

IR Industrial IR Medical Infrared Thermometers Thermometers

Pressure Manometers

Digital Light Meters

Anemometers

Temperature & Wood Moisture Meter Humidity Meter

Grain Moisture Meter

www.labfacility.com Bognor Regis tel: +44 (0)1243 871280

sales@labfacility.com Sheffield tel: +44 (0)1909 569446

What all Engineers should know about Inverter Repairs I’m sure we can all agree Variable Speed Drives are expensive pieces of equipment that require regular maintenance to minimize premature failure and maximize the life span of your asset.

percentage of IGBT drive repairs simply failing again as soon as they are fitted to the original application when load is introduced, leading to another repair cost and more costly downtime for your process.

However, all makes of Drives do fail and one of the most common faults is IGBT (Insulated-gate bipolar transistor) failure. An insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is a three-terminal power semiconductor device primarily used as an electronic switch in Variable Speed Drives.

In summary all engineers should only send their valuable variable speed drive assets to drive repair facilities that have fully qualified Drive Engineers who have attended the relevant manufacturers courses. But also insist that the repairer have load test facilities and carry out a full load test on your drive which you can attend to witness test or at the very least request a video of the final test.

When a drive suffers an IGBT failure the best practice is to replace all three devices, even if only has actually failed as the fault condition more often than not weakens the remaining devices which will inevitably lead to a further premature failure and more costly downtime for the user.

So far, I’m sure I’ve not told you anything you don’t already know, but the real issue with drive repairs is this…it is imperative that each repair is fully load tested This is important because each IGBT has a freewheeling diode which you can only accurately be tested with a full inductive load test. Most companies that offer Drive Repair do not have the required load test facilities and hence they simply carry out a resistive load test which actually does not show if the IGBT’s are fully functioning as a power device which leads to a very high 8 - Automation Update

Insisting on these simple steps for all your drive repairs ensures 100% that your drive is repaired correctly and fully functioning before you put back into service on your plant, thus ensuring minimum repair cost and minimises expensive lost production costs.

Quantum Controls have an 10,000 square foot Drive Repair Facility near Newcastle with full load testing facilities and are Official Drive Service Partners for all major Brands of Drives.

When you next have a Drive failure get in touch with our expert team for repair estimate. service@quantum-controls.co.uk Tel :01661 835566

Automation Update - 13

Snap-on’s Level 5™ asset management system is network ready As engineering managers cope with relentless pressure to deliver improved productivity, often with fewer skilled hands and tighter budgets, the benefits of professional tool storage and management become stronger than ever.

Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5™ automated total asset management system brings order to any workplace, enabling engineers and technicians to know exactly where to find every tool they need, when they need it, saving time and easing stress.

How useful would it be if all your workshop’s valuable tools could be tracked from one central point? Snap-on’s Level 5™ system makes that possible.

It provides complete reports on everything managers or supervisors need to keep an eye on.

And then there’s FOD. The threat of foreign object damage is a real and present danger in many engineering workplaces. Using Snap-on Level 5™ minimises the risk of human error, as automated tool control constantly tracks every tool and detects which tools have been removed or returned, ensuring greater protection against FOD.

Major benefits of the system include:

Engineered to track individual tools by user, without bar codes, scanners, RFID tags or other add-ons, the system works at the speed its users demand.

Other systems require additional steps to scan or log activity. The Snap-on system does this automatically so users save time and don’t have to depend on other steps to ensure accurate results.

•

Snap-on’s Level 5™ ATC boxes are network ready, using either Ethernet or wireless connection. That enables users to review activity at all Level 5 boxes in their location from one central computer, avoiding the time consuming need to inspect each box.

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• • • •

•

No individual tool scanning required; No RFID tags to install or replace; No limitations on tool size: from ¼” screwdriver bit to just less than the size of the drawer; Intuitive interface, with an easy to use touchscreen Audible voice confirmation of tool removal and replacement Automatic locking for maximum security Errors announced and displayed to indicate incorrect tool position or advise when a drawer is not closed.

Says Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial: “Snap-on’s automated system takes asset management to an entirely new level. The ability to monitor several boxes from one central computer offers a huge advantage to engineering managers.”

For technical details visit: snaponlevel5.com call (01536) 413904 or e-mail: ukindustrialmarketing@snapon.com

Tel: 01296 611660 Email: rk@pmgb.co.uk www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk 26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8RU

Murrelektronik enters the world of vision systems

Vision installation solutions from Murrelektronik (from left to right): The Xelity Hybrid Switch handles data communication and power supply, the Injection Box is a four-way power and signal injector with 24V, the Master Breakout Box distributes power and signals, and the NEC Class 2 Splitter is a pure power and signal distribution box.

Murrelektronik expands its decentralized automation technology to provide new “Plug and Play” solutions for industrial image processing.

V

ision systems are becoming increasingly important in industrial manufacturing a n d l o g i st i cs. When it comes to Industry 4.0 technologies, industrial image processing cameras are a crucial component. By developing its vision installation solutions, Murrelektronik now offers decentralized installation solutions specifically for industrial image processing. With Murrelektronik, machine and system builders have a powerful partner at their side when it comes to power supplies and signal/data management for the smart networking of cameras in industrial production processes or logistics. Murrelektronik’s decentralized components includes switches, distributors and feeders that can be mounted on the machine, as well as the corresponding high-performance cable and connector technology. These components minimize installation effort and maximize performance for both new and existing machines and systems.

“Plug and Play” for vision systems Efficient power supply and reliable data communication are the pillars of a functioning installation concept. The goal is to combine a machine or plant’s devices into a system efficiently and economically.

Murrelektronik’s modular vision installation solutions allow you to integrate a decentralized installation concept into existing system architectures as well as new machines and systems.

These components include the Xelity Hybrid Switch (which has connections for up to four cameras, handles smooth and error-free data communication), the Master Breakout Box (a power and signal distributor) and the Injection Box (a voltage and signal feeder). Each is designed to be mounted directly in the machine environment near the respective vision system.

Carl Tyler from Murrelektronik UK explains, “Our decentralized installation concept has the unbeatable advantage that we save our customers the time-consuming and expensive control cabinet installation. Switch cabinets are not required as everything is IP67 and designed to be mounted in the field. Another advantage, with Murrelektronik’s modular plug & play solutions is that vision systems can not only be put into operation quickly and flexibly, but they also facilitate and accelerate further diagnostics during operation - significantly reducing system and machine downtime.

Our solution works with all the major camera manufacturers”

Intelligence where it is needed “With our vision installation solutions, we focus on the processes that take place between the camera and the system controller.” Where industrial image processing was not possible in existing systems due to overcrowded control cabinets, Murrelektronik’s vision installation solutions provide a remedy with shorter cables and less cable clutter. Thanks to a data transmission rate of 1 gigabit/second (Gbit/s) via X-coded cables, high-resolution image processing is possible for many industrial applications.

Network communication takes place at up to 2.5 Gbit/s.

“The data processing takes place at the machine.

We bring the intelligence to where it is needed.

With Murrelektronik’s vision installation solutions, our customers can trim their production processes to greater efficiency and higher throughput.

As a result, they increase quality and avoid costly rework and also reduce the footprint of the machine with smaller or in some cases no cabinets.”

This diagram demonstrates the paths of Ethernet, power & IO in a system using Murrelektronik‘s components. Notice that the trigger and encoder signals are carried through the same power daisy-chain cable as the 24V

12 - Automation Update

Murrelektronik UK has a specialist technical team to answer all your queries about Murrelektronik’s “Plug and Play” solutions for Vision Systems. Contact Murrelektronik on 0161 728 3133 or email sales@murrelektronik.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE November 2021

Plug and Play for industrial image processing With Murrelektronik‘s Vision Installation Solutions, you can get started with industrial image processing and immediately benefit from the advantages with little effort, guaranteeing a quick return on investment.

|61 murrelektronik.co.uk

Efficient material flow thanks to Kanban components The Kanban principle is usually used to optimise material supply in assembly and production processes.

Workpieces and assembly material are supplied to the individual process stations via flow racks with roller tracks or roller conveyors. This ensures fast and efficient provision of material in accordance with production control. By avoiding unnecessary lifting tasks, there is also less strain on the employees.

Roller tracks are used in flow racks or Kanban racks to ensure that the handling cases and cardboard boxes are transported safely. They are available in lengths of up to 4500 mm. The roller spacing is either 33 mm or 49.5 mm. In the case of longer roller tracks or higher loads, it is advisable to place profiles underneath for support. The rollers are mounted on steel axles and are available with and without flanges.

This application uses mk’s RBS-P 2065/2066 gravity roller conveyor which is ideal for use as a roller carrier transporting material flows between picking stations. Depending on the total load and the required spacing, rollers with dimensions from 20 to 50 mm can be selected. An inclination of 1–2° usually ensures a reliable component feed. Over longer lines and steep inclines, it is possible to reach high speeds. In this case, the kinetic energy requires a damped deceleration.

The mk roller conveyor system with gravity drive (RBS) is typically used in

industrial applications for semi-automatic interlinking at picking stations or kanban shelves. An extensive selection of different roller types makes the system extremely flexible and suitable for a wide range of applications. The conveyors are available in both straight and curved

configurations. The roller diameters of 20, 40 or 50 mm ensure that both large and small workpieces can be transported reliably and without interruption.

The longitudinal slots in the profile beams can be used to attach side rails, stands, sensors and other accessories. Products can be transported along a decline either by hand or using gravitational force.

A slope of 1 to 2° is usually sufficient for transporting products with gravitational force. Please note that high speeds can be reached with long lines and/or steeper slopes. This kinetic energy will require dampened deceleration.

To find out more about the complete mk conveyor range please visit www.mkprofiles.co.uk, call (01949) 823751 or email info@mkprofiles.co.uk.

14 - Automation Update

Profile Technology

Conveyor Technology

Linear Motion

Factory Equipment

Flexible modular solutions from mk!

Compatible standard modules from mk simplify your production and maximise efficiency. Technology from mk provides the ideal solution for plant and special machinery engineering. mk Profile Systems Limited a company of the mk Technology Group Phone +44 (0)1949 823751 www.mkprofiles.co.uk·info@mkprofiles.co.uk

Image top: Both the LPML and the LPL fit in conventional trusses.

Image below: The LPML weighs a modest 12kg (20kg with 18m lifting height) and delivers a lifting capacity of half a ton.

Lift Turn Move Expands GIS Chain Hoist Stock Lift Turn Move (LTM) has expanded its stock of GIS lightweight D8 chain hoists of 500kg and 1,000kg capacity, for mobile use in the entertainment sector.

GIS-owned LTM is the UK supplier of the Swiss-made electric chain hoists, control systems, and additional material handling equipment. As riggers continue to demand the lightest possible chain hoists, Wirralbased LTM is receiving heightened demand for the LPML and higher capacity LPL chain hoists—both capable of lifting over 40 times their own weight.

The LPML weighs a modest 12kg (20kg with 18m lifting height) and delivers a lifting capacity of half a ton. The LPL meanwhile lifts 1,000kg, and when fully equipped for an 18m lifting height weighs in at just 39kg (23kg net weight).

The hoists were originally introduced as a supplement to the popular GIS D8+ hoists, used for static suspension of loads over people. Hoists to the standard D8 specification may also be used for static suspension of loads, but it is essential to have a secondary suspension, such as a load arrestor, for example. The hoists are manufactured in accordance with EN14492 and DIN56950.

David King, managing director at LTM, said: “Both hoists are highly robust yet still light, thanks to the aluminium housing and covers. The design of the chain hoists in accordance with protection class IP65 (as standard) protects them against dust and water. This makes them ideal for both mobile and outdoor use. They are extremely quiet running due to closed three-stage transmission with helical gearing and grease permanent lubrication.”

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Other standout features include case-hardened profile steel chain with minimum five-fold static safety, modular configuration, quick assembly and disassembly thanks to polygonal couplings and low maintenance.

King added: “In comparison to a round steel chain, the case-hardened profile steel chain offers approx. 11% more capacity with the same nominal diameter. This is one of the main reasons behind the optimisation of the net weight. The skeleton load hook with stable, guided hook safety catch and damping system offers maximum safety.”

A second independent DC spring-loaded brake can be mounted on the existing shaft in just a few steps without the need of a housing extension. Further options include low voltage control, limit switch for highest and lowest hook position, load, and path measurement (LPL), trolleys, flight cases and controls.

Thanks to the compact design, both the LPML and the LPL fit in conventional trusses.

Transporting the chain hoists from one event to the next can therefore take place while still installed to save space, or in a transport case.

3 & 4 November 2021, NEC Birmingham The UK’s leading annual gathering of engineering supply chain professionals

SAVE THE DATE I found the event a great networking opportunity to meet industrial professionals from different backgrounds with different products.

Kat Clarke, Wing Manufacturing Engineer, Airbus

10,000+ engineering professionals in attendance

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hours of free-to-attend industry content

Benefit from co-location with: AERO ENGINEERING

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REGISTER YOUR INTEREST www.advancedengineeringuk.com +44 (0)20 3196 4358 | aeuk@easyfairs.com

Autumn is here! --- Time to Karl Lycett – Rittal UK Climate Control Product Manager Finally! The temperature seems to be reducing to a more bearable level, the nights are slowly drawing in and... do I see a hint of colour change in the trees?

That’s right Autumn is upon us once again and that can only mean one thing… It’s time to stop, look back at the summer period and understand how things went.

Did you see • Electrical equipment under stress?

• Unexpected breakdowns?

within your enclosures and ensuring it lasts for many summers to come.

Even if your cooling equipment is upto date, there is always an opportunity to make small improvements which will increase your overall efficiency.

If any of this sounds familiar or has happened to you, now is the perfect time to put plans into place to make your life easier when next summer hits.

A great example is the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles, simply put this is taking any data generated by cooling equipment and allowing it to be directly reported into your building management systems or straight to the relevant person in charge of managing the health of your electrical equipment.

Servicing, upgrading or even specifying some brand-new Climate Control to protect your equipment is one of the most effective ways of creating a protective environment for your sensitive electrical equipment

This reduces the need for daily walk round with a clipboard, making notes of any issues. This old-style approach can result in things being missed and breakdowns occurring unexpectedly, however, with

• Emergency repairs needed on critical equipment?

Enclosure Climate Control Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution ENCLOSURES

42|

POWER DISTRIBUTION

CLIMATE CONTROL

reflect solutions now available you can choose to have e-mails sent directly to key personnel whenever limits have been reached and warning flags are showing. This means staff are utilised more efficiently and can be safe in the mind that they will be notified if any issues begin to arise.

Now never fear, we know that your sole focus doesn’t lie on Climate Control, you have more important things to worry about, mainly keeping your business up and running and producing for your customers.

That is where Rittal is here to help. Over the next three months we are going to cover a different theme related to Climate Control but with the focus on how you can utilise this information to get the most out of your equipment, by creating that protective environment and allowing it to thrive and stay healthy.

This takes the workload off you when the temperature starts to rise again and allows you to concentrate on more important matters on site while in the back of your mind knowing you have implemented systems to keep your equipment chugging along.

The additional benefits of undertaking this action is the reduction in energy usage and costs related to the replacement of spare parts etc. If items are tripping out every year, this causes a high level of wear on components which can result in more

order being produced to replace burnt out cards etc.. All of these small changes are going to impact your bottom line and overall efficiency.

The next Three months topics are going to be as follows, with different media every week to support the overarching theme – September Cooling

--- The Fundamentals of

keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for the contact to begin rolling in September.

In the meantime, if you have any specific questions or would like the information sent straight to your inbox, send an e-mail to cooling@rittal.co.uk and one of our colleagues will get in touch to help

October --- Service & Maintenance of Cooling Equipment November Industry

--- Focus on: Cooling

If you feel like any of the topics mentioned above would be of benefit to you, then

IT INFRASTRUCTURE

SOFTWARE & SERVICES

www.rittal.co.uk

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SICK’s Next-Generation Ruler3000 Offers a Fast Track to Breakthrough 3D Vision Power SICK has unveiled the first in a new generation of Ruler3000 3D streaming cameras, designed to offer a fast track for integrators to harness the unmatched speed and measurement precision of SICK’s high-definition 3D imaging technology.

The SICK Ruler3000 sets a new standard for high-speed 3D image quality in an easyto-integrate, pre-calibrated device.

The Ruler3000 combines SICK’s groundbreaking Ranger3 streaming camera with a Class 2 eye-safe laser, pre-selected optics and fixed geometries to enable much simpler configuration and commissioning.

With industry-standard compliance giving comprehensive access to machine vision software tools, the Ruler3000 dramatically cuts time and complexity when integrating more demanding inspection, measurement and robot guidance tasks across a wide range of industries.

“With today’s demands for higher throughputs, more accurate quality control and flexible, batch-orientated production, the pressure is mounting to deliver more speed and accuracy from 3D machine vision systems,” says Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging.

“The SICK Ruler3000 is an exciting prospect for OEMs, system integrators and accomplished 3D vision end users. Because so much of the configuration and commissioning work is already done, you can rapidly shortcut to integrating a continuous stream of industrystandard data into higher level systems or robot controls. And, with accurate 3D, reflectance and scattered light measurements in one device, you can evaluate several aspects of the inspection simultaneously to achieve optimum control and measurement confidence.”

Powerful Streaming Camera Powered by SICK’s highly sensitive CMOS sensor and innovative ROCC (Rapid On-Chip Calculation) technology, the

20 - Automation Update

Ruler3000’s integrated streaming camera scans reliably at rapid production speeds.

It processes up to 15.4Gp/s to enable up to 7000 full-frame 3D profiles per second. The Ruler3000 extracts the true 3D shape of an object, regardless of its contrast or colour, as well as simultaneously capturing greyscale and scattered light measurements, so image processing and measurement precision can be optimised.

The Ruler3000’s high light sensitivity enables accurate inspection of even very dark or highly-reflective materials, while its High Dynamic Range (HDR) function allows components with widely-differing light remissions such as tyres and shiny metal assemblies to be captured successfully in a single scan.

Outstanding Performance The SICK Ruler3000’s outstanding performance on light, dark, reflective and contrasting surfaces, together with its guaranteed field of view, make it ideal for high-end inspection and precise localisation duties, when mounted above a conveyor or on a robot arm. It is therefore likely to find diverse applications in industries including electronics, automotive components, consumer goods, food and beverage and pharmaceutical production.

Simple and Versatile Integration Integration is made even simpler by the user-friendly Stream Setup interface. The newly developed SICK GenIStream API facilitates integration for C# and C++ users.

Full compatibility with industry standards such as GigEvision and GenICam, provides plug and play access to third party software

such as HALCON and LabVIEW. In addition, developers have all the flexibility of SICK’s AppSpace software development platform with its wide range of image processing tools and application examples.

The highly accurate SICK Ruler3020 is the first release in the Ruler3000 product family. It delivers 3D profiles at up to 7kHz full format, or up to 46 kHz with a reduced region of interest. Measurements are output in millimeter values with a Z-resolution from 8-15µm and an X-resolution from 63-88µm, assuring very high definition to inspect even extremely dark or reflective surfaces, as well as to output precision data for accurate robot guidance. Accurate measurement values are assured down to 8 µm in height.

The guaranteed field of view concept of the SICK Ruler3020 ensures commissioning is easy. SICK plans to release more variants with differing fields of view during 2021.

With a compact design, the IP65/67 SICK Ruler3020 can cope with harsh industrial environments without the need to design expensive protection in the machine.

For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. www.sick.co.uk

StocExpo Find out more > www.stocexpo.com

Place yourself at the heart of the leading bulk liquid storage event

8 - 10 March 2022 Ahoy, Rotterdam

STERTIL CLOSED DOOR DOCKING SYSTEM ELIMINATES TEMPERATURE AND HYGIENE PROBLEMS Stertil Dock Products has an enviable reputation for developing proven handling solutions for manufacturing companies, distribution centres and warehousing sites throughout the world. This expertise often embraces the introduction of solutions to meet the specific requirements of the food industry where temperature control and hygiene is of the utmost importance.

The unique Stertil Closed Door Docking system combines a smooth and safe loading and unloading operation with comprehensive protection against external temperatures, draughts, dust, insects and vermin. This is achieved by a controlled sequence of movements involving lorries, inflatable dock shelters, dock levellers and loading bay doors.

At the heart of the Closed Door Docking System is the Stertil WI-Series inflatable 22 - Automation Update

dock shelter which features inflatable top and side cushions to ensure a virtually airtight seal between docked lorries and the warehouse building. This allows all loading and unloading operations to be completed swiftly and safely. For those applications where improved seals are required, the WI-Series dock shelter may be installed with additional draught sidecurtains to help seal the gaps created by vehicle ‘barn’ doors.

Installed to operate in tandem with the WI-Series inflatable dock shelter is Stertil’s X-Series stepped frame dock leveller.

Incorporating an infinitely adjustable telescopic lip, the leveller ensures the smooth and safe movement of loads between a vehicle and the loading bay.

To accommodate the widest range of load sizes, the X-Series leveller may be specified complete with varying lip lengths

up to 1000mm. The leveller is also easy to operate using a simple push button control panel located within the warehouse.

Importantly, the X-Series telescopic dock leveller is manufactured from galvanised steel to ensure robustness and unbeatable performance in all weather conditions.

“Our development team has designed the Stertil Closed Door Docking System to offer complete protection against adverse operating conditions,” says Andy Georgiou, General Manager of Stertil Dock Products. “By eliminating fluctuations in temperature and ensuring hermetic sealing, our system is proving to be extremely popular with both cold storage and ambient facilities within the UK’s food industries.”

For more information, please click here.

Brochures are available here for download

Compact, electromagnetic benchtop marking system with integrated control unit The compact benchtop marking system FlyMarker mini 120/100 STATION is the perfect addition to the already proven FlyMarker mini series.

The dot peen marking system is an all-in-one device, which means that the control unit is directly integrated in the housing. Due to the electromagnetic driven marking pin, no compressed air supply is needed.

Besides the attractive price-performance-ratio, the marking system convinces due to its easy handling. The benchtop marking system must only be set on the work surface and be connected to the power supply – now the work can already start.

The large marking area of 120x100 mm is equipped with a switchable LED-lighting, which makes the adjustment of the workpieces to be marked very easy. Due to the integrated, high-quality guiding systems, highest stability and with this a very precise marking result can be guaranteed.

In addition to the standard fonts in the 9x13- and 5x7 grid, logos and Data Matrix codes can be marked optionally. The marking force can be adjusted individually depending on the material to be marked. Nearly all materials can be marked – from plastics, aluminum, stainless steel up to hardened steel.

The input of the marking file can be done either via an USBkeyboard or optionally via a capacitive touchscreen. The input screen is integrated directly on the marking head – no further screens or control units are necessary. For the data transfer an USB-A, an USB-B and an Ethernet-interface are available.

Thanks to the lever movement of the release handle, work pieces can be exchanged very fast and easy, without the need to adjust the marking pin distance each time. Using the 24 - Automation Update

laser pointer which is integrated on the benchtop marking system, the marking process can be simulated directly on the work piece and with this incorrect markings can be avoided.

www.markator.com

HARTING help to futureproof machine building The machine building sector evolves quickly as new manufacturing machinery becomes increasingly adaptable so it can meet the demands of industries.

At HARTING, we are constantly refining and updating our product range to keep pace with the latest developments.

Both monobloc and modular inserts can be inserted into the Han-Eco® B housings, the latter in combination with the Han-Modular® hinged frame, giving you an unparalleled choice of data, signal and power options.

Furthermore, the Han-Eco® B is entirely compatible with standard metal Han® B housings, meaning both variants can be integrated into your production equipment.

Han-Eco® B is a new series of hoods and housings in the HanEco® portfolio, available in a range of designs including bulkhead, surface mount and cable-to-cable. The Han-Eco® range, which also includes Han-Eco® Modular and Han-Eco® A, is manufactured from high-performance plastic, which complies with standards IEC 61948 and EN 45545-2, and offers IP65 protection and substantial weight savings compared to traditional metal housings.

In addition, the hoods and housings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, thanks to their resistance to environmental impacts.

HARTING has also responded to the trend towards connector miniaturisation with the Han® 1A. As the requirement for smaller interfaces on equipment grows, space becomes a premium. Therefore, the 1A has been designed to take up less space and provide the user with all the benefits of a modern network.

A big advantage of using the Han-Eco® B in control panels is the time-savings that can be achieved, thanks mainly to the ability to rear mount inserts. There is no longer any need to install cables through the bulkhead mounted housing before assembling the contact inserts; instead, pre-assembled inserts are directly snapped into the housing from the rear, simplifying cabinet assembly. You can also assemble the switch cabinet units and cable harnesses separately if you wish.

Only two components are required to quickly assemble an IP20 solution, while additional housing elements or single wire seals can easily extend the degree of protection to IP65, making it suitable for use outdoors.

Constructed from the same material as the Han-Eco® B, the 1A employs a modular system of inserts, meaning it can integrate contacts for the delivery of data, signal and power.

To learn more about the Han-Eco® B, please visit www. harting.com or email salesUK@HARTING.com.

Automation Update - 25

Protecting Your Plant Before

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

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

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

ROADSTONE

STONE

POWER STATIONS

AGGREGATE

…AND MANY MORE!

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

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