WWW.AUTOMATION-UPDATE.CO.UK Issue 92 AUTOMATION PDATE Smart Pallet Mover From Interroll Provides Performance Boost For Manufacturing Logistics Winner of the Red Dot Award and “Best of Logistics” nominee for the IFOY Award www.interroll.com
Simplydone. VARIO-X is the decisive step towards the future! Agile manufacturing, sustainability or Industry 4.0 – thanks to 100 percent automation without control cabinets. Modular, flexible and future-proof, Vario-X brings your machines and systems into the future with decentralized installation technology. future. It‘s that simple. SIMPLY DONE NOW! www.vario-x.com/uk
Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge, Spratling Court Offices, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN www.jetdigitalmedia.co.uk www.automation-update.co.uk AUTOMATION UPDATE 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. Publication Director Kane Kane@engineering-update.co.uk01843Weller580460 Editor Leigh 01843Little267 leigh@engineering-update.co.uk690 Publishing Director Jodie 01843jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.ukLittle595818 Editorial Assistant Laura Sharpe 01843 448 laura@engineering-update.co.uk443 keller-druck.com HIGH ACCURACY IS THE OPTION Pressure Ranges 0…0,3 to 0…1000 bar Accuracy ±0,05 %FS Total Error Band ±0,1 %FS @ -10…80 °C Interfaces RS485, 4…20 mA, 0…10 V Operational Temperature Range -40…120 °C Series 35X
Keeping an ConnectionOT/ITSecure
However, security is always an issue. Best practices dictate that OT and IT networks be completely isolated from each other. This can best be accomplished using a DMZ to ensure no direct link between corporate networks and control networks. Only known and authenticated actors can enter the system at all. Firewalls protect both the OT and IT sides, configured to allow only outbound connections to the DMZ. This ensures that only the correct data passes between networks.
To enable a secure, robust connection across a DMZ, and support real-time bidirectional communication, Skkynet recommends secure tunnelling. Well-designed tunnelling middleware can seamlessly aggregate a variety of industrial protocols like OPC, MQTT, and Modbus and send their data securely across a DMZ to clients running in IT or the cloud. There is no need for VPNs, and all inbound firewall ports can stay closed.
MQTT requires each node in the chain to be individually configured, and the Quality of Service guarantees cannot propagate through the chain, making data unreliable.
Skkynet's secure-by-design tunnelling solution connects and integrates OPC UA and MQTT protocols at either or both ends of the tunnel and supports bi-directional data transfer across a DMZ in real time.
Anyone familiar with OPC UA or MQTT might ask, why not use one of those protocols to make the connection? Put simply, they weren’t designed for the task. Getting data out of a plant through a DMZ typically requires two or more servers, daisy chained together. The OPC UA protocol is simply too complex to reproduce well in a chain like this.
4 - Automation Update
There is, without doubt, value in process data. More and more companies are waking up to that reality. C-level executives and upper management are keen to extract that value using analytical tools and techniques provided by their IT departments.
Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advicesales@lamonde.comwww.lamonde.com+44(0)2030262670 PLC Web Browser OPC UA Server WebView In Excess of 300 Communication Drivers Event Bar Chart Database Server SQL Query Energy Demand Display/Setting Features Include:
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“Carter Manufacturing is a global supplier of precision bearings and tooling to aerospace, medical, nuclear and defence. We require exceptional images to support our business and make it stand out across all the markets in which we are active. Having used various photographers in the past, we have a good idea of what we need in a photographer to achieve our desired images. Experience in all the sectors in which we are involved is not realistic but having knowledge of some plus the ability to adapt those to others is the What references do you seek before hiring a photographer?
Turning Heads in a Rotating Industry Industrial photographer, Adrian Waine, is no stranger to the pages of Manufacturing Update. His imagery ranks amongst the best we feature. In this article we get a new perspective on what it takes to create stunning images in challenging environments – Mel Meader, Chief Operating Officer, of Carter Manufacturing, explains in this interview with editor Taylor Owens how Adrian provides the creative spark for their pictures.
“We discovered Adrian Waine through his images being credited in an associates website. For us, the work speaks for itself and having found these images we started to dig a little deeper. Once satisfied with the imagery, we set about talking with Adrian informally to get a feel for him and how he approaches each commission. His wider industry expertise and experience quickly shone through and gave us the confidence we were seeking.”
“Without a doubt. We have had several uses from the imagery and expect more. They are being used in our website and have been used in exhibition stands, within our social media and marketing campaigns. The key to getting the most out of the time hinges on the advance preparation. The magical creative flair, if you like, is left to Adrian.”
When the photographs are completed do you feel that the investment in time and money are worthy of the results?
6 - Automation Update
“The right equipment is necessary, especially lighting. We strive to create original images to capture the imagination of our target audience. Ambient light alone is very limiting in this respect. With the equipment must come knowledge in how to use it for maximum creative effect. We discuss a shot list in advance which defines who needs to obtain what. Adrian supplies all photography and lighting equipment required to capture a shot. He also brings a time-served assistant with him and suggests must-haves in terms of relevant props. This makes the photography process much easier on the day as everything is to hand when needed.”
Is the photographer’s knowledge of your industry important?
Does the photographer’s equipment or lack of it have any consequences?
www.carterbearings.co.uk Mel Meader, Chief Operating
our
Adrian’s
Lighting, camera angles and feel cannot be re-created without using a time served photographer. Owning an oil painting set doesn’t make you an artist!
Modern cameras and high-end phone cameras, pack a lot of punch these days, are you not tempted to try taking your own pictures?
Is building a long-term relationship with a photography important? We began working with Adrian in 2020, and have already completed three shoots with him, with more in the pipeline. Adrian seems to keep well on top of trends. We see our future relationship with Adrian being a constant to keep our imagery fresh, current and eye-catching in an ever changing world. Does photography help the business attract new talent?
Is organising a photographic shoot in a working factory disruptive? “I know it sounds repetitive, but again preparation is key when commissioning a professional photographer like Adrian. Disruption is often minimal when you append time building a shot list, prop portfolio and select the people involved in advance. Adrian adapts where he can and will always adjust or generate an additional shot outside of the plan if he can and so maximise the useable shots taken on the day.”
Carter Manufacturing Limited +44 1865 821 720 Mob 07859 mel@carterbearings.co.uk879040 www.photographyforindustry.com Photography : Adrian Waine Tel 0151 356 facilitiescommissionedwithAdrianadrian@photographyforindustry.com3855wasformerlystaffphotographerSaudiARAMCOandwasregularlywithintheoilprocessingofSaudiArabia. Automation Update - 7
“You cannot capture the images of this quality using a phone or personal camera. Attention to detail comes from experience and Adrian’s speaks for itself.
Working at the forefront of emerging technologies you need to create the right feel when drawing in customers. Adrian achieves this well and we believe that it is well received by our customers, ‘a homemade shot’ will not do.”
Carter Manufacturing is a pioneering company and to inspire and attract a new generation of engineers to propel our industry forward we need to show workplaces for the centres of technological excellence that they are. images come together to tell that story. Officer,
Traditionally the combination of small aperture and high beam magnification is difficult to manufacture because the optics associated with such a beam expander are difficult to test using state of the art interferometers. The difficulty arises from the fact that small aperture laser beams, when highly magnified, generate artifacts within the interferometer making it extremely hard to distinguish and analyse what are true errors and what are artificial errors.
Optical Surfaces Ltd. has developed a new compact beam expander that uniquely delivers high magnification (x30) from small aperture (2mm) high power laser beam lines.
The new 30x magnification A1-Series reflective beam expander incorporates high precision off-axis mirrors which have constant focal lengths, regardless of the wavelength of light being focused. Unlike lens-based beam expanders, the new high magnification beam expander can be used with collimated polychromatic light without the need of any fine focus adjustment.
Working on this project – Optical Surfaces Ltd has developed a proprietary method to suppress the artefacts shown by interferometers during testing thereby making it possible to manufacture such a high magnification (30x) reflective beam expander for small aperture applications.
Working with a customer, Optical Surfaces Ltd. examined the options to manufacture a small aperture beam expander able to deliver artifact-free high magnification. The options presented to the customer were to use either a transmissive (lens-based) or a reflective (mirror-based) beam expander approach to their application. Drawing upon over 50 years’ experience of serving the high-power laser community, Optical Surfaces Ltd. advised that the use of reflective beam expanders would be particularly useful for high energy applications with lasers operating within the femtosecond pulses regime. This is because the wavelength bandwidth in such applications is relatively large, and a reflective solution allows fully achromatic operation. Also, the coatings on a lens-based beam expander may not be suitable to withstand the high energy intensities typically encountered in such applications, in contrast to the proven hard dielectric coating options available for reflective mirrors.
High Magnification Beam Expander For Laser Applications
8 - Automation Update
For further information on the 30x magnification A1-Series reflective beam expander please visit https://www.optisurf.com/index.php/products/reflective-beam-expander/ or contact Optical Surfaces Ltd. on +44-208-668-6126 / sales@optisurf.com.
Supplied housed in a robust aluminium cover – the 30x magnification A1-Series beam expander comes with provision for secure fixing to an optical table. Alignment aids are provided to ensure correct beam pointing and tracking during integration. Manufactured to better than lambda/5 transmitted wavefront accuracy, the 30x magnification reflective beam expander produces no central obscuration and highly efficient transmission is obtained, unspoilt by diffraction patterns.
Automation Update - 9 ClassroomE-learning based “Live” On-sitewebinarscourses Tailored options For more information call 0121 601 6691 scan code for the training guide or email: training@bpma.org.uk Independent Pump Training from
Pharma distribution is changing due to rapid growth. Church Pharmacy are one of the largest pharmacies in the UK. They embraced a major digital transformation using Kardex Vertical Buffer Module ‘VBM’ which has automated their warehouse delivering increased production within their warehouse Churchdistribution.Pharmacy working with UpSTEAM.uk a system integrator took the decision to move from a traditional to an automated warehouse process. Kardex Vertical Buffer Module is part of their fast-growing product ranges for companies with limited storage space. It’s a scalable shelf system with a movable mast that transports a bin of stock that fits seamlessly into many Pharmaceutical existing processes and building layouts. Enhanced security and greater visibility and ease of use are one of the main benefits of innovation. The software for the VBM can be key as it meets a modern operating concept with a capacitive touchscreen for a faster and intuitive operation as well as higher security of products and data. The associated software is webbased and therefore works with a wide range of hardware and other software solutions.
Kardex Remstar alongside their customer Church Pharmacy and systems integrator UpSteam.uk have been shortlisted in the Supply Chain Excellence Awards in 2022
Kardex VBM Pharma distribution short-listed at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards
10 - Automation Update
“As a pharmacist Church Pharma have a lot of requirements for picking by batch or expiry date, with products in ambient storage and refrigerated units meaning that their order lines can vary.” said Aaron Thornton Kardex Remstar, NB Director UK/Ireland “The impact of innovation at Church Pharmacy has been quite phenomenal. Working with UpSTEAM and the use of batch software in conjunction with our Power Pick Systems has dramatically increased the efficiency at Church Pharmacy and made it a much more streamlined process.”
Automation delivered greater productivity for Church Pharmacy with time spent picking reduced from 24 man-hours a day to just six. Picking accuracy – a critical factor in the pharmaceutical sector – has increased to 99.9%. With a 70% increase in picking speed, the solution for Church Pharmacy has a predicted ROI of less than two years. To learn more visit the full story at Kardex or contact us direct info.remstar.uk@kardex.comat
In Pharma production and distribution parts, raw materials and products often require special storage conditions.
Depending on needs, Kardex supplies four controlled environment solutions. These solutions can be integrated into a company’s existing storage and retrieval system and, as a result, sensitive goods are always protected.
Automation Update - 11
Digitalisation is a major benefit with Kardex Power Pick software integrating with a flexible batching and fulfilment tool designed by UpSTEAM. uk which helps increase picking speeds and efficiency by added 35-40%. This ensures all stocked items are delivered on-time for efficient picking whilst delivering a tailored solution based on material process and fulfilment flow.
This kind of data collection depends on good data communications protocols. Today, IoT and Industrie 4.0 applications often use OPC UA and MQTT. OPC UA is most often used for in-plant connectivity, while MQTT provides networking Collectingconnections.data from industrial systems also require security. Best practices dictate that OT and IT networks be completely isolated from each other, using a DMZ and firewalls. A DMZ ensures no direct link between corporate networks and control networks. And firewalls protect both the OT and IT sides, configured to allow only outbound connections to the DMZ. However, neither OPC UA nor MQTT were designed to work through a DMZ, which typically requires two or more servers, chained together one after the other. The OPC UA protocol is simply too complex to reproduce well in a daisy chain like this. MQTT requires each node in the chain to be individually configured, and its Quality of Service guarantees cannot propagate through the chain, making data unreliable. Instead, to enable a secure, robust connection across a DMZ, and support real-time bidirectional communication, Skkynet recommends secure tunnelling Well-designed tunnelling middleware can seamlessly aggregate a variety of industrial protocols like OPC, MQTT, and Modbus and send their data securely across a DMZ to clients running in IT or the cloud. There is no need for VPNs, and all inbound firewall ports can stay closed. This secure-by-design tunnelling solution connects and integrates OPC UA and MQTT protocols at either or both ends of the tunnel and supports bidirectional data transfer across a DMZ in real time. It’s a way to gain the value of remote data access, with minimal risk.
The Value of Remote Data Access
Intelligence is based on observation. A brilliant mind must gather information before it can act upon it. Intelligent manufacturing is no different. Data is the foundation, and it must be collected. For best results, the data must be timely, relevant, and complete.
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This is where firms need to take a step back and take a strategic view, turning to experts who have already developed solutions that could be integrated into or modified to suit their operations.
explained Richard Gould, Business Development Manager at MetLase.
If we could go back 20 years and ask an engineer about the importance of sensors, we may - if lucky - get a shrug of the Transportshoulders. ourselves forward two decades and the power of collecting data effectively is transforming the way we make everything, whether that is electric cars and the latest smartphones, or body implants and components for use in aerospace engines.
“Many digitised concepts are readily available to implement into current applications, although selecting the most appropriate and having the right expertise to optimise performance is often overlooked,”
A sensor perspectiveof
Leading the charge is MetLase in Rotherham, an engineering business that is using the ‘advanced sensor technology’ to deliver innovations that contribute to ‘greener’ travel.
MetLase has been doing this since its inception in 2015 and now boasts a client base of tier 1s, primes and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from the automotive, aerospace, Formula One, maritime and power generation worlds.
Digital transformation is taking a firmer grip on modern-day manufacturing, with more companies exploring how these technologies can help them achieve cost and operational improvements.
“Our team of engineers have a deep understanding of digital technologies and have developed a suite of standardised smart products to answer manufacturers greatest challenges. The team works in partnership with our customers to ensure they adopt these products in the most optimal way possible, bringing about rapid improvements in quality, cost and delivery.”
The shift in adoption has been accelerated considerably and an increasing number of companies are exploring how digitalisation can transform their operations, yet there is still uncertainty around the correct choice of technology, the cost and, importantly for all manufacturers, the return on investment.
He continued: “One area in particular where we have seen dramatic results is in the application of sensor technology in tooling and fixturing, integrating into MetLase’s smart products, bringing benefits to the entire value chain.”
14 - Automation Update
This isn’t as easy as you think due to the multitude of options, but making the right selection when it comes to sensors and technology is vital when introducing digital technologies.
At the heart of MetLase’s digital roadmap is MetElements, which has been developed so that it can integrate almost any type of sensor or digital device into bespoke fixtures and products. This hardware and software framework, which offers scalability and flexibility, has been adopted by The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as part of a series of research trials applying the use of smart positioning to ‘lightweight’ structural airframe components.
The Yorkshire-based company, which employs 30 highly skilled engineers at its state-of-the-art base at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre, is transforming business operations to be more efficient, cost-effective and responsive through the integration of a variety of sensors.
Richard went on to add: “We have a strong working relationship with the AMRC, so used this collaborative partnership to work with its engineers to explore how sensors could be used in adjusting the machining process in real time, compensating for any warping as the part is being cut, and delivering better geometric accuracy in the final “Thecomponent.solution we selected was the implementation of a series of specialised distance sensor units designed to attach to the existing fixturing within the machine tool. The eight sensor modules used lowcost ‘smartphone grade’ sensors and were designed so that they did not interfere with the cutter path.
Stewart Lowth, Product Development and Innovation Manager at MetLase, concluded: “MetElements gives us an adaptable platform for any connected technologies to communicate with each other, whether they are traditional industrial automation sensors or modern small-factor smartphone style sensors.
Daniel Smith, Technical Fellow in the Aerostructure and Landing Gear Team at the AMRC, added his support: “The project successfully demonstrated the power of adding sensing equipment to existing industrial processes, and the positive impact of harvesting live in-process data can have, in order to validate model data and ultimately improve the quality of the output component geometry.
Equally importantly, a negligible distortion was noted due to the pre-planning of the residual stress distribution before machining and this was verified during the process using the ‘smart machining’ sensors.
The 7000 grade aluminium used in these types of components is renowned for its internal residual stresses and its habit of warping during machining; especially if the component is thin walled, as this lowers the geometric stiffness of the final component.
Automation Update - 15
“The system gave live feedback about the component’s geometric condition during the milling process, so a 3D display could be created that showed how the component was distorting in near real-time (60Hz).”
“Just like on the AMRC project, this digital flexibility allows the right sensing solution to be used for the right job; saving money for SME and large organisations alike.”
For further information, please visit www.metlase.com or follow @metlase on Twitter, metlase-ltd on LinkedIn.
“MetLase has been instrumental in the implementation fo sensor technology throughout this project, working with us from the start and then supporting us with their own design, engineering and digital manufacturing expertise. It has delivered a number of tangible results, but importantly has given us a solid use case on how industry could retrofit low-cost smart i4.0 sensing to existing off-the-shelf-machining equipment.”
“Leveraging the power of MetElements, the sensors were also designed to withstand the flood cutting coolant as well as the swarf generated by the milling operation.
Backed by MetLase expertise, the overall programme saw a 12% reduction in the final part weight due to the reduction in wall thickness.
Radiation Resistant Lenses for CCTV cameras
A CCTV camera for use in Nuclear applications
Resolvesensors.Optics is a leading developer and supplier of high contrast SWhort Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) lenses for agricultural sorting
Traditionally fruit, vegetable and grain sorting methods have relied upon visible inspection of parameters such as shape, size, colour, texture and defects to determine quality. Compared to visible light - SWIR’s shorter wavelengths enable images to be acquired with stronger contrast and higher resolution, which are both important criteria for agricultural inspection and sorting. SWIR is a proven technology for helping food and agricultural producers reduce waste, increase yield and improve quality by identifying bruised produce which can be identified and removed during the sorting process. In addition - SWIR is able to detect foreign objects such as stones and other foreign contaminants during sorting. For cost reasons, many off-the-shelf SWIR lens designs are based upon a standard visible lens with AR coating designed for the SWIR waveband. These lenses do not account for the way that glass transmits in the SWIR region and as such the final image quality can often be compromised. This problem is particularly apparent with the latest generation of higher resolution InGaAs SWIR
Following on from the widely reported accidents at Chernobyl, and more recently the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants, the need for CCTV camera systems that can operate even when subject to high radiation was evident. Drawing upon its expertise in radiation resistant lensesResolve Optics has established itself as a world leader in the supply of key camera lenses used in applications including the inspection of fuel elements, pressure vessels and nuclear cores, as well as the inspection of loading and offloading of nuclear materials.
16 - Automation Update Resolve Optics reports on growing demand for radiation resistant fixed focus and zoom lenses for CCTV cameras used for visual inspection in nuclear power stations.
High Contrast SWIR Lenses
applications.Workingclosely
A bruised apple revealed using SWIR inspection For further information on highly radiation resistant lenses for CCTV cameras please visit www.resolveoptics.com/nuclear/ or contact Resolve Optics Ltd. on +44-1494-777100 / sales@resolveoptics.com.
All optical elements in Resolve Optics radiation-resistant lens designs for CCTV cameras are made using cerium oxide-doped glass or synthetic silica. This allows Resolve Optics fixed focus and zoom camera lenses to withstand radiation doses up to 1 billion rads and temperatures up to 100°C without significant discoloration or performance degradation. These specialist lenses also provide high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400 to 750 nm.
with manufacturers of agricultural sorting systems - Resolve Optics has va proven track record of custom designing SWIR lenses that optimise both the resolution and imaging contrast achievable with the product. For further information on developing a custom SWIR lens to help optimise results from your agricultural sorting system please contact Resolve Optics Ltd. on +44-1494-777100 or sales@resolveoptics.com
To learn more, please visit: connector-battery-storagehttps://www.harting.com/UK/en-gb/
As demand continues to increase, providers of storage systems need to connect a number of cells. The Han S® is specially designed to meet this need, providing simple, fast and safe connections and supporting the assembly of battery storage modules in large quantities.
Han S® is the first high-current battery connector that meets the relevant UL and railway standards for stationary energy storage systems. Among others, it fulfils the requirements of UL 4128 for connectors in electrochemical battery system applications, UL 1973 for batteries in stationary applications, for emergency power supply for vehicles and in light rail application and UL 9540 for energy storage systems and accessories. Han S® is also shock and vibration proof according to the relevant railway standards.
The sustainable use of renewable energies such as wind or solar power can only be achieved through energy storage modules, as these enable time-delayed, needs-based use of the collected energy. The new Han® S connector range from HARTING now makes it easier to connect large arrays of battery storage modules. With the Han S® series, HARTING offers secure connection technology for modular battery storage systems. The compact and flexible housings accommodate contacts for currents up to 200 A and 1500 V and bulkhead housings can be flexibly rotated through 360 degrees. HARTING have also coloured the positive terminals red and the negative terminals black, which prevents incorrect mating.
The use of connectors also speeds up the construction of energy storage modules, which have huge benefits for many companies, including the ability to maintain an uninterruptible power supply and savings on energy costs by using delayed load usage.
Secure plug-in connections for modular battery storage
The Han S® offers users plug-in connections for storage modules while providing maximum safety, since the design meets all technical requirements and is based on the latest standard UL 4128 for stationary energy storage systems. The entire range meets the highest standardisation level required by the international market. These properties are also beneficial for service and maintenance. If a cell in an energy storage module shows a drop in performance, the respective management system can be used to switch it off and have it replaced. To do so, the Han S® interfaces of the adjacent modules are simply turned to the locked state to make room for the switch-out. This procedure can be done without interrupting the energy storage functions of the neighbouring modules.
The HARTING standard helps us to ensure that the connection from our product to downstream products is always compatible. Michael Schnakenberg, CEO, Commeo GmbH Han® S - Secure plug-in connections for modular battery storage ■ Error-free connections through an effective mechanical coding system ■ Safe installations assured by visual locking control and finger protected contacts ■ High flexibility over different mounting possibilities with 360° positioning for cable entry and contact terminations ■ Complies with all relevant UL energy storage standards (UL1973, UL9540, UL4128) One Range. No www.HARTING.com/hansLimits:
There is increasing pressure within the manufacturing sector to tackle the climate crisis and recognise how sustainable manufacturing is integral to their success and brand reputation. Schaeffler's processes emphasise energy -efficiency, environmental compatibility and the conservation of resources. With the aim of becoming carbon neutral across all production sites worldwide by 2030. Improvements in sustainability should take a multi-faceted approach. Combining economic success with responsible activity through significant innovation, agility, and efficiency ensures better processes, occupational safety, and a sustainable supply chain.
A step in the right direction
Sustainable procurement Sustainable procurement should involve a circular economy and conducting life cycle assessments (LCA's) to help develop improvement measures. Schaeffler aims to go beyond just following national laws and internationally recognised standards. By working with certified suppliers, setting up industry initiatives and creating industry dialogues with its business partners to incorporate expertise while actively shaping development in sustainable procurement. Power to the people It's not only production materials that should be sustainable but also practices. Respect for human rights is an indispensable part of corporate responsibility, and labour laws prevent violations. Employee health and wellbeing should form part of the sustainability strategy. Schaeffler works with groups and industry initiatives to actively help shape development in this area and recognise its employees' expertise, skills, and dedication to ensure the continuous development of its sustainability-based agenda.
Action plan Whilst government-led strategies and targets are essential, organisations have to play a role in tackling the climate crisis for this to become a reality. The opportunity to mitigate the effect of our action on the planet is there, and the question is will they take it? Learn more on how Schaeffler is moving towards a more sustainable future for all.
sustainability/index.jspwww.schaeffler.com/en/group/
With growing awareness of the need to protect the world from catastrophic climate change, manufacturers are coming under pressure to operate in a more environmentally conscious way. Schaeffler is leading the charge by implementing sustainability-based initiatives across its operation.
One platform for all digitization requirements Experience the ease of IT-supported process optimization with moneo moneo is the all-in-one platform for everyone who wants to interact with their system in a predictive manner, evaluate information and adjust parameters. All in one software. Take the next step in digitization. Without detours, without technical hurdles, very simple and straightforward. Are you ready for industrial evolution? It's already happening, with moneo. moneo.ifm Software to assist your industrial evolution - Nothing more. Nothing less. moneo – simply made for you! moneo | configure SA (SA: Stand-Alone) supports you with the parameterization of your IO-Link devices and ifm IO-Link masters. The visualized representation in the cockpit simplifies setup and error diagnosis. The simple management of parameter data sets accelerates the integration of new sensors and is supplemented by the integrated online connection to the IODD finder. Ready for more? Then start your digital evolution now with moneo, the new, open and industry-independent IIoT platform from ifm.
Titan Enterprises Expands its Liquid Flow Meter Calibration Capacity
Jeremy Thorne, Operations Manager at Titan Enterprises, commented: “Historically the production of our flowmeters has been limited by the flowmeter calibration capability. The new flow rig will increase our calibration capacity at the lower flow rates below 4 L/min. This will enable us to increase our production throughput as well as expanding Titan’s total range of flow calibration.” Why should flow meters be calibrated? Engineers, scientists and measurement specialists rely on a flow meter’s accuracy to maintain or improve the financial viability, quality and safety of a product or process. Used within a wide variety of applications, including pharmaceuticals, aerospace, food and beverage, energy, and agro/petrochemical, where accurate flow measurement is critical, regular calibration ensures these measuring devices continue to operate within acceptable limits.
Titan Enterprises use piston provers for flow meter calibration, our primary rigs rated from 0.002-40 L/min and 0.05-160 L/min. With the new rig our low-end flow calibration can be reduced to 0.05 ml/min.
Jeremy added: “As well as calibrating our flow meters during production, we also offer a re-calibration service to our customers. The performance and accuracy of flowmeters, even the most rugged ones, will degrade over time. Mechanical meters will wear, and electronic ones can suffer minor degradation in the electronics or mechanical damage from impact or corrosion.”
The calibrators use a piston within a smooth bore tube to act as a moving barrier between the pressurising gas and the displaced test fluid. All Titan flow calibrations are traceable to national standards and have real time temperature compensation to accommodate changes in the fluid properties. Our piston prover systems are calibrated annually against certified weigh scales and are pneumatically or hydraulically driven to ensure a constant flow rate. Like the main flow rigs the volumetric throughput for Titan’s new calibration rig is traceable to national standards via a water draw test. Flows as low as 0.05 ml/ min may be calibrated using this rig, which has a repeatability value of ±0.02% and operates at an uncertainty of 0.03%.
Jeremy concludes: “Titan will also be increasing its production staffing levels to meet increasing demand, optimise our production rates and functionality that the new rig will give us.” For further information on flow measurement devices to suit specific applications, please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk
22 - Automation Update
All flowmeters manufactured by Titan (except for the small beverage meters) are calibrated against traceable standards, tested and issued with a calibration Twelvecertificate.months ago, Titan decided to make the significant investment in a new calibration rig which would both increase their capacity and improve their capability to calibrate their liquid flow measurement devices. Having just received delivery of this new rig, it is being commissioned, calibration software installed, and will be ready to be put to use within the month.
Titan Enterprises has been performing all its calibration requirements in-house since 1994 using their positive displacement oil or water flow rigs.
Flow Meter MethodologyCalibration
Assess Vie Learn Implement Go li e Risk-free selec on process With insight, o on’t commit an thing financiall n l o are f ll trained on the so� are and are % s re that it ill ork for o . Find o t more b a ending one of o r free online e ents, and recei e a free paperback book that e plains ho to implement any MRP s stem, not j st o r o insighn.t.com MRP | ERP | CRM Man fact ring so� are for an ind str Are o str ggling ith: Wasted me Errors and mistakes Inabilit to gro Stock iss es Prod c on management Financial planning O r ed ca onal approach allo s o to nderstand the benefits of MRP, learn the so� are and helps s to nderstand o r b siness needs in a rela ed, informal atmosphere, ith no hard sell.
24 - Automation Update
Exhibitor space is selling out fast. To book your stand, visit www.advancedengineeringuk.com and make an enquiry. Alternatively, you can contact our Head of Sales, Ali Farr on +44 (0)20 3196 4244.
18/02/2022 06:30:08
“At last year’s event, we found that more visitors and exhibitors were attending with a purpose — whether that was to connect with a new supplier or purchase a particular piece of equipment. AE Connect, our digital platform that helps exhibitors and visitors connect and arrange meetings in advance of the show, really helped facilitate this.”
The UK’s largest gathering of OEMs and engineering and manufacturing supply chain professionals, Advanced Engineering, will return to the NEC, Birmingham on November 2 and 3, 2022. The event is shaping up to be a huge success, with 80 per cent of exhibitor space already sold. Last year saw over 7,000 people attend across the two days, including representatives from Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Alpine F1, Ford, BAE Systems, RollsRoyce, and the Ministry of Defence.
Book your stand today to avoid disappointment
The 13th edition of Advanced Engineering will celebrate innovation, development and growth within the UK’s manufacturing industry. There will be seven show zones this year — aerospace, composites, automotive, advanced metals, connected manufacturing, space and satellite and a new product testing and quality control zone. In the space and satellite zone, the ExoMars Rover, Bruno will return following huge interest at the 2021 exhibition. This year, Advanced Engineering will once again be colocated with sister show, Lab Innovations, giving visitors and exhibitors more opportunities to collaborate across sectors. It is also offering more networking opportunities with a new composites networking area and drinks reception, which will be sponsored by PRF Composites.
In 2022, Advanced Engineering’s smart badge system will return, meaning that attendees scan a personalised badge to receive digital literature and exchange virtual business cards with suppliers. As well as reducing the amount of paper being used, the smart badge technology also helps decrease the spread of COVID-19.
“Our industry is always innovating and releasing new technologies that are even more impressive when you see them in person. Take Advanced Engineering’s Enabling Innovation competition as an example — inperson events give start-ups like those involved in this the chance to showcase their ground-breaking products to the rest of the engineering community.”
Over 75 per cent of last year’s exhibitors rebooked for 2022, including Qimtek, a business that helps industry buyers and designers find new subcontract manufacturing partners. At the exhibition, marketing manager, Dean Munkley said, “The show’s been really good — far busier than I expected. We’ve probably taken more leads than we have at any show over the last three years. There was a lovely mix of people and it was great speaking to anyone from students to directors. There’s such a good variety of suppliers here too — we’ll definitely be returning.”
Be Inspired by Innovation at EngineeringAdvanced
“Over the last two years, our whole industry has learned the value of in-person interaction, both personally and professionally,” explained Alison Willis, Director at Easyfairs, the organiser of Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations.
BOOK YOUR STAND aeuk@easyfairs.com | +44 (0)20 3196 4300 advancedengineeringuk.com The UK’s LEADING annual gathering of OEMs and engineering and manufacturing supply chain2professionals&3November 2022 | NEC Birmingham An absolutely outstanding event! We’ve met many great people who we will be looking to work with in the future, and overall it has been a very successful couple of days. Matt Travis, Engineering Manager, JCB Co-located with Scan the QR code to discover the event Association partners Trade AssociationComposites
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