Engineering Update - May 2020

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May 2020

CONTENTS Editor

Wendy McManus 01843 267 690 wendy@engineering-update.co.uk

May 2020

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May 2020

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

MITSUBISHI CATERPILLAR FORKLIFT AMERICA INC. INSTALLS TOUCHPATH MANUFACTURING EXECUTION SYSTEM TO INCREASE PRODUCTION CAPACITY ‘TouchMES’ increases production speed and efficiency; enables leaner manufacturing at lower cost according to TouchPath user feedback. Managers and supervisors have instant access to TouchMESgenerated key performance indicators that support management decision making for greater efficiency and productivity, using real time dashboards and production status screens.

Additional TouchMES functionality installed for MCFA includes the visibility of production throughout the system and clear to build functionality of subassemblies.

TouchMES uses MCFA-defined rules to control the manufacturing process: for example drag and drop capability allows the company to schedule and release orders to the shop floor. Capacity rules are applied that also control the mix of orders in real time.

Commenting on MCFA’s decision to deploy TouchMES Matthew Downey, MCFA senior manager, Operations Planning said: “As we are vertically integrated, we needed to optimise real time control of our manufacturing and distribution processes, especially around the manufacturing of key workin-process subassemblies. TouchMES allows us to manage and maximize capacity, while meeting the specific demands of each customer. In short, the system allows us to scale production while remaining highly responsive.”

Houston, Texas-headquartered forklift manufacturer Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (‘MCFA’) has implemented international supply chain solutions provider TouchPath’s ‘TouchMES’ manufacturing execution system, integrating it with the company’s ERP system to increase production capacity and support expansion, it was announced today.

From its 860,000 sq. ft., 850 employee Houstonbased plant MCFA manufactures and distributes Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat® lift trucks and Jungheinrich® warehouse products, via a network of 450 dealers across North, Central, South America and the Caribbean.

TouchMES is a modern, performance-driven system that continuously monitors the status of all production, including shop floor processes, automatically updating the ERP to enable leaner manufacturing at lower cost

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TouchPath international CEO David Myers describes the system: “TouchMES brings full manufacturing, machine control data to the ERP environment in real time, improving company performance.”

TouchPath uses smart, flexible modules that can be bolted together in almost any combination to deliver a customised solution at an off-the-shelf price, deploying systems technology that captures more information for better business performance and faster ROI, according to the company.

TouchPath has operations in the UK (Halifax HX1 5ER) and the USA (High Point, NC 27265).

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Monitoring the world

May 2020

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd announces its 40th anniversary as a specialist distributor of switches and electrical components.

E Preston was established by its original founder Ernest Preston, from which the company gained its name. It began with three people and only three franchises. The company quickly grew and has maintained healthy growth over the last 40 years. Now into the third generation of family ownership, the company employs 20 people and has over 50 franchises, consisting of 100,000s of parts.

Since its inception in 1980, the company has not only grown its offering but also its customer base too. Customers range from sole traders to major PLCs in every sector from transport, defence, and medical to refrigeration, vending and renewable energy. The reason for its continued growth and success is because of its emphasis on the customer.

“E Preston has experienced exceptional growth and development over the past 40 years,” said Mark Preston (Managing Director). “At E Preston our greatest strength is our relationship with our customers.

Our focus has always been, and will continue to be, on offering our customers the products they need at the best possible prices. We go

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the extra mile to make sure that we provide exceptional service and make the whole process as simple as possible.”

Over the past 40 years, E Preston has been successful at evolving and changing to stay ahead of other electrical distributors.

The company works collaboratively with its customers to be a partner in the supply chain process, providing a number of general and bespoke supply solutions such as buffer stock, kit supply and forward ordering. The company’s most recent service is an online ordering platform called eprestononline, which allows customers to browse products, view statements and invoices, and order online.

The E Preston team consists of experienced internal and external sales professionals who can offer technical advice, advise on alternative or new products, provide samples and visit on-site to discuss potential applications and solutions.

For more information on E Preston, to make an enquiry or to place an order online please visit www.eprestononline.co.uk.

Contact info: Name: Matthew Preston Organisation: E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd Address: Broadway, Globe Lane Industrial Estate, Dukinfield, Cheshire SK16 4UU Phone: +44 (0)161 339 5177 Email: sales@epreston.co.uk

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

SENSONICS HELPS INDIAN POWER SECTOR TO MEET TOUGH EMISSIONS TARGETS Condition Monitoring Specialists SENSONICS have been playing a key role in helping India to meet the increasingly tough emission standards applied to its installed power generation base

Coal remains central to India’s power needs and today accounts for over 60% of the countries power sector. As a consequence there is significant ongoing construction of coal fired power plants to meet the ever-growing energy demands and Sensonics Technologies India Pvt. Ltd, established in 2017, is well placed to offer sales, service and support to an ever-expanding customer base in the region.

India however, does have a significant ‘green initiative’ with tough targets for emission standards to limit nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions from the power generation industry. Many projects incorporating FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization) technology in to existing power stations are underway and Sensonics have been particularly successful in assisting the main

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contractors employing these control technologies.

Sensonics Technologies India recently delivered FGD plant condition monitoring equipment for 10 units of coal fired plant with a total 6,500MW of generation capacity, at four different sites. The Sentry G3 vibration modules will continuously monitor the dynamic behavior of the new rotating equipment providing critical information to the plant operators on machinery health. The scope of supply included all sensors, monitoring equipment and cabinets.

Final system integration and testing was carried out in the Sensonics India factory near New Delhi.

Vishal Sharma, Managing Director of Sensonics Technologies India commented; “We are really pleased to be involved in such a prestigious

project and the delivery of these systems to a tight schedule has demonstrated the great capability we have to support the power industry in India”.

With many more FGD projects on the horizon in India, Sensonics are looking forward to extending their involvement in this sector by providing their innovative condition monitoring technology. ENDS For further information please contact sales@sensonicsindia.com Sensonics Ltd, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1442 876833.

Email: sales@sensonics.co.uk www.sensonics.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

SICK’s SIG200 is an IO-Link Master and Control System in One SICK has unveiled its SIG200 PROFINET Sensor Integration Gateway, the first in a family of intelligent Industry 4.0 gateways designed to work as both IO-Link Masters and small, distributed control systems in one.

It makes light work of configuring localised sensor applications and, at the same time, opens up high-speed transfer of sensor status, parameter and diagnostics data with enterprise-level or cloud-based systems.

SICK’s SIG200 Sensor Integration Gateway is an IO-Link Master with an onboard web server that collects, combines, evaluates and transmits signals from IO-Link devices from any manufacturer.

SICK’s innovative DualTalk technology means the SIG200 needs only one cable to communicate simultaneously via the fieldbus with the machine controller and with higher-level enterprise or web-based systems.

Data can be integrated transparently into both common PLC environments and higher-level systems. The SIG200’s builtin logic and remote intelligence make it quick and easy for engineers to create and run distributed sensor applications, even independently of the PLC. “The beauty of the SIG200 is that it offers all the Industry 4.0 benefits of setting up a system using an IO-Link Master, PLC and sensors. Alternatively, it opens a second route, where you can by-pass the PLC and create your own data gathering system linking straight to the cloud,” explains David Hannaby, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Presence Detection.

“Engineers will find it easy to configure and visualise an automation solution with

the SIG200,” Hannaby continues: “The SOPAS logic editor has a great drag and drop function so you can visualise all the connected sensor and actuator signals and measured values without the need for special software knowledge. It saves a huge amount of programming time, effort and cost.

“Process control functions, for example activating a mechanical pusher to reject products from a conveyor system, can be configured and set to operate autonomously without the need for the PLC. So, the communication load in the fieldbus is reduced at the same time.”

The SICK SIG200 makes it easy to solve simple application tasks using binary switching signals or measured values from IO-Link sensors and actuators without an additional control. Meanwhile diagnostics, process parameters, and status information from IO-Link devices e.g. for condition monitoring or predictive maintenance, can be accessed both at the machine and company level. Data from the SIG200 can be exchanged rapidly with MES, ERP and cloud-based software applications and a REST API interface enables integration with webbased software.

Each SICK SIG200 has four master ports for connecting any IO-Link sensors and actuators. Its flexible data integration can even be extended to standard binary sensors with SICK’s SIG100 sensor hub, that can be used to bundle up to twelve standard I/Os in a single IO-Link data packet, which can then be communicated to machine controllers and cloudbased systems via the SIG200. A maximum of 52 I/Os can be connected to one SIG200 by using SICK SIG100.

The SICK SIG200 uses SICK’s SOPAS Engineering Tool software as a powerful and intuitive user interface which can be accessed with a PC

via standard M8 USB, Ethernet or a web browser of choice. The easy-to-use Logic Editor within SOPAS enables the user to visualize all connected signals and solve application tasks quickly and easily using drag and drop logic blocks.

An embedded IODD (IO-Link device description) interpreter allows the user to configure both the SIG200 and connected IO-Link devices by simply uploading the IODD files. Using SICK SOPAS, parameterisation of connected devices is straightforward, and device replacement is easy. This is not restricted to SICK products, the SIG200 can work with any third-party products if the IODD file is accessible.

Through its growing family of Sensor Integration Gateways, SICK’s vision is to offer a scaled portfolio to support integration into fieldbus environments and higher automation hierarchies.

Initially available with the PROFINET Ethernet fieldbus protocol, additional fieldbus versions of the SIG200 will follow in future.

SICK is offering an IO-Link Master Starter Kit, which contains everything needed to set up an application using the SIG200. The kit includes the SIG200, IMC Proximity Sensor, WLG16 photoelectric sensor and reflector, cabling and accessories together with SICK’s SOPAS ET and FieldEcho software. Step by step guidance is provided for a quickstart configuration of a simple application using the IO-Link Master.

Picture caption: The SIG200 IO-Link Master with integrated web server guarantees fast, easy and transparent integration of IO-Link devices as well as digitized processing and transfer of status data, process parameters and diagnostic information For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. www.sick.co.uk

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

May 2020

WIRELESS IO-LINK MASTER & APP COMBINATION FOR BAUMER SENSORS Flexible and convenient control of sensors using mobile phones and tablets is becoming increasingly important and sensing and instrumentation specialists BAUMER recognise this with the introduction of SensControl. SensControl is a combination of new wireless IO-Link Master unit hardware along with a new interfacing app which allows parameterization and viewing of IO-Link settings and outputs from Baumer IO-Link enabled sensors, using a phone or tablet.

The intelligent sensor functions of SensControl enable easy and reproducible configuration of all IOLink devices with clearly visualized process and diagnostic data (cyclic and non-cyclic).

This is possible via a mobile or tablet, thanks to the integrated WLAN, Bluetooth LE Smart communication and built-in rechargeable battery. Where Baumer

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sensors feature SensControl, IOLink connectivity communication is possible for up to 8 sensors. This allows for more precise sensor adjustment for each application which will be particularly appreciated when different objects need to be controlled on one machine. Another benefit is that each sensor can switch functionality, for example an inductive sensor can be used as a frequency master or counter.

Industry is becoming more aware of the benefits of sensors which incorporate IO-Link functionality, such as providing a ‘nerve pathway’ to report on things like signal quality or a temperature limit being exceeded. Also, this type of diagnostic data is important for predictive maintenance while the simultaneous transmission of different process data is also useful in many control applications.

www.baumer.com

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

pressure sensors KELLER (UK) Ltd. Little Keep Gate, Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1AH UK and Ireland: T. 0845 643 2855 F. 0845 643 2866 E-Mail: sales@keller-pressure.co.uk Web: www.keller-pressure.co.uk www.keller-druck.com

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

CWM’s Bottle Filling Machinery CWM Automation is a UK manufacturer of filling and heat-sealing machinery, as well as fully automatic end-of-line solutions.

As part of their wide product portfolio, CWM can design and produce highly flexible bottle filling lines and capping systems, made to meet exact customer requirements. Promising to exceed customer’s expectations in quality, delivery and performance, CWM is capable of providing solutions to significantly enhance productivity.

be run on the same line." Additionally, customers have the ability to choose the number of filling heads, conveyer length and width and various other ancillary options. Machinery is meticulously designed to allow for continuous adjustability, so that changes can be made in keeping with the customer’s production process.

of offering service visits, handling spares requests, arranging training of staff to effectively use machinery and responding to machine breakdowns.

Service contracts are available alongside machinery, carefully constructed to reflect the frequency and degree of service activity, the operating environment and production seasonality.

CWM caters for a wide range of target markets and can offer bottle filling lines suitable for different products, including cleaning products, sanitizers, non-carbonated drinks, oils and vinegars, sauces and salad dressings. They offer bespoke solutions, enabling customers to choose the machinery that is appropriately suited to their business.

All machinery is fitted with the very latest technology, ensuring longlasting and robust hardware. Servo drive controls are built into the filling machines, which provide controlled, accurate results and keep product wastage to a minimum.

If you would like any further information about CWM’s bottle filling lines and capping systems, then you can get in touch with a member of their sales team by calling 01427 614 222 or emailing sales@cwm-automation.com.

Mick Williams, Managing Director of CWM, states that flexibility is a key advantage of the bottle filling machinery: "Our bottling lines are designed to be flexible and to allow for quick changeovers, so that multiple bottle types and sizes can

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Each one of CWM’s machines can be built to meet 3A and EHEDG hygiene standards, using food-grade and non-corroding materials to ensure high performance levels and long life.

CWM also have a dedicated Spares & Service team on-hand to assist with keeping machinery running smoothly. Machine maintenance support can be provided in the form

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

Konecranes wins order for S-series cranes from Swiss metal trader Konecranes has won an order for its innovative S-series overhead cranes from a new customer, häuselmann metall GmbH. The order was received in February 2020 and the cranes will be installed by February 2021.

The order from häuselmann, the largest independent metal trader in Switzerland, includes five 1.6 ton SWL cranes and two 2.5 ton SWL cranes, which will be used for incoming and outgoing material flow, as well as the movement of stock for cutting and storing processes.

The S-series crane features Konecranes’ new barb free, synthetic rope, which makes load carrying simpler and safer.

It does not require lubrication, which can result in reduced maintenance costs for the rope drum and sheaves.

The revolutionary trolley and reeving arrangement reduces wheel loads by up to 45% compared with previous hoist generations.

In September 2019, Konecranes introduced three new lifting products – the S-series rope hoist, the C-series chain hoist and the M-series winch crane.

These products have reinforced the company’s portfolio with multiple innovative features.

These design updates

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make lifting more precise and powerful, reducing wear and tear significantly.

response times. The offer was the first one that we received and it was the one we selected.”

Klaus Hueber, Production & Logistics Manager, häuselmann metall GmbH, stated: “Even though Konecranes manufactures heavy equipment, their performance has been far from heavy. We are extremely pleased with Konecranes’ customer service, flexibility and

Marko Tulokas, Senior Vice President, Konecranes Industrial Cranes, added: “We are really proud of our nextgeneration cranes and the additional value they bring to our customers and it is a true pleasure to start the S-series journey with our new customer, häuselmann

metall. Based on the strong customer interest since the product launch, we look forward to sharing more news like this during 2020 and beyond.”

For more information on Konecranes’ new benchmark products, please visit www.konecranes.com /newseries.

May Page 20201 ENGINEERING PDATE DS-OCT12-BLACKFAST_Layout 1 20/09/2012 16:28

Tel: 0208 339 7370

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

TOOLING UP - Draper Tools is 101 years old this year - and investing in automation to support the continuing growth of its business Draper Tools, a leading hand and power tool distributor is a family-run company that has been in business for just over a century and has more than 5,000 UK and overseas customers. Historically its customers have been mostly business-to-business (B2B) retailers and distributors but more recently Draper has also begun using its logistics platform to ship to consumers directly on behalf of its customers.

Draper Tools has been implementing a strategy that upgrades and modernises its warehousing and logistics workflows with enabling technology. Draper Head of Warehousing and Logistics, Matt Boschi is leading that process supported by Draper Tools technology partner Red Ledge. He is responsible for Draper Tools’ two-site, 560,000 square feet warehousing operation which is based in Eastleigh, Hampshire and employs around 120 people.

Improved efficiency Draper Tools has moved from a long-established, paper-based environment to a warehouse management system driving handheld terminals and mobile computers and is now in the process of integrating its technologies more fully.

Thanks to this new technology that drives its warehousing and logistics division the company has been able to service additional demand without taking on the temporary staff it used to.

WMS-driven operation A ‘Red Ledge WMS’ warehouse management system now sits at the heart of the company’s 15,000-SKU operation. The WMS is integrated with Draper Tools’ IBM ERP (enterprise resource planning) and Knapp automated picking systems and is capable of updating inventory in real time. Other, WMSdriven functions include a volumetric packing optimiser, automated labelling and carrier management.

The company’s 100+ mobile scanners

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that are now used by its warehouse teams are also driven by the Red Ledge WMS. Future objectives include greater automation of Draper Tools’ export order fulfilment.

“Having a WMS allows you to drive efficiencies and adapt to new working practices such as drop shipping directly to consumers on behalf of our customers. Also, we are now able to pick orders in batches rather than single orders, delivering efficiencies in the use of warehouse time” Matt Boschi explains. “The orders are all single units but rather than doing 600 journeys round the warehouse we are doing thirty. And we have that ability because Red Ledge is helping us by writing and tweaking the applications we need.”

More profitable The Draper Logistic Team works closely with the Red Ledge

team to ensure that the WMS is harnessed to the needs of the business. The system is used to generate management reports on the performance of Draper Tools individuals, teams and warehouse processes. “Greater operational visibility is making warehousing and logistics here a more profitable part of the business by driving down our costs” Matt Boschi says.

“With the Red Ledge WMS we are well positioned to manage all types of change” Matt Boschi concludes, “and the functionality of our WMS can be easily replicated to support multiple operations domestically or globally.”

More information: www.redledge.co.uk Twitter @drapertools Instagram @draper_tools Facebook @drapertools Website www.drapertools.com LinkedIn @drapertools

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

New Liquiphant ready for Industry 4.0 Endress+Hauser’s vibronic level instrument FTL51B reliably detects the level of liquids in storage tanks, containers and pipes – but it also provides proof test, verification and IIoT functionality.

T

he Liquiphant FTL51B can be used in all types of liquids as its vibronic sensor is not affected by changing media properties, flow, turbulence, gas bubbles, foam, vibration or build-up. It works in process temperatures of -58 to 302°F (-50 to 150°C) and pressures up to 1450 psi (100 bar). It can be used in SIL2 and SIL3 hazardous locations and has built-in automatic maintenance and verification functions.

The device can perform its own proof test, which can be activated remotely at a control system or locally via the device. The proof test diagnoses the sensor for corrosion and build-up, and ensures the entire instrument is operating properly. Verification can be activated either manually or automatically via Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology, providing a verification report required by various regulatory agencies.

Access via Bluetooth technology and a mobile device – such as a smartphone – allows the user to identify each device, commission it, check the status, start a proof test and download verification documentation.

Bluetooth has a range of 33 ft, allowing a technician to access Liquiphant instruments installed in hard-toreach locations, such as at the top of tanks.

For more information visit www.uk.endress.com/FTL51B or call 0161 286 5050. |17

May 2020

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ENGINEERING UPDATE

WHEN FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION The manufacture of Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) optics requires a rigorous analysis of the capabilities and methods of an optical component design/manufacturing partner.

Not all design/manufacturing partners are the same, and it is important that integrators elect to work in a collaborative way with companies that have the expertise, pedigree and capabilities to scale up production of components in an accurate and repeatable way.

Joe Salemi, OEM Sales Manager Optical Components Group, ZYGO Corporation In today’s fast-moving world, real time need for — and spending on — defense readiness and Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities is ever increasing.

For the fiscal year 2020 alone, estimates are that defense ISR spending will be at least $500 million.1 Whether it is tracking enemy troop movements, missiles being moved to a launch pad, an IED being planted, or real time support for a special forces maneuver, the ISR component to a mission couldn’t be more critical.

For programs this important, integrators need an optical component manufacturing partner who they can trust, a partner who not only understands the high stakes involved in any defense project, but one which also has a heritage and legacy that can be relied upon.

Full Integration When selecting an optical component manufacturer, working with an expert that precisely understands the end-use application and all the steps needed to complete the program is invaluable. For example, if you have a partner that doesn’t understand the importance of crystal orientation, your Sapphire window program may be doomed for failure.

Optical system manufacturers need to be vertically integrated and have expertise in the fabrication of a range of components such as plano optics, aspheres, spheres, and freeforms. Assembly is also important.

Expertise in world class electro optical assembly gives companies a perspective on the final telescope assembly and the needs or otherwise, for example, for athermalization and ruggedization.

When you choose the right partner, you can significantly de-risk the program.

Customers who elect to work with ZYGO, for example, have at their disposal industry leading experts in metrology, optical design, optical assembly, plano, asphere, spherical, and freeform polishing as well as thin film coating.

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Heritage

Repeatable Precision

When failure is not an option, integrators need to select partners with a strong pedigree in the area of optical component manufacture and assembly. For example, ZYGO has a 40+ year space heritage working with such high-profile programs as Voyager, Skylab, ISS Cupola Windows, the Space Shuttle Hatch Window, and the Hubble Telescope Corrector Lens. Other world class programs include work with LIGO optics, Lawrence Livermore NIF, French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), and University of Rochester LLE. ZYGO’s electro-optical design, manufacture, and production segment has more optical assemblies in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) than any other company globally.

Manufacturers need to select a vendor that has the experience and confidence to meet bleeding-edge optical tolerances not just once, but repeatably in a full rate production workflow. Equally important is to work with a vendor that has the metrology expertise that can validate the quality of their work with reliable data. ZYGO’s manufacturing capability includes proprietary deterministic finishing that routinely achieves subnanometer global surface figure error, exceeding what most manufacturers are even capable of measuring.

Capacity The crunch point for optical component manufacturing often comes when production needs to ramp up.

Manufacturers may be able to find vendors to produce a prototype for low volumes, but they need the confidence to know that during full rate production chosen vendors can meet and exceed delivery dates while not compromising precision.

The vendor’s precision capabilities must be scalable. To give an example, ZYGO can produce a quantity of 80 meter class laser grade optics a month. To be able to achieve this level of throughput, vendors need to have the equipment, metrology suites, and overall supply chain in place while not sacrificing the attention to detail these optics require. Unfortunately, if manufacturers select vendors without this capacity it can prove catastrophic for optical component manufacturing programs.

Size When companies need to scale up the size of their windows and mirrors while sticking to the most exacting of optical specifications, the competence of a chosen partner is put under even more pressure. Literally, with a large window there is significant pressure from the airframe on the window [edges}; it is critical your partner understands how to analyze a window for flexural strength and edge strength to avoid catastrophic failure during the mission. A larger window can support a larger aperture imaging system or multiple imaging systems plus LIDAR or other electromagnetic systems.

Handling, mounting, and measuring all gets more challenging as the size of the optic increases. Accounting for deformation and gravity sag at “use” orientation can also prove to be a stumbling block for an inexperienced team.

Material Agnostic When consulting with an optical manufacturer it’s important to know if customers are being steered in a direction because a particular vendor happens to synthesize a certain material, instead of recommending the material which is optimal for the prescribed application.

ZYGO works with all leading material synthesizers on their latest developments to ensure we are ready to select the best material to meet the needs of the customer’s application. ZYGO collaborates with its customers and gives them the best advice for their specific application, and works with the industry’s standard materials such as Sapphire (a-plane & c-plane), MultiSpectral ZnS, ZnSe, Silicon Carbide, Fused Silica, Silicon, Zerodur, ClearCeram ULE, Germanium, CaF2, MgF2, Spinel, ALON, Cordierite, BK-7 and more.

Coating Selecting a vendor that specializes in manufacturing large optics is challenging, but if you need those optics coated, many vendors do not have chambers that can handle large optics. ZYGO is fully integrated offering thin film coatings capability with chambers as large as 72”. The company’s coating capability ranges from the DUV 248nm-MWIR 5um. Capabilities include antireflective (AR) and highly reflective (HR) metallic coatings, conductive, beam splitter coatings, and high laser damage capability.

Coating techniques include Magnetron sputtering, ion assisted E-beam, and fluoride deposition.

Conclusion ISR is used to make key decisions which may, or may not, put the warfighter at risk.

ZYGO offers the knowledge, precision and quality to ensure the data which is gathered in an ISR system is of the highest possible quality. (https://interactivegov.com/articles/housepanel-wants-to-boost-spending-on-isr

0330 9000 247 Quantum offer 24/7 support, simply call us.

COVID-19 Drives & Motors Resilience Plan During these difficult times, we understand that your current engineering teams may be reduced due to a requirement of self-isolation. This will undoubtedly put extra stress onto you and your colleagues to keep vital production lines running.

To keep your site running through these testing times, we are offering our customers a free resilience plan to cover your critical assets if they fail over the next 3 months and, of course, a plan to ensure if this does happen, we can get you back up and running with minimum fuss.

We know site visits may not be an available option to you right now so we can create this plan on a conference call, a safe environment for everyone. However, if you are still happy for us to visit site, a self-certification document will be issued before we arrive.

Our qualified engineers and yourselves will go through your critical drive & motor assets and any specific technical applications that are required, as well as assessing the life cycle position of the asset.

We will then draw up a contingency plan based on replacement options, spares, available hire units or direct replacement availability that we can put in place to keep your site running if one of these critical assets were to breakdown.

To book your FREE Drives & Motors resilience plan, contact us:

assets@quantum-controls.co.uk | 01661 835 566

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Intelligently Designed mounting solutions for machine vision and automation systems Do you have problems reliably mounting cameras, lights, sensors, robotic tools etc. in your industrial application - and want a sure way of avoiding those nasty cable breaks that can cause you hours of downtime?

Alrad Imaging have the solution for you via its Swivellink® mounting system. These unique mounting arrangements can save you time and money because they offer easy to assemble, robust mounting systems which are designed to neatly route all cabling internally.

Solutions are available to mount: cameras, sensors, monitors and robotic arm components as well as mounts for workbenches and tables. Mounting plates are available for all makes of cameras, smart cameras and vision systems. Not only will they offer you multiple 20|

configurations but the creative approach means they can be manipulated as you wish. Swivellink® is now offered in 3 different sizes, XS, Standard, & Heavy Duty, and comes in Metric or Imperial. (Heavy Duty only available in Imperial sizes).

The Swivellink® product line has been used for hundreds of different applications in all types of industries. At Swivellink® the goal has always been to intelligently design a sturdy yet flexible product line that will solve your automation problems. You will find the possibilities A selection of products are endless. Find your is also available for appropriate mounting robots, such as a range of solution at: alrad.com/ pedestals, mounting plates collections/swivellink and teach pendant holders for general mounting of Alrad Imaging, Turnpike all manufacturers’ arms Road Industrial Estate, and also for some specific Newbury, Berks RG14 2NS manufacturers such as Tel: 01635 30345 Fanuc, Universal and Web: www.alrad.com Yaskawa.

Email: sales@alrad.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Aquila NFU glove meets mining needs worldwide Mining – an agesold industry where personal injury and danger have been constant concerns, and where Aquila are delighted to now offer a range of gloves designed with exactly this situation in mind.

Their NFU600S meets the general-purpose needs of mining workers for an enhanced grip protective glove that is both comfortable to wear over a long shift and low cost to purchase.

Aquila NFU600S gloves feature a 13-gauge nylon liner in a fine knit outer palm dipped in sandy nitrile.

The user experience is expected to include good grip, especially of slippery oily parts, coupled to a high degree of flexibility and durability with optimum dexterity in handling small items.

The foam nitrile palm

coat provides liquid resistance while leaving the remainder of the glove to breathe comfortably.

The NFU600S is part of an Aquila mining-oriented offering which also includes a wide range of impact protection gloves – plus cut resistance gloves where sharp object protection is required.

Further information regarding Aquila® products may be found at: www.aquilaglove.com or follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/@ aquilaglove. Aquila® and Alkimos® are registered brands owned and developed by Taste International Ltd.

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

ProSolv® high performance vapour degreasing solvent for critical cleaning of medical devices Critical cleaning is vital throughout the medical supply industry for safe, successful operations and procedures.

Manufacturers of medical instruments, implants and other devices using metals, glass, ceramics and plastics must select a cleaning processes compatible with all these materials of construction, to remove oils and other contaminants from the manufacturing processes. The cleaning system must be proven to be safety critical and to leave no residues on the surfaces of the cleaned parts.

In this short article we discuss the benefits of condensation cleaning with ProSolv® vapour degreasing solvent for medical device cleaning compared to water-based cleaning.

Water based cleaning options Formulations for water based cleaners use combinations of surfactants to reduce the very high surface tension of water to allow penetration of the cleaning solution into minutes holes and very fine mechanical clearances. The solutions must solubilise oils, greases, cutting fluids, grinding and buffing compounds and remove particulate soils. Biocides are also present in these formulations to ensure no bioburden is carried over from the cleaning process.

After cleaning residues of chemicals must be removed or they may be a source of corrosion when the devices are in use. Multiple rinses in hot and cold de-ionised water using agitation of baskets or carriers or ultrasound to dilute and displace the cleaning liquids retained in minute holes, cavities and trapped between close tolerance metal surfaces.

Continuous production of high-quality deionised rinse water is extremely expensive, but the drying process is even more costly and environmentally challenging. Multiple cleaning and rinse tanks and drying ovens or tunnels

need a lot of space and energy. Further controlled conditions are needed to cool parts after drying to prevent condensation of moisture, which can be growth media for bacteria, on the critically clean surfaces, before packing in sterile bags and containers for storage or shipping.

High output water based cleaning equipment can use conveyorised high pressure targeted spray tunnels for automated high-volume production with integrated “blow off” drying and conditioning tunnels.

For smaller scale operations systems are available using baskets in single cell dishwasher type equipment or open tanks. The latter can use manual or automated handling to progress baskets through the cleaning cycle using similar aqueous based chemical formulations with multiple deionised water rinses and a separate drying oven. These systems can process several baskets or carriers at a time so are only suitable for small batch production. In either case long process times will determine the size and complexity of installations.

Compare the complications of waterbased processing to the simplicity and speed of vapour degreasing using ProSolv® solvents.

Vapour degreasing or more properly condensation cleaning, is a proven process where a non-flammable halogenated solvent, safe for people and the environment is heated in the sump of a tank. Boiling solvent produces a dense vapour which is contained by condensation coils around the inner surfaces at the top of the tank. Solvent condensed on the coils is returned to the sump for reuse in a closed cycle.

Parts to be cleaned at ambient temperature are immersed in the vapour which condenses as solvent on the surfaces of the devices or parts in a continuous stream of perfectly clean solvent until the surfaces reaches vapour temperature when condensation ceases.

Vapour degreasing uses only one tank with one liquid. Parts are cleaned, rinsed and dry in 3 to 5 minutes with parts hand hot ready for further processing, storage or packing into sterile packs for shipping.

ProSolv® solvents were developed to provide superior critical cleaning

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performance for manufacturers of medical devices and equipment. The solvent is stable when used for vapour degreasing or cold dip cleaning and compatible with metals, including titanium, ceramics, glass and most plastics used in producing orthopaedic implants, dental, ophthalmic and surgical tools, lenses etc. ProSolv® is a cost effective and sustainable solution to remove polar and non-polar soils and other contaminants and sets the standard for removal of machining and cutting oils, coolants, greases, grinding, buffing and polishing compounds, while leaving no residue.

Vapour degreasing and dip cleaning with ProSolv® is a very effective steriliser of microbial contaminants. Exposing the microorganisms, which have cell walls made up of organic materials including lipids (Fats), to a powerful solvent is a very efficient disruptor of the cell walls.

Once compromised the organism’s inner workings lose this protection and the organism dies reducing the bioburden.

ProSolv® is also an excellent solvent carrier for organic or synthetic medical lubricant. This application for coating needles, cannulas and instruments needs consistent quality and evaporation rate to produce, comfortable, pain free insertion for patients.

In many medical applications oxygen and gas supply systems are needed and cleaning at installation and when extensions of pipework and fittings are added is vital for safety. ProSolv® removes oil and organics leaving residue free, dry surfaces to standards approved by gas supply companies, and is compatible with all metals.

Clearly solvent cleaning and vapour degreasing with ProSolv® is a better choice than water cleaning. Faster throughput, lower costs and sustainability to meet the unique challenges in achieving the high standards demanded for medical device manufacturing.

ProSolv® is manufactured in UK with excellent customer service, technical support and training from qualified distributors throughout Europe.

For more information please visit: www.vapour-degreasing.com/prosolvmedical

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

IO-Link master with OPC UA Seamless Communication from the Field Level to the Cloud Pepperl+Fuchs has become the first company to offer IO-Link masters with an OPC UA interface and is therefore paving the way for end-to-end, transparent, and seamless communication from the lowest field level to the cloud The automation specialist Pepperl+Fuchs has acquired the business of Comtrol Corporation. Comtrol is a pioneer in the field of Ethernet-based industrial communication and a leading provider of IO-Link masters. Pepperl+Fuchs has therefore strengthened its position as a system provider in the IO-Link sector and has become the first company to be able to offer IO-Link masters with an OPC UA interface.

OPC UA is an Ethernet-based communication protocol and provides an easy and flexible method of communication between machines or between a machine and the cloud. OPC UA is characterized by its independence, which gives customers incredible flexibility when designing their IoT systems, and ensures that they have complete freedom, no matter which platform they choose to use.

By combining OPC UA and IOLink, Pepperl+Fuchs has opened up completely new possibilities for endto-end, transparent, and seamless communication from the lowest field level to the cloud. If IO-Link functions as the interface for the identification, diagnostics, and parameter data from the sensor technology, OPC UA provides the perfect solution for transmitting this data

to PC- or cloud-based systems in full and in parallel with time-critical control communication. This is the only way to realize broader visions surrounding Industry 4.0 as detailed data can be collected from the lowest field level and evaluated in a target-oriented manner.

Pepperl+Fuchs is one of the world’s leading providers of industrial sensors and explosion protection. Based on an intense dialogue with our customers for more than 70 years we continue to develop new components and solutions, which support their applications the best way possible. For the landmark topic Industrie 4.0 (Industrial Internet of Things) we develop innovative technologies that pave the way to the digital networked production and to data transfer across all hierarchy levels – even beyond companies’ boundaries.

Industrial sensors: focus on the market

integrated communication throughout all levels of an automation system via Ethernet becomes feasible – for the first time ever even down to the filed level.

Pepperl+Fuchs Ltd 77 Ripponden Road Oldham, Lancashire OL1 4EL England TIMMINS Mark Phone : +44 161 622 6308 mtimmins@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH Lilienthalstraße 200 D-68307 Mannheim, Germany Telefon: +49 621 776-1111 Fax: +49 621 776 -271111 www.pepperl-fuchs.com fa-info@de.pepperl-fuchs.com SCHMITT Irmtraud Phone : +49 621 776-1215 Fax : +49 621 776-2505 ischmitt@de.pepperl-fuchs.com

Market-specific solutions dominate an extensive portfolio of industrial sensors that covers all applications the market requires from today’s automation technology. From the inductive and capacitive to the photoelectrical and highly precise ultrasonic sensors, identification systems and many more Pepperl+Fuchs offers all current operating principles in a broad variety.

Sensorik4.0® provides sensor technology for Industrie 4.0. Our technologies enable sensors without difficulty to communicate horizontally within the production process and to exchange data vertically – even into higher-level information systems such as MES or ERP. Process interfaces: secure applications Components and technologies for use in hazardous areas are designed to fit the most specific requirements in the industries we serve. They guarantee maximum availability at maximum safety.

Isolated barriers, signal isolators, remote I/O or fieldbus systems, HMIs and many other technologies offer solutions for a wide range of applications including certified packaged solutions and all types of explosion protection.

Ex-Protection4.0 brings digital networked Industrie 4.0-production structures to process industries. With concept studies like Ethernet for Process Automation

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

GETTING TOUGH WITH TCO

By: Phil Brown, Managing Director, Fortress Technology Europe

A key cog in any food processor’s business is the performance and efficiency of production equipment. However, a machine’s list price is just 10-15% of the overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), suggest industry experts.

Operational and energy costs, ongoing support, sourcing replacement parts, maintenance and repair fees, downtime and productivity all form part of the TCO calculation.

False bargains Inspecting for contaminants, including metal, is a prerequisite for brand protection. Shortterm frugality with inspection equipment is not always worth it. Be sure that any technical advantage will actually add production value.

Always consider the upgradeability of equipment. So long as the structural inspection machine is sound, the process of rolling out upgrades requires minimal time, investment and business disruption, compared with commissioning an entirely new build and installation.

Fortress inspection systems have been designed to be easily upgraded so that the machines are used throughout their service life. With the right maintenance, they can run for 20+ years.

red flag. Having interchangeable parts reduces the number of components held on site, and keeps costs down.

Lost profits For many manufacturers, downtime is a significant drain on profit. While no value is being produced, operational overhead costs continue to grow.

Equipment failure is the leading cause of this issue. Rather than reacting to emergency tasks, Fortress recommends customers perform an annual preventative maintenance check. Additionally, carrying out straightforward maintenance can make a big difference to a system’s running costs.

Human errors

Part obsolescence

Operator mistakes are the second largest cause of unplanned machine downtime.

When a new machine launches, the price of spares also tends to climb. If your supplier isn’t prepared to be upfront about replacement part costs or machine failure rates, that’s a big

Regardless of how up-to-date food inspection systems are, human error and misuse can never be completely ruled out by machines. It’s essential that

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robust procedures and practices are in place and that staff clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. Automatic test technology can also save significant resources by slashing the time any problem with a metal detector goes undetected.

Fortress lives by the ethos If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Providing the base unit is in good working order, it can be updated with the very latest technology to optimise TCO.

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Heat exchangers meet the challenges of pet food production

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers 40 per cent of UK households own a pet, with some 9 million canine companions, together with 7.5 million cats around the country. 1Producing high quality pet food which appeals to pets and their owners and which meets the necessary standards presents manufacturers with some specific challenges.

The total pet food market in the UK is worth £2.9 billion and, unsurprisingly, is dominated by dog (£1.4bn) and cat (£1.2bn) products. In volume terms, sales of wet dog food have declined steadily over the last ten years in the UK, while the volume of complete dry food has increased proportionally, although 254,000 tonnes of wet products are still sold each year (with a value of £324 million). For cats, wet food remains the most popular form of food worth £685 million, with single-serve packaging (pouches and foil trays) outselling the volume of multi-meal packs almost five-fold.1

The heat is on Different types of food obviously require different types of processing; not only in terms of wet or dry, but also solid pâtés compared to meat chunks in jelly or gravy. However, there is little difference between the processes and equipment used in pet food manufacture and other food and drink sectors. The overall trends in pet food development echo those of our own food; more natural and organic ingredients, better nutrition, and fewer fillers, additives and preservatives.

Delicate handling The HRS R Series and Unicus scraped surface heat exchangers (SSHEs) are ideally suited for pet food processing, including heating

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ingredients such as meat slurry, jelly and gravy before further processing, as well as heating or cooling soft meat or fish ingredients.

The patented Unicus Series is designed to provide unrivalled heat transfer of a wide range of difficult meat products which have high fouling potential, but which also need delicate handling to preserve fragile product integrity. In contrast, the R Series uses a patented rotary scraper bar to provide high levels of shear and mixing at the heat transfer surface, dramatically increasing heat transfer rates.

In addition, HRS BP Series highpressure positive displacement piston pumps are perfect for delicate materials containing particles, such as pet food chunks.

Pet food ingredients such as meat products and slurries need delicate handling to maintain texture and quality. However, they are also comprised of very thick and viscous material which can be difficult to move, making them unsuitable for rotary pumps. Their viscous nature means they have a high fouling potential during heating or cooling which can reduce the thermal performance of heat exchangers.

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Non-Invasive Inspection of Oil / Gas Separators FLIR Systems reports how its GFx320 Optical Gas Imager is safely and efficiently enabling oil and gas producers to undertake routine, non-invasive inspections in their oil and gas separators.

Oil and gas producers use separators, which are pressure vessels, to separate a well stream into gaseous and liquid components. During this process, sand can build up in the heating element, causing damage to the separator. If this build-up is not noticed and promptly removed, it may result in the emission of flammable gases, costly repairs or catastrophic failure. Traditionally oil and gas separators have been inspected by hand or cleaned out on a routine basis without evaluation. While this process provides basic maintenance, it does not provide the early detection required to identify mechanical or safety issues.

A variety of devices can be used to inspect oil and gas separators to verify tank pressures and liquid levels however, use of thermal imagers are one of the safest and most efficient solutions. The FLIR GFx320 optical gas imager can

be used to visualize natural gas leaks and sand levels as the camera shows changes in temperature from sand versus oil, gas, and water. The GFx320 is certified for use in Class 1: Division 2 or Zone 2 locations, allowing the user to get close to the unit for a thorough, but non-invasive inspection.

Increasingly, oil and gas producers using separators are turning to thermal imaging to help their maintenance professionals determine which separators to clean out and which ones are operating efficiently.

Considering the cost of a replacement separator and lost downtime, a GFx320 optical gas imager’s return on investment is high. Using the GFx320 for routine inspection of oil and gas separators is allowing oil and gas companies to not only verify tank pressures and liquid levels, but also detect leaks from the separator, resolve anomalies to restore

compliance, avoid adverse environmental impact, and prevent safety risks to equipment or personnel.

To learn more about inspecting oil / gas separators using a GFx 320 please visit https://bit.ly/37Jn8K9 or contact FLIR Systems on gasimaging@flir.com and +32-3665-5100.

Thermal Sensor Solution for Entities Working to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 Virus FLIR Systems today announced the FLIR A400/A700 Thermal Smart Sensor and Thermal Image Streaming fixed camera solutions for monitoring equipment, production lines, critical infrastructure, and screening for elevated skin temperatures.

These highly configurable smart camera systems provide accurate, non-contact temperature monitoring across a wide range of disciplines: manufacturing process control, product development, emissions monitoring, waste management, facilities maintenance, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) improvements.

The FLIR A400/A700 Thermal Smart Sensor solution initially will be prioritized for those responding to COVID-19. For all applications, the series offers multiimage streaming, edge computing, and Wi-Fi connectivity to help speed data flow and enable faster decisions, improving productivity and safety for professionals.

FLIR designed the A400/A700 cameras with two configurations to better meet application-specific needs. The Thermal Smart Sensor configuration, recommended for measuring elevated skin temperatures, incorporates advanced measurement tools and alarms with

edge computing to enable faster critical decisions. The Image Streaming configuration provides multiple thermal streaming capabilities to help optimize process control, improve quality assurance, or identify potential failures that could shut down a production line.

Users design their systems by choosing either the Smart Sensor or Imaging Streaming configurations, selecting either the A400 or A700 camera body based on the resolutions they need, and then adding lenses and a range of optional features to fit their application.

“For more than 40 years, FLIR thermal imaging has provided technologies for professionals to improve not only their capabilities, but also their safety on the job,” says Jim Cannon, President and CEO at FLIR. “As the world works together to face the global COVID-19 pandemic, given the need for this technology, FLIR will prioritize initial deliveries of this new A-series camera to professionals using

it in elevated skin temperature screening as an adjunct to other elevated body temperature screening tools to help to fight the spread of the virus.”

Also, FLIR currently is in beta testing for an automated elevated skin temperature screening software solution that is fully integrated with its United States Food and Drug Administration-certified thermal cameras. The solution is designed to rapidly increase the accuracy, ease-of-use, and speed of existing screening procedures. FLIR will share an announcement about its solution in Q2 2020.

FLIR A400/A700 Thermal Smart Sensor and Thermal Image Streaming cameras are available for purchase today globally from FLIR distributor partners. To learn more, please visit www.flir.com/ A400-A700-Series.

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

WHAT’S THE REAL COST OF PRESSURE VESSEL REPAIR? In this short blog Leigh Bryan, national consultant specialist at heat transfer specialist Fulton, looks at the costs associated with shell and tube steam boiler pressure vessel repair (and asks whether you really should be questioning its cost or the value of your peace of mind).

Whether you’re looking at a multiple tube repair or furnace section replacement (the infamous D Patch Repair), the costs associated with pressure vessel repair can quickly and easily begin to spiral.

The actual cost of a repair can run into tens of thousands, with certified materials, coded welders, insurer-appointed NDT inspectors and, in the case of D patch repairs to conventional 3-pass boilers, refractory replacement.

The time taken to carry out repairs may also mean a hire boiler is needed to

maintain delivery of steam to the site and/or process.

Another cost that can run into thousands of pounds.

Let’s also not forget about the potential financial, environmental and health & safety impacts of an acid clean.

Here, specialist teams using often-expensive solvent- or alkalinebased treatments are required, which means the solutions used must then be stored or neutralised and disposed of in a safe manner that can also be potentially expensive.

Additionally, there’s the financial impact from the boiler/process downtime, which can lead to the loss of services or product. In fact, in many cases the cost of repair is insignificant compared to the cost of several days without steam while a repair is carried out or a replacement hire boiler is delivered, installed and commissioned.

So, if you’re specifying steam raising plant for

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a new project or even replacing ageing steam boilers, don’t just consider the initial capital costs but look at the bigger picture, such as the design of a steam boiler and the potential risks from boiler/ process downtime.

Unlike conventional vertical and horizontal shell and tube steam boilers – containing long steel tubes through which hot gasses from a furnace pass and around which the water to be converted to steam circulates – the design of Fulton’s radical VSRT utilises a floating,

self-compensating heat exchanger design that eliminates the risk of thermal shock. Factor in no tubes (so a minimum 9.6mm material thickness) and NO refractory and the probability of a costly repair is greatly reduced. The VSRT is also backed by an industry-defining, 10-year pressure vessel warranty.

So, perhaps the question you should really ask isn’t what the cost of steam pressure vessel repair is, but what is the value of your peace of mind?

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Mobile Ground Verification for Trucks Trucks transferring flammable products require static grounding protection to prevent the build-up of static electricity on the truck or equipment, like hoses, that are connected to the truck.

If static electricity is allowed to build up on the truck the discharge of a static spark becomes a very real, but unseen, ignition hazard.

Many trucks recovering or transporting flammable

product conduct transfer operations in locations where static grounding systems are not present. This is mostly due to the nature of the operation, which could range from cleaning out a storage tank to delivering product to sites where grounding systems are not installed at the product delivery point.

In situations where grounding system are not present, it is usually achieved with a cable reel. However, it is impossible for

a bonding reel to determine if the grounding point will in fact transfer electrostatic charges to ground. It is also not possible to monitor the truck’s connection to the grounding point for the duration of the transfer operation.

The Earth-Rite® MGV (Mobile Grounding Verification) system provides clear, visual indication that the truck is connected to the earth and the process can take place, and if the connection is interrupted, the process will be halted.

100 95 75

25 5 0

|29 NG UK Advert 190x130mm_122019_prepress 11 December 2019 10:57:53

Güdel Gantry Technology

At the core of transformer production When Swiss based Heinrich Georg, the leading manufacturer of production lines for the transformer industry, required an automated solution for the manufacture of power and distribution transformers up to several hundred tons, they turned to Güdel gantry robot technology for the solution.

When positioning the laminates, the Güdel gantry robot achieves very high levels of accuracy and repeatability, of +/- 0.5mm, and also accelerates the core stacking process significantly.

Ongoing collaboration between Heinrich Georg and Güdel has resulted in the development of a comprehensive production solution which encompasses the complete range of operations from de-coiling through to the automated stacking of transformer cores.

The core of a power transformer in the 50 to 350-metric tons range consists of several thousand layers of stratified sheets, each around 0.25 mm thick, which must be stacked with high levels of precision.

Heinrich Georg have several customers who cut and then stock laminations which they want to stack to a core offline at a later stage. Currently, this is predominately a manual operation, with up to eight people simultaneously stacking sheets up to 6m long and 1m wide. This translates to a very time-consuming process, potentially up to 400 hours for an average core weighing 120 metric tons and with 4,000 layers.

The automated offline core stacking system developed jointly

by Güdel and Heinrich Georg uses a high proportion of Güdel manufactured items including: the entire portal, the bridge, grippers, gearboxes and control system. This technology supports the extensive industry and production line expertise resident within Heinrich Georg.

By comparison to the original manual process on 4,000 layers, the automated system reduces this to just over 100 hours, a saving of some 75%. The ability to transfer data directly from the cutting line to the robot unit means these new systems can be easily integrated into a digitally networked environment.

Güdel’s contribution in this collaboration mirrors the company’s philosophy of working with industry specialists and integrators across multiple sectors, to reduce technical and commercial risk by providing technology solutions beyond just the robot.

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

XYZ Machine Tools delivers on its promise of loan machines for vital NHS work The first customer to take advantage of XYZ Machine Tools’ offer of free loan machines to aid the fight against Covid-19 has taken delivery of its machine. The Midlands-based subcontractor needed additional turning capacity to assist with an order for respirator and oxygen regulator valves.

The XYZ CT320LTY being delivered to a Midlands-based company to support the fight against Covid-19

www.xyzmachinetools.com sales@xyzmachinetools.com 01823 674200

Their choice of machine from XYZ Machine Tools’ extensive range was an XYZ320LTY turning centre, with Y-axis and live tooling capability. The order was placed on 9th April and delivery was completed on the 15th April, with the machine being commissioned and training completed the following day so that production could begin immediately. “For such vital work assisting the National Health Service we are happy to make available any machine from stock, on a completely free of charge loan basis,” says Nigel Atherton, Managing Director, XYZ Machine Tools.

The offer of a completely free of charge loan machine is open to any business that is currently manufacturing components for any emergency medical equipment that will be used to assist the National Health Service at this critical time.

Subject to availability and suitability the customer can choose any exstock machine from XYZ Machine Tools. To take advantage of the offer simply contact XYZ Machine Tools at sales@xyzmachinetools.com and you will get a call back to help match the right machine to the work needing to be done. Once some basic criteria have been met, XYZ Machine Tools will deliver, install, and provide training to get you up and running as soon as possible, completely free of charge.

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

SPARC X-RAY VIEWING WINDOW REMOVES SAFETY FEAR FACTOR “Transparency” is a watchword in food safety and quality control. So, why are global x-ray food systems closed stainless steel boxes? Sparc Systems has unveiled how its unique rationale for designing viewing windows on its high-spec food x-ray range and how the removal of stainless steel doors reassures processing operatives.

Safety issues around radiation and dealing with potentially high-voltage components means that many manufacturers steer clear of x-ray inspection systems. Operatives especially fear what they cannot see.

To help eliminate this fear factor, Sparc Systems has designed a protective highdensity acrylic window on its Apollo (x-ray) and Theia (x-ray and checkweigher combination systems. The result: operatives can literally see up to 200 packs per

minute travelling through the system without compromising their personal safety as the x-ray beams are fully contained.

Food debris, product accumulations, bottlenecks etc, are instantly visible. Rather than carrying on unaware, operatives can halt production lines instantly, slide open the doors, clear and clean the conveyor, minimising disruption and reducing the likelihood of product damage.

The unique concept, highlights Sparc’s European

Sales Manager Charlie Graham, means that every aspect of the product handling is transparent.

Charlie adds: “Having a clear side removes the mystery and fear factor, especially when there’s a stainless steel box with a big radiation sign on the side.”

An additional benefit of this inspection visibility is it negates the need for bulky safety guards. Temptation to lean in to resolve an issue is also significantly reduced, addressing workforce Health & Safety. Consequently, Sparc has been able to shorten the post inspection conveyor, reducing factory footprint.

Rather than using compressed air, Sparc x-rays all feature electric servo drives to facilitate faster inspection and accurate rejection, at the standard 200 ppm. These electric drives are also proven to save food factories £4,000 annually per line. For the combi system, an independent reject mechanism segregates weight rejects, which could be

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reworked, from contaminated products.

Whereas other suppliers are reducing the cabinet dimensions, Sparc engineers maintain that a heavier framework reduces vibration, which affects the reliability and performance of x-ray tubes. Rather than using a oil filled radiating system which are prone to leaks or an expensive, energy intensive air conditioning unit, Sparc’s slightly larger x-ray unit also accommodates an air cooled x-ray generator helping to regulate the filament temperature at a constant 30°C. Built from 6mm thick steel sheeting (virtually double the thickness of other food x-rays on the market) eliminates the requirement for additional protective lead. And with zero boxed sections, fewer welded joints and drop through conveyors, the accumulation of product residue and water droplets on the units’ underside significantly reduces.

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

DS-OCT12-BLACKFAST_Layout 1 20/09/2012 16:28 Page 1

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

NORGREN EXCELON® PLUS AIR PREPARATION RANGE EXTENDED The Popular Excelon® Plus Air Preparation range from Norgren has been expanded to introduce a ¼ inch port size option.

Developed to help customers’ machines run at the optimum efficiency for the longest possible time with the lowest lifecycle costs, the Norgren Excelon® Plus 82 series offers machine builders the following three main advantages: Increased choice and system flexibility Available as standalone and modular assembly for filter, regulator and lubrication (FRL) combinations, the 82 series offers 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch port options and complements, the now well proven, Excelon® Plus existing 84 series, with its 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch port size options.

Lightweight and compact The Excelon® Plus 1/4 inch delivers a compact and light-weight solution, meaning it is ideal for applications where space is limited.

Furthermore, its modular design means installation time is reduced.

The Excelon® Plus range comes standard with a variety of features, including:

One-stop shop

•

A lockable rotating safety shut-off valve for easy isolation without a reduction in performance

•

A unique double lock mechanism on the bowls

•

Tamper proof knob on the regulator and filter/regulator

•

Flush mounted integrated gauge that is easy to read

•

Easy filter maintenance system (element is removed with the bowl for faster, cleaner servicing)

•

Class 8 water extraction according to ISO8573 standard.

The introduction of the 1/4 inch port size means Norgren now offers a true one-stop shop to manufacturers for all their individual FRL requirements. In addition, the range is also compatible with the Excelon® Plus accessory range including porting blocks, mounting clamps, pressure switches and the modular Quickclamp system.

David Whelan, Global FRL Product Director at Norgren, said: “The Excelon® Plus range has proven extremely popular with manufacturers looking for an air preparation solution which delivers increased performance, installation flexibility and safety features. That’s why we’ve introduced the 1/4 inch port size option to give greater choice.

“Yet, our commitment to new product development doesn’t stop here. As requirements for digital connectivity increase, we will soon be introducing IIOT connectivity for the 1/2 inch port size FRL as well.

“Later in the year, we also plan to introduce two new additions for both the 82 & 84 series, a 3/2 dump and a 3/2 soft start/ dump valve in the Excelon® Plus range. Featuring increased flow performance, these too can be standalone in installation or be added to the FRL set on a machine. The soft start option allows downstream pressure to gradually increase on initial start-up, before fully opening to deliver line pressure. The dump function allows the system to be exhausted quickly when required, particularly in situations such as an emergency stop, which supports designers and machine builders in conforming to machinery directives.”

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Manufacturers are also able to create tailored air preparation assemblies using the leading online configurator. The tool combines filters, regulators and lubricators in unique configurations of up to five units with ability to specify exact flow and size requirements.

For more information on the Norgren Excelon® Plus range visit: www.norgren.com

Complete Dosing to Packaging Solution Keeps FMCG Products Moving An increase in demand for its dosed products is behind the latest investment by a leading brand owner in a fully automated dosing, wrapping and packaging line from CME Limited.

The system delivered by CME comprises CME’s wrapping and cartoning systems together with systems from a number of other manufacturers. The technologies used include a check weigher, dosing system, flow wrapper, carton erector and overwrapper.

Together they deliver the complete range of processes required to dose and package this high-volume product.

Paul Knight concludes: “Our experience in different sectors including the food and beverage and pharmaceutical markets show our flexibility and adaptability to deliver systems to different markets with different needs. This project demonstrates the capability, expertise and resource CME can bring to bear on sophisticated projects where multiple technologies need to be integrated to develop a bespoke solution to automation and packaging applications.”

This system adds to the increasing number of machines and systems being exported by CME Limited to international customers.

CME Limited’s Managing Director Paul Knight explains: “Our client was seeking a supplier capable of not only delivering a turnkey solution, but one with the expertise to identify and integrate the most appropriate combination of technologies for their application. Our experience of working within different sectors, combined with our ability to deliver innovative design concepts and agile project management methodologies were significant factors in the client selecting CME for this project.”

The system which operates at 100 units per minute, accepts product in bulk form. This is then fed to the packaging line from a dosing system which dispenses in units of 50g. These individual doses are then wrapped as packages with both longitudinal and horizontal seals, prior to being check-weighed.

(The complete system includes: CME’s wrapping and cartoning systems together with a check weigher, dosing system, flow wrapper, carton erector and overwrapper.)

Individual check-weighed packages are then presented to a cascade loader and from there to a carton erector, where each 50g pouch is loaded to individual packs.

The packs are then re-orientated before being individually wrapped in the CME wrapper, they are then collated and processed within the CME cartoner to produce a carton containing 10 x 50g packs. The final operation overwraps this multi-pack carton in a separate system.

CME@CME-LTD.COM | WWW CME LTD.COM | Tel:01460 269 500

JOC_1098 KRUK Automation Half H-A.pdf 1 24/09/2015 18:09:43 May 2020 ENGINEERING PDATE

Setting the benchmark...

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May 2020

KS2 - High-Precision valve for abrasive media now also suitable for steam applications By improving the design of the ball sector valve, Schubert & Salzer has succeeded in expanding the application limits of this valve line – for example with regard to the operating temperatures.

Suitable for almost all shut-off and control tasks, ball sector valves have proven themselves particularly in applications with contaminated, abrasive and viscous media. Due to their special properties, they are used, for example, in the paper, steel, chemical, food and wastewater industries. They are characterized by their high rangeability and high flow capacity. Thanks to their especially designed ball sectors, they are also self-cleaning. Combined with electric actuators or pneumatic actuators with built-in positioners, they can be controlled precisely and in a variety of applications.

Extended application limits and reduced maintenance effort With the second generation KS2 of the ball sector valves, Schubert & Salzer has further extended the application limits of an already very successful valve line.

The redesigned shaft seal and seat area now enables it to be used within a temperature range of between -40°C and 220°C, so that steam applications are now possible with the ball sector valve.

A clever design simplifies the replacement of wearing parts in case of repair.

Maintenance effort is reduced significantly.

The series, which is available in from DN 25 to DN 300, has also been expanded to include the nominal sizes DN 65 and DN 125 and was supplemented with a dihedron shaft connection for the adaption of pneumatic and electric actuators.

Long service life in abrasive applications The proven advantages of the ball sector valve are retained in the new KS2 design. Ball sector valves are characterized, among other things, by their durability. The ball sector, with its centrally supported trunnions, does not lift off the valve seat during rotation. Therefore, fluids containing fibres or solids can not get between the seat ring and ball sector, where they could damage surfaces or get jammed and thus lead to leakage.

Due to the special design, the seat ring also seals on a partial surface of the ball sector that is less subjected to wear and tear and offers hardly any contact surface for abrasive media when the valve is fully or partially open.

The sealing surface is not exposed to high flow velocities or abrasive flow.

The advantageous sealing concept, in combination with sophisticated material combinations of the seat section and surface treatments of the ball sector, significantly increases the service life of ball sector valves from Schubert & Salzer.

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

ENGINEERING UPDATE

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Positive progress report for Leuze’s construction project Almost seven months after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new distribution center in Unterlenningen , Leuze offeres an optimistic progress report: the construction is on schedule and expected. to be completed in mid-2020.

“New distribution logistics are necessary due to the company’s steady growth in recent years as well as the increasing global orientation,” explains Ulrich Balbach, Leuze’s CEO. This led to the commencement of a construction project at the end of June 2019 for a new, initially 4,000 square meter large distribution center in Unterlenningen, near Leuze’s headquarters in Owen/ Teck. “With an initial investment in the double-digit millions, Leuze is clearly demonstrating its commitment to the region, its headquarters, and roots,” Balbach states.

With this investment, Leuze sends a clear message with regard to growth objectives and future orientation.

Over 40,000 container spaces More than half year after the groundbreaking ceremony, Leuze is offering a positive progress report: the construction project is on schedule. The foundation is complete and the building shell was completed Exterior view of the new Leuze distribution center in Unterlenningen. just before the end of the year. The interior should be completed by the end of April. In the next step, the intralogistics systems will be installed by Gebhardt Fördertechnik, who was selected by Leuze as a partner for internal logistics and innovative material flow technology. The new distribution center is scheduled to start operations in mid-2020. From that date forward, all national and international Leuze customers and subsidiaries will be supplied from Unterlenningen. The center will provide more than 40,000 container spaces in the initial phase. In preparation for future growth, Leuze is already working on a master plan to further expand the holding area to the north.

Building concept With a total footprint of 80x45 meters and a height of 10 meters, the new distribution center in Unterlenningen offers the space necessary for the logistics of the incoming and outgoing goods department, the automatic small parts-warehouse (AKL), as well as storage, picking, and dispatch. At the heart of the new building is the small parts-warehouse with a footprint of 65x10 meters and a height of 16 meters. The building and room concept is bright and inviting. Glass roof domes and attractive office workspaces allow employees to work in a bright environment flooded with daylight.

Sustainability and environmental protection At Leuze, the environmental and quality policy is an integral aspect of the corporate strategy. With this new construction, Leuze is actively furthering ecology and sustainability: the distribution center will feature hydroseeding on the facade. In addition, numerous new trees will be planted on the Leuze property along Max-Leuze-Strasse. This ensures the new building’s

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The interior of Leuze’s future distribution center. The construction project is on schedule.

complete integration into the landscape of the Lenninger Valley. An energy concept that meets the KfW55 standard was also developed for the new distribution center. This includes LED lighting and a photovoltaic system, among other things.

It will provide heat and up to 220 kW of power. This will cover the entire energy demand during the summer months. For any additionally required external energy, resource-saving primary and secondary materials are used, meaning up to 100% certified green electricity from renewable energy sources.

“Our goal is to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum,” says Balbach. “Leuze also uses DPD's CO2-compensated, climateneutral shipping for letters and parcel shipments.”

www.leuze.co.uk

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

CANTONI GROUP – YOUR PARTNER IN ELECTRIC MOTOR BUSINESS Since almost a century the Cantoni Group has been known worldwide as the leader in manufacturing and supplying electric motors, components and tools.

Cantoni Motor S.A., the International Sales Office located in Poland, coordinates the sales and purchasing for the whole Group.

We are offering a full range of induction electric motors, from 0,04 kW up to 6000 kW, in standard and special executions.

Our motors operate in almost all industrial segments like: pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mining, power plants and many other fields. We offer motors according to IEC standard in the efficiency classes: IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4 and motors according to Nema standard e.g.

Nema Premium motors. Apart from standard motors, we offer motors for special applications in marine, oil, gas, energy, construction and many other industries. All main components of our motors are produced in our factories in order to

42|

guarantee the highest quality level.

We attach particular importance to the raw materials used for production, they are delivered only by qualified suppliers exclusively from the European Union. Our designs and solutions correspond to the customer requirements and international norms. All motors are manufactured according to Quality Management System consistent with ISO 9001 and Environmental Management System consistent with ISO 14001.

Our motors are provided with CE mark and fulfill the EU Directives regarding the safety measures.

The motors comply with almost all international standards: German standards DIN VDE, British standards BS, Italian standards CEI, Canadian standards CSA, American standards UL and NEMA and EU Standard ATEX. Cantoni Group is associated with CEMEP (European Committee

of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics) as the manufacturer of high efficiency motors.

We constantly develop our presence on new markets and we are open for cooperation. You are welcome to become our partner or distributor.

Please contact us by e-mail: motor@cantonigroup.com, or phone: +48 33 813 87 00.

Visit us at our website: www.cantonigroup.com or watch our videos: www.cantonigroup.com/en/ page/Movies In order to keep you updated, we invite you to visit our News section at: www.cantonigroup.com/en/page/ news

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Forerunner.

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The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving.

We have been a forerunner from the start, and we are working on standardizing industrial communication. Among other things, we make sensors that are capable of transmitting data to control systems and the cloud via IO-Link and OPC-UA.

www.leuze.co.uk

Leuze_Kampagne_Wegbereiter_UK-BH_190x130_RZ-oMHW_en.indd 1

|43

23.03.2020 10:50:21

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge goes Online for 2020 The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) have launched the 2020 edition of the Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge.

The flagship schools’ competition, which has been running for 17 years, will return in 2020 with a twist. Due to the current Coronavirus situation in the UK, a new format for 2020 edition of TDI is being launched online.

The aim of the competition is similar to previous years with Secondary School Students being asked to design their own product or concept and explain its application.

This year they will enter by submitting 2-minute video presenting why and how the innovation will benefit its users. Once the video is completed all the students must do is share it on either Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #tdichallenge2020.

The competition aims to bring a positive and engaging challenge to young people affected by school closures and the isolation that entails, you can find out more about the competition and how to enter here Mike Falconer, Education & Development Manager at the MTA, said “Innovation impacts every aspect of our lives.

Now more than ever we see the benefits of technology; so we encourage students to be as imaginative and bold as possible and share their ideas with the world.”

He continued “The TDI Challenge has benefited hundreds of students over the years and we wanted to ensure that the class of 2020 got the same opportunity to participate in this event and share their innovations.”

James Selka, DL, CEO of the MTA said, “In these challenging times, we feel it’s more important than ever to continue to celebrate the creative ideas and brilliant work undertaken by our country’s next generation of designers and engineers, many of which will have already put great efforts into their GCSE or A-Level course work.”

Continuing “We are inviting young people across the country to present a short video explaining their concept, the technology used to produce it and ultimately how it will benefit the user. Upload your video to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #tdichallenge2020 to enter.”

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The purpose of the TDI Challenge has always been to help teachers and lecturers promote the great work of their Design Technology and Engineering students.

Celebrating the creativity and innovation taking place inside the curriculum, as well as, helping industry better understand the challenges that education is facing and how we might be able to assist through collaboration.

The MTA are very pleased to announce that the Design and Technology Association and Autosport are both supporting the TDI Challenge this year. Using their extensive networks to help encourage more students to participate and by giving some of the top entries an opportunity to showcase their work on Autosport.com to their extensive network.

Autosport Engineering editor James Newbold said: "I attended the final in 2017 and was very impressed by the standard of work evident in each of the projects on show. While clearly not directly related to the motorsport industry, the projects involved a degree of creative thinking and an attitude to problem-solving that has set the best designers in Formula 1 history apart from the rest, so it's great to celebrate the students' achievements and give them the platform to share their ideas with a wider audience."

Tony Ryan CEO of the Design and Technology Association stated “The Association represents over 15,000 D&T teachers across the UK and overseas. The TDI Challenge 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for our teachers to engage with their student's creativity during these difficult times. The competition fosters imagination, creativity and problem solving, key aspects of our subject.

We are proud to support TDI and encourage students to showcase their ideas in this unique way.”

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ec Leroy-Somer announces the launch of TAL 0473, its kVA latest TAL 0473 delivers a nominal power between 400 at next-generation 50 Hz (from 495 UPDATE May and 2020 660 ENGINEERING ".3" technological alternator features aplatform.

SHUNT excitation system and an R150 regulator as standard Nidec Leroy-Somer announces theimprov ing excitation system with R180 regulator version is also available to further TAL 0473 and is the latest high addition to the rangeof based the .3its platform.

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The TAL 0473 offers the following power nodes: - 400, 410, 455, 500, 550,and 600 and 660kVA kVA atat 5050 Hz power between 400 660 - 495, 510, 570, 625, 690, 750 and 825 kVA at 60 Hz

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TAL offers an of up to to 94.9% at cosimprove φ 0.8, transient winding excitation system with R180 The regulator version is efficiency also available further

whichcapacities. ranks it among theinterchangeable best in the category.with the TAL 047 (shaft he performances and provide high overload It is feet configuration), can therefore be nodes: coupled with all diesel engines on the market for this powe 0473 offers the and following power Thanks to the new AREP+ excitation system, the TAL 0473 also The TAL 0473 will be available for orders in April 2020. offers improved transient performance, especially with start-up

TAL www.nidec.com 0, 410, 455, 500, 550, 600 and 660 kVA at 50 Hz kVA improvements of up to + 15%. The ".3" technological platform 5, 510, 570, 625, 690, 750 and 825 kVA at 60 at Hz TAL 0473 offers an efficiency of up tofirst 94.9% 0.8,significant which performance ranks it among th was introduced incos 2010, φ allowing The TAL 0473 offers the following power nodes: improvements, particular thanks to a revolutionary patented kVA at 50inHz gory. - 400, 410, 455, 500, 550, 600 and 660 cooling system which optimizes the air flow in the machine, limiting - 495, 510, 625, 690, 750 and kVA0473 at 60 Hz the entire TAL570, product range, the825 TAL suitable forinsulation. all electric power hot spots that canisdamage windings The achieved level genera of performance and efficiency makes it possible to offer compact pted ItAREP+ delivers highrange, performance, thus offering new possibilities to manufa nks tomarine. thethe new excitation system, the 0473 offers improved transie Like entire TAL product the TAL 0473 is TAL suitable for allalso power applica alternators.

To match the evolution ofelectric customer needs,generation the rotor marine. kVA It delivers high performance, thus offering newThe possibilities to manufacturers of ge eciallyexcepted with start-up improvements up to0473 + 15%. ".3" technological system of of the TAL has also been revised to further improve platfo sets.

46|

its inertia characteristics. "This alternator ends a cycle, since it is one of the last in our range which had not yet switched to the .3 platform" said Wenbin Ding, low voltage range product manager "We are delighted to finally be able to offer the same level of optimized performance on all of our low voltage products.” The LSA 47.3, based on the same technologies, will also soon be marketed to replace the current LSA 47.2.

Events

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

FIELD of Dreams: FANUC brings new IIoT data platform to UK market With a view to helping UK manufacturers improve the efficiency and output of their production operations, FANUC has unveiled its new Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform, FIELD (FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive) system.

Suitable for industrial applications ranging from subcontract machine shops through to major production facilities alike, FIELD system is an open source platform which connects a broad range of FANUC and third-party production technology – including both new and legacy models dating back to 2000. Its ultimate aim is to provide fast, centralised access to all production data within a factory and help endusers take a decisive step towards Smart Factory status.

Unlike other IIoT solutions, FIELD system is ‘edge-heavy’ and collects, keeps and processes a wide range of production data at source, on the shop floor, rather than in the cloud.

As such, it gives operators access to much more accurate real-time data and analytics. For larger sites, FIELD system is also fully scalable across multiple cells within a factory, and allows manufacturers to make informed and intelligent decisions that can drive tangible improvements in productivity.

"FIELD system operates primarily ‘on premises’. It ensures a fast response to edge devices without the need for a cloud connection," says Craig Taylor, European Technical Support Manager, at FANUC. “This allows for better realtime processing and autonomy to move without the internet, as well as reduced cloud communications costs and better data leak prevention. However, if customers want to store data for future analysis or make a combined data analysis from different factory locations, they can do so via a cloud solution.”

Craig continues: “With FIELD system, we are aiming to empower the engineer, not de-skill them. Manufacturing is becoming increasingly digitised and we see FIELD system as a tool that can amplify the knowledge of those running production, by taking a few

48|

key inputs and using them to improve the efficiency and output of their operations.”

FIELD system is compatible with a number of different applications available from the newly-launched FANUC App store, which end-users can browse and download from directly.

Apps include both those offered by FANUC as well as those designed by third-parties such as software houses, systems integrators and even endusers.

Two of the most important applications available to end-users are FIELD system PMA and FIELD system ZDT. PMA (Production Monitoring and Analytics) software is used to monitor the production and performance of all machines connected to FIELD system, including flagging any which are not operating at intended capacity, as well as facilitating waveform failure analysis.

ZDT (Zero Down Time) continuously monitors the health of machines and

can identify trends – such as torque changes or disturbances – with a view to informing operators when preventative maintenance action needs to be taken.

Among the first third party apps to be added to the FANUC App store, and also displayed at the 2019 Hannover Fair, is one from Open Data which captures the OEE (Overall Efficiency of Equipment) of the entire production system in real-time and visualises the data on a dashboard.

Craig continues: “Ultimately, the open nature of the platform is intended to improve the efficiency and quality of a production process, while also optimising maintenance. We want FIELD system to be able to keep production running, regardless of whether the equipment is exclusively FANUC or a combination of multiple different manufacturers.”

For more information on FIELD system, please visit: www.fanuc.eu/uk/en/ field-system.

15th International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems & Services

F 1 WS

O H S AT

E R G 2

S A T AN

T

IL A R IC

T N E EV

CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY 13 TH INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE EXHIBITION

In 2021, Railtex will play host to Infrarail at the NEC, Birmingham from 11-13 May. The UK’s most important events in the rail calendar will come together to form the ultimate show for the rail industry.

To be part of the most comprehensive rail exhibition of 2021 contact the team on +44 (0)1727 814 400 or via email railtex@mackbrooks.co.uk

Events

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

OLYMPIA GRAND, LONDON, UK

Infrarail to be postponed to CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY May 2021 12 - 14 MAY 2020

13TH INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE EXHIBITION

13th International Railway Infrastructure Exhibition to be co-located with Railtex 2021 at NEC in Birmingham

Mack Brooks Exhibitions has today announced the event. While it is disappointing to postpone, it is imperative that postponement of Infrarail, the UK’s leading showcase of we prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved. Our railway infrastructure technology and expertise. The 13 th goal remains to provide the best customer value for everyone edition of the event, which was planned to take place at attending Infrarail by delivering a high-quality exhibition in London Olympia from 12 to 14 May 2020, is postponed 2021. We believe the decision to co-locate Infrarail with next following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe. The exhibition year’s Railtex exhibition with the help and support of our will now be co-located and take place alongside Railtex 2021, partners will allow us to maximize the potential of both events, the UK’s premier exhibition of railway equipment, systems uniting the whole rail industry”, concluded Nicola Hamann.

ONL The full scope of infrastructure sectors on display, including: IN and services, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 11 REG E VISI Track construction and maintenance ISTR T Mack Brooks Exhibitions as the organiser of Infrarail, trusts – 13 May 2021.

N Signalling OW ATION that the decision to postpone the show to next year will enable Communication and passenger information Speaking about the announcement, Nicola Hamann, Infrarail to continue to serve the rail industry as the leadingOPEN Measuring, monitoring and testing systems Managing Director of Mack Brooks Exhibitions, said: “The showcase for every aspect of railway infrastructure technology Station equipment health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and staff is our and expertise in the secure and safe conditions needed. The number one priority. After many weeks closely monitoring the Infrarail Team will communicate closely with customers and to a Register Tel:notices +44 (0)1727 400over the coming weeks and thanks their exhibitors, evolving situation around COVID-19 and the issued 814 partners mackbrooks.co.uk by the World Health Organisation as wellinfrarail as Public@Health partners, suppliers and visitors for their support during this England, the UK Government, the local authorities in London challenging time. *On-site Reg and in close coordination with all partners involved, we have For updates and further information, please visit the event decided to postpone the exhibition.”

9657_IF_2020_A4_Advert_Visitors.indd 1 website: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly; our customers, partners and the Infrarail Team worked incredibly hard on this https://www.infrarail.com/

OLYMPIA LONDON

CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY

12 - 14 MAY 2020

50| The full scope of infrastructure sectors on display, including:

FRE E

www.infrarai

S A V E THE DATE 29-30 SEPTEMBER 2020 HALL 1, NEC BIRMINGHAM

For more information on exhibiting, contact Louise Pudney on 01622 699 104 or at lpudney@datateam.co.uk. www.sensorsandinstrumentationlive.co.uk

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Parry switches production to meet urgent need for healthcare equipment A Derby catering equipment specialist has adapted all of its manufacturing operations to produce vital healthcare equipment to support the fight against COVID-19.

Parry, which employs 65 people at its factory on Town End Road in Draycott, has responded to the national call to support key workers by increasing its output of stainless steel mobile wash basins, glove/ mask dispensing units and knee operated sinks.

The decision was taken after discussions with its workforce and staff have been working over the Easter period to produce orders for NHS Nightingale in Manchester, care homes, prisons and supermarkets.

All of this production is being carried out in accordance with Government regulations on social distancing and the firm has also introduced a supply of PPE, staggered lunch breaks and more wash stations to ensure its staff remain safe.

engineers are currently talking to a number of clients about modifying products to help prevent the possibility of contamination.”

He continued: “We have value engineered our products so that they can be manufactured quickly and often despatched within a few working days. The work we have done in designing, manufacturing and delivering 14 drug dispensing tables for NHS Nightingale Manchester is a prime example.”

Parry, which has more than 40 years’ experience in supplying the commercial catering sector, had been developing its healthcare products over the past twelve months and has quickly expanded its range to meet the demands of the COVID-19 crisis.

Mark Banton, Managing Director at Parry, commented: “As a lean and agile manufacturer, we were able to immediately switch our production from catering products to essential healthcare equipment, including vital wash basins that could be installed quickly in supermarkets, temporary hospitals or transport interchanges.

Orders for its mobile handwashing station, a freestanding unit ideal for an immediate hygienic set-up for washing, have been unprecedented thanks to its ability to be moved and used in numerous locations. All that is required is a permanent connection to a 13 amp plug to heat the water in the internal tank, with drain water contained in the body of the unit.

“One of our key strengths is our ability to customise designs to suit specific applications and our design

Aesthetically designed and manufactured from high quality stainless steel, it is already found in

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many situations, from Harley Street Doctors and veterinary receptions to temporary hospitals and supermarkets.

Mark concluded: “To be able to respond to the current situation whilst keeping the safety and welfare of our staff a priority is very important.

It is an overused phrase, but our employees are genuinely our greatest asset and I am very grateful for their continued support in allowing Parry to play a small role in helping to save lives.”

For more information, please visit www.parry.co.uk or follow us on twitter @parrycatering

29 SEPT - 1 OCT 2020 NEC, BIRMINGHAM SCAN TO REGISTER

WHERE PRODUCTIVITY MATTERS See the latest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and machine vision in action Network with industry peers and gain valuable insight at our must attend seminars

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PPMA Group of Associations is a trading brand of PPMA Limited.

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Patent Research Made Easy Before undertaking a research and development project it is advisable to do some preliminary research into the technology field to identify existing solutions published in scientific literature and patents.

According to the European Patent Office (EPO) over 80% of technical knowledge is documented in patents. This provides an incentive to begin research within patent literature. PatBase Express, the easy to use global patent search webplatform developed by Minesoft, simplifies the patent search process.

For example, you could start by performing a quick keyword search using the intuitive search forms on PatBase Express. From there, there are options to optimise your search by filtering by Company, Technology, Publication Dates and Country. For a more visual approach, use the Visual Explorer tool which is just one of the available analytics tools on PatBase Express to refine the query by associated keywords, applicants or IPC classifications.

Built-in tools like Snapshot generate automatic graphs and tables showing trends across a search result set. All graphs and tables are interactive, so clicking on

a data point opens other options for further interrogation of the data. Easily narrow down your results set to review this way to see only what is relevant and speed up the research process. It’s also possible to share this data with any colleagues or clients directly from the platform, through exports or a shared link. They don’t even have to be a PatBase Express user to collaborate with you on your research!

There are various other search forms and tools available to help run your ideal search on PatBase Express. For example, you can easily search across global patent documents and machine translations, simultaneously in Latin and non-Latin text, and even search across related online literature

directly from PatBase Express.

It really is the one-stop-shop to get started with comprehensive research to prevent overlap between your work and existing inventions.

Preparing for a project with patent landscape research ensures that any research and development conducted won’t infringe upon an existing protected idea which could result in a lot of wasted time, money and effort. It also means that intellectual property that is developed will be protectable with a patent of your own, granting a temporary monopoly on the idea.

Full benefits of commercialising the product will hence go to the inventor or patent assignee.

PatBase Express was produced by Minesoft in co-operation with RWS. Learn more about PatBase Express by visiting www.minesoft.com/ patbase-express, and sign up for a free two-week trial today!

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May 2020

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

ENGINEERING UPDATE

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

A New Era in Small Enclosure Configuration The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) is an exciting new user-friendly design tool, for error-free accessory configurations of small and compact enclosures.

The process is so fast and streamlined that it is estimated it can reduce the time it takes for a user to choose, configure and purchase a compact enclosure by up to 95 percent!

How to Configure a Small Enclosure with RiCs Once an enclosure has been chosen, users are then able to browse through a pre-loaded online catalogue of accessories.

RiCs contains an extensive range of more than 250 accessories in total, but the system only presents each user with components that are suitable for their cabinet. Once chosen, each accessory can be positioned within an online 3D model of the enclosure.

system provides a downloadable CAD file that can either be loaded straight into a Rittal Perforex machine (for tailored machining on-site) or the machining can be done by Rittal prior to shipping.

In each case, the machining is tailored to the millimetre to ensure absolute precision throughout every step of the process.

Benefits of Using RiCs The benefits of RiCs are many and include: • •

Meanwhile an order for the enclosure and its accessories can be placed online via the Rittal shop.

• •

RiCs Configuration Process: 1.

2.

3.

In addition, RiCs enables the user to mark-out the positions of cut-outs and drill holes for later individual machining of the product. This built-in capability means that there is no need to switch to alternative CAD programmes during the planning of the enclosure. Once an enclosure has been fully configured, the

e-mail or order directly from the Rittal online shop

4.

5.

Select a System, choose either a single enclosure or enclosure suites Configure the Enclosure/s, and quickly pick/select accessories Modifying the Enclosures, by planning cut-outs and hole drilling Automatically Create a CAD file, representing probably one of the biggest time savings during planning for downloading straight into a Perforex Machining Centre Submit an Enquiry/Order Online, send an enquiry by

Time-saving configuration and planning Error-free selection of accessories Easy planning of the machining Automatic generation of manufacturing documents/ data

What’s more, customers can transfer the data from the Configurator to the EPLAN Pro Panel. This creates a 3D electromechanical design of the enclosure and comprehensive production documentation for the workshop, which both speeds up installation and improves the quality of the final enclosure.

Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com or on twitter @rittal_ltd

The new one: the AX/the KX. Opens up perspectives.

The new generation of compact and small enclosures.

www.rittal.co.uk

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

A wide variety of high-performance drives maxon, high precision drive specialist, launches high-torque product innovations this Spring. These include higher performance flat motors, drives with higher torque output, and new additions to the GPX gearbox family.

The new, maxon EC-i 52 Power up brushless motor meets customer demands for industrial applications with higher torque. The new version of the EC-i 52 now achieves a torque of up to 1 Nm. This increase in performance is due to improved cooling, the ventilated version of the EC-i 52 Power up reaches 420 watts of nominal power.

Another addition to the EC-i family includes the, EC-i 40 High Torque 130 watt brushless motor. This drive was originally developed for power tool applications. To meet the high demand for higher-torque drives, maxon is mass producing the EC-i motor with an additional 34.8 mm in length. The versions with a fan offer up to 100 percent more power.

If required, the EC-i drives may be combined with encoders, gearheads, and a maxon controller in our easy to use online shop: shop.maxongroup.co.uk

EC 45 flat Power up - higher-power flat brushless motor Using new processes, maxon has developed a rotor for flat motors whose housing is produced by cold forming. The result is the more powerful and less expensive EC 45 flat Power up motor, it is available in two standard versions, as well as in two new versions with either an open rotor or a fan.

ECX Torque 22: Dynamic brushless motors Brand new additions to the market are the brushless maxon ECX TORQUE motors, which have a diameter of 22 mm and are available in three different lengths. With their iron core and multi-pole rotor design, these motors achieve a very high torque density at moderate speeds, while their low time constant makes them extremely dynamic. The ECX TORQUE motors are available as configurable units ready for shipment in 11 working days.

Ultra Performance gearhead A new addition to the GPX gearhead family. In addition to the existing diameters of 22 mm and 32 mm,

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maxon is launching the larger GPX 42 UP gearhead version. The GPX UP "Ultra Performance" gearheads are extremely efficient.

The Swiss specialist for quality drives maxon develops and manufactures brushed and brushless DC motors.

The product range also includes gearheads, encoders, controllers and complete mechatronic systems. maxon drives are used wherever particularly high requirements apply: in NASA rovers on Mars, in surgical tools, in humanoid robots and in precision industrial equipment to name but a few. In order to stay ahead in this demanding market, the company is investing a large part of its revenue in research and development. maxon employs around 3000 people at nine production sites around the world and operates sales companies in more than 30 countries.

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Stay Connected with Murrelektronik During this difficult time, we are doing everything we can to ‘stay connected’ with our customers and partners across the UK. Our customer support team are working remotely from home and our technical help desk remains open as usual - via phone or email. Although we are scattered across the UK, we are still working together as team ‘Murrelektronik’ and ready to help. Our logistics and delivery arrangements are working well - we are shipping Murrelektronik and Murrplastik components to our customers in the shortest time possible.

To speak to the customer support team simply call 0161 728 3133 or email sales@murrelektronik.co.uk

Simply said, we make sure you get the best connections.

For reliable signals and power distribution for different systems and machines in countless industries.

Have you seen our new look website?

Better functionality, technical papers, brochure downloads, product information and direct links to products in our online shop www.murrelektronik.co.uk |59

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

MACsec industrial Gigabit encryptor enables data security for IP devices, PLC systems and other automation and IP security equipment The majority of industrial control systems are susceptible to cyber attacks as they continue to be designed without security in mind.

Following the Industroyer malware attack, whereby these threats have materialised, security has become a serious concern for plant operators.

To help plant operators tackle these concerns at an affordable cost, Industrial Data Communication specialist MAC Solutions has launched an industrial Gigabit managed encryptor that enables legacy point-topoint (PTP) data security for IP devices, PLC systems and a wide range of other automation and IP security equipment including wireless IP bridges and IP cameras.

Competitively priced to allow mass market data protection (an installation will require at least a pair of encoders), MACsec provides two end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) channels for secure communications between industrial legacy PLCs and automation equipment. TCP/IP traffic cannot be sniffed or decoded; MACsec also prevents ‘man-in-the-middle’ attacks.

The encryptor provides secure communications to IEEE 802.1AE standards.

MACsec is built for harsh industrial environments (protected to IP31) and operates across a wide operating temperature range, from -40°C to +75°C. Three MACsec models are available, each with similar functions but different media connections, i.e. copper-to-copper, copper-to-fibre, and fibre-to-fibre connections. While latency and loss of bandwidth have been challenges for vendors, MACsec encryption is performed at wire speed, so it is virtually real-time (low latency) with no loss of bandwidth.

Tim Ricketts, Director at MAC Solutions, commented: “With MACsec, our philosophy has been to add a next generation layer of security to the weak points of the industrial control system

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network. These layers can be classified

by ISO as Layer 2 communications to and from the SCADA system, to prevent data being compromised by simple ‘packet sniffing’ exploits [interception of PLC Protocol, e.g.

Modbus] or man-in-the-middle attacks [spoofing, interception and packet manipulation].” Traffic may be routed from site to site using OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) so this allows site to site access securely through public infrastructure.

MACsec supports AES-256 encryption, providing line rate (wire speed) bi-directional traffic encryption/ decryption. Other features include VLAN tag detection, a web GUI configuration interface and statistics counter support. Lightweight and with a very compact footprint, MACsec is easily mounted in control cabinets where space may be limited with a redundant supply voltage range 9-48vdc.

As Tim Ricketts adds: “A typical industrial control network may appear to have the greatest of all protection – air gapping. This physical network separation is now the status quo across industry, and rightly so. However, as the defence has changed, so has the method of attack.

Malware that is created to destroy a SCADA system, for example, will lay dormant until it finds its target, moving from phone to USB stick to

laptop, using its host as a means of transport, until it finally meets its end destination – your process and control equipment. The dormant malware that evaded your corporate firewalls and personal device protection is now on an air gapped system – a system that will likely have an out of date firewall due to the very reason it was deemed to be secure.”

“The key trend across all attack vectors in all industries is that people are the problem: password capture, insecure connections, phishing emails and physical device transfer [i.e. USB stick].

MACsec was developed to help solve these problems at an affordable price for plant operators.”

For more information, please visit www.mac-solutions.net or telephone MAC Solutions on 01527 529774 or email sales@mac-solutions.co.uk

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Belt Conveyor for PPE Masks mk were asked to deliver a large number of conveyors to a long standing customer in a short time frame.

The conveyors were needed for a plant that needs to produce up to 100 PPE masks per minute in a fully automatic process.

As the demand for such plants is extremely high due to the spread of the coronavirus, the conveyors needed to be delivered quickly as well as being easy to put into operation.

The mk conveyors needed to convey the masks to separate production steps within the plant, such as folding, bonding and supplying nose clips.

The masks are then disinfected in subsequent steps. The conveyor had to be designed for a three-shift operation.

Together with the customer’s design team, mk employees configured a conveyor consisting of as many standard components as possible, but which still satisfied the necessary cleanliness requirements.

The best-selling mk GUF-P 2000 conveyor was the best solution for the job. The highly standardised belt conveyor can be quickly delivered and is easy to integrate, which enabled mk to deliver 40 conveyors in just a few weeks.

The conveyor is also reasonably priced thanks to the high level of standardisation.

An FDA-approved belt was used in order to keep the masks free of contamination. mk constructed the belt conveyor with low-maintenance, indirect drives with timing belts to ensure that the three-shift operation runs reliably and without malfunctions.

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Profile Technology

Conveyor Technology

Linear Motion

Factory Equipment

CompaCt struCture for optimal integration

Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2045 Compact. Light. Inexpensive.

mk profile systems limited a company of the mk technology group Unit 2·Wolds Farm Business Park Kinoulton Lane·Kinoulton·Nottinghamshire, NG12 3EQ Phone +44 (0)1949 823751·Fax +44 (0)1949 81270 www.mkprofiles.co.uk·info@mkprofiles.co.uk

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

IRISH ENGINEERING STUDENT WINS EXTREME REDESIGN 3D PRINTING CHALLENGE AND RECEIVES STRATASYS SCHOLARSHIP Student wins free Stratasys FDM 3D Printer for The University of Oxford for a year, exposing more students to cutting-edge technology that will boost their learning and research Irish PhD student, Daniel Fahy, has won first place in Stratasys’ annual Extreme Redesign Challenge Awards. Fahy took first place in the ‘Art, Jewelry and Architecture’ category winning a $2,500 scholarship, a free Stratasys FDM 3D Printer for his university for a year and a printout of his winning design.

Fahy is currently completing his DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. Having previously won the same category in 2017, for this year’s competition he leveraged his extensive knowledge of engineering and past experiences with 3D printing to recreate a fond childhood memory – a Hoberman Sphere – from scratch within just a few weeks.

Fahy, comments: “I feel privileged to have won this competition. The main reason I entered was because it allowed me to be creative and explore my passion for engineering and design via a project of my own. While the Extreme Redesign Challenge provides guidelines, 3D printing gives you the design freedom to bring ideas to life that I previously thought not possible. This can be liberating, but also challenging, as you need to create a design that looks good but also functions as a 3D model.

“I’m particularly delighted to have won a Stratasys FDM 3D printer for our university for the coming year,” he adds.

“Having utilized 3D printing throughout the latter years of my education, I believe all students should have access to this technology. Not only helping to bring out creativity in design, but also showing students how they can turn their ideas into physical products in ways traditional engineering methods don’t allow. This

is very important for those pursuing engineering careers in the future.”

time round truly deserving having shown exceptional levels of creative design.”

The Extreme Redesign Awards, hosted by GrabCAD and Stratasys, invite students globally from secondary to tertiary education, to either redesign an existing piece of art, jewelry or architecture, or create an entirely new one. A jury of distinguished industry figures evaluate all entries based on their creativity, but also how mechanically sound they are and whether they could realistically be produced.

At the University of Oxford, a dedicated 3D printing laboratory in the Department of Engineering Science was set up in January 2019, providing all students from undergraduate to PhD level access to the technology. The Stratasys FDM 3D Printer has been installed at the Department’s Oxford Thermofluids Institute, enabling students to accelerate their research by turning design ideas into functional prototypes within a matter of hours.

“Daniel’s winning design perfectly exemplifies the level of creative innovation we receive globally each year as part of our Extreme Redesign Challenge,” says Gina Scala, Director of Marketing, Global Education, Stratasys. “15 years on from the inception of the competition and students still continue to amaze us with their ability to push the boundaries of design and creativity with 3D printing.

The bar was particularly high this year, with our panel impressed with so many diverse designs – making the winners this

Fahy concludes: “3D printing is going to be around for a very long time, especially as the technology becomes more mature, less expensive and as a result more accessible to different fields. Since it provides such a valuable opportunity to accelerate learning and development, I believe it is critical that students, educators and people within industry know this technology is available and learn to use it.”

Fahy’s winning 3D printed design is a Hoberman sphere that opens and closes in the shape of a globe, revealing a heart at its center

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Pumps

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Archimedes Screw Pump Sealed-for-life stainless steel lower bearings in stock and available from ECS Archimedes screw pumps are at the heart of many wastewater treatment facilities. As a result, ensuring the reliability of these pumps is key to overall site efficiency. An area where problems can occur is the submerged lower bearing of the screw pump, which is why ECS Engineering Services is now offering the water sector access to highly reliable Landustrie ECO-friendly replacement lower bearings.

Located underwater at the bottom of the screw pump, lower bearings present maintenance teams with multiple challenges. Accessing and inspecting the submerged bearing is difficult, as drainage of the inlet is required, resulting in extended downtime. This downtime places additional stress on other pumps on site to meet the pumping capacity shortfall.

Then there are the difficulties of working within the tight confines at the bottom of the trough. Lower bearings that utilise forced lubrication feeds further complicate maintenance, as grease pumps and lines require regular inspection to ensure reliability. At water treatment facilities where uptime is vital, a low-maintenance lower bearing is the preferable solution.

The ECO-friendly Landustrie lower bearing requires no annual maintenance. Sealed and lubricated for the lifetime of the bearing, it requires no supporting grease pumps or lines.

Easily exchangeable with existing bearings, the completely enclosed unit is also straightforward to install.

The enclosed nature of the bearing also eliminates the need for spares.

An inherent three-dimensional self-aligning capability allows the ECO-friendly lower bearing to easily

accommodate the expansion and contraction of the screw pump in varied temperatures. Consequently, the bearing provides facility operators with great reductions in pump downtime, maintenance and grease costs.

ECS Engineering Services is a leading provider of engineered solutions to the water industry and the exclusive UK supplier of replacement Landustrie Archimedes screw pumps. The business is currently providing Screw pump services to all of the major UK water companies.

Landustrie offers over a century of experience in water control technology, especially the design and manufacture of screw pumps. In the UK, ECS can provide turnkey installation and maintenance services, giving plant operators easy access to the advantages of ECO-friendly Landustrie lower bearing replacements.

www.ecsengineeringservices.com ECS Engineering Services is a leading provider of engineered solutions to the water industry and the exclusive UK supplier of replacement Landustrie Archimedes screw pumps.

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EXPERTS IN PUMP TECHNOLOGY Our progressive cavity pumps, macerators and control systems are used across all industry sectors wherever thin to highly viscous, shear-sensitive, aggressive or abrasive media must be conveyed at low pulsation rates.

SEEPEX’s portfolio also includes digital solutions, consulting, spare parts and after sales services.

“SEEPEX stands for technological leadership, excellent management and outstanding product and application expertise. Focusing on our core competencies and know-how enables us to take the best, most forward-looking course of action for each part of our business. We identify innovative approaches that bring about positive changes for the entire industry.”

PETER MCGARIAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, SEEPEX UK LTD.

SEEPEX UK Ltd. | sales.uk@seepex.com | www.seepex.com

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Increased range of Handles for Enclosures and Panels available from Foremost Electronics Over 270 handle styles available with low MOQs Foremost Electronics, the engineering-led Essex based importer and specialist distributor of electromechanical components is a major supplier of standard and custom cabinets and enclosures and continues to add to its range of panel building accessories.

A wide range of high-quality handles from MENTOR, the world’s premier manufacturer, are now available from Foremost. The very diverse range of industrial, enclosure and equipment handles offer designers elegant and functional solutions to suit any application. It includes hundreds of plastic (including two-component and heat-resistant versions), anodised aluminium, chrome, steel and stainless-steel variants, all with multiple size options. MENTOR handles offer high quality, elegant, ergonomic and comfortable styles which and can be configured to meet any dimensional requirement.

MENTOR’s plastic handles are cost-effective, versatile and easy to install. The range offers many bow section designs using single-plastic or two-plastic construction including handles for various load capacities and temperature requirements.

Versions made with highly durable heat resistant black Duroplastic type FS 31 offer a maximum operating temperature of 100°C. Aluminium is an ideal material for many handle applications offering lightness, strength and a highquality surface finish. MENTOR's wide range of standard aluminium handles includes equipment handles, bow-type handles, fingertip handles, handle systems and folding handles. Colour-anodised versions are available with gloss or brushed finishes.

MENTOR's chrome handles are made from steel and are ideal for high load bearing and suitable for pulling, pushing and lifting actions

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in equipment and machinery applications while still being elegantly designed. Many types of chrome handles are available, including both straight and angled bow-types, as well as collapsible handles. Several styles are also available with plastic coating on the grip bar. The thincoating, UL224 Polyolefine flame retardant, hand grips meeting E196690 approvals are available in black, red, white, blue, yellow, green, grey, orange and brown and have an operational temperature range of -55°C to +125°C Stainless steel handles are the ideal solution for medical and catering applications and other product designs requiring elegance combined with strength. The standard range offers handles made of round or flat oval stainless steel, folding/ collapsible handles and an easy to assemble modular handle system.

The handles can be finished in matt, polished or uncoated stainless steel with several similar designs made in robust chrome-plated steel.

Alan Vincent, Sales Director of Foremost, comments, “Our enclosure and cabinet business is growing very rapidly, and our customers need high quality accessories to enhance the appearance and performance of their systems.

MENTOR offer one of the most extensive ranges of handles available, making them an ideal partner for us to be able to offer a one stop shop for all of

our customer’s panel and enclosure requirements.”

To see the MENTOR range of highquality handles available from Foremost, please visit www.4most.co.uk call +44 (0)1371 811171 or email sales@4most.co.uk Foremost serve a wide number of diverse markets from industrial, instrumentation, audio/broadcast, rail, medical to education. Established in 1989, Foremost Electronics Ltd. are long established agents and distributors of electro-mechanical components including switches, connectors, cabinets, enclosures and handles, control knobs, thermal fuses and optoelectronics. Foremost are also a supplier of joysticks and controllers for both OEM and standalone applications and have specialist online stores for IP Joysticks and Electric Vehicle Connectors and Accessories

www.enclosures4u.com

Size doesn‘t matter to be a hero.

Han® 1A - Compact, robust and versatile.

Space-saving connectors for mahcinery and railway vehicles ■ Compact and lightweight: Our smallest industrial connector with the necessary shielding with plastic (polyamide) housings.

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

RS Components and Allied Electronics & Automation pledge practical support for wider distribution sector to tackle the impact of COVID-19 CWM Automation is a UK manufacturer of filling and heat-sealing machinery, as well as fully automatic end-of-line solutions.

RS Components (RS) (uk.rs-online.com/web/) and Allied Electronics & Automation (Allied) (www.alliedelec.com), the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, have pledged support for distributors worldwide, reaching out to the supply chain to offer practical assistance with fulfilment as shipping channels come under increasing strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electrocomponents has published a COVID-19 action plan (www.electrocomponents.com/ covid-19-action-plan), summarising how the Group is supporting the needs of customers, suppliers, employees and communities while implementing business continuity plans. The health and wellbeing of employees and their families is paramount, as are supplies to critical services across the world such as the public sector (police, fire and rescue, ambulance), food and beverage, power generation and utilities. In one example, RS collaborated quickly with supplier partner ebm-papst to fulfil an urgent need for components by UK-based Kbiosystems, to help build new machines to test and develop vaccines.

In an unprecedented move, a letter to suppliers and distributors from CEO Lindsley Ruth (www.electrocomponents.com/sites/ electro-comp/files/media-library/ our-pledge-to-continue-to-supportthe-distribution-industry-throughcovid-19.pdf) now outlines how he is extending the company’s emergency support plan to the wider distribution sector, to enable businesses to continue to deliver parts and ensure that critical supplies do not come to a halt through this crisis.

Effective immediately, the Group has

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established a direct email address to advisers (partnersupport@ electrocomponents.com), ready and waiting to identify solutions to provide shipment to accessible locations through its global distribution network. Though it is currently hard to predict the level of uptake, each request will be managed on a case-by-case basis for as long as support is required.

The systems and processes to fulfil these transactions have been put in place and staff will be deployed at the company’s distribution centres according to the demand.

Lindsley Ruth stresses, “In these unprecedented times, both personally and professionally, we must support one another in distribution, to do all we can to support our customers, many of whom are playing a critical role at this time.”

By responding quickly to the coronavirus outbreak, and through active engagement across its supply chain, RS and Allied have succeeded

in maintaining strong inventory and consistency of supply and have continuity plans for their 12 distribution centres across the globe, which currently remain open and operating effectively.

In the UK, Electrocomponents has signed the C-19 Business Pledge, a national initiative (www.c19businesspledge.org) founded by former cabinet minister The Rt. Hon. Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison.

The initiative urges businesses and universities across Britain to mobilise a collective effort to tackle COVID-19, and to safeguard the country’s long-term recovery by supporting employees, customers and communities. The initiative has to date received the backing of employers representing more than 1.5 million staff and students. Those joining Electrocomponents in the effort include BP, Everton Football Club, National Grid, Severn Trent Water and Northampton University, among many others.

Renold Gears OQSx Oil Quality Sensor

The Renold Gears OQSx Oil Quality Sensor is your ideal solution for accurate real time gearbox oil condition monitoring.

Easily and quickly installed the OQSx detects all wear and contamination elements to an exceptionally high level and provides an accurate statement of oil condition second by second – in any oil type and in any application, giving you a true 360 degree view of how your oil is performing.

> Accurately reports precise condition of oil in real time > Patented technology > Independently certified for accuracy, sensitivity and reliability > Robust and reliable in the harshest conditions > Easy to install > Configurable for any oil type, in any application

e gears.sales@renold.com

w www.renold.com

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

High demand for image processing systems in the medical sector Corona mass screening using IDS cameras.

IDS solutions provide valuable services in medical technology Health has become the dominant topic worldwide. Research and development to protect the physical wellbeing of each individual as well as the entire population have an unprecedented significance. More than ever, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies are striving to accelerate their processes, for example by increasing the throughput of tests or speeding up the production and distribution of medicines. Airports are making increasing use of access controls, whether in the form of ID checks or temperature measurement devices, to identify travelers with symptoms of illness.

In all these areas, image processing can make an important contribution to protecting people and thus also saving lives. The possible applications are already almost unlimited and are becoming increasingly diverse in the age of Industry 4.0 - not least due to the use of artificial intelligence.

A British company is currently using IDS cameras together with thermal imaging cameras to detect people with elevated temperatures and so potentially have the corona virus. The non-contact thermal imaging and measurement system designed for mass screening, detects temperature differences of less than 0.6 °C and with an accuracy of less than 0.3 °C. "The Thermoteknix FevIR Scan software tracks people in real time as they walk in front of the camera and shows their maximum face temperature on screen," Richard Hames, Sales Director at Thermoteknix Systems Ltd., explains. uEye LE CMOS camera from IDS The so-called FevIR Scan 2 system consists of a thermal imaging camera and a visible USB 2 uEye LE CMOS camera in a sealed housing that is connected to a laptop PC running Thermoteknix FevIR Scan 2 software. The USB 2.0 uEye LE board-level version is particularly lightweight and compact – ideal for finding a place next to the thermal imaging camera in the small FevIR Scan 2 housing. A thermal reference source

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with constant temperature is included in front of the thermal imaging camera. It allows for constantly calibration of the thermal imager for accurate temperature measurement to detect persons with elevated skin temperature.

processes while complying with strict quality guidelines. "In this way, we can contribute to considerably shortening the time to market for drugs, for example," says Kai Weisser, project manager at i-mation GmbH.

The UI-1642LE-C model is used to detect people passing through the system. It is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor from ON Semiconductor, which has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels and a frame rate of 25 frames per second.

This frame rate enables screening in places with a high volume of people, such as airports or entrance halls.

Along the entire life cycle of drugs and pharmaceutical products, from research into new active ingredients and therapies, through production and packaging, to distribution and application, the use of new machine vision technologies opens up numerous opportunities for process optimization.

Other IDS solutions also provide valuable services in medical technology.

For example, the GampBOX image processing system from i-mation GmbH makes it easier for the pharmaceutical industry and its suppliers to optimise

Thus, IDS industrial cameras can also help the healthcare sector to optimize processes, ensure quality, advance research and ultimately serve people.

Further information: https://en.idsimaging.com/markets.html

All in one!

The fail-safe SmartPLC from ifm Two separate plc’s in one compact housing: one for safety-related applications, the other as a standard plc or platform for other operations. Both plc’s communicate with each other so that complete machine control, including safety functions and visualisations can be carried out with just one Smartplc, AS-i offers unbeatably simple and flexible wiring of standard and safety-related signals.

www.ifm.com/uk/smartplc ifm telephone: (020) 8213 2222

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

SL Engineering team produces ventilator components to support the NHS Lincolnshire-based SL Engineering has praised its workforce for rising to the national challenge and helping to ramp up production of ventilators for the NHS. The company volunteered in response to the Government call for help from hi-tech industries to make components and dramatically increase ventilator manufacturing rates in the UK. Thanks to a team effort, it had production up and running, shipping new customer approved components in just one week.

Having been selected for the Sharing in Growth (SiG) productivity and competitiveness initiative in 2019, SL Engineering was then contacted by SiG which has been helping the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium with identifying capability and capacity within the SiG beneficiaries community to support the manufacture of ventilators which are to be assembled at GKN’s site in Luton.

As a result, an order followed for small machined components in aluminium and plastics which SL Engineering could produce on their multi-axis CNC turn mill lathes. These

are normally used to make larger complex tube and pipe fittings used in aerospace, industrial gas turbines, and power generation.

Explained Joint Managing Director Shaun Stevenson: “The challenge was to assess, quote, procure material and tooling, and set up 24/7 working shifts all under the current Covid-19 restrictions. Then we had to manufacture and deliver components within a week from receipt of authority to proceed. This included completing full New Product Introduction processes, manufacture of parts culminating in customer approval of sample inspection control plans / first articles and delivery to customer all within one week!

“We would normally be looking at a matter of weeks or even months from receiving an invitation to bid to getting the first part dimensionally approved by the customer and into production.

This timescale was condensed down to less than 48 hours which is an impressive achievement.

“Our workforce has been brilliant in initially providing suggestions for how we could manufacture the components and rapidly increase capacity via the change of shift patterns. Once we got authorisation to manufacture the parts, our teams have shown great commitment and determination across all operational business functions. Everyone wants to contribute to this critical cause for the brilliant NHS and the country as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds. It’s been a fantastic team effort and a great result from Team SL!” SL Engineering employs just over 75 staff and is classified as an ‘essential’ supplier by its military aerospace, defence and power generation industries customers during the Covid-19 crisis. The company is following strict government rules on safeguarding employees and maintaining safe working distances.

This includes switching its CNC machine shop to operating 24/7, 12 hour rotating shifts to meet ventilator demand as well as maintaining normal everyday business delivery demands.

Prior to the COVID-19 emergency, SL Engineering had been working with Sharing in Growth to double its turnover to over £12 million turnover by 2023, by investing in its plant, facilities, processes and staff to deliver improved efficiency, capability and capacity to its globally based OEM customers.

Said Sharing in Growth Business Transformation Manager Ashlea Finn: “It’s fantastic so see SL Engineering rising to this challenge in the same way they have embarked on their SiG transformation activity, with amazing teamwork, a can-do attitude and a drive to get things done.”

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May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

Temperature monitoring and remote monitoring From Ziehl Industrie elektronik TVR Instruments are pleased to announce the addition to the Ziehl Industrie elektronik range of temperature protection relays of the TR640IP and the TR660IP. The two new additions to the Ziehl Industrie elektronik range of temperature measuring and monitoring relays are the TR640IP and the TR660IP. Both units offer inputs for up to sensors either 6 x Pt 100, Pt 1000, or PTC thermistors.

Different sensors can be connected at the same time, e.g. Pt 100 (RTD) and PTC-thermistors.

2 sensors. Pre-set programs allow easy setting e.g. monitoring of transformers with/without monitoring of temperature of core or with/ without controlling a ventilator.

The TR640IP has 4 limit relays and remote monitoring via TCP/ IP connectivity, whilst the TR660IP has 7 limit relays, remote monitoring via TCP/IP LAN and the option of 4 analogue outputs programmable 2 x 0/4 - 20 mA and 2 x 0/2 - 10 V or RS485 RTU.

Ziehl’s electronic devices for industrial systems are innovative, future-oriented, and renowned for top quality. Working to the highest technical benchmarks, Ziehl develop and produce using state-of-the-art systems and under a demanding quality management system.

We are pioneers in producing electronic devices for modern and reliable measurement, control, and regulation technology to meet every requirement – be it in industrial applications, companies, private homes or rented buildings. Ziehl’s goals are sustainability, energy

Typical applications are monitoring of motors, generators, or transformers.

Another application is the use as a 2- or more step- controller with additional monitoring of over- or under temperature or monitoring of differences in temperatures of

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Designed for DIN rail mounting they add to the range of panel and rail mounting temperature protection devices which Ziehl manufacture.

efficiency and maximum efficiency can be achieved using their products.

Ziehl has the highest of standards when it comes to commitment for our customers make us the ideal partner for business and industry.

Our products are made in Germany.

Ziehl’s operations are certified in accordance with both ISO 9001:2015 and ATEX directive 2014/34/EU and are subject to regular monitoring for UL-approved devices.

For further infomration, please contact us on 0206 575755 or email us on sales@tvri.co.uk or follow the link www.tvri.co.uk/temperaturerelays-for-pt100.html TVR Instruments Limited, 143 Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DP, Essex, United Kingdom Subscribe to TVR Newsletters/ Product Updates

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2020

Industrial Machine Vision cameras At ALRAD IMAGING we know selecting the correct camera for a Machine Vision application can be a daunting task.

In this article we feature just a few of our extensive range of cameras that can be used for industrial applications.

The Imaging Source range of cameras offer users many different types of area scan cameras for Machine Vision with either colour or monochrome sensors and a variety of resolutions ranging from VGA to 42 MegaPixels. Camera outputs on offer are USB2, USB3, USB3.1, and GigE. Most models use Sony CMOS sensors: Starvis with rolling shutter, and Pregius or Pregius S with global shutter, offering frame rates of up to 539 fps (using an 0.4 Mega Pixel sensor).

The cameras with GigE interface allow for cable lengths up to 100m and multi-camera set ups, while maintaining data rates of up to 100MB/s; the GigE Vision standard ensures rapid integration of hardware and image processing software, making the cameras ideal for applications in production, inspection and quality assurance. A variety of input, output, strobe and trigger options are available via the Hirose port.

The newest “38 Series” cameras feature the ix Industrial® Ethernet interface which uses an integrated locking system to deliver high shock and vibration resistance in industrial environments.

Details of all the cameras in this series can be found at https:// alrad.com/pages/product-sub-

types?type=Industrial-cameras .

In addition to cased cameras, there is also available a selection of OEM board cameras with USB2, USB3 and GigE interfaces.

These are ideal for customers who want to build a high quality machine vision camera into their own equipment.

available.

OMRON Sentech offer a truly extensive range of products for Machine Vision applications. In addition to cameras with outputs similar to The Imaging Source, they also offer industrial cameras with CameraLink, CoaXPress and DVI/SDI, as well as analogue outputs. Resolutions range from 0.3 to 25 MegaPixels. High output speeds can range from 520 fps for a 0.3 MegaPixel camera and up to 180 fps for a 4 MegaPixel camera. CameraLink and GigE Linescan cameras are also

Alrad has available frame grabbers and cabling to interface to any of the cameras mentioned above but there is no substitute to discussing your exact requirements with one of are experienced sales staff.

With such a comprehensive range of cameras, Alrad can cover a wide variety of applications by offering a suitable sensor, interface, optic and lighting solution for your particular machine vision application.

Turnpike Road Industrial Estate, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2NS, Tel 01635 30345, Email sales@alrad.co.uk Web www.alrad.com

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Directory

May 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

T&D Corporation Mr Minoru Ito, European Sales Office, Gronauer Straße 1, 61194 Niddatal, Germany 0049 (0)6034 930970 europe.office@tandd.de www.tandd.com

Unit 3A, Whitworth Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1WA. Tel.: (0044)-330 002 0640, sales@odu-uk.co.uk www.odu-uk.co.uk

ECi Software Solutions

TR Fastenings LTD

Si One, St Ives Business Park, Parsons Green, St Ives, PE27 4AA +44 (0) 333 123 0333 www.eci.eu eu-sales@ecisolutions.com

Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW Free phone: 08454 811 800 E-mail: sales@trfastenings.com www.trfastenings.com

Phoenix Mecano Ltd

Blackfast Chemicals Ltd

26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RY +44 (0)1296 611660 www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk

Unit 5 Russell House , Molesey Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3PE 0207 339 7370, sales@blackfast.com www.blackfast.com

Monitran

Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd

Monitran Ltd, Monitor House, 33 Hazlemere Road, Penn, HP10 8AD, UK T: +44 (0)1494 816569 E: info@monitran.com www.monitran.com

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ODU-UK LTD.

Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF Tel: +44 1844204420 www.ecopacpower.co.uk

ENGINEERING PDATE

Directory

May 2020

Foremost Electronics Ltd

Seepex UK Ltd.

14 Bluegate Business Park Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4PZ TEL: +44 (0) 1371 811171 FAX: +44 (0) 1371 810933 WEB: www.4most.co.uk

3 Armtech Row Houndstone Business Park Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RW

HRS Heat Exchangers 0-12 Caxton Way Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8JY Email: info@uk.hrs-he.com Tel: +44 (0)1923 232 335

T +44 1935 472376 sales.uk@seepex.com www.seepex.com

Ilapak Ltd 29 Riverside Way Uxbridge UB8 2YF

1 Brownfields Court Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1AJ

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein-Straße 22 D-59348 Lüdinghausen – Germany Phone: (+49) 02591 / 91 94 – 0 info@bulte.de www.bulte.com

Wood Automated Systems UK (ATG – Systems) Tenter Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton, NN3 6AX +44 (0)7827 327231 Tim.Bednall@woodplc.com www.the-atg.com

Lascar Electronics Ltd UK Module House Whiteparish, Wiltshire SP5 2SJ +44 (0)1794 884 567 sales@lascar.co.uk www.lascarelectronics.com

Rotech Machines Limited

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