64 MACHINERY UPDATE MAY/JUNE 2022 www.machineryupdate.co.uk
Components
Collaboration helps to up paper bottle throughput A The value lies in making it much easier for users to select devices
Measuring levels just got easier With Vegapuls 6X, VEGA radar ‘thinks’ in a new way which has delivered a new level radar sensor that can measure in virtually every conceivable application. Until now, choosing a radar-based level instrument was a laborious task, involving customers matching process details to myriad radar frequencies, part numbers and options on offer. Now, says VEGA, the process is being completely transformed with its new Vegapuls 6X. One device for all and a new selection and ordering method that is customer-application focused. It enables complete, correct configuration and even pre-calibration of the specific sensor required – for any application, whether for liquids or bulk solids. “Ultimately, it’s not the sensor that counts, but what the users can achieve with it in their individual processes,” says Florian Burgert, who, as a product manager, has been involved in product development from the very beginning. The new option is designed to offer the best that is technically feasible today: a self-diagnostic system that immediately detects damage or interference, which ensures significantly high availability and safety, it also has new radar-chip technology, with expanded application possibilities and simpler operation. T 01444 870055 W www.vega.com/en/home_uk
collaboration between Festo and PCE Automation has helped recyclable packaging company Frugalpac to achieve the high throughputs and precision assembly necessary to meet increased demand for its paperboard Frugal Bottle. Frugal Bottle is the world’s first paper wine and spirits bottle and is manufactured from two The bottle demands a complex gluing pattern paperboard blanks that bottle. Working closely are precision cut, glued and together, PCE Automation then wetted front and back, and Festo developed a before being stacked ready fully automated gluing and for feeding into the bottle wetting line to meet the tight forming machine. Achieving tolerances and complex gluing the desired throughputs is patterns necessary to deliver a major challenge because throughputs of 630 bottles the glue pathway is complex per hour operation. and must be tailored to the “The gluing process was profile of the bottle. more complex than anything In addition, the correct we’d encountered before,” says amount of glue has to Ronan Quinn, project manager be applied to prevent for PCE. “We would usually malformation or unsightly undertake the entire design glue excess on the finished
and assembly inhouse, but on this occasion Festo supplied the handling gantries to us fully assembled which added real value in terms of component compatibility and commissioning.” PCE Automation used the Festo Handling Guide Online (HGO) to design the automation cell. This free online tool dramatically reduces design, assembly and delivery time and enables customers to create a readyto-install handling system: whether for a single-axis system, a 2D linear and planar surface gantry or a 3D gantry. With just a few clicks, the HGO delivers the right standard handling system, including CAD model, animation, and complete EPLAN schematic documentation. T 01252 775053 W www.festo.co.uk
Latest Push-Lock connectors enable easier and reliable conductor connection for users Confined spaces and customised cable lengths are becoming increasingly common when it comes to the cabling of machines and systems. Whether for signal, data, or power transmission, the Phoenix Contact M12 push-lock connectors are designed for assembly and enable easy and reliable conductor connection. There is no need for a screwdriver or an extra helping hand. Rigid and pre-treated conductors are
The connectors are very easy to use
conveniently wired without tools by means of direct insertion. Connecting litz wires or conductors with
a large cross-section is effortless – simply use the levers to open and close the clamping chambers of the connector. Connected conductors can also be released again in the same way. The colour-coded and numerical identification of the contact holder levers ensures the correct assignment of conductors. Connection errors are therefore prevented. T 01952 681700 W www.phoenixcontact.co.uk
