Worldwide Engineering Magazine - February Issue

February Issue New software makes heat exchanger design more accessible

New plug-in hybrid drivetrain now available

Immersion-free super resolution imagine launch

Page 9

Pages 18-19

Page 34

worldwide-engineering.com

Contents

Worldwide Engineering Magazine Providing timely industry news, exclusive features on advancing technology, equipment, materials, show previews, content marketing services for our valued clients and much more!

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Automation security enhanced with PROFINET

FPT Industrials cursor X engine concept

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Siemens has added Blackburn Starling to its roster

Immersion-free super resolution imagine launch

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The best selection of high-tech imaging

Brillopak meats industry challenges with Unipaker

Automation security enhanced with PROFINET’s additional protection measures From the very beginning, in parallel with the first PROFINET specifications, PI published an extensive security concept, which was further refined and adapted in multiple steps. It was not sufficient simply to protect plant networks and automation components, but more importantly, the protective mechanisms and concepts should not interfere with the running of production operations. Moreover, protection concepts had to be easy to implement and remain affordable.

But even more important is that the concepts must be able to be adapted time and again to suit current developments. With these factors in mind, PI has now expanded its IT security concept.

Defence-in-depth The IT security concept used for PROFINET employs a defence-indepth approach. With this method, the production plant is protected against attacks – particularly from the outside – by means of a multilayer perimeter (including, among other things, firewalls). In addition, further safeguarding within the plant is possible by dividing into zones through the use of firewalls.

Furthermore, a security component test ensures the ability of the PROFINET components to 4

withstand overloading in a defined scope. This concept is supported by organizational measures in the production plant within the framework of a security management system.

A never-ending task Security is, however, a topic that must be continuously adapted to current developments and, as a result, is never finished. This applies in particular with respect to the increasing networking of production plants. The use of PROFINET components with added value, e.g., web or OPC communication, thereby ensures increased, direct communication with higher-level systems outside of the security zone. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate PROFINET networks.

Moreover, the networks are becoming larger, meaning that more and more components are connected together to form a network and interact with one another. A successful attack on a single (PC) system within such a cell therefore bypasses upfront security measures.

Widelydistributed plants also hinder the physical protection of networks and access points.

Unauthorized persons could

possibly gain access to the PROFINET network.

Additional measures for end-toend security For this reason, previous concepts, which rely primarily on isolating the production plants, must be supplemented with new concepts that enable protection within the cell.

PI, therefore, expanded the previous measures with further-reaching protective measures. This includes a credential management system, e.g., for authentication of the devices and an end-to-end security expansion for PROFINET communication as a configuration option. As not every application has the same security requirements, three security classes were defined for PROFINET. More Information Further technical details and practical examples can be found in the Industry 4.0 Highlight “Security” at http://bit.ly/ PROFINETSecurity In this section on the PI website, current topics, issues and trends from Industry 4.0 applications are addressed so that the user can easily implement and realize them in practical work.

View PROFINET security video here: http://bit.ly/PROFINETVideo

Pay as you Sense Equipment rentals are increasingly helping companies overcome the hurdle of finding investment capital to fund development and verification projects.

The current phase of the economic cycle, recovery from a slowdown, is always difficult and frustrating, as Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology identifies: “Companies are seeing their markets improve, but don’t have the reserves to finance all the activities that will kickstart their sales. What money there is has to be used carefully, which usually means funding some projects but not others. As a result opportunities have to be missed.”

their TorqSense for longer than they had anticipated, Sensor Technology are happy to convert the rental to a sale, with a percentage of the hire fee already paid offset against the purchase price.

Interestingly, Mark says that rentals are a popular option at all times: “Many of our customers have a project where they need to measure torque, but know that when the project is concluded they will have no further need for a TorqSense.For them, renting is very attractive.

This is particularly true in academia and the high tech industries.

Brunel University has used Sensor Technology’s rental service on a developmental project for a motor sports client, while Oxford University is a regular and canny user.

Another is a West Country satellite technology developer which had a

need to test ballscrews to the point where they could be confident that they would work once blasted into orbit.

“A regular comment we hear is that customers would like to rent equipment from other suppliers too. There is definitely a fundamental need in the market; it probably increases in the recovery phase of the economic cycle and tails off later on, but it is always there.

“I am aware that some other companies are following our lead in this. Others are finding other creative ways to seed their markets, for instance energy saving equipment can be paid in instalments at a rate related to the reduce power bills.”

Visit the website: sensors.co.uk

Typically projects may include verification or reverification of a product range to an international standard, development of a new sized unit within a product range to address an emerging market requirement, modification of a design or a whole new development.

“The devil is in the details: enterprising companies can usually see new gaps in their markets and envision a product to suit. But these need to be tested and proven, and that often involves acquiring sensors and test equipment.”

Having survived more than one downturn and recovery, Sensor Technology already has a rental option in place for its TorqSense range of torque sensors. Potential users can choose to rent the equipment, rather than purchase it, thus circumventing the bottleneck of raising capital purchase approval.

And to help companies along, if they decide that they want to hold onto 5

Alio Industries highlights critical questions when selecting a motion control partner Leading nanometer-level motion control solutions innovator ALIO Industries, is heading an initiative to ensure that manufacturers seeking highly accurate motion control solutions do not end up investing in sub-optimal solutions — either due to a lack of understanding of the differences in available technologies, or by partnering with suppliers that do not have the pedigree to achieve the precision required.

Questions need to be asked that delve into motion control vendors’ capabilities and their values. Only by so doing will manufacturers avoid the wasted time and expense as they strive for greater and greater precision.

Bill Hennessey, CEO at ALIO says, “If your short-listed precision motion control technology provider is

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really credible, it will be able to show you a series of innovative solutions that redefine the motion control market. Here you should be looking for evidence of nextgeneration technologies, not variations of legacy traditional motion control technologies. This is like the difference between vendors selling hexapods and a company like ALIO Industries that sells the Hybrid Hexapod®, which overcomes process limitations in traditional hexapods, and exhibits orders-of-magnitude improvements in precision, path performance, speed, stiffness, and larger work envelope.”

“Pinning down motion control vendors over statements of precision is a minefield. Ultimately, claims on nanometer-level precision are meaningless unless

this nanometer-level precision is achieved repeatably. Vendors that cannot achieve repeatable nanometer-level motion control often need to resort to at worst false, and at best illusory claims.

So saying look for evidence of vendors that are trying to move the conversation along. ALIO Industries, for example, now talks in terms of Point Precision® referencing performance specifications to a point in space at the single digit micron or nanometer level.

It is vital that you interrogate precision claims diligently before a making motion control technology purchase. It is also critical that ASTM and/or other internationally registered standards are followed by vendors, instead of methods developed to place a particular vendor’s products in a better light, and which provide flattering data

calculations which give a false illusion of precision,” Hennessey continues.

Most vendors sell off-theshelf solutions and leave their customers to align them with their specific applications. In a way, this demotes motion control to a necessary evil, a link in a process chain that is expensive and complicated. But when a vendor provides truly cutting edge nanometer-level accurate and repeatable motion control solutions, it elevates motion control from a necessary evil to an enabling technology. If a vendor provides the best-in-class, most accurate, and most repeatable motion control solutions on the market, they will be able to push the boundaries of what customers may see as possible, and will

therefore promote the ability to innovate. Try and assess a shortlisted vendor’s view of motion control.

Do they see obstacles and problems, or opportunities and solutions?

Walter Silvesky, VP Sales at ALIO says, “Ideally your chosen motion control technology vendor should not sell products but instead solutions.

The key is to be able to customize motion control solutions to specific customer applications. A vendor supplying nanometer-level motion control solutions should be able to prove its credentials and demonstrate that it has provided a significant number of best-in-class, efficient, and cost-effective motion control solutions for an array of different industry applications. Ask your chosen vendor for evidence!”

Beyond technological pre-eminence,

motion control technology provider should place an emphasis on being a strategic partner in product development. It is only by doing this that customers can be confident about achieving challenging motion control and manufacturing goals.

Vertical integration is another key to success. When working in a world where nanometerlevels of accuracy are the norm, it is vital that motion control products are manufactured in one facility. Ask a vendor whether they have design, machining, metrology, manufacturing, and assembly under one roof. The cross collaboration between product development teams is vital to the achievement of reliable and repeatable ultra-precise motion control solutions.

Silvesky concludes, “Also, drill into the experience and technical know-how of your short-listed vendor’s team. Especially when a customer’s demand is for nanometer-level motion control, it is important to make sure that a vendor has a dedicated focus which will translate into innovative and cutting-edge motion control solutions. Much of this is about the culture in a vendor company.

Assess whether you detect a “can do” attitude and whether your vendor seems to nurture a collaborative environment.

In essence the choice of a nanometer-level motion control solutions provider is based on a number of factors, and is a mix of not just technological competencies but also core values and what “makes a company tick”.

Investment in an ultra-precise motion control solution is expensive, and customers need to be certain before nominating a motion control vendor that they will have a best-fit solution that is right first time.”

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FPT Industrial cursor X engine concept wins the prestigious 2020 good design award Cursor X, the innovative Multipower, Modular, Multi-application and Mindful 4.0 power source concept by FPT Industrial, was one of the recipients of the prestigious 2020 Good Design Award.

Founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, and currently managed by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, Good Design remains the oldest and the world’s most recognized program for design excellence worldwide.

First presented at Tech Day 2018, Cursor X represents a symbol of how FPT Industrial conceives innovation: an engine concept “designed for Planet Earth”. Jointly developed by FPT Industrial’s team together with CNH Industrial Design Center, Cursor X is strongly identified by its four Ms: four main features that shape the architecture, logic and operational mode of the power unit of the future.

Multi-power: any energy, any mission

Mindful: introducing a new era

The Cursor X concept would adapt to provide the most suitable solution for the customer’s business and mission, whether based on Natural Gas internal combustion, hydrogen fuel cell electric generation, or on battery-stored energy.

The power source concept has been designed to have selflearning capability and to provide a significant amount of information for further hardware and software design developments. It could be equipped with processors and sensors that recognize anomalies, analyze wear and tear and predict maintenance needs.

Modular: one engine, customized performance The power source concept would be the same size as an internal combustion engine, with a modular architecture that allows easy assembly, vehicle integration, servicing and full scalability.

Multi-application: endless possibilities Thanks to its wide range of options, the Cursor X is designed to supply energy for traction, auxiliary systems, implements and PTOs to any kind of industrial vehicle or machine – from delivery vans to buses, from small dozers to crawler excavators, from specialty tractors to combines.

“We take an enormous pride in receiving the 2020 Good Design Award”, says David Wilkie, Head of the CNH Industrial Design Center.

“Designing a concept engine is really something special. It is completely reimagining the engine as we know it. Creating a clean robotic appearance that reflects the technology within. A wireless approach inspired by connectivity and how it can be applied to engine management. Beautiful yet functional. The award is a testament to the conceptual work done and to our ‘Leonardesque’ commitment to realizing innovative, ideas to illuminate our future.

With Cursor X we can tune the powertrain solution to achieve a unique set-up for each mission, each vehicle, each machine.

Thanks to its modular approach, the Cursor X is ready to become the protagonist in every mission, inspiring the next era.”

Since December 2020, FPT Industrial Cursor X power source concept is permanently exposed at Green Pea in Turin, the first green retail park in the world, of which FPT Industrial is one of the main partners.

For further information, visit www.fptindustrial.com.

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New software makes heat exchanger design more accessible AHED (Advanced Heat Exchanger Design), which was officially launched before Christmas, has been specifically designed to be both affordable and accessible to the widest group of potential users, while still offering detailed product design options.

AHED Software General Manager Arnold Kleijn comments: “We know that there is a large demand for heat exchanger design software which goes well beyond specialist manufacturing. For example, as well as academics and students, there are large contractors who design their own equipment but outsource the manufacturing, and there are also system integrators who would like to check designs as part of a wider process.

“To date, many of these users have been put off by the high costs of existing software options and many do not wish to pay for features which they do not need and may never use, or because they may only need

to use the software once a month for example. AHED has been specifically designed around a modular, cloud-based architecture, with a range of licensing options, so that users can select the amount of functionality and the tools they require, from the essentials of heat exchanger design and the accompanying calculations, to options such as more heat exchanger types (like multi-pass and triple tube designs), batch calculations, fluid databases and project sharing tools. We are also able to offer engineering services such as design checking and training.”

The software, which builds on 40 years of commercial heat exchanger design, covers a variety of processes (heating, cooling, condensation, etc.) and a range of heat exchanger geometries (tube in tube, triple tube and multitube) and provides additional features such as vibration analysis and easy data export and reporting using Microsoft Excel.

After specifying the main project parameters, users input the details of the product and service fluids (using the database of 2,000 fluids), together with the required heat parameters.

Additional information such as tube geometry and baffles are then specified before the software performs the necessary calculations, complete with graphical representation of heat transfer rates under different conditions.

Arnold adds: “The whole system has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. Anyone with the appropriate level of engineering knowledge should immediately feel at home using the software, and this usability is helped by the in-built collaboration tools.

HED is available for a commitmentfree two-week trial at www.hrs-ahed.com.

Licences start at just €125 for three months for the basic package.

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New online application guide for offshore wind installations now available from Glamox Global LED lighting specialist Glamox has published a new online application guide for offshore wind installations, as well as a new brochure for the offshore wind energy sector.

Offshore wind energy will continue to play a key role in energy transition and the world’s ongoing journey to Net Zero. Many oil & gas companies and their contractors are already embracing offshore wind and the benefits it can provide.

A light management system (LMS) from Glamox is a beneficial choice for offshore wind farm operators, maintenance contractors, installers and consultants. Glamox has decades of experience in the design and manufacture of lighting solutions for harsh operating environments. Offshore wind installations require state of the art lighting products that meet regulations and are tested and

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certified to meet the challenging conditions. Lighting solutions from Glamox are based on the best technology available on the market and are easy to plan, install, commission and use. Glamox customers range from mobile offshore drilling units and jack-ups, to floating and fixed production units, midstream objects and offshore wind farms. Gordon Low, Area Sales Manager at Glamox International commented: “Offshore wind farms continue to grow larger. In addition, new offshore wind farms under construction are moving further from the shore and are being positioned in increased water depths. With this comes the difficulty of maintenance.”

“For these installations, Glamox can draw on its expertise in lighting solutions for marine applications, which will play a vital role in wind farm operations and maintenance work. Glamox lighting complies with all the marine and offshore standards and our luminaires, in either 316 stainless steel or seawaterresistant aluminium, will be the preferred choice of materials for these extremely harsh environments.”

Lefae is qualified for testing in explosive atmosphere Lefae’s new bench is designed for carrying out tests in an explosive atmosphere. These tests specify the requirements and procedures for aircraft equipment which could come into contact with flammable fluids and vapours. This equipment is generally associated with fuelling systems, such as tanks, pump units, valves, monitoring and control instruments, etc. This type of test encompasses both normal and fault conditions potentially occurring in zones that are or may be in contact with flammable fluids and vapours during flight operations.

The conditions for explosivity are obtained by producing a stoichiometric air/fuel mixture in sufficient proportions to exceed the Lower Explosivity Limit (L.E.L.) of this mixture. The nature of the components of this mixture must be taken into account as well as the conditions of temperature and pressure under which the mixture is created.

Flammable test fluids, vapours or gases simulate those normally used in conventional aircraft and which require oxygen for combustion.

Testing in a real environment The tests performed by Lefae comply with the requirements of EUROCAT-ED-14D, RTCA DO160, MIL- STD-810 standards. They enable functional tests to be run on the equipment in an explosive atmosphere without triggering the explosion of the stoichiometric air/ fuel mixture. They evaluate the capacity of the protective enclosure (ATEX requirement approach) of the equipment under test to contain an explosion or a flame when the equipment is activated. The characterization of the containment is then carried out by introducing the explosive mixture and then triggering it. The test also reveal overheating of the circuits or components in hydraulic or exhaust systems for example, and intermittent or permanent hotspots capable of triggering the explosion of the mixture.

Lefae carries out tests in a real environment and all climatic, mechanical, hydraulic or electrical conditions. The test bench has been designed to the following

specifications: the chamber volume is 450 dm3, absolute pressure conditions up to 12,200 meters (40,000 feet) in altitude, temperatures up to 120°C (248°F). Sealed passages are available in the walls of the test chamber to accommodate controls or supply to the equipment under test, for example electrical controls, fluid supply or mechanical activation.

The bench can also be used to investigate the behaviour of intrinsically explosive products and analyse the toxic gases resulting from their explosion.

For example, Lefae conducts studies on the thermal runaway of Lithium Ion cells and batteries.

Explosions and fires triggered by thermal runaway are analysed to determine the explosion pressure, the fire ignition and to analyse the gases toxicity level produced during cell or battery failure.

For more information on how Lefae is qualified for testing in explosive atmosphere please visit: Emitech.fr/en or www.lab-lefae.com

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Siemens has added Blackburn Starling to its roster of authorised Sivacon S8 Power Partners.

Nottingham-based company Blackburn Starling is an automation solutions provider and manufacturer of bespoke Low Voltage control systems. It has recently become a Siemens Sivacon S8 Power Partner.

Siemens has added Blackburn Starling, the Nottingham-based Low Voltage electrical equipment manufacturer, to its roster of authorised Sivacon S8 Power Partners. The midlands firm becomes one of two UK companies to currently hold this prestigious title.

Operating under license, Blackburn Starling will build Siemens’ industryleading Sivacon S8 system – the Low Voltage intelligent switchboard that has been at the forefront of industrial infrastructure for the last 15 years - at its purpose-built factory on Queens Drive.

“As one of the most revered names in the country for the design, fabrication, assembly and testing of

Low Voltag eMotor Control Centres (MCC’s) as well as switchboards, control panels, systems integration and metal fabrication, we are delighted to welcome Blackburn Starling as a Siemens S8 Power Partner,” commented Darren Motley, Product Manager for Sivacon S8.

“Only firms that adhere to the strictest quality standards, audit and testing regimes are entrusted to build Sivacon S8, which has set the optimum standards for power distribution applications over the years.”

Darren continued: “With a rich depth of engineering experience and extensive project knowledge in the deployment of power systems across a range of industrial markets Blackburn Starling is one of the most capable firms familiar with the origination, upgrade, modification, re-testing and certification of Low Voltage assemblies and assets.”

Built to IEC 61439-2 standards, the Siemens Sivacon S8 Low Voltage intelligent switchboard delivers

power up to 6300 Amps for use as a power Distribution Board or Motor Control Centre in both industrial and infrastructure applications.

Modular in design, the Sivacon S8 system offers versatility and adaptability with easily changeable motor starter units. The Sivacon S8 system is tested to robust safety standards and offers active protection against internal arcing (exceeding IEC/TR 61641 conditions).

This intelligent switchboard can also be fully digitalized. When managed under the SIMARIS control visualisation application, users can monitor all the switching devices, status information and diagnostics, and can also integrate the unit to energy management, automation solutions and cloud-based analysis systems. “The Blackburn Starling Siemens SIVACON S8 Partner agreement brings a significant step change in the solutions that we are able to offer & deliver to our customers and end users,” added Jason Smith, Operations Director Blackburn Starling. ““The signing of the Blackburn Starling Siemens SIVACON S8 Partner agreement brings celebrations and great cheer to all our staff in Nottingham where we operate an innovative, profitable and growing business through being customer focused, ensuring all our people maximise their potential.”

Blackburn Starling’s in-house manufacturing facility is fully accredited and provides high quality metal fabrication, manufacture and coatings to quality standard ISO 9001:2015. Blackburn Starling currently operates in industrial markets such as nuclear, water, pharmaceuticals and food and beverages.

In excess of 300,000 switchboards have been built and installed by Siemens Sivacon Partners worldwide.

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FPT Industrial leads a Swiss funded project for alternative fuel in heavy duty engines Being ever more sustainable is one of the strategic objectives that FPT Industrial is facing, and it is also a major challenge. The requirement to reach the European CO2 emission targets in 2025 and 2030 make the use of alternative fuels and e-fuels possible paths to addressing these challenges.

Following its DNA of leading research and technological innovation, FPT Motorenforschung in Arbon, Switzerland, is developing an innovation project into the use DME, an alternative fuel in an 11-liter heavy duty engine.

DME (Dimethyl-ether, CH3O-CH3) is a suitable fuel for compression ignition engines and can be produced from several renewable sources. Its chemical properties allow for, with the correct engine hardware configuration and calibration, very low NOx and particle emissions, whilst maintaining high engine efficiency. There are, however, some challenges in the use of DME as a fuel, particularly in terms of the fuel injection equipment.

DME has been industrially used for decades, mainly as a propellant in aerosol cans as it is nontoxic, odourless and can be absorbed in the troposphere. From a storage and refuelling point of view DME is like LPG. It is liquid at very moderate pressure levels.

The overall goal of the project is to advance the understanding of using DME as an alternative to Diesel in the industrial goods sector and demonstrate clean combustion at comparable efficiency levels. Since DME combustion produces practically no particle emissions, a comparably simple SCR system, without the need for a particle filter may be enough to comply with strict emission standards.

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The project is funded by SFOE (Swiss federal office for energy) and the test bench is operated at Empa DĂźbendorf, where the Company has invested heavily in the infrastructure adaptations necessary for DME. The first experimental data are showing some very promising results in terms of CO2 reduction, along with very low NOx and particle emissions, together with similar engine efficiency to Diesel.

For FPT Industrial, the project contributes to the innovation activities of its Research and Development center in Arbon, Switzerland. One of its seven global R&D locations, this is the Brand’s excellence hub for advanced technologies, where both Common Rail technology and the HI-eSCR (High Efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction system) were developed.

FPT Industrial is a brand of CNH Industrial, dedicated to the design,

production and sale of powertrains for on and off-road vehicles, marine and power generation applications. The company employs more than 8,000 people worldwide, in ten manufacturing plants and seven R&D Centres.

The FPT Industrial sales network consists of 73 dealers and over 800 service centres in almost 100 countries. A wide product offering, including six engine ranges from 42 hp up to 1,006 hp, transmissions with maximum torque of 200 Nm up to 500 Nm, front and rear axles from 2 to 32 ton GAW (Gross Axle Weight). FPT Industrial offers the most complete Natural Gas engines line-up on the market for industrial applications, including engine ranges from 136 hp up to 460 hp. This extensive offer and a close focus on R&D activities make FPT Industrial a world leader in industrial powertrains.

For further information, visit www.fptindustrial.com.

Better-performing diagnostic and lab equipment with NSK’s linear motion systems Diagnostic equipment frequently requires the use of motorised linear actuators, for example. These components must deliver greater rigidity and smoother movement than that offered by lead-screw or belt-type actuators. In addition, motorised linear actuators need to meet the travel requirements, load conditions and envelope dimensions that are specific to the individual designs of diagnostic equipment.

Among further prerequisites for parts deployed in diagnostic equipment is the ability to deliver extended operating life, as this will ensure uninterrupted operations.

Any failure on this count means that medical facilities may not be able to meet patient demands or provide diagnostic information in a timely manner, both of which are essential in such a sensitive environment.

manner. NSK Monocarrier linear actuators offer a low-maintenance solution for blood analysers. The MCM series, for instance, is ideal for light-to-medium loads and comes in miniature sizes for compact, space-saving designs. Users of the NSK Monocarrier product line enjoy smooth motion, low vibration, high rigidity and long operating life.

So what of laboratory equipment?

Well, when it comes to choosing linear actuators and direct-drive motors to accurately position components or reagents in a linear or rotational motion, some manufacturers have in the past chosen low-end actuators or integrated cam systems. While these solutions work for some applications, higher precision and reliability is often demanded for use in laboratory equipment.

NSK is experienced not only in delivering the high accuracy needed, but the service life required to keep this life-saving equipment running 24/7.

In the medical sector, utilising solutions that meet best-practice standards and requirements are especially important. Since NSK’s linear motion products ultimately have an impact on the quality of care and accuracy of information used to treat patients, there are many regulations and compliance standards that OEMs and medical facilities need to meet.

Working with a provider which has extensive experience in creating solutions for medical technology is essential in meeting these demands and achieving optimal results for system designers, equipment owners and patients.

To ensure these factors are comprehensively addressed, NSK’s team designs and assembles a completely customised solution that matches the exact needs of the application. The company’s expert engineers create linear actuators (both standard and custom) that are pre-assembled with stepper or servo motors and accessories. Additionally, lubrication units and surface treatments are used to deliver smooth motion, even after consistent, long-term use.

Smooth movement also means that components will experience less long-term wear and, in turn, less maintenance. Since diagnostic and laboratory equipment needs to function efficiently and consistently without downtime, these features are essential for delivering operational longevity. A good example of a diagnostic device application is a blood analyser, which needs to process multiple samples while delivering consistent, accurate results in an efficient 15

Exactly positioned With the new ABRX series, Aerotech offers high-precision air-bearing rotary axes for surface measurements in the nanometre range “The market demands increasingly stringent performance specifications, and so far, there are very few solutions available that can meet extreme accuracy requirements,” said Simon Smith, European Director of Aerotech.

Either the precision of, for example, mechanically mounted rotary tables is not sufficient, or the available solutions are very expensive and determined by a large form factor, which in turn makes it difficult to integrate them into multi-axis movement platforms or machines. “We now support users from a wide range of industries who require the highest degree of precision with our newly developed air-bearing ABRX rotary axes. The large air bearing surfaces provide significantly better running accuracy than a mechanical or other commonly available airbearing turntables. The implied

benefit being most evident in applications that require exceptional flatness of movement. Also in terms of angular accuracy, load capacity and off-axis error movements, with ABRX, we surpass the specifications of even the best of the rest available on the market to date.”

World’s most precise family of airbearing rotary tables In the case of the new ABRX series, these are rotary tables that are directly driven and can therefore achieve rotational speeds of up to 300 rpm. Another special feature is the air bearing design which minimises radial and axial errors, which are typically in the range of less than 25 nm. The errors types can be divided into synchronous and asynchronous: Synchronous are errors that occur periodically with the axis rotation. Here, users have the possibility to measure

the deviation, store it and then compensate it via a Z-axis in axial direction or X-axis in radial direction or correct the measured values accordingly. Asynchronous errors, on the other hand, are to be considered more as position noise and cannot be compensated easily.

By compensating the synchronous errors, however, the radial and axial errors can be reduced to well below 10 nm. This makes the ABRX series particularly suitable for surface measurements in the nanometre range and of course as an extension to the proven Aerotech SMP measuring platform.

Competitive advantages through increased throughput and improved output quality “With ABRX, our users achieve the maximum positioning performance they need for their processes to gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets,” says Simon Smith. Parasitic error movements can be minimised as far as possible via the air-bearing rotary axes, so that the highest possible production quality can be achieved without extensive post- processing. Fewer error movements also lead to significantly fewer uncertainties and fluctuations in the process. “In this way, users benefit from sustainably improved quality and thus also from increased throughput.”

Wide range of applications The ABRX series is particularly suitable for high-precision test and inspection systems and surface measurement applications, including the measurement of roundness, flatness, form errors or other measured variables of profilometry. The rotary tables are also used in the field of medical technology, for example in X-ray or CT inspection applications or generally in precision manufacturing systems.

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The benefits of the ABRX HighPerformance Air-Bearing Stages at a glance: - The high-precision position feedback results in improved positioning performance with high fidelity and speed stability.

- The specially developed direct drive guarantees a minimal influence on the process accuracy.

- The increased load capacity enables users to move even larger payloads with extreme precision.

- The industry-leading motion performance for axial, radial, and tilt errors gives users all the tools they need to overcome difficult measurement, inspection, and manufacturing processes. It also minimises the need for postprocessing, which ultimately leads to higher output quality and improved throughput.

- Suitable for mounting with a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation, the ABRX creates more flexibility in process design and machine integration.

Aerotech – Dedicated to the Science of Motion Aerotech Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, is a private, family-owned, mid-sized company.

Founded in 1970 by Stephen J. Botos, Aerotech designs and manufactures the world’s most powerful motion control and positioning systems for industrial, scientific and research customers.

In the spirit of a family business, the owners continue to attach the utmost importance to an open and trusting relationship with customers, business partners and employees. In the UK, Aerotech has a sales and service office in Ramsdell, near Basingstoke. The customer- specific assembly of the

positioning systems for the entire European market takes place in the branch in Fürth near Nuremberg.

The innovative and high-precision motion solutions meet all the critical requirements needed for today’s demanding applications.

They are used wherever high throughput is required, e.g. with medical devices and life science applications, in semiconductor and flat screen production, in photonics, automotive, data storage, laser processing, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, as well as in testing and inspection through to assembly.

Aerotech provides world-class technical support and service with its advanced analysis and diagnostic capabilities. If a standard product is not suitable for an individual application, Aerotech’s many years of expertise and experience enable the manufacturer to supply special motion components and systems.

The manufacturing capacity for custom applications is complemented by experience in supplying systems for vacuum and clean room operation Aerotech has full-service offices in Germany (Fürth), United Kingdom (Ramsdell), China (Shanghai City) and Taiwan (Taipei City). Aerotech currently employs approximately 500 people worldwide.

For further information on Aerotech please visit: www.aerotech.co.uk

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New plug-in hybrid drivetrain now available to order for enhanced Arteon The new plug-in hybrid drivetrain is supported by a 13 kWh battery which can provide an electric-only range of up to 39 miles, while the 115 PS electric motor can power the Arteon along at speeds up to 80 mph, where permitted. With the hightorque characteristics of the electric motor, both Arteon models can sprint from a standstill to 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds and, where allowed, onto a top speed of 138 mph.

The enhanced Arteon range is now available to order in over 20 configurations, split equally between the fastback and Shooting Brake models, with the new hybrid option now available across both body styles. Two equipment lines remain available – Elegance and R-Line – with the latest hybrid drivetrain available on both. The Arteon R with 320 PS and 4MOTION will arrive in due course for both body types.

Across the entire range, the revised Arteon and new Arteon Shooting Brake feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 3Zone climate control, Digital Cockpit, LED headlights and Wireless App Connect, with We Connect Plus adding live data services to the 8-inch Discover Navigation system.

Elegance-trim models are marked out by their 18-inch ‘Almere’ alloy wheels, and gain keyless entry across both body shapes, along with a rear-view camera and Travel Assist

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Volkswagen’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system.

The Arteon R-Line maintains its striking styling, with distinctive, 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloys fitted as standard.

New dual trapezoidal exhaust tips on each side of the bumper are moulded into the redesigned R-Line body kit, for an assertive, sporting appearance. A sunroof is standard for all R-Line models, while the Shooting Brake gains a larger, standard-fit panoramic sunroof. Both cars also benefit from rear tinted-glass and interior ambient-lighting with 30 colour options.

The battery in the new eHybrid can be charged in five hours using a domestic 3-pin plug. This time reduces to 3hrs 33mins when using 3.6kW AC charger. Energy can also be recovered while driving, this function being programmable via the infotainment system. In this way battery power can be conserved if, for example, the last part of a journey is in a low-emission zone.

Lisa Hartley, Arteon Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “We are really excited to be adding an electrified model to the Arteon range and these eHybrid models are ready to impress with their own distinctive styling and high levels of efficiency. With an electric-only range of up to 39 miles we expect many customers will be able to achieve zero-emissions driving for most day-to-day trips.”

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Delta’s POD data center solution Madam Trinh Minh Chau, chairwoman of HTC-ITC, expressed her delight to corporate with Delta Electronics, a foreign global enterprise. Their aim for cooperation with Delta is to build the best quality data center and to provide world-class service to customers in Vietnam and around the world.

Mr. Victor Cheng, Delta’s senior vice president and general manager of its Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Business Group said, “We applaud the continuous efforts of HTC-ITC and its parent company Hanoi Telecom to facilitate next-generation ICT infrastructure for their customers in Vietnam. Being able to construct the country’s first Uptime TIER IIIcertified data center for HTC-ITC is truly an honor for Delta. Together with our partners and customers in the region, we are building the foundations of the 5G networks that will support substantial economic growth for years to come.”

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HTC-ITC’s new data center, located in the Hoa Lac High-Tech Zone occupies 750 square meters and has a total power capacity of 750kW original requirement + 750kW for redundant power protection, in line with Uptime’s TIER III 2N architecture specifications. This data center is expandable to 900 racks in total. Delta’s highly modular and scalable POD data center solution provides the ideal flexibility and reliability to achieve that rigorous qualification. Unlike TIER I and TIER II, the Uptime TIER III Constructed Facility Certification (TCCF)certified data centers do not allow shutdowns during maintenance or replacement. For example, in addition to the 99.982% annual uptime requirement, float voltage on the isolated equipment must be close to 0 while no hotspots with a temperature over 25°C are allowed.

The data center of HTC-ITC has reached 52 tests to pass the TCCF certification, the first time ever for a data center built in Vietnam.

Delta’s energy-saving POD data center solution also provides integral support for this new IT facility to achieve the expected annual PUE of 1.4. The solution combines the DPH series modular UPS system and the in-row precision cooling system with variable fan speed control to facilitate hot aisle containment or cold aisle containment architectures.

The DCIM platform to enable comprehensive and remote monitoring and control of entire and multiple data centers; as well as racks and accessories to simplify implementation processes for enhanced efficiency and performance. Moreover, the POD solution offers a fully modular design that helps customers with a payas-you-grow concept and rapid installation process to meet the rapidly growing needs of high-speed 5G networks and IoT applications.

For more information please visit: www.deltaww.com

Efficient implementation of reliable earthquake protection Usually deployed in industrial machinery, high-load ball screws apply a strong, uniform pressing force to servo presses and plastic injection moulding machines.

For such applications, NSK has developed the broad-ranging HTF series. HTF ball screws convert rotary motion into linear motion and vice versa, offering high precision even when subject to very strong forces and high loads.

These drive components are also suitable for use as vibration dampers and absorbers in buildings and bridges, a development that originated in Japan, where the risk of earthquake is high and all structures need to be designed and protected accordingly.

Today, several suppliers of earthquake protection systems offer solutions of this type based on NSK ball screws. The technique

uses a high-load ball-screw drive with a rotating counterweight on the nut. This ball screw (integrated into a structural unit) then takes its place between two load-bearing elements of the building, often in the basement.

requirements in a user-friendly manner. Typically, the units used are those which convert a small axial stroke into a high number of revolutions of the nut and thus achieve the required damping effect.

Linear movement of the ball screw ensues when one of the two loadbearing elements is set in motion, usually when a high dynamic load occurs for a short period of time, such as during an earthquake or when a heavy train crosses a railway bridge. This linear movement converts into rotary motion of the damping weight. When the direction of rotation changes, the oscillations superimpose each other with opposite amplitudes. The result is effective damping of the shock load, whereby both dynamic compression and tensile forces are absorbed.

Compared with the mass spring systems and hydraulic dampers used to date, ball-screw systems in this application provide the advantage, among other things, of requiring very little installation space.

Easy integration into the surrounding structure is a further advantage.

Of particular note, the load capacity of the ball-screw drive can be adapted to individual

The concept is highly efficient, as can be shown when comparing figures: a damping system based on a ball-screw drive and rotating counterweight with a total weight of around two tonnes achieves a damping effect for which an additional 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes of weight would be required for a mass spring system. Another benefit is that the system performs its task reliably even under harsh environmental conditions, while maintenance effort is minimal as only mechanical and robust components are used, without need for an electric drive.

Applications for these simple yet highly effective vibration damping solutions include most typical structural engineering and critical piping systems, such as those found in power plants, chemical plants and refineries. The compact units are ideal for both new building construction and seismic retrofitting and strengthening of existing structures. During the design phase, NSK engineers provide support to manufacturers of damping systems for earthquake protection.

For further information on NSK HTF series high-load ball screws, please visit: www.nsk.com

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Industrial Solutions

RMIG is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal and its related products.

We know our customers’ requirements for price and quality and meet their demands with uncompromising service.

Not only do we offer standard and bespoke perforated metal sheets, we are able to offer you a range of secondary operations as detailed below.

Complete solutions With a continued investment in the latest equipment and a network of professional partners we are able to produce prime quality products and solutions – from a simple perforated sheet to the fully formed and coated custom made part.

we make ideas come to life

Cutting We can cut and shape perforated sheet to meet the needs of your final application.

Levelling For some applications a high degree of atness is required, we have processes in place to ensure our perforated coils and sheets meet with your most demanding requirements.

Rolling and forming We can roll, bend and form perforated sheets to match your design.

Aesthetic finishes and protective coating We can offer powder coating and hot dip galvanizing solutions to meet your specifications.

For more information please contact us tel: 01925 839610 | Email: Processing enquiries: dfa@rmig.com | Architectural enquiries: awm@rmig.com visit our website: www.rmig.com

New year, new partnerships new product brochure from Altus Altus has welcomed the New Year with the announcement of four new partnerships and an updated product brochure featuring the company’s latest equipment selected for the electronics manufacturing industry.

Having released a product brochure just two months ago, Altus has updated and re-released the catalogue to include new preeminent suppliers, Heller Industries,

leaders in convection reflow technology; Asscon vapor phase technology; Essemtec and their range of SMT assembly solutions and Intertec’s selective soldering solutions. These new additions add even more product choice and turnkey solutions for SMT and THT assembly to the growing number of customers Altus support.

already in our portfolio, we are delighted to announce that we have partnered with some excellent brands to support our customers even further. We believe that we are developing a breadth and depth of top-quality solutions so we can become a destination for partners who appreciate our unrivalled focus on support.

Joe Booth, Altus CEO said: “Alongside our marquee processes

The 2021 brochure gives a taster of the extensive range of equipment available from Altus. With a continuously evolving portfolio and new state-of-the-art technology added to the selection regularly, the Altus team is available to offer advice and valued guidance on the equipment and what best suits specific requirements.

To download the new Altus brochure, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk

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Industry News

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The dual channel principle The dual channel principle is just one of many new developments within the scope of Leuze’s nearly 60 years of innovation history.

What does dual channel actually mean?

The increasing digitization opens entirely new possibilities in automation technology for increasing the productivity and efficiency of machinery and systems. A much more precise look into the machine is possible today than in the past. It is possible to obtain much more detailed and, in addition, constantly available condition information about the machine – not only on-site, but also remotely, and in digital form.

An increase in the amount of information also means ever larger amounts of data, not to say a flood of data, that must be managed.

New strategies, expertise and future-oriented technologies are necessary here. Leuze accepts this challenge and develops smart sensors. Smart means sensors

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that, on the one hand, record the relevant real-time process data, but, on the other hand, can also supply a great deal of additional information which, once evaluated, can provide information at any time about the current machine state.

To ensure the that the information reaches the desired recipient – be it the process control, the operating company or even the appropriate machine support service – new communication technologies are needed. In addition to offering sufficient bandwidth (e.g., industrial Ethernet interfaces), these must also provide multi- channel capability.

Only in this way can the data be delivered in a targeted manner and processed further. This is precisely what the innovative dual channel principle from Leuze offers. First: A real-time process data channel and, second, a need-oriented

information channel for exchanging status information and configuration settings.

And what exactly is Industry 4.0?

The primary idea behind Industry 4.0/IIoT is to standardize data and the way it is exchanged across all system borders and all the way up to the cloud. Most of this data is generated with the help of sensors.

Their job is to capture process variables and transfer these in the form of data to the receiving systems via one or more interfaces.

Through Industry 4.0/IIoT, additional and even new topics, such as a recipe change, a format changeover or the condition monitoring as well as the predictive maintenance of a machine or system are increasingly shifting into focus.

The data required there is, however, often not essential for the actual automation task. But it does make it easier for the user to plan for maintenance. Preventative maintenance intervals ultimately increase the availability of the machine or system since the maintenance can be performed before the machine or system comes to a standstill with the associated loss of productivity.

Leuze communication solutions within the scope of Industry 4.0/IIoT In the past, point-to-point connections between the control unit and the respective sensor or actuator have defined industrial automation. A master-slave communication model currently prevails. This means that a control unit usually serves multiple end devices via one cable in linear topology (fieldbus installation).

The use of new technologies will allow a transition to a netlike or star-shaped communication architecture. We are already accustomed to this from the IT field.

As the interfaces to the control systems are increasingly Ethernetbased and therefore powerful enough to serve two data channels simultaneously, this is opening up completely new possibilities.

These are necessary for the networked world of Industry 4.0 and deliver the data to the various receivers in a target- oriented manner. With two data channels, the basis for this already exists, i.e., through the integrated industrial Ethernet interface with additional TCP/IP channel and the possibility to expand it for OPC UA communication – and even to new cloud-based applications in the integrated connectivity devices.

The latter are denoted at Leuze with a red i in the type designation.

This is precisely where IO-Link is indispensable: this simple, 3-wire interface offers all functions 25

that are needed for new IIoT approaches, such as asset management or condition monitoring. It can also be economically integrated in the smallest of devices.

Dual channel in practice Nevertheless, the original measurement task of the sensors cannot be forgotten – especially as many highly dynamic applications are heavily dependent on all process-relevant information with respect to time. In combination with the newly emerging application possibilities, the dual channel principle from Leuze supports precisely this requirement. The data is transferred to the process control in real time via the first sensor channel. At the same time, the information for monitoring and analysis of the machine flows over the second channel. The classic IO-Link interface for the binary switching sensor cannot achieve this. In SIO mode (Standard IO Mode), it permits only one switching signal. During active point-to-point communication, it can handle no more than the direct data exchange of the control. For the process control, however, both types of information are necessary in parallel but with different time requirements. The dual channel principle is the same for all sensors with one or more integrated data interfaces – regardless of their complexity. In the following, we consider and differentiate between

two possibilities for a binary switching sensor: first, the dual channel principle with connection to the PLC. And second, the dual channel principle with respect to Industry 4.0/IIoT. In addition, we consider dual channel for sensors with fieldbus interface.

1 Dual channel with connection to the PLC Consider as an example the KRT 18B contrast sensor, which is used in extremely fast-running packaging machines to determine an exact print mark position: here, the packaging quality of the machine is dependent on the real-time capability of the switching output. The trigger signal from the switching output of a contrast sensor is therefore not processed via the control but is rather connected directly to the actuator. This then directly triggers the placement of a label without time delay. (Figure 2). In addition to the fast reaction time of the machine, the exact teaching of the contrast differences between print mark and background is largely responsible for the reliable operation of the machine or system. Optical contrast sensors such as, the KRT 18B, offer the possibility to determine the optimum contrast ratio for each container or label using multiple transmitter colors. For this reason, the KRT 18B is also equipped with an IO-Link communication interface in addition to the fast

switching output. Using a teach routine, the transmitter colors are taught in once and then stored in the respective sensor or the control. Defined or taught-in products can then be selected from the recipe memory of the sensor at any time via IO-Link. If the machine undergoes a format change, the entire configuration file is transferred from the control.

This eliminates the need for another teach-in process. (Figure 3).

2 Dual Channel and Industry 4.0 / IIoT Within the scope of Industry 4.0/ IIoT, data needs to be available to other automation participants, independent of location and worldwide. This is used, for example, for monitoring and configuration. Cloud solutions are generally selected here. Provided the prerequisites identical to those described above exist, the connection can be made via a decentral IO-Link coupling module with Ethernet interface and OPCUA communication protocol instead of the direct IO-Link connection to the PLC. The data is then connected to the cloud via, e.g., an IoT Edge gateway.

3 Dual channel with sensors with fieldbus interface Leuze offers a dual channel solution for more complex sensors with an integrated fieldbus interface as well. The BCL 348i bar code scanner, for example, primarily has a PROFINET fieldbus interface.

Process and alarm values, detailed status and diagnostic messages as well as the complete device parameterization can be carried out from the control via this interface. If the data needs to be available location-independent and worldwide for monitoring, the sensor offers this possibility via its industrial Ethernet interface with the OPC-UA communication protocol. Via an integrated cloud connector or an IoT Edge gateway, the data can be transported all the way to a cloud application.

For more information visit: www.leuze.com

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ViewSonic launches the ColorPro VP68a series of pantone validated monitors Two new models offer high colour accuracy, colour blindness modes, and enhanced connectivity.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, today announces the introduction of two new Pantone validated monitors to the ColorPro VP68a Series, including the VP2768a (27”) and VP2468a (24”). Both come standard with out-of-box colour accuracy, colour blindness modes, and USB-C one-cable solution.

“ViewSonic’s professional monitor VP series provides consistent and accurate colour performance with industry colour standards,” said Oscar Lin, Head of Monitor BU at ViewSonic. “With 100% colour performance and Pantone validation, the new VP68a Series of Pantone validated monitors set a new standard for colour performance to meet the discerning needs of creatorsfor boosted productivity with increased workflow efficiency.”

Pantone is the standard language for colour which plays a critical role to assist designers, producers, and brands making decisions every day.

The VP68a Series has been verified and factory tuned with a series of in-house colour tests and the VP2768a and VP2468a have both been evaluated by Pantone and met the requirements to be Pantone validated by passing the full range simulation test of 2,161 colours of the Pantone Formula Guide. In addition to the incredible colour accuracy, VP68a monitors assist those with colour blindness by offering two unique modes: colour blindness simulation and colour blindness filter. These features help both creators and end-users by allowing them to see how the artwork would appear from a colour blindness perspective and aid those who are colour blind to better see on-screen details respectively.

In addition to the incredible colour accuracy, VP68a monitors assist those with colour blindness by offering two unique modes: colour blindness simulation and colour blindness filter. These features help both creators and end-users by allowing them to see how the artwork would appear from a colour blindness perspective and aid those who are colour blind to better see on-screen details respectively.

With USB-C one cable solution with multiple connection ports, VP68a monitors can quickly deliver video and audio as well as up to 90W power charging, allowing users to charge their laptops and smartphones. The USB-C onecable solution, which is designed to make it suitable for enterprises and design studios, also includes Ethernet connectivity, making wired connections more reliable than wireless network connections.

About ViewSonic Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions with a presence in over 100 cities around the world. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers “See the Difference”.

To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

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Can new advances in CMOS replace sCMOS sensors in biomedical applications?

Complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) technology now offers the advanced imaging capabilities required for many biomedical applications, but can it replace the more expensive sCMOS (scientific CMOS) sensors? CMOS and sCMOS sensors have set the benchmark for both performance and value in machine vision in several industries, and this article will explain the benefits and costs of each technology for highly demanding imaging applications in biomedical and life sciences.

What’s the difference between CMOS and sCMOS sensors?

Typically, a sCMOS sensor is thought of as a “next-generation” CMOS sensor. sCMOS technology was introduced to bridge the gap between new CMOS sensors and traditional CCD (Charge Coupling Device) sensors during the early phases of CMOS development.

Initially, biomedical applications couldn’t use CMOS sensors due to compromises in dynamic range, read noise, frame rates and resolutions. When sCMOS cameras were introduced, they used very similar design principles and fabrication techniques as CMOS sensors, but incorporated several features that helped them overcome initial CMOS shortcomings. This made sCMOS sensors well suited for scientific applications where low light performance, wide dynamic range, and high fidelity were critical.

However, in the years since sCMOS cameras were introduced, conventional CMOS sensors have improved significantly in terms of their quantum efficiency and the ability to reduce their own internal noise, making CMOS cameras a viable option for many advanced

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biomedical applications. Furthermore, most CMOS cameras are significantly less expensive than sCMOS cameras.

This factor alone has motivated many engineers and researchers to consider evaluating the latest CMOS sensor when they need to choose a microscopy camera, histology camera, cytology/cytogenetics camera, or epifluorescence camera for their application.

Do I Need a CMOS or a sCMOS Sensor?

Whether to choose a CMOS or sCMOS sensor depends on a range of factors. If you’re debating between the two, you are likely using epifluorescence illumination, because white light is bright enough to not require a sCMOS sensor. The suitability of one over the other can sometimes be as simple as how

much light is reaching the camera, or a combination of performance parameters that are unique to a specific application. Regardless of CMOS or sCMOS, you should choose a monochrome sensor over the color equivalent for the inherent quantum efficiency benefit provided by a monochrome sensor.

An sCMOS sensor is characterized by backside illumination and large pixels helping reduce overall noise (like CCD technology). In addition, sCMOS cameras typically include a Peltier cooling system to reduce thermally generated noise over long exposures. Cameras using sCMOS sensors also need a high bandwidth interface such as CameraLink or CoaXpress with a frame grabber board, making such vision systems more complex, and consequently more expensive.

To counter this, CMOS manufacturers have continued making significant improvements in quantum efficiency (the ability to collect incoming photons), reducing read noise (ensuring even low levels of incoming photons are not lost within this noise), and implementing backside illumination. While Peltier cooling is also an option with some CMOS sensors, the improvements to quantum efficiency and reduced noise have made cooling unnecessary for certain biomedical imaging applications.

Another way cost is kept down is the interface—for years, CMOS sensors have been paired with consumer interfaces like USB3, GigE, and 10 GigE. These interfaces do not require a frame grabber, which reduces the complexity (and cost) of the system. Upcoming interfaces like 25/100GigE, USB4, and CXPX will help to eliminate this problem entirely by providing significantly higher bandwidths.

CMOS Sensors are a Lower-Cost Alternative The lower cost alone has motivated many engineers and system designers to consider evaluating the latest CMOS sensors in place of an sCMOS based system. In many cases, vision system designers are surprised to find a suitable CMOS camera for under USD $1,000, when a typical sCMOS setup with similar performance parameters could cost upwards of USD $10,000. Whether it’s sCMOS or CMOS, many camera manufacturers do not use a single standard to compare cameras.

Consequently, it can be challenging to compare cameras regardless of the type of sensor used. In the machine vision world, EMVA1288 has become the accepted standard for specifications and measurement of cameras in Europe, America (AIA - American Automated Imaging Association) and Japan (JIIA - Japan Industrial Imaging Association).

For further information, visit: https://www.flir.co.uk/

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How the power of AI can save plant operators a small fortune

By Andrew Normand, UptimeAI partnership lead for Encora Energy In today’s intensely competitive trading environment, it has never been more important to get the most out of your assets. In this context, using technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) can maximise the efficiency and productivity, not only of individual pieces of equipment, but also entire process systems and networks of equipment.

These systems range from large, complex power plant networks to small-scale cooling systems. The efficiency of these systems depends not only on the equipment itself, but on a range of wider factors, including upstream/downstream environmental conditions and the efficacy of other pieces of equipment within the system.

Equipment readings can be impacted by a range of different factors based on conditions upstream or downstream, through auxiliary equipment and environmental factors such as sudden, unexpected deviations in weather patterns. The problem is that it’s often very difficult to create predefined rules that will be able to deal with all the complexity of these interacting variables. Plant operators therefore have to settle for identifying more pronounced symptoms with limited signals to avoid false alarms, whilst still catching an issue before a major failure. However, the damage has already been done and it still doesn’t identify the upstream/ downstream operations that may have caused the issue.

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This can lead to numerous problems including system failure, loss of efficiency and reduced availability leading to lost productivity – which could potentially cost plant operators millions of pounds in lost revenue.

Therefore, there’s a need for a technology that can review the entire system as a whole, taking in more than just the main equipment but also the environmental factors and the impacts of auxiliary systems and operating conditions.

Step forward AI. When properly targeted with purpose-built applications – for plant monitoring purposes, for example – AI is capable of reviewing entire systems and stripping away the noise to provide engineers with a far greater accuracy of understanding and much more confidence in the warnings. This leads to much more targeted investigations, giving engineers the tools to understand quickly and more accurately what is happening with their equipment.

AI intelligence can remove the affecting variables to reveal the underlying performance of a system. New patterns that weren’t previously visible can now be identified. Problems can be detected much earlier and rectified before they cause failures or reduce the efficiency of the system.

So, how does it work in practice?

To give an example, UptimeAI’s “AI Expert” software uses an AI engine that continuously learns from historic and ongoing data

and identifies how each of the parameters involved in the system change in relation to each other.

From this data, it is able to continually read current new data and predict an expected value based on other parameters. It then compares this predicted value against the actual data and determines any discrepancies, creating an anomaly score that indicates the overall health of the system.

It also runs a diagnostic engine with built-in world-class domain knowledge to diagnose and define the issue. While many AI platforms can flag up anomalies in a system, UptimeAI’s purpose-built AI application uses built-in process plant knowledge to identify specific issues within the system. This knowledge is gleaned through the insights and input of world-class experts in the UptimeAI team and also an in-built feedback loop that allows the system to recognise and respond to new events – meaning that it can learn and adapt in the same way that a human can.

Essentially, the technology can analyse huge amounts of data, allowing plant operators to see the system as a whole and identify the impacts of different parts of the system (e.g. the pieces of equipment within it), the external forces (e.g. environmental factors) and how all of these elements interlink with each other. On top of this, there are no rules to define and manage as the AI engine can develop its own understanding of what is significant and what is

due to external influence. It’s also capable of continuously learning from new experiences and can recognise new types of events – effectively learning in the same way that a human engineer learns.

There are numerous benefits of using an AI engine such as this. Not only can it identify and diagnose problems (such as equipment faults and inefficiencies within the system), it can also make recommendations on how to resolve them and prevent them from re-occurring in the future. It can also simultaneously predict how well each piece of equipment in the system will work and flag up reliability, efficiency, and product quality problems before they happen – potentially saving companies millions of pounds in lost revenue.

CASE STUDY: The task: UptimeAI was asked to look at the efficiency of a condensing steam turbine in a power plant to determine any lost efficiency and improvements that could be made. Relatively small changes in efficiency of such a system can make a significant difference to output and profitability.

The process: The UptimeAI “AI Expert” software was fed with historic data for the entire turbine system which included not just the turbine itself, but also the condenser and the entire cooling water circuit as one system. The turbine system under review was heavily influenced by a large variance in cooling water temperature due to seasonal and daily environmental changes.

Teasing out the effects of large seasonal variations and operating changes to see the underlying causes is beyond human analysis.

Analysis: Feeding historic data through the AI application revealed a continued upward trend including three targeted alarms over 36 months indicating points of significant change.

The alarms were generated taking into account the impacts of turbine exhaust, seasonality and load fluctuations. By analysing where the anomalies were greatest, the AI diagnosis tool was able to make predictions on the likely failure mechanisms and prescriptive recommendations using the application’s built-in engineering knowledge. This was able to diagnose specific cooling water issues that were affecting the efficiency of the condenser and hence the turbine.

Benefits: The UptimeAI application was able to identify a total improvement opportunity of 0.016bar of condenser vacuum. This was made up of cooling water tower/return inefficiency (circa 25%), cooling water discharge pump low pressure (circa 24%), condenser fouling (circa 32%) and air ingress (circa 19%). This equated to a 2.2% improvement opportunity in backpressure worth an estimated £140,000 per year in increased efficiency.

Conclusion: In this example, there were problems that weren’t previously detected because the alarms for these systems were necessarily set sufficiently high to prevent continuous false alarms. Without the UptimeAI application these problems would only have been determined with a lot of investigation work and even then, only in a crude high-level manner.

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ARCS is the only safety system in the industry with individual valve isolation for online maintenance without process interruption FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (Dec. 17, 2020) – Emerson has released its ASCOTM 141 Series Advanced Redundant Control System (ARCS) to provide a redundant solution for a variety of emergency shutdown valve applications, such as those found in the chemical, power, oil and gas industries. Available globally, it includes various redundant solenoid configurations to enhance the reliability of the process and meet specific safety or reliability requirements in automation processes. The single inlet/ single outlet design provides a streamlined installation process compared to traditional bypass systems, while almost eliminating potential failure points.

The ASCO 141 series ARCS is designed for use as a component in safety instrumented systems.

Utilizing 1oo2, 2oo2 or 2oo3 voting solenoids to enhance the reliability of the circuit, it functions as a redundant pneumatics tripping device to control the pilot air signal to a process valve actuator. The ARCS features either two or four electrically actuated solenoid valves, visual indicators and a manually controlled bypass or isolation valve. The unique control functionality allows for maintenance of the solenoid valves without having to shut down the process valve. In fact, the use of the maintenance bypass or isolation valve is not required for functional testing of the ARCS unit — a downtimereducing feature not possible with common bypass functions.

The ASCO 141 series ARCS is designed for use as a component in safety instrumented systems.

Utilizing 1oo2, 2oo2 or 2oo3 voting solenoids to enhance the reliability of the circuit, it functions

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as a redundant pneumatics tripping device to control the pilot air signal to a process valve actuator. The ARCS features either two or four electrically actuated solenoid valves, visual indicators and a manually controlled bypass or isolation valve. The unique control functionality allows for maintenance of the solenoid valves without having to shut down the process valve. In fact, the use of the maintenance bypass or isolation valve is not required for functional testing of the ARCS unit — a downtimereducing feature not possible with common bypass functions.

“By addressing the concerns common with typical bypass systems — particularly those in critical or emergency shutdown applications — our ASCO 141 series ARCS provides a reliable, timesaving alternative,” said vice president of global marketing for Emerson’s industrial automation business, Erik VanLaningham.

“Although the use of a common bypass is a typical solution, the end-user doesn’t know if they’ll be able to shut down on demand in the event of an emergency because their redundant system is in bypass mode. This is where our unique ARCS value proposition comes in. The ARCS individual valve isolation option provides increased safety and

operational availability during online maintenance to help customers achieve their required SIL rating.”

With just a single part number, the ASCO 141 series ARCS features several advances that simplify specification, installation and operation. Supplied as a fully integrated, comprehensive solution using a manifold instead of individual valves, ARCS comes pre-tested from the factory and ready to install. The direct valve-tovalve design eliminates pipework and fittings between the solenoid valves and minimizes leak points for increased reliability and a lower total cost of ownership. A status indicator with feedback helps facilitate preventive maintenance while providing online fault detection. It provides digital input feedback (via pressure switches or Emerson-exclusive GO Switch options) to the control room. And for additional peace of mind, the ASCOTM 327 series 3/2-way direct acting solenoid valves included on the ARCS manifold are certified to SIL 3 capable (exida) standards.

A direct-acting platform with advanced diagnostic capability and online maintenance features, ARCS is suitable for a wide variety of valve piloting applications to meet both safety and operational availability requirements.

For more information, visit www.emerson.com

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“Seeing is believing” Immersion-free Super Resolution Imagine Launch “Seeing is believing” – or, in the science and engineering world, it is perhaps better phrased as “Seeing is understanding.” LIG Nanowise has been helping engineers and researchers “See More” with their super resolution white light microscopes and objective lenses.

With their recent launch of SMAL AIR, a non-destructive, immersion free lens tailored for the advanced semicon industry, 2021 is looking to be an exciting year for Manchester (uk based) LIG Nanowise.

For those of you not familiar with microscopes, we can only see down to a certain size limited by a fundamental physical law called the optical diffraction limit. This sets a limit on the ultimate resolution you can attain with a standard microscope, even with a perfect setup. With current state-of-theart optics, this can be around 250 - 350 nm (varies with setup and light source) and may require an immersion liquid to achieve.

LIG Nanowise have managed to break the 100 nm barrier with white light, in air, vacuum and with water/oil immersion. They have achieved this with their SMAL and SMAL AIR lenses (Super resolution Microsphere Amplifying Lenses) which have a typical resolution of around 80 nm. Dr. Daniel Lonsdale, CTO and acting CEO of LIG Nanowise continues, “This is an

extremely exciting development, especially where we have achieved this in both air and vacuum.

Bringing advanced optics together with materials to break traditional optical limits with a unique product has huge implications for us as well as throughout the engineering world, particularly in the advanced semiconductor space. Our best work yet shows features down to 50 nm. With white light, this is truly astonishing!”

Beyond super-resolution, there is also “super” magnification.

Typical top-end objective lenses available today allow up to x100 to x150 magnification. However, SMAL and SMAL-AIR provide x230 – x240. This alone is a considerable enhancement above and beyond existing state-of-the-art technology.

There is also evidence emerging to show that these lenses provide enhanced colour information from the white light source.

This all started with a publication in Nature Communications showing 50 nm resolution (DOI: 10.1038/ ncomms1211) using glass beads.

Prof. Lin Li and Dr. Wei Guo took this discovery and started LIG Nanowise in 2014 to commercialise the capability. However, going from experiment to product has taken some hard work, especially where it concerns methods and materials to maximise usability criteria: working distance / field of view. The initial product “SMAL” was launched in early 2019 along with a high-tech microscope, the Nanoro-M, and required an immersion media to see such good results. Today SMAL can be used on other microscopes, whereas SMAL AIR currently needs Nanoro-M but allows a user to achieve the same quality of results but without immersion. It is worth noting that LIG plans to expand SMAL-AIR’s usability further in the near future.

Several theories exist to describe how this imaging can be possible.

First, there is the description based around evanescent waves being captured and amplified/converted into travelling waves, allowing access to the super-resolution information held in the near field.

Second, there is a description based around super-resolution “photonic nanojets” that can reach feature sizes much smaller than traditional optical limits allow. Finally, whispering gallery mode theory has provided a third route to describe how the small features can be detected, transmitted, and observed.

Where it comes to applications, this has been a journey of self-discovery for LIG. Not all samples are suitable for investigation. However, we have some quite clear guidelines to tell which will and will not work; if it can be polished flat and will have high-contrast features, it is likely to get really good results. Steve Wright, Marketing Manager at LIG Nanowise continues, “We have two fantastic market segments that are really interesting right now: Semiconductors (wafers etc) and minerology relating to platinum group elements (PGMs). We have put quite a bit of work into these and seen some amazing results. With international interest growing and our message getting out there, we hope for a very exciting 2021.”

Find out more at: lig-nanowise.com

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New laser sensor accurately measures distances to difficult surfaces or target objects up to 150 metres away Precision sensor supplier MicroEpsilon has introduced a noncontact laser distance sensor that measures distances up to 150m with an accuracy of < ± 1mm. The sensor measures accurately even on difficult surfaces such as dark, structured or weakly reflecting objects. Without any special adaptations to the target, the sensor has an impressive range up to 100m. Adding a reflector to the target extends the range to 150m.

Developed in-house by MicroEpsilon, the new optoNCDT ILR2250100 laser distance sensor is both smaller and more accurate than its predecessor, the optoNCDT ILR1181. The factory default AUTO measurement mode allows precise and reliable measurements to be made on targets over great

distances. Additional modes are also available to tune the sensor to specific application requirements.

Protected by an IP65 die cast aluminium housing, the optoNCDT ILR2250-100 is suitable for a wide range of applications, from transport, logistics and conveyor systems, to automation, metal processing, production monitoring and unmanned drones or vehicles.

It has already found uses in monitoring large coil diameters, silo filling levels and gantry cranes.

The combined long range and high accuracy of the sensor has also found particular benefits in the measurement and control of diameters for hot ring rolling.

In terms of its technical performance, the sensor is unsurpassed in its field, providing

excellent repeatability (<300µm), resolution (0.1mm) and linearity (< ± 1mm), resulting in extremely stable measurements and excellent signal stability. The sensor’s small footprint (102 x 53 x 50mm) and weight (254g) represent a 65% reduction in size and weight compared to its predecessor, allowing it to be easily installed in narrow or restricted spaces in production lines and machines.

Modes of operation The optoNCDT ILR2250-100 provides four basic modes of operation: - AUTO mode is the factory default setting where the speed (measuring rate) can be varied between 3 to 20Hz, depending on the target.

- FAST mode has a reduced accuracy of ± 1mm and requires a ‘good’ surface.

- ACCURATE mode is suitable for targets moving up to 1.5 m/s.

- PRECISE mode has an accuracy of 0.3mm.

Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at MicroEpsilon comments: “Rather than use the time-of-flight measuring principle like our previous sensor models, the optoNCDT ILR2250-100 operates on the phase comparison measuring principle. This method confirms the distance measurement more accurately and works well in smoke, steam and fog. In addition, due to its compact footprint and configurable software, the sensor can also be adapted to meet individual OEM requirements.”

For more information on the optoNCDT ILR2250-100, please visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk

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Cognex introduces in-sight® 3D-L4000 vision system Breakthrough technology makes 3D inspection as easy as 2D vision

Cognex Corporation introduces the In-Sight® 3D-L4000 embedded vision system. Featuring 3D laser displacement technology, this firstof-its-kind smart camera allows engineers to quickly, accurately, and cost effectively solve a range of inspections on automated production lines.

“Until now, 3D has been too expensive and complicated to solve inspection applications for most customers,” John Keating, 3D Business Unit Manager. “The In-Sight 3D-L4000 breaks previous barriers by providing a massive suite of true 3D vision tools and making them as easy to use as the industry leading In-Sight 2D vision tools.”

The 3D-L4000 combines patented speckle-free blue laser optics and the broadest range of true 3D vision tools with the flexibility of the In-Sight spreadsheet. This all-in-one solution quickly captures and processes 3D images with spectacular quality during inline inspection, guidance, and gauging applications. By allowing users to place vision tools directly on a true 3D image of the part, the 3D-L4000 delivers greater accuracy compared to traditional systems, expanding the types of inspections that can be performed.

Moreover, because inspections are in 3D, users can immediately experience how the vision tools operate on the actual part. The

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3D-L4000 includes all the traditional 3D measurement tools users expect such as plane and height finding. It also comes with a comprehensive set of 3D vision tools, designed from the ground up to leverage inspections in a true 3D space.

The In-Sight 3D-L4000 comes in three factory calibrated fields of view and is ideal for applications across a range of industries including food and beverage, consumer products, packaging, automotive, medical devices, and electronics.

For more information, visit www.cognex.com

Helicopter surveys keep Wolverhampton and Tamworth stations big freezes at bay Thermal imaging cameras mounted to a Network Rail helicopter are keeping passengers and freight moving after heavy snowfall across the West Midlands. Although subzero temperatures caused heavy snow to fall and ice to form on tracks this weekend, much of the railway has been operating as normal.

This is helped by the Network Rail Air Operations team, which is today (Monday 25 January) carrying out sky-high inspections of the West Coast main line and key rail routes in the West Midlands.

The impressive aerial photos taken on the flight over Wolverhampton station, and also Tamworth station in Staffordshire, are to check that points - the equipment which allows trains to move tracks – do not become frozen and stop working.

In each set of points the steel rails are heated to stop this from happening. If the heaters are working properly the points should glow bright white in the thermal pictures – if they appear dark the helicopter team raises the alarm to engineers on the ground for them to fix.

Dave Penney, Network Rail’s Central route director, said: “With the West Midlands under a blanket of snow the Network Rail Air Operations team has been inspecting the railway from the sky today to help keep passengers and freight moving.

“Key sections of track are fitted with heaters and insulation to help stop them freezing. Thermal imaging cameras attached to a helicopter have been checking the heaters are working.

“Anything reported to us from the skies can then be looked at straight away by the extra teams of people on the ground and fixed as quickly as possible.”

For more information please visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk

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FLIR introduces new C3-X compact thermal camera Featuring a 128x96 pixel thermal camera, a 5MP visual camera and FLIR MSX image enhancement to easily identify hidden building problems

Having the ability to effectively inspect, diagnose, and document trouble spots is crucial for property managers, facilities maintenance staff, building inspectors, contractors, electricians, service technicians, plumbers, and even homeowners. It requires the aid of effective tools, including thermal imaging, to quickly recognize and resolve those trouble spots. That’s why FLIR has introduced its latest entry-level Cx-Series camera, the FLIR C3-XTM, a compact thermal camera packed with features that can help users confidently find faults in close range. It easily fits in a pocket or tool bag, is tough enough for any job, and available at a price point that building professionals and homeowners can afford.

Along with the five-megapixel visual inspection camera, the enhanced C3-X has a 128x96 resolution thermal camera that features a temperature range up to 300 degrees Celsius on an easy-to-read 3.5 inch touchscreen. These features are important to get a detailed view of the situation and troubleshoot areas of concern such as hot fuses or air leaks. FLIR Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®) mode

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adds visible light details to thermal images in real time for greater clarity, so users can easily identify issues within the context of the problem area. The C3-X stands up in tough environments with four hours of operating time and features an IP54 enclosure, providing a high level of protection against dust and water, and is designed to withstand a 2 m (6.6 ft) drop. It’s compact, handheld design, allows professionals to fit it in their pocket or into their tool bag without taking up too much space.

The built in LED light helps see in dark areas such as crawl spaces.

Featuring FLIR IgniteTM, the C3-X offers cloud connectivity, allowing professionals to directly transfer, store and backup data so images are always available on all devices. The C3-X also offers seamless customer reporting when paired with FLIR Thermal StudioTM. The FLIR C3-X joins the FLIR C5TM as part of the Cx-Series suite of compact thermal cameras, and is available globally to purchase today through FLIR and authorized FLIR distributors for £499.99, For more information please visit, www.flir.com/C3-X.

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How are thermal cameras preventing the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces?

An inside look at how the current pandemic has led to a boom in technological demand including the use of thermal equipment.

As lockdown 3.0 is still in effect and there not being any sign of when normality will return, the world has become incredibly cautious.

With ever changing healthcare guidance as each month passes it has become clear that there are certain things we can do to prevent the spread. The world will return to normality - it is inevitable, but we must move forward with the knowledge we have gained over the last 12 months.

As we progress through 2021 we will be able to have some influence on the method of how communities reopen and in particular how we can do so safely. We must ensure that we retain the normality of life that we know and love but use efficient methods to reduce the spread of future virus threats.

So how can smart technology make public spaces safer?

The incredible advance in technology has allowed solutions to problems to spread like wildfire via the internet. A key advancement has been the progress made with artificial intelligence which is often overlooked. Artificial intelligence has given us the ability to introduce fast paced problem solving equipment which resolves everyday problems in an efficient and automated manner.

When artificial intelligence is then partnered with security systems via smart video, thermal cameras or facial recognition - the results are incredible! The world is benefitting from this tech as customer visiting establishments are installing these systems in the masses.

A sophisticated system can ensure large public spaces are monitored without the need of personnel being fixated on screen for multiple hours at a time. As time moves on these systems will only become more available and more competitively priced as companies adapt to offering these services.

These collaborative technology systems can monitor key factors to slowing the spread of germs moving forward such as social distancing. Monitoring the distance between people is a tedious task if done so manually and if a 6 foot / 2 metre distancing rule is here to stay, then the use of AI will free up the personnel needed for this job.

Tracking the number of incidents in specific areas where social distancing rules are broken can ensure that additional precautions can be put in place sooner rather than later. The lower the amount of incidents moving forward will directly relate to slowing the rate of infection.

Facial recognition is being seen as a standard feature on most new smartphones or smart devices therefore it is only a matter of time before your facial ID could be linked to a database. Facial recognition could allow establishments to be alerted if someone has entered the premises who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 recently and staff could deal with the incident accordingly.

Despite the feeling of always being watched or tracked this is an option that could provide additional safety for the masses if a security system such as this was installed in busy indoor environments. This system could also be used to identify who has been vaccinated along with keeping track of what areas could be at a higher contamination risk if they tested positive for COVID-19 at a later date.

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The tech could also reinforce the use of PPE by quickly pointing out individuals who are about to enter an establishment without a mask on. This could also eliminate any confrontations of whether someone has an ongoing condition which allows them to enter establishments without the need of a mask (such as COPD) . This would quickly indicate as to who is following the rules and who is defying them.

One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 recorded around the world is the consistent high temperature. Collaborating thermal technology into these security systems can quickly indicate to officials as to who is measuring above the deemed safe temperature before they get within touching distance of working staff or other customers.

Many schools and establishments around the UK have introduced an entering protocol where individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperatures are taken using thermal screening systems.

Individuals were not allowed to enter the premises unless they were below the designated temperature following COVID-19 guidance.

Many companies have opted for a cheaper screening system by using thermal head thermometers which skyrocketed in demand. By using these thermal screening systems staff are able to turn customers away that may be carrying the COVID-19 virus whether they are aware or not. This immediately creates a safe environment as individuals with obvious symptoms were not put in compromising situations to spread the virus.

Using a security system that has these incredible features will only help prevent the spread of germs and slow down the infection rate. Although this may seem to be an over cautious approach, if this standard of system was in place across all of our major establishments before the pandemic began - the question has to be asked: Would the spread of COVID-19 have been so damaging? Furthermore, how many lives could these technological security systems have saved?

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The best selection of high-tech imaging instrumentation for industrial and scientific research Quantum Design UK and Ireland (QDUKI) is an established and well-respected supplier of advanced scientific instruments for research in academic institutions, R&D departments and company laboratories across the UK and Ireland. QDUKI supplies a strong range of imaging cameras, with world-leading partners Specim, InfraTec and Raptor Photonics.

SpecimOne Launches in the UK Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd releases the SpecimONE spectral imaging platform for the industrial sorting market. With SpecimONE, machine builders, vision systems integrators, and other OEM’s will improve their time-to-market by taking advantage of SpecimONE’s agile development practices and creating new sorting applications without coding or in-depth knowledge of hyperspectral imaging.

SpecimINSIGHT allows users to browse and explore data, create, and validate classification models.

The current feature set focuses on sorting industry requirements: - A robust yet fast classification algorithm PLS-DA and support for MROI functionality to benefit from FX series camera speed - Support for all Specim dataset format cameras VIS-SWIR Technology

SpecimONE is compatible with major industrial standards and allows seamless integration with machine vision systems e.g. Halcon and Sherlock. When combining hyperspectral imaging technology’s flexibility with a simplified platform, end-customers can create unlimited amounts of new sorting applications.

SpecimONE includes industry proven Specim FX series hyperspectral camera, SpecimCUBE processing hardware, and SpecimINSIGHT offline software tool.

Specim FX series cameras are the first hyperspectral instruments designed specifically for industrial use. Cameras’ high frame rate meets the industry speed requirements, and robust structure and small size allow flexible installation locations.

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Raptor Photonics offers a range of VIS-SWIR sensors with different resolutions, pixel pitches and cooling options. Using a back thinned InGaAs sensor enables both the visible and shortwave infra-red spectrum to be viewed simultaneously from 400nm1700nm, essentially replacing the need for two cameras.

Raptor leads the way in VIS-SWIR camera design offering a range of sensors, cooling options and firmware enhancements making Raptor cameras some of the most sensitive on the market for surveillance, scientific and industrial applications. Raptor cameras are compact, rugged, and very reliable. As well as “off the shelf” cameras, Raptor offers OEM solutions as well.

Applications include: - Telecommunications - Space applications, environment - Transportation - Semiconductor Inspection - Medical – imaging through tissues / rare earth nanoparticles - Industrial process monitoring - Non-destructive testing - Instrumentation Raptor Owl 640 M VGA resolution, low power, VIS-SWIR camera. A TEC-less version of the successful OWL 640 Digital camera.

This SWaP (Size, weight, and power) design is perfect for integration into small OEM and machine vision scientific platforms.

Raptor Ninox 640 SU SWIR Camera The Ninox 640 SU is vacuum cooled to -80°C for ultra-long exposures of up to 5 minutes. Its ultra-low dark current and readnoise result in the best “scientific” SWIR camera on the market today. It is the perfect camera for semiconductor inspection.

Raptor Ninox 1280 VIS-SWIR Camera High resolution, low noise, cooled, digital VIS-SWIR InGaAs camera.

10μm x 10μm pixel pitch enables the highest resolution VIS-SWIR image.

50 electrons readout noise enables the highest SWIR detection limit. The on-board intelligent 3 point NUC enables highest quality images Free, Personalised Thermographic Solutions Online Demo InfraTec offers a range of thermograhic solutions, allowing the analysis of materials and material combinations through application-specific components – including infrared cameras, software packages, excitation units, and accessories. There are currently still some spots available for Spring 2021 to book a free, personalised online demonstration of the camera capabilities – tailored to your specific application. Get in touch with QDUKI today, to ask any questions and discover how it can help your research operations.

As well as its product range, QDUKI also offers a range of online resources for the imaging cameras sector – including a selection of webinar recordings and valuable downloadable content on applications, products, case studies and innovations.

For more information, visit www.qd-uki.co.uk

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Brillopak meats industry challenges with Unipaker Brillopak is launching its award-winning UniPAKer robotic crate packer into the meat, fish & poultry sector following design enhancements that make the system both affordable and efficient in tray-sealed meat applications. The development of a new generation end-effector that offers increased suction and control when handling trays and skin packs coupled with a new dual-pick configuration have made the UniPAKer a viable automation solution for this sector for the first time.

Availability of labour has steadily declined since the Brexit vote in 2016 and now with COVID, staff can no longer work in close contact with each other. Both of these factors have conspired to challenge meat, fish & poultry packers, who rely heavily on overseas workers and do not have the space to accommodate social distancing, whilst maintaining production levels. Automation presents an obvious solution to this situation.

However, as Brillopak director David Jahn explains, it is not as straightforward as replacing two or three people with a robot.

“Automating the secondary packaging operation is a logical solution, but it is not as simple as

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it might seem. Any robotic system has to be extremely compact to fit into very tight spaces and must offer complete flexibility in terms of packing different pack formats and crate sizes. The solution must be able to pick and place consistently and accurately at high speed, without dropping any packs. Hygienic design is a given.”

Brillopak has risen to the challenge, optimising the design of its UniPAKer robot to meet the specific demands of meat, fish & poultry producers and packers. This trail-blazing robot has already revolutionised the packing of bagged fresh produce such as apples, sprouts and potatoes into crates and now looks set to be a game-changer in the meat, fish & poultry industry.

A redesign of the vacuum endeffector has been key to pushing the boundaries of performance on meat, fish & poultry packs. The redesign has improved the head’s vacuum capabilities through a combination of more consistent, faster airflow and larger independent vacuum generators. A stronger, more uniform vacuum means the robot holds the packs squarely and tightly so it can be controlled from the conveyor to the crate at a faster speed, in a controlled manner.

Brillopak’s engineers are further developing the UniPAKer concept to pick an entire row at a time on the same compact footprint, which will dramatically bring down the capital cost. A pioneer in

vacuum handling packing system design, Brillopak has devised a flexible solution based on a single, universal vacuum head with independently operating vacuum cups for precision control.

Individual valves can be turned on and off to allow different pack combinations to be picked.

either way, can hinder the robot’s ability to draw a vacuum, causing it to drop the pack (if the pack is lower than usual) or crush the pack (if the pack is higher than usual). This variability can also arise when there is a subtle temperature change that causes the pack contents to expand or contract.

“With this solution we are dramatically increasing throughput, while keeping the footprint of the machine really small, which is a very attractive proposition for meat, fish & poultry operators,” says David.

Rather than stop the line and call engineering to adjust the system, Brillopak has come to the rescue with a feature that allows the operator to manually adjust the position at which the vacuum is turned on by the few millimeters necessary, Accurate feeding into the robot cell is key to an efficient crate packing operation, and in meat, fish & poultry applications, different tray orientations can cause a problem. Whilst some trays

One of the idiosyncrasies of MAP meat, fish & poultry products is that there can be minute variations in pack height depending on the volume of gas in the pack. These variations, which can be 4-5mm

will exit the tray sealer narrow-edge leading, others will be long-edge leading, depending on the tooling format. A robot can pick packs in either orientation, but to maximise picking efficiency, all packs should normally be presented in the same orientation. Brillopak has addressed this potential issue with the design of a servo turner that will reposition trays after they leave the tray sealer.

The UniPAKer can be programmed to pack any combination of product into any crate size. Whilst supermarket customers often require half (300 x 400mm) crates for higher value meat SKUs, high volume lines such as minced beef will usually be supplied in full (600 x 400mm) crates. The UniPAKer can switch between both crate size at the touch of a button.

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