Worldwide Engineering Magazine - November Issue

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Featuring within this issue

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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!

16 Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode From NAWA the Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode

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Nikuni VDF Hydrocyclone

Separators

Ready Inverter For High Performance

VDF hydrocyclones will typically remove up to 95% of aluminium

Equipmake provides EV technology to automotive OEMs

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Microchip Releases Newest Generation Of AEC-Q101 Qualified 700 And 1200V Silicon Carbide

SAMS Ltd - Trusted, Reliable Training Provider

For EV power designers who need to increase system efficiency

This course can be the gateway towards a career in health & safety

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VI-grade Announces Strategic Partnership

IDS Extends Ensenso N 3D Camera Series

A leading provider of best-in-class software products

The Ensenso N-Series is a compact and robust 3D camera

Worldwide Engineering Magazine | 3

Nikuni VDF Hydrocyclone Separators One additional advantage of fitting a sludge pod to a VDF hydrocyclone, is the volume of coolant in circulation in the cleaning circuit is greatly reduced, thereby saving energy and reducing the volume of waste fluid collected.

Nikuni Co. have just launched a new type of sludge pod, the 2-litre capacity ‘Drum Pod’ intended for applications where automated collection and discharge of separated material is not required. A simple quickrelease catch allows users to remove the Drum Pod and dump the separated material into a large dedicated container.

Aeration & Mixing is the exclusively authorised EU distributor of Nikuni VDF robust stainless steel hydrocyclones, which provide the proven element-free method of removing metallic contamination in the honing, machining, cutting and forming coolants used in machine tools.

Nikuni VDF hydrocyclones are available in a range of 7 useful sizes from 10 lpm to 300 lpm plus a 1,000 lpm unit.

Nikuni VDF hydrocyclones will typically remove as much as 95% of aluminium particles at 10μm and above in one pass. The product can provide a number of operational benefits that include increased capital equipment life, the elimination of blocked filter element replacement, reduced machining costs and can contribute to a better surface finish - often in a reduced cycle time. One major benefit of the Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone is that it can act as either a standalone product or a component for integration within an existing system. This simple product, which uses centrifugal force to separate metallic and other contaminants from fluids, is well established across the Far East and the USA and is currently experiencing a rise in demand in Europe.

It is becoming of great interest to many companies involved in CNC machining, precision grinding and honing who wish to reduce the cost of replacement filter media, and the expense of environmentally acceptable disposal of contaminated elements, often a significant element of their operational costs.

Nikuni’s VDF hydrocyclones ensure coolants fed to machine tools are cleaner whilst avoiding the frustrations surrounding downtime from blocked filter elements. It is normal for a Nikuni VDF to achieve payback for its installation in a short space of time, because the need for conventional filter maintenance is removed along with the costs of repeated filter element replacement and disposal. Furthermore, the optimisation of performance and improvements in productivity are within the reach of all sizes of organisations from multinationals to single unit SME installations.

As a standalone facility, the Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone can be supplied with or without a pump and with manual or automated air operated valving and a sludge pod for consolidating and collecting separated contaminants.

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Aeration & Mixing welcomes enquiries from any industry or process, large enterprises or SME businesses. The Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone is also often applied to the separation of fine particles of non-metallic wastes. Recent new particle separation applications include diamond dust, carbon particles, metal particles in plastic waste streams, iron particles from clays, metallic and carbon particles from oils, sands and silts, ceramic particles from coolants and nickel powder from cooling water, all proving effective separation down to 4um particles and in many cases smaller. Aeration & Mixing hold good stocks of the Nikuni VDF units in the UK and can supply all except the 1,000 lpm model at short notice.

Aeration & Mixing offer prospective users of the Nikuni VDF hydrocyclone systems the option to hire a unit for a trial period, to enable a new customer to prove the value of element-free separation in their own factory or works environment. In addition, A&M’s analytical services are available to retrospectively analyse separated particles, to show aspects of the separation performance.

More information please visit: www.aerationmixing.co.uk

Henkel & Nexa3D Launch Affordable And Ultra-Fast New General-Purpose Material xPRO410

Düsseldorf, Germany, and Ventura, California – Nexa3D, the maker of ultrafast stereolithography production 3D printers, and Henkel, a leading supplier of high impact functional additive materials, announced today that they are taking another decisive step in their expanding collaboration aimed at democratizing access to a new class of photopolymers with the introduction of the xPRO410, a rigid photoplastic that prints extremely high accuracy parts with exceptional surface finish. Formulated based on Henkel’s Loctite PRO410 polymer and optimized for the Nexa3D’s NXE400 3D printer, this material is ideal for general purpose prototyping. xPRO410 is an affordable general-purpose material enabling multiple daily design iterations and same day ondemand parts for small and large product enterprises. This rigid material offers extremely high accuracy and exceptional surface finish that is ideal for service bureaus seeking to upgrade their services to same day and next day fulfilment. It enables the fast and accurate printing of parts for a wide range of form, fit and function designs and beautiful appearance prototypes. xPRO410 can be printed continuously on the

NXE400 at speeds of up to 8 liters per hour, representing a 20x productivity gain. xPRO410 parts achieve dimensional accuracy of within 0.2% after post curing on the Nexa3D xCure system and can withstand temperature exposure of up to 70°C. Nexa3D plans to include xPRO410 with every NXE400 it sells commercially as of November 1st, 2020. To learn more about the expanding Henkel and Nexa3D partnership, check out this media kit and watch this video or visit Nexa3D’s virtual booth located on FormNext Connect.

You can get your free pass here.

“We are excited to further expand our partnership with Nexa3D and provide market access to a new class of photopolymers just in time for FormNext Connect,” said Ken Kisner, Head of Innovation at Henkel. “These next steps in our collaboration with Nexa3D are casting a new light on additive polymers and shattering traditional 3D printing productivity, performance and cost barriers.”

“It’s very gratifying for me to witness how quickly our partnership with Henkel is yielding transformative industry

outcomes,” said Avi Reichental, co-founder, chairman and CEO Nexa3D. “Every product company knows that to produce great products they need brilliant designers and innovative tools. With the launch of xPRO410 Henkel and Nexa3D are making design iteration possible in minutes instead of days or weeks and that is a truly gamechanger.”

Both the NXE400 and the xPRO41O are available for purchase now. To find a Nexa3D reseller or schedule a demo, please click here.

To learn more about Henkel’s innovation in 3D printing visit LoctiteAM.com. To see how your organization can collaborate with Henkel, please email: Loctite3DP@henkel.com.

Henkel and Nexa3D are working together applying circular economy principles into every phase of their material formulating and printing process. Through the implementation of endto-end validated workflows, both companies are rigorously measuring and improving on what matters, minimizing process waste, reducing energy consumption per part and working with customers around the world to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

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High-end Camera Series ImageIR® Solve the most demanding measurement and testing tasks Features: ■

Cooled InSb or MCT detectors

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High spatial and thermal resolution

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Thermally decoupled optics

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Fast frame rates

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High dynamic range

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10 GigE interface

Applications: ■

Research and development

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Automation

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Aerial thermography

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Process control

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Non-destructive testing

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Precision Mixing Contains Costs For Product Development slip rings. Instead, it monitors the torque via radio waves.

A shaft deforms very slightly when it rotates, the amount of deformation being proportional to the torque. TorqSense measures the deformation so that it can calculate torque. To do this two tiny piezoelectric combs are glued to the surface of the shaft at right angles to one another; shaft deformation will expand one comb and compress the other. The radio frequency signal emitted by the TorqSense is reflected back by the combs, with its frequency changed in proportion to the combs’ deformation.

A pre-pilot mixing plant is using wireless TorqSense transducers for ultra-accurate viscosity measurement of high-value compounds.

The plant is used to prepare small batches of compounds from shampoo and detergent to cosmetics, therapeutic and medical preparations.

Some of the ingredients in the compounds are very expensive, so product developers are loath to make large batches early in the formulation process.

Instead, they start with 850 millilitre samples for the early stages of each project, then once the recipe is wellproven, move on to pilot-scale work where the samples are measured in thousands of litres.

The final stage is, of course, fullscale production where volumes may be truly enormous.

The TorqSense transducers were supplied by Sensor Technology Ltd of Banbury, whose Mark Ingham explains the design of the pre-pilot plant: “It can take three hours or more to make a single sample, each produced with precision accuracy – and development programmes need a great many samples. Clearly this cannot be done manually.

Automating the basic mixing process is in principle straightforward; for this the plant has four workstations based on paddle mixers, each of which is monitored by a TorqSense.”

TorqSense constantly assesses the level of torque in a driven shaft. Often, this is used to measure the power being provided by the drive motor.

However, in this case it is the opposite – TorqSense is used to calculate the drag being exerted on the paddle and shaft by the liquid being mixed.

“The mixing process changes the viscosity of the liquid, which is what causes the drag,” says Mark. “In the first instance the TorqSenses are looking for the viscosity to stabilise to a steady value that won’t change any further no matter how much more mixing is done.

“Then they measure that very accurately. The viscosity is what gives the final commercial product its sense of quality: a low viscosity and the product feels watery, cheap and ineffective; overly high viscosity and it is unpleasant and greasy. TorqSense is a wireless sensor, which is not physically connected to the mixer shaft by

“The procedure to set up the TorqSense is very simple,” says Mark. “Solutions using other technologies would probably take several hours to set up.

With a regime of up to 30 tests per day, TorqSense is the only real solution for this plant.”

Other TorqSense attributes that have been made full use of are its enormous overload capacity, which enables it to cope with robust and demanding test cycles, and its digital output. The output is fed straight into a computer program that compares viscosity measurements with the ingredient ratios and calculates changes to the recipes for optimised results.

Mark sums up: “This plant is in effect a totally automated laboratory that can develop perfect formulations in a closed loop calculation. It has changed pre-pilot tests from time-consuming trial and error procedures to precision materials science.”

For more information on Sensor Technology LTD, please visit: www.sensors.co.uk or call: 01869 238400

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Microchip Releases Newest Generation Of AEC-Q101 Qualified 700 And 1200V Silicon Carbide

As vehicle electrification continues rapid growth worldwide, innovative power technologies such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) are required for high-voltage automotive systems ranging from motors to on-board charging and DC/DC converters. Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announced its newlyqualified 700 and 1200V SiC Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) power devices, providing Electric Vehicle (EV) system designers with solutions that meet stringent automotive quality standards across a wide range of voltage, current and package options.

For EV power designers who need to increase system efficiency while maintaining high quality, Microchip’s AEC-Q101-qualified devices maximize system reliability and ruggedness and enable stable and lasting application life. The devices’ superior avalanche performance allows designers to reduce the need for external protection circuits, reducing system cost and complexity.

“As a long-time supplier to the automotive industry, Microchip’s continued expansion of automotive-capable power solutions is leading the

transformation of power systems in vehicle electrification,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s discrete product business unit. “Our focus is to provide automotive solutions that help our clients easily transition to SiC while minimizing the risk of quality, supply and support challenges.”

Microchip has been a supplier to the automotive industry for more than 25 years. The company’s SiC technology, as well as its multiple IATF 16949:2016-certified fabrication facilities, provide high-quality devices through flexible manufacturing alternatives, helping minimize risk in the supply chain.

Through Microchip internal and third-party testing, critical reliability metrics have proven Microchip devices’ superior performance when compared to other SiC manufactured devices. Unlike other SiC devices that degrade under extreme conditions, Microchip devices have demonstrated no degradation in performance, increasing the application life.

Microchip SiC solutions lead the industry in reliability and ruggedness.

The company’s SiC SBD ruggedness testing

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demonstrates 20 percent higher energy withstand in Unclamped Inductive Switching (UIS), and among the lowest leakage currents at elevated temperatures, increasing system life and enabling a more reliable operation.

Development Tools Microchip’s AEC-Q101-qualified SiC SBD devices are supported with SPICE and PLECS simulation models and MPLAB® Mindi™ Analog Simulator. Also available is a PLECS reference design model that uses Microchip’s SBDs (1200V, 50A) as part of the power stage — the Vienna 3-Phase Power Factor Correction (PFC) reference design.

Pricing and Availability Microchip’s AEC-Q101 qualified 700 and 1200V SiC SBD devices (also available as die for power modules) for automotive applications are available now for volume production orders.

For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s website.

For more information please visit: www.microchip.com or call +44 118 921 5849

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Cognex launches New Item Detection System 3D-A1000

Cognex Corporation, the leader in industrial machine vision, introduces the 3D-A1000 Item Detection System. A motioncapable smart camera, the 3D-A1000 can identify the presence or absence of objects with unmatched accuracy on all types of sorters traveling at production line speeds. This product release extends the existing 3D-A1000 platform into new applications for helping retail and logistics customers reduce delivery errors, improve throughput, and increase fulfillment efficiency.

“As consumers increasingly expect reliable and fast delivery,

retailers need to ensure the right products get to the right customers on time, every time, said Carl Gerst, Cognex Senior Vice President. “The 3D-A1000 Item Detection System is a powerful, turnkey solution for detailed inspections in sorting that hasn’t been available until now.”

Unlike conventional methods, the 3D-A1000 uses patented 3D Symbolic LightTM technology to freeze motion with a single image. The system gathers precise 3D and 2D information without the need for an encoder, allowing detection of low contrast objects while avoiding

tray hygiene issues. Embedded processing then uses Cognex vision tools to provide detailed inspections of trays and objects. The 3D-A1000 is factory calibrated and can be installed in less than 15 minutes.

The new item detection and dimensioning systems, scan tunnels and other advanced logistics automation solutions can be experienced live during a virtual tour at the new Customer Experience Center in Aachen, Germany, on October 27 at 3:00 pm.

For more information, visit www.connect.cognex.com

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VI-grade Announces Strategic Partnership with Smart Eye

VI-grade, a leading provider of best-in-class software products and services for advanced applications in the field of system level simulation and Smart Eye, a leading manufacturer of high-end eye tracking technology, are joining forces to introduce eye tracking into the high-end automotive simulator market.

“We are proud to announce this partnership with a leader in advanced system-level simulation. Our partnership with VI-grade will allow enhanced driver behavior research for automotive development by including eye-tracking. The partnership enables global OEMs to understand driver behavior on a deeper level than before. We believe that our high standards in designing eye-tracking systems go hand in hand with VI-grade’s uncompromising designs, which include both static and dynamic driving simulation technology.

We look forward to benefitting from their global presence in the system level simulations

market,” says Solmaz Shahmehr, VP and Head of Research Instruments, Smart Eye. “This strategic partnership is an important step in the direction of increased understanding of driver behavior in automotive research and development”, says Martin Krantz, CEO, Smart Eye. “It is my pleasure to announce the collaboration of VI-grade with Smart Eye in providing professional eye-tracking solutions to the automotive community. We are looking forward to leveraging an extended simulation solution featuring our STATIC and DYNAMIC (DiM) Driving Simulator technologies to our mutual customers and to jointly identifying new opportunities in the worldwide market” says Guido Bairati, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, VI-grade.

About VI-grade VI-grade is a leading provider of real-time simulation software and driver-in-the-loop simulators. Established in 2005,

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VI-grade delivers innovative solutions for streamlining the transportation vehicle development process from concept to sign-off in the automotive, aerospace, motorcycle, motorsports and railway sectors. With offices in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, UK, Japan, China, and the USA and a worldwide channel network of more than 20 trusted partners, VI-grade is a dynamic and growing company with a highly skilled technical team.

VI-grade is part of Spectris plc, the expert in providing insight through precision measurement. Spectris’ global group of businesses are focused on delivering value beyond measure for all our stakeholders.

Spectris is headquartered in Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom; the Company employs approximately 9,000 people located in more than 30 countries.

For further information about VI-grade please visit www.vi-grade.com or call +39 349 5458021

Nexperia Establishes New Application Specific FET Category To Deliver Optimized Performance

‘ASFETs’ feature MOSFET parameters tailored for particular applications Nexperia, the expert in essential semiconductors, has responded to industry’s demands to maximize performance by defining a new MOSFET product group. Application Specific FETs (ASFETs) feature MOSFETs with optimized parameters for specific applications.

By focusing on individual applications, significant improvements can be offered.

Nexperia is offering ASFET families for battery isolation, motor control, hot-swap and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Defining the improvements that these tailored ASFETs can offer is application specific, examples include, 3x – 5x improvement in Safe Operating Area (SOA) for hot-swap applications, and maximum current ratings in excess of 300 A for motor applications.

Commented Chris Boyce, Senior Director for the Power MOSFETs Group at Nexperia: “As designers push the boundaries of performance, it is crucial to understand how the MOSFET will be used in the application.

There are 100+ parameters on a regular MOSFET datasheet but usually only a few are critical in each project. However, as the applications change, so do the critical parameters. At Nexperia, we determine the performance of every element of our products; the core silicon technology, the chip design, the package and the manufacturing & test procedures. By keeping individual application requirements front & centre of our thinking, we can choose to optimise the parameters that matter most in a particular use-case, often at the expense of others of less relevance. In essence we have combined

our proven MOSFET expertise with a broad understanding of applications so we can tailor products which offer the ultimate performance for a specific application or functionality.”

The ASFET category will be further enhanced with the imminent release of a new family of automotive products with guaranteed repetitive avalanche performance for driving inductive loads.

Added Boyce: “We are continually seeking to deepen our understanding of specific applications, often working hand-in-hand with our customers. In exposing our best engineers to detailed application requirements, we are opening new and exciting possibilities of innovation – there are many more ASFET advances in the pipeline.”

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Interfaces For Machine Vision

Choosing the right interface for your machine vision application is a key decision in your camera selection process. The following sections provide an overview of the different types of cables and connectors available for machine vision applications along with associated pros and cons.

interfaces require frame grabbers. These are specialized adapter cards to receive image data and assemble it into usable images. Dedicated machine vision interfaces also use proprietary cables, making integration with other peripherals a little more challenging.

Dedicated interfaces

CoaXPress (CXP)

Useful for applications where extremely high-speeds or ultra high-resolution necessitate the use of such interfaces; for example, line-scan cameras used to inspect continuous flow processes like paper or plastic film production where cameras frequently work in the kHz range. However, these interfaces tend to be significantly more expensive, less flexible and add to system complexity.

CarmeraLink (supports up to 6.8Gbit/s of data) and CoaXPress (supports up to 12Gbit/s) are dedicated machine vision interfaces typically used in such applications. In addition to the cameras, systems using these

The CoaXpress interface was launched in 2008 to support high-speed imaging applications. CXP interfaces use 75ohm coaxial cables and support data transfer speeds of up to 6.25Gbit/s per channel, with the ability to use multiple channels to support even faster data transfer rates. A CXP cable can supply up to 13W of power per cable and requires that both the ‘device’ and the ‘host’ support the GenICam camera programming interface. While single-lane coaxial cables are inexpensive, the cost of setting up multi-lane cable assemblies and frame grabbers add up very quickly.

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CameraLink The CameraLink standard was launched in the year 2000 by Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and has been upgraded progressively in order to support higher data speeds, with some versions requiring two cables for transmission.

The three main configurations available include Base (2.04Gbit/s), Medium (5.44Gbit/s) and Deca/Extended (6.8Gbit/s).

The base standard uses MDR (“Mini D Ribbon”) 26-pin connector, while the medium/ full configuration doubles capacity using a second cable.

The Deca/Extended versions go beyond limits imposed by CameraLink, carrying up to 6.8 Gbit/s of data. Like CXP interfaces, CameraLink requires frame grabbers and additionally need to be compatible with Power over Camera Link (PoCL) standard in order to supply power. CameraLink lacks any error correction or resend capabilities,

Consumer interfaces These interfaces enable machine vision cameras to connect with host systems using widely available USB and Ethernet standards. For most machine vision applications, the USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gigabit Ethernet consumer interfaces provide a winning combination of convenience, speed, simplicity and affordability. Furthermore, consumer interfaces support widely available hardware and peripherals for machine vision implementation. USB and Ethernet hubs, switches, cables and interface cards can be purchased anywhere from Amazon to your local computer or electronics store at a range of price points to suit your exact requirements. Most PCs, laptops and embedded systems include at least one port each of Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.1 Gen 1.

The most obvious difference between these categories of interfaces is their bandwidth.

Faster interfaces enable higher framerates (Fig. 1) for a given resolution. A faster interface enables you to capture more images each second or capture

higher resolution images without sacrificing throughput.

For example, a semiconductor wafer inspection system being upgraded from 8” to 12” wafers, higher resolution cameras will be required. In this case, the system designer will need to choose between keeping their existing interface and trading higher resolution for reduced throughput, or upgrading to a faster interface to maintain, or improve the throughput.

Your requirements for resolution, frame rate, cable length and host system configuration should all be considered to ensure you get performance you require without spending more than you need. FLIR’s machine visions cameras support all three trusted and widely available interfaces.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) USB is everywhere. Look around and count the number of USB devices and accessories around you. See what we mean? Most USB machine vision cameras use the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface.

This interface provides up to 4Gibt/s of image data bandwidth between the camera

and the host system. The USB3 Vision standard helps ensure compatibility between a wide range of cameras and software by defining a common set of device detection, image transfer and camera control protocols.

USB supports Direct Memory Access (DMA). With this DMA capability, image data can be transferred across from the USB directly into memory where it is available for use by software. DMA coupled with the widespread support for USB and availability of drivers for USB controllers on virtually any hardware platform makes USB ideal for use in embedded systems. The 5m maximum cable length of USB 3.1 Gen 1 is generally not an issue for embedded systems. USB 3.1 Gen 1 can simplify system design by supplying up to 4.5 W of power to a camera. The recently developed USB Power Delivery specification allows some hosts to supply more power to devices like rapid-charging mobile phones, this specification is independent from the base USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard and has not been adopted by machine vision camera manufacturers.

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High-flexibility USB cables help maximize the lifespan of cables in systems where the camera must be moved repeatedly.

Active optical cables (AOCs) may be used to greatly extend the working distance and provide Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) resistance. The performance of active optical cables is dependant on the throughput requirements and the host system configuration.

When using optical cables, even those that supply power via the cable, FLIR recommends using powering cameras externally via GPIO. Additionally, locking USB cables provide a secure connection between cables, cameras and host systems. Prior to purchasing locking cables, FLIR recommends checking the locking screw position and spacing compatibility, as several options are available.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is available on FLIR Blackfly S - Cased and Board level versions, and the tiny Firefly GigE provides up to 1Gbit/s of image data bandwidth.

Its combination of simplicity, speed, 100m maximum cable length and ability to supply power to cameras over a single cable make it an extremely popular camera interface.

Ethernet cables are available with robust shielding. This is ideal for environments with high electromagnetic interference

caused by proximity to the powerful motors found in some robots and metrology equipment. FLIR GigE cameras also support a packet resend feature which further boosts transmission reliability.

there are Ethernet cables designed to protect against EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), high temperature and chemical resistance, while some cater to high flexibility requirements and so on.

Unlike USB, GigE does not support DMA. Packets containing image data are transmitted to the host where they must be reassembled into image frames prior to being copied to software accessible memory. This process is trivial for modern PCs, though it may result in latency for some lowpower embedded systems with limited system resources.

Ethernet cables have a category number depending on their construction. CAT5e is the most common for GigE, while CAT6A, CAT7 and CAT8 may be used for additional EMI resistance at the expense of greater cost and increased cable diameter.

Some industrial devices use an X-Coded M12 (Fig. 3, right) connector to provide increased shielding, however, for most applications, the familiar RJ-45 connector is good enough and provides greater convince at lower cost. Additionally, screw locking RJ45 connectors easily add additional security to RJ45 cables.

The widespread adoption of Gigabit Ethernet means there is an incredibly wide range of supporting products from cables to switches, ready to meet any project requirement. GigE cameras support the IEEE1588 PTP time synchronization protocol, enabling cameras and other Ethernet enabled devices such as actuators and industrial Programmable Logic Controllers to operate on a precisely synchronized common time base. The widespread adoption of Ethernet across many industries has enabled availability of many specialized cables and connectors for a wide range of use cases. For example,

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GigE and 10GigE can be combined in numerous ways.

Multiple GigE cameras can be connected to a 10GigE switch to support multiple GigE cameras at full speed over a single 10GigE port on a host system While CAT5e cables will work with 10GigE cameras over distances less than 30m, CAT6A or higher cables are recommended.

For more information, please visit: www.flir.co.uk or call on

SICK’s Deep Learning Brings Simplicity To Complex AI Inspection being shown example images and learn in the same way that humans do to judge a good inspection and what variations can be tolerated.

SICK has launched a suite of Deep Learning apps and services to simplify machine vision quality inspection for challenging components, assemblies, surfaces or food produce, especially those that have previously defied automation and remained distinguishable only by human inspection.

SICK Deep Learning radically reduces set-up time and cost by enabling Artificial Intelligence image classification to run directly onboard SICK smart devices. With Deep Learning, programmable SICK devices take decisions automatically using specially-optimised neural networks and run accurate and reliable inspections that would have previously been extremely challenging or simply impossible to achieve in highspeed automated processes across many different industries.

Developed with user-simplicity at their core, SICK’s Deep Learning products cater for a wide range of needs and skill levels. The Deep Learning Starter App is designed for easy-set up by entry-level users, while the ready-to-use Intelligent Inspection Sensor App provides

quick and easy integration with a large set of configurable machine vision tools. More experienced programmers and integrators can also create and customise their own Deep Learning sensor apps using the SICK AppSpace software platform. With SICK Deep Learning, what formerly took a team of developers half a year to create, can now be achieved for a relatively small investment in a just a few hours,” says Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging. “Machine builders and production teams alike can revisit inspection processes that have previously been too complex to automate, whether retrofitting systems into existing production environments or developing completely new machines.

“Through a simple step-bystep user interface, the SICK neural networks are trained by being shown example images and learn in the same way that humans do to judge a good inspection and what variations can be tolerated.

“Through a simple step-by-step user interface, the SICK neural networks are trained by

Released as part of the initial launch, SICK Deep Learning is available using the Inspector P 621 2D vision sensor, and the SIM 1012 programmable Sensor Integration Machine generally running with SICK’s Picocam or Midicam streaming cameras.

The longer-term roll-out will see SICK Deep Learning enabled across both SICK smart 2D and 3D vision sensors, and SICK data processing gateways.

With SICK Deep Learning, the image inference is carried out directly on the device in a short and predictable decision time, without the need for an additional PC, and results are output to the control as sensor values. Because system training is done in the Cloud, there is also no need for separate training hardware or software, saving on implementation time and cost.

Users follow the intuitive graphic interface of the SICK dStudio online service to select and train their neural network in a few simple steps: Once the SICK devices are set up, users are prompted to gather images of the inspection in realistic production conditions, and then sort them into classes.

Using dStudio, the pre-sorted images are uploaded to the Cloud where the image training process is completed by the neural network. The user can then apply further production images to evaluate and adjust the system. When satisfied, the neural network can be downloaded to the Deep Learning-enabled SICK device, and the automated inference process will begin with no further Cloud connection necessary.

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

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Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode From NAWA Technologies To Bring Quantum Leap In Battery Performance NAWA is developing different concepts of coatings with various chemistries and partners - it expects the technology to be introduced and in production as early as 2023.

Both electrode products benefit from the six years NAWA has spent developing its VACNT growth process for its nextgeneration ultracapacitors, having now reached the capacity to grow VACNT on both sides of a one metre width aluminium substrate in a roll-toroll manner, with no solvents or binders, reducing the electrode cost on a $/Wh basis by 30 per cent.

Eco-friendly NAWA Technologies presents the Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode, a breakthrough nano-based innovation that unlocks nextlevel performance for all types of batteries, particularly those used by electric vehicles.

Currently one of the major limitations of battery power, energy and lifecycle is the design and material used for the electrode. Based on inefficient powders, existing electrodes have low electrical, thermal and ionic conductivity, along with poor mechanical behaviour when discharged and recharged, and can also suffer from early delamination and degradation leading to safety and lifecycle issues.

But based on NAWA’s patented vertically-aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) design, which is also the basis of its next-generation ultracapacitors, the revolutionary Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode combines the highest ionic conductivity – thanks to a 3D fully accessible nanostructure – with the highest electrical and thermal conductivity, provided by its arrangement of 100 billion nanotubes per sq cm, all vertically aligned.

Nano-design for quantum leap in performance This new 3D electrode geometry can solve the vast majority of performance constraints faced by global battery makers, boosting battery power by a factor 10, energy storage by up to three, lifecycle by up to five and reduce charging time down to minutes instead of hours. What’s more, with the electrodes accounting for almost 25 per cent of the total battery cost and today’s global lithium-ion battery market worth in excess of $35 billion*, NAWA believes that its new design can offer significant cost savings.

Applicable to all chemistries NAWA’s Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode is a universal system, available as a primer for existing electrodes – where the VACNT increases electrical conduction – and ready for market in as little as 12 months. It is also available as a full 3D-electrode (anode or cathode) where the VACNT themselves serve as a framework on which lithium insertion material can be coated.

This is the most advanced and efficient use of the innovation.

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NAWA’s dry electrode technology also brings significant environmental advantages, being easily recyclable and eco-disposable at the end of its long lifecycle. As a result, NAWA estimates that by using an Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode in lithium battery cell, the CO2 footprint could be reduced by as much as 60 per cent, simply because less active material is required.

Huge benefits for electric vehicles All types of batteries can benefit from the Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode, but with the automotive industry now consuming 75 percent of lithium battery production and electric vehicles requiring ever-improved range, charging times and lifecycles, NAWA Technologies sees this sector as a major target.

Applied to an electric vehicle, an advanced lithium-ion battery with an Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode could double the kWh stored, meaning EVs could draw on more power to go further, or faster, making 1,000km ranges commonplace in a mass market EV. Charging time could be reduced to as little as

five minutes for an 80 per cent charge, while battery lifecycle could be improved by a factor of up to five.

In addition, NAWA Technologies is also developing a concept called NAWAShell, an integrated structural hybrid battery that incorporates VACNT to give two complimentary characteristics: enhanced mechanical strength and electrical energy storage within the core of the composite structure.

Pascal Boulanger, Founder, Chairman of the board, CTO and COO said: “Since the beginning of the battery industry, most performance increases have come from materials but it has reached a plateau today. Combine abundant carbon with nanoscale electrode architecture advances and you have a gamechanger. NAWA’s Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode brings a step change in electrode design and performance thanks to our vertically aligned carbon

nanotube technology. Offering huge increases in power, energy storage and lifecycle, as well as being clean and cost-effective, the potential is enormous.”

Ulrik Grape, CEO of NAWA Technologies said: “NAWA’s Ultra Fast Carbon Electrode will allow us to charge batteries faster, go further and for longer – and all with a product based on one of the world’s most abundant and green materials: carbon. Our technology can help to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of battery systems, so much so that we believe this electrode innovation could halve the time in which an electric vehicle pays back the CO2 created in its manufacture – as well as being able to recharge in the same time it takes to refuel, and drive the same distance on electricity as a tank of gas.”

For more information please visit: www.nawatechnologies. com

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Nanofabrica’s “NanoTalks” Series Begins With Marie Langer, CEO At EOS As such the company draws on the input from these different communities, and unearths some really interesting insight from a diverse group of industry influencers.

As companies look to virtual interaction to inform their customer base and provide useful content during the pandemic, micro-additive manufacturing (AM) technology developer Nanofabrica is pleased to announce a series of “NANOTALKS” which feature conversations with key people working in the AM and micro manufacturing space. The idea behind NANOTALKS is to facilitate short meaningful conversations on issues that are relevant to industry in these unprecedented times, and each is curated by Tovit Neizer, VP Business Development and Marketing at Nanofabrica.

“We were fortunate to have Marie Langer, CEO at EOS talk with us in the first episode of NANOTALKS. Our conversation was fascinating and she delved into the psychology of the workplace and getting the best out of teams working in this disruptive area of industry,“ Neizer explains. “Marie discusses the role of psychology when it comes to leadership and

organisational culture, and also driving change in the world. She advocates the necessity for a good work/life balance, and sees this as pivotal for company goals to be achieved successfully.”

“At Nanofabrica, we are aware that there is an enormous amount of ‘virtual’ activity taking place as people that would normally be travelling to trade shows or face-to-face meetings seek out new ways of communicating. We also realise that there is quite a lot of fatigue setting in as people become tired of back-to-back zoom calls and virtual events. It is with this in mind that we decided to launch our NANOTALKS as an interesting snap shot as to how industry peers are working and responding to current issues as they do business,” Neizer describes.

Nanofabrica is ideally placed to produce the NANOTALKS series, working as it does at the intersection between micro manufacturing and additive manufacturing.

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Neizer continues, “Nanofabrica has developed the first commercially viable micro AM technology, and we are especially interested in not just additive manufacturing as a prototype and batch production technology, but also its use in the manufacture of direct rapid soft tooling (DRST). In our NANOTALKS series we extend our conversations beyond just the AM community, and into the areas of micro manufacturing and micro molding. So saying, we have also just completed a discussion with Aaron Johnson, VP Marketing & Customer Strategy at micro molding specialist Accumold who gives us some really interesting insight into optimal ways of keeping visible and relevant in these unusual times. My conversation with Aaron will be released next as part of the NANOTALKS series.”

The NANOTALKS series is available on Nanofabrica’s YouTube channel, and the link to the first talk with Marie Langer is HERE. For more information, visit: www.nano-fabrica.com call +972 54 280 1880 info@nano-fabrica.com

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Altus Offers Innovative Systems From Rehm Innovators In Next-Generation Batteries Electronic vehicles are growing at an astounding rate globally.

This increase demands electronics components are highly reliability and with greater longevity. Rehm Thermal Systems, Altus Group’s preeminent supplier, is working on the development of new production technologies for solid state batteries, a gamechanger in the future of electromobility.

Using their extensive experience in providing drying and coating solutions for battery packs, Rehm is using its expertise to help advance the electronic vehicle(EV) sector. The EV market was valued at $162.34 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $802.81 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 22.6% . This huge increase requires vehicles that have a bigger range and are cost-effective. To help in this endeavour batteries are being developed with higher energy density, shorter charging time, longer service life, improved safety characteristics as well as environmentally friendly and resource-saving production.

As a part of the ARTEMYS research project, Rehm is working together with institutes and industrial partners to develop materials and production technologies for solid state batteries – the promising next generation of lithium-ion batteries.

Altus Group provides capital equipment from Rehm throughout the UK and Ireland, including the latest drying solution. Matthew Jones, Altus Sales Director said: “Solid-state batteries will revolutionise the electric vehicles of the future. We are very pleased to be associated with Rehm, an innovator in the future technology for solid state batteries.

“Rehm is working on the cooperative project to develop scalable production solutions for the drying and sintering of oxide composite cathodes and solid electrolyte separators found in solid-state batteries. Their range of drying solutions are making a huge difference to the nextgeneration batteries required for EV.

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Drying the electrodes is an important step in the production process for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. With its reel-to-reel drying system RDS Battery, Rehm provides a concept that can be used to achieve the drying temperature via infrared radiation, convection, or a combination of both heattransfer mechanisms. The system is primarily designed for research facilities.

With the ProtectoXP and ProtectoXC coating systems, Rehm also offers systems that provide solutions for bonding and coating processes for battery system construction and for power electronics.

Altus offers a range of systems from Rehm, with a team of experts ready to advise on the best solutions for specific manufacturing processes, including the latest solutions for electromobility.

For further information visit www.altus.co.uk

Equipmake Launches Next-Gen, Cost-Effective ASIL-D Ready Inverter For High Performance Electric Vehicles Leading electrification specialist, Equipmake, has launched an all-new inverter that combines off-the-shelf ASIL-D functional safety with exceptional power density, making it the cost-effective choice for manufacturers of low volume, high performance electric vehicles such as hypercars and electrified classics. Based in Norfolk, UK, Equipmake provides EV technology to automotive OEMs and specialist supercar makers, producing everything from industry-leading electric motors to power electronic systems, all the way up to complete EV drivetrains, while also operating across marine, mining, off-highway, agriculture and aerospace.

Playing a crucial role in the EV powertrain, the inverter converts DC charge from the battery to AC charge to drive the electric motor, also timing switching changes to adjust the frequency of the AC charge to control the speed of the motor, much like a fuel injection and ignition system does in a combustion engine.

With the growth in low volume production of electric sports cars, including all-new hypercars and electrified classic cars from OEMs and start-ups alike, Equipmake has developed the HPI-450 to address a major challenge faced by these manufacturers: equipping their vehicle with an inverter that has ASIL-D functional safety and high performance but comes in on budget too.

Ian Foley, Managing Director, Equipmake said: “Until now, high performance inverters with ASIL-D functional safety have only really been available from Tier 1 suppliers to OEMs at considerable cost. That cost is not viable for low volume runs, so for a manufacturer of niche high performance electric vehicles – and even an OEM looking to do a low volume run of EVs – sourcing the right inverter has been a challenge.

Equipmake has solved this with the HPI-450, which not only has off-the-shelf ASIL-D status but outstanding power density, at a cost that is very competitive even at low volumes.”

Engineered and manufactured in the UK, Equipmake’s HPI450 inverter boasts high power density of 30 kW/kg.

Featuring Semikron IGBT modules, the HPI-450 inverter is capable of switching frequencies at up to 20 kHz. Equipmake’s HPI-450 inverter is available now and can be ordered in production runs of tens of units, right up to thousands. It joins the company’s other industryleading innovations, including its APM electric motor, believed to be the most power dense in global series production.

Late last year, Equipmake opened an all-new factory in Snetterton, Norfolk, where the company provides the complete electric mobility solution – whatever the sector – offering the capability to design, test and manufacture everything from motors to fully electrified platforms. It also sources and supplies the very latest lithium-ion batteries, creating entire electric drivetrains for an increasingly international customer base.

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NSK initiatives Combat Counterfeit Bearing Manufacture

To highlight the extent of the problem, around 23,000 counterfeit NSK packages and labels were recently discovered in Hebei Province, China, while a follow-up raid at another factory owned by the same offender revealed over 90,000 counterfeit bearing boxes and 10 imitation printing plates covering four major bearing companies, including NSK. Upon examining the premises, the range of machinery and equipment in-situ indicated the level of capability many counterfeiters have at their disposal. Several machines for printing, laminating, die-cutting, creasing and cutting were discovered. Aside from the fake boxes, officials also found many stacks of uncut packages, most of which were NSK. All products were confiscated and taken to the Market Supervisory Board (MSB), the local trademark infringement office.

Revealing the real cost The acquisition of counterfeit bearings is not cost effective.

Although such products may come with a lower price tag, due to issues such as poor-quality machining and the use of lower grade raw materials, they will almost certainly fail prematurely.

Early bearing failure impacts on product/system reliability,

introducing unplanned maintenance and repair costs, which in turn increase TCO (total cost of ownership). There is also a major cost associated with the subsequent damage to company/brand reputation.

NSK wants to protect customers by excluding illegal players and products from the market which have the potential to fail prematurely, most significantly, presenting an inherent safety risk. The aim is to eliminate the counterfeit syndicates, suspend counterfeit manufacturing operations and distribution channels, and take legal action against the perpetrators.

A big part of this effort involves co-operation with authorities in China. Partnering with customs and border control for instance, serves to protect against the outflow of fake bearings. To complement these efforts, raid activities are also conducted by central and local government organisations.

Let apps do the work Technology has a major role to play in the fight against replica bearings. A good example is the recently developed ‘NSK Verify’, a free app which allows customers to assess the authenticity of machine tool bearings by using their smartphones to scan a unique 2D barcode found on the box.

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As the latest step in eliminating fake bearings, NSK has joined forces with the WBA (World Bearing Association) to create a new app that is applicable to multiple manufacturers, ‘WBA Bearing Authenticator: WBA Check’. The WBA works globally to enforce the law on counterfeiters and eliminate fake bearings – including through app development. This non- profit and unincorporated industrial association promotes the common, lawful interests of the world’s bearing industry, such as open economic engagement, sustainable development and the protection of legal rights. NSK is an active member.

Similar in function to NSK Verify, the WBA Check app assesses the bearing authenticity of WBA member companies by scanning a compatible 2D barcode, making it easier for customers who use bearings from multiple manufacturers.

Furthermore, if an unregistered bearing is detected, the app automatically notifies NSK. Use an authorised source While apps are ideal for identifying fake bearings that have already arrived at the end user, a more preventative way of combatting the counterfeiters is to buy exclusively from Authorised NSK Distributors and Dealers. Such outlets obtain original NSK products directly from the NSK group and add value through the provision of advice, aftersales service and warranties.

In tandem with all of these efforts, NSK regularly promotes the value of its brand to the market via brand protection activities, along with the provision of educational programmes for distributors and colleagues.

For more information visit: www.stopfakebearings.com or email: pilath-m@nsk.com

Ewon DataMailbox – Remote Access To Machine Data Just Got A Lot Easier!

HMS Networks now launches Ewon® DataMailbox, a secure freemium cloud-based solution allowing machine builders and factory owners to easily access data from their machines anywhere in the world.

data at their convenience. This allows for big data analytics and dashboards for predictive maintenance and operational intelligence.

What is Ewon DataMailbox?

It is possible to set up a data connection in a couple of hours, no matter how complex the IT environment is, and also scale up when necessary. Users can add machines to the process in a couple of clicks.

DataMailbox is an online data buffer that enables easy retrieval of data from machines. It is a part of the Ewon Talk2M cloud service.

How it works The Ewon routers Cosy and Flexy connect to a remote machine and send data via Ethernet or cellular connection to the Talk2M cloud. The DataMailbox is a part of Talk2M allowing application developers to easily retrieve historical data from multiple Ewon gateways using a simple API call.

The results Customers can collect data from multiple machines anywhere in the world in a highly secure process in order to analyze this

A fast and secure way to enable access to machine data

With the DataMailbox as a data buffer, users will avoid losing data, no matter how many sites they are collecting from as data is automatically stored and forwarded if the internet connection is down.

Users also always have access to a clean historical dataset for analytics applications.

Freemium The DataMailbox is a freemium service within the Ewon Talk2M cloud, meaning that customers can utilize it for free for an unlimited time. By moving to

the Pro version, customers get covered by a unique Service Level Agreement and can process even more data.

The Freemium approach and ease of access in no way compromises the security as Ewon solutions are trendsetters in cybersecurity.

By adding this innovative service to its range of hardware, Ewon proposes an easy and scalable integrated solution to collect and process data from an unlimited number of sites, allowing customers to increase their efficiency.

“In a time when it is risky and expensive to allow people into factories, it is our duty to provide customers with an easy, secure and scalable solution to collect data from several sites, allowing users to improve their efficiency”, says Francis Vander Ghinst, General Manager of HMS’s Business Unit Ewon.

For more information, visit www. ewon.biz and the knowledge base articles at www.ewon.biz/support.

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ACE Ceiling Products Completes Prestigious Projects With Help From Lantek

ACE Ceiling Products has been manufacturing bespoke sheet metal components since the early 80s and is a leader in its specialist field of bespoke construction projects and ceilings. A step change in its business was the introduction of Amada CNC punching machines in 1998, enabling it to produce micro perforated sheets which have 1.5mm diameter holes at 2mm pitch, widely used in the industry for specialist ceiling tiles.

The company, based in Coventry, now has three Amada punch presses, a Vipros 355 and 368 and a 2510 with automated sheet handling, using Lantek Expert to efficiently nest parts and auto-tool all the punching operations. Damian Jones of ACE Ceiling Products says, “I had known about Lantek Expert for a long time and when we looked at it in detail its ability to work with 3D models and parametric designs was impressive.

Introducing the software has led to a 90% reduction in our CNC programming workload.”

Working closely with architects, ACE Ceiling Products gets

involved at the concept stage of the project, helping to turn the architect’s designs into reality with advice on how they can be manufactured and assembled.

3D models of the concept with rendered images are built in ACE Ceiling’s Creo CAD software and proposals and images are discussed with the architect before a full size mock-up is built, working through to final approval of the designs. At this stage, installation is put out to tender and ACE Ceilings can start full scale manufacture of the component panels required in the project.

Some of the major projects the company has been involved in include the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium opened in 2019, Goldman Sachs headquarters in London and redevelopment of the ceilings in disused platforms and tunnels at Waterloo station ready for reopening.

90% of ACE Ceiling Products’ work goes through the Lantek software. Much of the project work requires parametric design of families of parts. The

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flattened component parts are then imported into Lantek Expert. Nesting is carried out according to material type and thickness, mixing parts from different jobs on the same sheet.

Damian Jones says, “All the parts are brought into the software and nested as a collective. We may have 100 parts which are auto nested together and then auto-tooled. We may then have 20 sheets or more to make up the workload. Parts are tagged into the sheet and we identify them with a series of small holes which make up a code for each part number. The auto-tooling is very good, making the process automatic while, the auto nesting has generated savings of around 15% in material usage despite our panel parts being large and difficult to nest efficiently.”

Lantek is currently developing some macros for ACE Ceiling Products to help it in the manufacture of specific families of parts. Damian Jones adds, “We now have spare capacity thanks to the Vipros 355 and 368 machines and the 24hour unmanned operation capability of the Amada 2510. Lantek has been a vital part in making this possible as its automated programming and nesting has given us the capability to use the machines to their full capacity. We are now ready to expand our business for the future benefit of our customers.”

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Say Halo To The Future Of Digital Quality Control drain on resources and save thousands of pounds each month.

Additionally, reducing the frequency of manual testing helps to eliminate the risk of human error and workplace injury at critical control points on a manufacturing line.

Fortress Technology’s European Managing Director Phil Brown explains: “Manual tests on metal detectors handling freefalling products, those fitted above bagging lines or ones processing bulk products are challenging. They can be difficult to reach, need two people to complete the test and incur production loss while each test is completed.”

100% QC CONFIDENCE

To successfully comply with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) production standards, it is important for food manufacturers to have an appropriate and effective testing system established for the audit process of industrial metal detectors. Depending on the criteria set out by each retailer Code of Practice (COP), tests are typically scheduled throughout the day at hourly intervals to confirm the inspection system is working as it should be.

However, regular checks that are carried out manually can be a drain on resources. This is particularly true when testing metal detectors is made difficult due to access, machine position, product flow and environmental conditions. This is where Fortress’ Halo digital testing comes in. Guaranteed to save food manufacturers time and money, Halo automatically and independently checks for all metal materials - ferrous, nonferrous and stainless steel. The system also checks

the performance of the reject system, forming an important part of manufacturing due diligence.

Traditionally installed on throat, pipeline and gravity metal detectors that inspect loose or free-falling products on bagging lines, including rice, sauces, cereals, powders, corn, sugar and snack foods, the latest Halo software release from Fortress is also beneficial when inspecting bulk bags and boxes on a conveyor style metal detector. In addition to reducing operational costs, digital testing also reduces waste and product rework.

TIME IS MONEY Up until now, metal detectors had to be manually checked every hour for QC compliance.

However, the cost of running these tests by hand on such a regular basis can be high. Rather than relying on operatives to schedule, perform, document and submit inspection checks, Halo digital testing software automates the timely aspects of the process, allowing food manufacturers to tackle this

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Additionally, the recommended test point on a detector is the very centre of the aperture where the signal is least sensitive. However, it’s impossible on a vertical line, for example, to manually drop a test sample into the centre of the detector, which can result in data records showing inconsistent signal variations.

When specifying Halo on a Fortress metal detector, the QC test is completed with 100 percent accuracy by generating signals to disturb the magnetic field in the centre of the metal detector’s aperture. The check result shows the size to be exactly the same as if a real piece of metal passed through the detector.

As an external device, Halo gives manufacturers a true measure of how each metal detector is performing, removing the risk of human error while providing a reliable audit trail. This detail also means that production doesn’t stop while the test is in progress, and will only stop the line if the metal detector or reject checks fail. www.fortresstechnology.com

Apple Producer Picks Brillopak To Automate Packing Facility

The project saw Brillopak install two PAKStations, four UniPAKer robotic crate packing systems, four Crate DESTAKers, two bale arm closers, four vertical accumulation units and three robotic palletisers. Thanks to this investment, Adrian Scripps has tripled productivity from 2.5-5 packs to 15 packs per person per min. This has enabled the packing hall to align its capacity with increased production that has come about as a result of replanting orchards, introducing new varieties and adopting new farming methods.

“Any equipment investments in our packing house have to stack up against investments in our orchards,” says James Simpson, Managing Director of Adrian Scripps.

Adrian Scripps’ commitment to automation has earned this family business pioneering status in a sector that is heavily reliant on manual labour for picking, processing and packing.

“In our sector it has been difficult to automate; you might assume that apples flow easily because they are round, but they don’t…and pears are even more awkward, so there

are considerable handling challenges to overcome. But we have invested significantly in automation so that we can pack apples more efficiently and it is paying dividends; our productivity per person has been accelerated by robotics,” says James.

From starting life in 1960 as a traditional Weald of Kent fruit, hops and livestock farm, Adrian Scripps has grown into one of the UK’s premier growers and packers of English fruit. Several varieties of apple – Braeburn, Kanzi, Jazz, Opal, Gala, Red Prince and Bramley – along with Conference pears and blackcurrants, are grown on five farms totalling 750 hectares.

As well as being the UK’s largest exporter of apples, the family owned farming business is one of Tesco’s key apple suppliers – a relationship that stretches back more than 30 years and has seen much change in the way that fruit is handled at the company’s centralised packing facility on Moat Farm.

Top of the tree In a sector that has historically shied away from automation, Adrian Scripps has become

something of a trailblazer whilst remaining true to its roots as a family farming business.

Whilst every single apple is still hand-picked, the company’s sorting operation has been automated for over 30 years.

Here, fruit is transported through a pre-sizing machine in water channels; letting the apples float like this protects them from bumps, bruising and damage that may result from over-handling. Imaging technology checks the colour, sugar content, internal quality, size and shape of each individual apple, identifying any blemishes and imperfections. Apples are then graded by weight, quality etc. Same category fruit are packed into 300kg plastic crates and transferred to the packaging operation.

“This means that the packaging operation is presented with a uniform product that has already been sorted and graded,” says James.

It is the packaging process that has been the company’s focus for automation in the last eight years, initially with the aim of reducing handling through a linear automated process.

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Historically, apples were sold either loose in moulded fibre trays or in plastic bags with a neck tie. Both packing operations were entirely manual, and packing staff worked at a rate of 2.5-5 packs per minute (ppm) on average. Then, in 2013, Adrian Scripps took the decision to invest in automated flow wrapping equipment, accelerating the speed of the packaging operation.

“That left us with lots of packs coming off the flow wrapper at speed, creating a very repetitive task – that was when we engaged Brillopak, who we knew had experience in automation in FMCGs for the grocery trade,” explains James.

On visiting Adrian Scripps, Brillopak quickly got the measure of the situation.

“Up to three people were trying to manually pack flow wrapped apples into retail crates at a rate of up to 60 per minute per line.

The packing operatives couldn’t consistently keep up with the pace, which meant upstream efficiency improvements from their grading and flow-wrap investments were impacted,” recalls David Jahn, director at Brillopak.

“Brillopak immediately understood what we were looking for and very quickly got to grips with the challenges,” says James.

Ergonomic PAKStation replaces rotating table Brillopak’s engineers designed a semi-automated version of the traditional ‘Lazy Susan’ style packing station, which, later branded the PAKStation, was to go on to become one of its best-selling packaging solutions.

The ergonomic system, which helps manual staff load packs of fresh produce into retail crates, has significantly enhanced productivity at more than 12 UK fresh produce packhouses to date.

“The PAKStation has made the entire process easier for the person packing. Historically, packs were presented to packing staff on a Lazy Susan rotary table, which allows a large area for crates to accumulate.

We wanted a solution whereby crates were presented to the operator without accumulation, so that the pace of packing is dictated by the machine rather than people,” says Simpson. The PAKStation gave Adrian Scripps a flexible semi-automated solution on two of its four lines.

However, with the vast majority of the company’s production in one single format, and volumes increasing year on year, it wasn’t long before Adrian Scripps was ready for the next automation chapter – upgrading its other two lines to a fully automated workflow and installing two completely new packing andpalletising lines.

“Our orchard productivity has increased through advancement of the trellis system and the replanting of old orchards, introducing new varieties such as Red Prince, Gala and Braeburn.

As a result we have doubled our per hectare productivity in the last 15 years, from 35 tonnes per hectare to 70-80 tonnes per hectare,” says James.

He continues: “We knew we had a lot more fruit coming into production between 2018 and 2022, so we needed our packing facility to be able to accommodate this. In 2013 our facility processed approximately 30,000 boxes of apples and pears every week, each containing 10-12kg of fruit. Now typical weekly production is 80100,000 boxes a week.”

Flexible UniPAKer fits the brief The company considered other packing systems, but it was the inherent flexibility of the awardwinning UniPAKer robotic crate packing solution that once again convinced Adrian Scripps to partner Brillopak on this project.

“We looked at mechanical systems where the pack is turned to orientate it, but the flexibility of the UniPAKer won us over – it is infinitely programmable and allows you to make very small adjustments to get the pack to the exact target location,” explains James.

Each of the four UniPAKer crate loading cells at Adrian Scripps houses two delta type robots, each performing a single pick.

The benefit of a single pick is that it eliminates the need for accumulation. To maximise packing speed, the crate is dynamically loaded as it is moving; working alongside each other, the robots take it in turn to partially fill the crate, picking individual packs off the infeed conveyor and positioning them deftly and precisely in the crate at the programmed orientation.

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The robots perform this task with a degree of dexterity and rotation that would not be feasible with a layer-based automated handling system.

Many robotics suppliers shy away from applications involving delicate fruit such as apples, as they bruise very easily.

The speeds required to achieve target paybacks cannot be met without unacceptable levels of product damage, rendering some automation projects unfeasible.

Brillopak overcomes these challenges through innovative end-effector design, combined with in-depth knowledge of motion control and robotics.

“Apples are not an easy fruit to handle because they bruise very easily. This, combined with the need to execute a range of crate patterns, made this project a challenge that couldn’t be met by a mechanical system.

Brillopak rose to the challenge,” says James.

Case for DESTAKer stacks up Each UniPAKer is fed by a Brillopak Crate DESTAKer, an automated crate destacking solution that works on a unique

operating principle; rather than picking up the entire stack and relying on gravity to despatch the bottom crate, the Crate DESTAKer clamps the bottom crate down, lifts the rest of the stack up and then despatches the bottom crate. This prevents two crates from being despatched simultaneously in error if they get stuck together.

Bale arm checks When reducing the amount of labour on a line, additional controls are often needed at certain locations. At Adrian Scripps, after the packed crates leave the UniPAKer, they converge onto a single conveyor and pass through a bale arm closer.

“If the bale arm is broken or out of position, the crate won’t stack properly on a pallet. In an automated workflow, you can’t afford to compromise efficiency or stack stability with crates that aren’t intact,” says David.

On the bale arm closer, fingers push the plastic bale arm into closed position; four cylinders then come down and apply pressure. If there is no resistant force, this means the arm is broken or out of position.

Vertical accumulation prevents palletiser bottleneck Each line also incorporates a vertical accumulation unit just before the entrance to the palletiser. When there is a pallet changeover, instead of crates passing straight from the UniPAKer to the palletiser, the accumulation system lifts them vertically upwards. When the palletising robot is ready to accept its next load, it lowers the crates back down onto the track.

“When a finished pallet is removed from the line, there is a lag of 26 seconds before the robot is ready to start working on a new pallet load.

The principle of this vertical accumulation system is simple but it eliminates the need to stop the line whilst the palletiser catches up with the rest of the workflow,” says David.

The final element of the project was the palletising operation.

Brillopak supplied three compact robotic cell palletisers capable of operating at a rate of up to 30 crates per minute.

Besides its smaller-thanaverage footprint, the beauty of Brillopak’s palletising system is that the whole operation can

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be managed with a handtruck rather than a forklift. Empty pallets are delivered via handtruck to the inbuilt pallet dispenser, which automatically feeds them to the machine for presentation to the Nachi articulated robot. The system then automatically places the loaded pallet stack onto the floor to be taken away by a handtruck. For maximum efficiency, Brillopak’s compact palletiser accommodates two pallet stacks side-by-side.

When one stack is full the cell door slides open and the full pallet is removed. To maximise efficiency, all the machines in the workflow communicate with one another via sensors and a common control platform. For example, the Crate DESTAKer will only release another crate when it receives a signal from the UniPAKer. Adrian Scripps now has a fully automated crate packing operation with six packing lines each capable of running at up to 75 ppm, giving the company the capacity uplift it needed. Unlike many automation projects in the produce industry, this isn’t about reducing manual labour – it is about reducing cost per head.

Productivity per person increased “threefold” “Reduction of labour is a consideration, but it is productivity per person that we are really interested in,” says James. “Thanks to our investment in automation, this is considerably higher than it was.

In 2013, we were working at 2.5-5 packs per person per minute.

Now we are working at 15 packs per person per minute. That is a threefold increase.”

The packing facility employs 55-60 staff – and even though throughput has tripled this figure hasn’t changed in many years, which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Other metrics underline the success of the project too: whilst labour is 35% more than it was five years ago, Simpson says that cost per pack has come down. Whilst he concedes that other factors, such as reduced pack rates, have contributed to this, improved economics are a direct result of the company’s investment in automation.

James says that taken individually, all the different elements of the project will have different payback periods.

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“The palletisers, for example, are one of the most expensive pieces of kit, and because they don’t entirely remove an operator, they are slow to pay back. Other parts of the line, such as the UniPAKer, pay back more quickly, as each UniPAKer cell is an immediate replacement for two operators.”

He continues: “But just because a system doesn’t pay back quickly doesn’t mean it is not worth the investment. If we hadn’t purchased the palletisers, we wouldn’t be seeing the benefits that we are from the rest of the automation.”

James concluded “You can honestly trust Brillopak. A British company, on our doorstep at the forefront of their field.

They’re innovative, proactive and delivered everything we asked.

We couldn’t have worked with a better partner on this project.”

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NORD As A Solution Provider For The Food And Beverage Industry in CIP and SIP areas. Whether it comes to heating, cooling or freezing – NORD drive solutions are at home in all temperature zones and can be designed for extreme application conditions in cooking and baking lines or deep-freeze systems.

Agitating in all sizes

Thousands of installed drive systems are making NORD DRIVESYSTEMS one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive solutions across all branches of the food and beverage industry.

Based on their extensive knowledge of applications and the versatile modular system, NORD drive experts are providing complete drive solutions for all branches of the industry from a single source.

Reliable drive solutions are an essential requirement for the entire value creation chain throughout the food and beverage industry. From storing, conveying and processing of raw materials to process engineering and filling right up to packaging and logistics – drive systems tailored to the specific application are required.

They need to balance hygiene requirements, technological requirements and energy efficiency with product protection and demanding environmental conditions such as heat, cold or moisture in an economical way. In order to meet these requirements, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS designs reliable and high-quality

complete systems consisting of geared motors, frequency inverters and intelligent software.

Gentle and powerful pumping Amongst others, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS supplies pump drives with special functions tailored to the pumping medium such as high starting torques or soft start. Wall or motor-mounted frequency inverters facilitate decentralised automation concepts and mobile pumps with intelligent control concepts. In combination with the nsd tupH surface treatment, smooth surface motors and two-stage bevel gear unit based drives are created that combine light weight and high efficiency in a large number of variants with corrosion protection and hygienic smooth surfaces that are easy to clean.

Even without a fan, they are achieving a considerably better heat dissipation than stainless steel drives while still featuring a similar corrosion protection.

These properties are also required for drives in machines and systems for cutting and dosing as well as

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For processing steps such as agitating, mixing or kneading, NORD is building highperformance gear motors in all sizes with especially resilient output shaft bearings for high loads. For this application area, MAXXDRIVE® industrial gear units with output torques from 15 to 282 kNm are especially suitable. They can now also be equipped with the new SAFOMI adapter: a flange with an integrated oil expansion tank, increasing operational reliability and requiring fewer wearing parts. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS offers application-specific equipment options that combine high performance and efficiency, specifically designed for pumps, agitators and mixers with high process-related radial and axial bearing loads.

Perfect conveying, filling and packaging Synchronous motors with frequency inverter and encoder feedback via absolute or incremental encoders enable highly economic and precise positioning applications and dynamic movement of small and large packaging units.

NORD implements versatile solutions for horizontal, vertical and inclined conveyors as well as palletising systems, as well as customised drives for filling systems. For intralogistic systems, NORD also offers the LogiDrive concept: a modular system for individual, economical drive concepts that achieve an optimal balance between energy efficiency and reduction of variants.

Power Integrations’ New MinE-CAP IC Reduces Volume Of AC-DC Converters By Up To 40%

Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), the leader in highvoltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced the MinE-CAP™ IC for high power density, universal input AC-DC converters. By halving the size of the high-voltage bulk electrolytic capacitors required in offline power supplies, this new type of IC enables a reduction in adapter size of up to 40%. The MinECAP device also dramatically reduces in-rush current making NTC thermistors unnecessary, increasing system efficiency and reducing heat dissipation.

Comments Power Integrations’ product marketing director, Chris Lee: “The MinE-CAP will be a game-changer for compact chargers and adapters. Electrolytic capacitors are physically large, occupy a significant fraction of the internal volume and often constrain form factor options – particularly minimum thickness – of adapter designs. The MinECAP IC allows the designer to use predominantly low voltage rateding capacitors for a large portion of the energy storage, which shrinks the volume of those components linearly with voltage. USB PD has driven a

major market push towards small 65 W chargers and many companies have concentrated on increasing switching frequency to reduce the size of the flyback transformer.

MinE-CAP provides more volume saving than doubling the switching frequency, while actually increasing system efficiency.”

The MinE-CAP leverages the small size and low RDSon of PowiGaN™ gallium nitride transistors to actively and automatically connect and disconnect segments of the bulk capacitor network depending on AC line voltage conditions.

Designers using MinE-CAP select the smallest high-line rated bulk capacitor required for high AC line voltages, and allocate most of the energy storage to lower voltage capacitors that are protected by the MinE-CAP until needed at low AC line. This approach dramatically shrinks the size of input bulk capacitors without compromising output ripple, operating efficiency, or requiring redesign of the transformer.

Conventional power conversion solutions reduce power supply size by increasing switching frequency to allow the use

of a smaller transformer. The innovative MinE-CAP IC achieves just as significant overall power supply size reduction while using fewer components and avoiding the challenges of higher EMI and the increased transformer/clamp dissipation challenges associated with highfrequency designs. Applications include smart mobile chargers, appliances, power tools, lighting and automotive.

Said Bhaskar Thiagaragan, Director of Power Integrations India Ltd.: “MinE-CAP ICs are excellent for all locations with wide ranging input voltages.

In India we often design for voltages from 90 VAC to 350 VAC, with a generous surge de-rating above that. Engineers here often complain about the forest of expensive highvoltage capacitors required.

MinE-CAP dramatically reduces the number of high-voltage storage components, and shields lower voltage capacitors from the wild mains voltage swings, substantially enhancing robustness while reducing system maintenance and product returns.

For more information visit: https://ac-dc.power.com/ products/mine-cap-family/minecap/

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REE Automotive Hits The Track With Three Fully Modular, Next-Generation EV Platforms

REE Automotive (REE), the electric vehicle platform leader reshaping e-Mobility, today releases an all-new video showing not one, but three prototypes of its next-generation EV platforms.

Presenting a vision for a range of future electric delivery vehicles, each fully operational prototype features REE’s revolutionary, modular and flexible platform architecture, which answers the exponential demand for entirely new types of EVs – particularly commercial vehicles – driven by the surge in e-commerce, a trend further accelerated by Covid-19. REE’s EV platform consists of the REEcorner which powers full X-by-Wire technology for steering, braking and drive, and integrates all drivetrain, powertrain, suspension and steering components into the arch of the wheel. In addition, the breakthrough REEboard which enables the EV platform to be completely flat – offers customers the freedom to place any shape or size of body design on top.

Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and CEO: “EVs, particularly e-delivery vehicles, are in

huge demand, with growth drivers including global carbon-emission regulatory policies coupled with a boom e-commerce. There is also a rapid rise in ‘mobility as a service’ (MaaS). Our modular platform is set to revolutionize electric mobility and as we shared today, the journey is well underway. Our platform provides the perfect blank canvas for our customers on which to build EVs tailored to their needs, whether it’s a fully autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle, a spacious yet compact urban shuttle or a flexible delivery truck with higher load capability on a smaller footprint.”

Real-world proof of concept In the video REE showcases three of its modular nextgeneration EV platforms on the track, demonstrating its mastery of X-by-Wire technology in P1, P2 and P4 platforms. The P1 platform of up to 1.3-ton GVW is geared for LSV last-mile innercity delivery applications. The P2 platform scales up to 2.5tons GVW and is designed to transport passengers and cargo.

TheP4 platform offers up to 4.5tons GVW and is uniquely built for the North American market delivery segment.

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OEM and Tier 1 strategic partnerships REE’s groundbreaking approach provides customers with solutions to meet the huge demand in e-mobility and e-commerce. The industryleading advantages of REE’s next-generation electric platform, combined with REE’s unprecedented business model, has already led to the company being chosen by world-leading OEMs and mobility service providers. In August 2020, REE signed a memorandum of understanding with global OEM Mahindra to establish a strategic collaboration for the development and production of an initial capacity of up to 250,000 electric vehicles aimed at the commercial market. This follows on from partnerships REE had already successfully established with multinationals of the highest caliber, such as AAM, KYB, Musashi, NSK and Mitsubishi Corporation.

Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and CEO, concluded: “REE’s ambition is to be the industry leader in next-gen EV platforms.

Already we have strategically partnered with key global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, including Mahindra and KYB, to develop the EVs of tomorrow. Our adaptable, modular platforms provide the perfect solution for future mobility solutions, offering versatility and freedom of design – for commercial EVs, autonomous last-mile delivery pods and beyond. And with the unprecedented boom in e-commerce accelerated by COVID 19, the need for EV fleets is increasing exponentially. Our vision, to make REE platforms the cornerstone of zero-emission EVs and AVs, is becoming a reality.”

For more information visit: https://ree.auto/ or email: info@ree.auto

New-generation bullet train relies on NSK bearings Bearings for railway applications contribute directly to safe operation and travel. High reliability is key, as is the ability to support elevated speeds, improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements. The demands placed on railway bearings are especially apparent in bullet trains, which transport large numbers of passengers at high speeds over long distances.

Applications of this type call for highly efficient and durable bearings, along with meticulous quality control in all production processes. The ‘S’ suffix of the new-generation N700S bullet train stands for ‘Supreme’, signifying the progression in design, technology and comfort.

High-performance bearings from NSK can be found in the gearbox, axle and traction motor assemblies.

Regarding the gearbox, the N700S is the first Shinkansen to replace helical gears with herringbone gears, which offer increased reliability and lower noise output. Gearbox bearings are subject to intense shocks and vibration, so exhibiting a

long operational life under these conditions is a priority. NSK has been supplying tapered roller bearings for helical gears in bullet trains for decades.

Drawing on this experience, the company has designed a special flanged cylindrical roller bearing for the N700S’s herringbone gears that delivers longer life, lower heat generation and reduced maintenance compared with the previous generation product.

to longer life is a particular attribute. Concerning the N700S’s traction motors, NSK cylindrical roller bearings and deep groove ball bearings feature outer rings that are plasma-sprayed with a ceramic coating. This coating increases reliability by preventing any opportunity for electrolytic corrosion, an unwanted effect that occurs due to the transfer of electrical current through the inside of uninsulated bearings.

Further benefits of the gearbox bearings used on the N700S include improved seizure resistance, which has been achieved by optimising the design of areas that do not contact the flange face. In addition, a high-strength machined brass cage optimised with NSK’s proprietary R-pocket technology reduces internal stress in the cage structure.

NSK has been supporting the advancement of the global railway industry since the company first became involved with the sector in 1932. Bearings from NSK are trusted for their world-class safety, high-speed performance, high reliability and efficiency. Today, the company’s products are used by high-speed rail operators throughout Europe. Close ties with partners in the European OEM and aftermarket sectors help create products that bring about notable advances in this important industry.

For the axles, the NSK doublerow tapered roller bearings used in the previous Shinkansen have been further improved to deliver even higher reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

Lower heat generation leading

For more information, visit: www.nsk.com

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SAMS Ltd - Trusted, Reliable Training Provider

What Is A NEBOSH National General Certificate And Why Do You Need One? NEBOSH NG1&NG2: National General Certificate in Occ. Health & Safety (via Zoom)

£850.00 + VAT per person The Level 3 NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health has been created to help those who have health and safety duties within the workplace be able to carry out these tasks legally and efficiently, whilst protecting the company too. It enables you to identify and to effectively control and prevent workplace hazards, through the key knowledge learnt from this course.

This course is highly regarded and recognised nationwide and is classed as one of the most popular health and safety courses throughout the whole of the UK. There in an extensive range of subjects covered, focusing on the key issues surrounding health and safety within the workplace, and the measures that can be

implemented to prevent any accidents from arising.

Our NEBOSH Zoom course is for anybody who deals with the day to day implementation of health and safety within their workplace. Employees who will benefit greatly from this course include managers, supervisors, and other members of staff who require a broader knowledge of health and safety.

Taking this course can be the gateway towards a career in health and safety, providing you with an overview that is valuable, and a concrete base for you to further your professional study within this subject. This is especially suited to those of you are about to embark upon a career in occupational health

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and safety, as well as those who do not have any previous experience with health and safety guidelines, as all areas will be covered.

The NEBOSH Zoom course qualification is divided into two sections, which will all be assessed separately. These sections are: • NG1 – An open book exam • NG2 – A practical risk assessment (3 hours) NEBOSH not only accredits bodies such as IOSH but completing these sections and successfully passing the course will also enable you to become a member at a technician level of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

IOSH Managing Safely Remote Learning Course

ÂŁ330.00 + VAT per person What is IOSH Managing Safely?

IOSH (Institute of Health and Safety) Managing Safely course is designed to provide training and qualifications for managers and supervisors within all industries, to ensure they understand how to correctly manage health and safety within their teams. All our IOSH training is delivered by highly qualified and experienced instructors, over a duration of 21 hours.

The IOSH is the world’s biggest professional health and safety membership organisation, and SAMS (Safety and Management Solutions) are on hand to

provide IOSH training and certification in Kent. Read below to find out more about our IOSH safety training or check our training schedule.

Candidates who successfully complete the written and practical assessments at the end of the course will not only go home full of knowledge, but with a sense of why health and safety are an essential part of their job. They will also be awarded an IOSH certificate in Managing Safely.

What does the course consist of?

1. Introducing managing safely

2. Assessing risks 3. Controlling risks 4. Understanding your responsibilities 5. Identifying hazards 6. Investigating accidents and incidents 7. Measuring performance For all course bookings, enquiries or support for our online courses, you can call us on 01843 821406 or email info@samsltd.co.uk

Worldwide Engineering Magazine | 37

Virtual Classroom & Bite-Size Training Specialists Client Focused, Flexible And Dynamic ‘Blended’ Solutions...

Driven By Achieving The Results You Want!

Now more than ever it is important for employers to consider the mental wellbeing of their staff.

workers to ask for help sooner when they start to struggle (which leads to quicker recovery times).

Now more than ever it is important for employers to consider the mental wellbeing of their staff.

You wouldn’t consider running your business without trained H&S workers – so why should Mental Health be any different?

Training your employees in mental health first aid, shows you value mental health as much as you do physical health.

For years there has been a perceived stigma around mental health. Employers who show that they are supportive of mental health, help to reduce that stigma and so encourage

If you are looking to take a proactive approach to dealing with mental health issues in the workplace and want your staff to know how to identify the common symptoms and learn how to act upon them – this course is for you!

You wouldn’t consider running your business without trained H&S workers – so why should Mental Health be any different?

Training your employees in mental health first aid, shows you value mental health as much as you do physical health.

For years there has been a perceived stigma around mental health. Employers who show that they are supportive of mental health, help to reduce that stigma and so encourage

This is a proactive approach to managing mental health at work, that gives your employees the tools to feel more confident when dealing with this area.

workers to ask for help sooner when they start to struggle (which leads to quicker recovery times).

If you are looking to take a proactive approach to dealing with mental health issues in the workplace and want your staff to know how to identify the common symptoms and learn how to act upon them – this course is for you!

This is a proactive approach to managing mental health at work, that gives your employees the tools to feel more confident when dealing with this area. https://www.creativedgetraining. co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2020/08/Mental-HealthFirst-Aid-Brochure-1.pdf

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Worldwide Engineering Magazine | 39

Altair Introduces Altair Material Data Center, A Modern, Comprehensive, And High-Fidelity Material Database For Simulation • Intuitive user experience – simple web-based interface to intuitively browse, search, view, and compare material data • Comprehensive simulationcentric data views – material cards can be quickly and easily generated for Altair’s and all major solvers • Smooth integration – through an open API, the Altair Material Data Center can integrate with any desktop/solver for nondisruptive workflow Altair, (Nasdaq: ALTR) a global technology company providing solutions in data analytics, simulation, and highperformance computing (HPC), today announced the launch of the Altair Material Data Center, a modern, comprehensive, and high-fidelity material database for simulation. The Altair Material Data Center includes accurate data and data lineage for metals, plastics, and composites, and directly connects with Altair’s and other major solvers.

One of the most important decisions in product development is the selection of materials for production. Altair has been investing significantly in the area of material modeling for several years and recently acquired M-Base, a leading international supplier of material database and material information systems with a focus on plastics.

The launch of the Altair Material Data Center, now combined with M-Base’s plastic material database, allows Altair to provide the critical comprehensive material information and infrastructure needed to predict and optimize product performance through simulation. It enables designers, engineers, and scientists to explore materials – including structural, fatigue, fluid/thermal, electromagnetic properties, as

well as manufacturing process specific data – in a standalone application or through the interface of Altair simulation and optimization tools.

• Broad and deep partnerships – strong relationships with material manufacturers, ensuring accurate, highquality, and up-to-date material information

“Altair Material Data Center is yet another compelling solution to help our customers save time, money, and improve product innovation and performance throughout the entire lifecycle of development and manufacturing,” said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair.

“We have established strong relationships with material manufacturers and now with the acquisition of M-Base, we’ve expanded our presence in the plastics industry.”

• Collaboration – material experts can collaborate on the material curation process before it is published in the Altair Material Data Center for enterprise-wide domain specific access.

The Altair Material Data Center offers: • Comprehensive material information management system – access to materials data for metals, polymers, and composites, including data sheets, raw data, and solver cards with full traceability back to the supplier source, ensuring valid assumptions and consistency across teams • Flexible accessibility and scalability – customers can seamlessly access the Altair Material Data Center as a SaaS solution hosted by Altair or privately to manage proprietary information within the solution

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“Baosteel is proud to collaborate with Altair to deeply integrate our material data into the digital development process of automotive industry users while ensuring the data is easily accessible via Altair products and other commonly used CAE software without complex data processing,” said Dr. Changwei Lian, senior researcher, Baosteel Group Corporation. “Having our high-quality material data included in the Altair Material Data Center will provide quick and convenient access to our latest research results and the accurate application data reflecting the performance of Baosteel products.”

For more information about the Altair Material Data Center, visit www.altair.com/material-datacenter.

Lapping Is A Surface Finishing Process Where There Is A Requirement For Accuracy, Tight Tolerance And A Specified Finish.

AB Lapping (Alan Browne Lapping Services Ltd) are precision flat lapping specialists and provide a service on components that require flatness, parallelism and a specific finish. Due to our history and experience of manufacturing and calibrating gauge blocks we have the capability of working to 0.0001mm.

Our team of highly experienced & skilled technical engineers can offer the best practical advice, solutions and support on specific finishes with different types of materials to obtain the required results and are always happy to discuss how our services can best suit your needs to achieve the desired outcome.

AB Lapping have provided expertise for a diverse range of institutions, including universities, research institutes and manufacturers.

Development is at the centre of our approach, helping to grow an idea from any stage – drawing board, prototype – through to its completion.

We can also manage the manufacturing process for you, drawing on decades of specialized knowledge and

access to a network of quality partners.

contact us for more information with regards to offsite services.

AB Lapping provide a complete engineering manufacturing service and can supply the relevant documentation to accompany your finished components where and if required.

With over 50 years of experience, manufacturing and calibrating gauge blocks, we are in a unique position of being able to work in sub-micron tolerances, where a tolerance of 0.0001mm and less than a light band would not discourage us.

AB LAPPING (Alan Browne Lapping Services Ltd) registered as a new company in April 2019 following on from the closure of Alan Browne Gauges Ltd that had been trading since 1962. The unfortunate closure was due to the decline in calibration and manufacturing requirements and the increasing costs in providing those said services, which were no longer financially viable in this ever changing world.

A decision was made to form the new company, AB Lapping so we could continue to provide the same exemplary Precision Flat Lapping Service that we had been previously providing since 1999. We no longer provide onsite gauge block manufacturing or onsite UKAS calibration services. However we can source gauge blocks and UKAS certificates off site. Please

OUR TRUSTED TEAM IS DEDICATED TO MANAGING ALL OF YOUR PRECISION LAPPING REQUIREMENTS WITH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS The flat lapping process is used on a wide range of materials and components, across a vast range of industry sectors, where there is a need to achieve a flat, parallel, certain size and specialised type of precise surface finish, that only the lapping method can provide.

Here at AB Lapping we are dedicated to accuracy and precision and we pride ourselves upon that statement and also on our highly experienced, enthusiastic team that provide the services to the sub-micron tolerance of 0.0001mm.

For more information visit: www.ablapping.co.uk

Worldwide Engineering Magazine | 41

Microchip Technology Introduces Its First Trust&GO Wi-Fi® 32-bit MCU Module With Advanced Peripheral Options

As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands beyond home automation and drives deeper into home control – including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), garage doors and fans – and grows in building and industrial automation, the need for highly integrated, reliable and secured Industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity is greater than ever. Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announced the firstever Wi-Fi microcontroller (MCU) module with Microchip’s Trust&GO-enabled unique, verifiable identity.

For developers designing secure IIoT systems, Microchip’s highly integrated WFI32E01PC is a Trust&GO secured platformenabled Wi-Fi MCU module that is pre-provisioned for cloud platforms. The WFI32E01PC is compliant to Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) specification and fully certified with the following world regulatory agencies: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC) and European Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Microchip’s Trust&GO platform inside the WFI32E01PC streamlines the process of network authentication using secure element technology, which is preconfigured and pre-provisioned for cloud authentication.

Unlike existing devices, Microchip’s new technology includes a premium PIC32 MCU core, rich peripherals and a proven hardware security platform – enabling it not only to provide Wi-Fi but also to serve as a powerful MCU core for the entire IIoT system.

“With increasing attacks, traditional software data encryption is no longer sufficient to protect transmitted data. Devices need a hardcoded, verifiable, trustable identity to securely connect to the cloud,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit. “This is the first secure, pre-provisioned MCU with Wi-Fi that is shipped factory direct or through distribution.”

Unlike module-based designs, discrete designs can be difficult due to the need to develop drivers and circuits for multiple chips, especially when the chips are from different vendors.

Often it is difficult to receive system-level support from vendors as their expertise is only in products they produce.

Embedded designers need a highly integrated module solution providing industrialgrade MCU functionality, robust Wi-Fi connection and hardware security and authentication.

The WFI32E01PC provides these

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capabilities and more in an all-in-one module, improving Radio Frequency (RF) power and providing a higher level of security.

In addition to industrial applications, the WFI32E01PC is designed for home automation devices, computing and consumer devices.

As a total system solution provider, Microchip offers a broad portfolio that simplifies IoT and IIoT systems when pairing the WFI32E01PC module with other Microchip marketleading components, such as the KSZ8081 family of Ethernet PHYs, MCP2542WFD family of CAN transceivers, sensors and radio technologies including Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Long Range (LoRa®) and IEEE® 802.15.4. Microchip’s system solution approach provides ready-to-use software drivers and hardware reference designs, significantly reducing project risk and time-to-market.

For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

IDS Extends Ensenso N 3D Camera Series New design and improved electronics: Ensenso N40/ N45 3D cameras are compact, lightweight and collaborative.

The Ensenso N-Series is a compact and robust 3D camera system designed specifically for 3D applications in robotics and automated series production.

Thanks to IP65/67 protection, it is also well-suited for use in harsher environments. The camera family is now being expanded by the new N40 and N45 models. They feature a novel design both inside and outside. Lightweight and with rounded edges, they open up new application possibilities, for example in collaborative robotics.

The housing of the new Ensenso N40/N45 3D cameras is made of fibre-reinforced plastic – resulting in the lightest stereo vision cameras with Gigabit Ethernet in the IDS product range. When mounted on a

robot arm, for example, this means less stress on the robot mechanics. The cameras also minimise the risk of injury thanks to their rounded edges.

As a result, they also excel in collaborative use with human colleagues. Furthermore, the housing meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67 and is effectively protected against dirt, dust and water spray.

sensors (global shutter, 1280 x 1024 pixels) and are equipped with screwable GPIO connectors for trigger and flash. Power-overEthernet allows data transfer and power supply to be realised even over long cable distances.

The Ensenso selector on the IDS website helps customers to choose the right camera model.

Electronics have also been revised for the new 3D cameras: The improved infrared projector enables higher light output and has an optimised heat management. This results, among other things, in better data quality or higher clock rates. The projector is optionally available with blue illumination in the visible range (465 nm) or with infrared illumination (850 nm).

A new stereo matching process, which is available as standard for all models when using the Ensenso SDK 3.0, also ensures particularly detailed point clouds. “PatchMatch� works extremely effectively with a large distance range at different object distances and without significant effects on the execution speed of the algorithm. This benefits, for example, applications in which large volumes are to be captured in the shortest possible time.

The new models each include two monochrome CMOS

Further information: www.en.ids-imaging.com

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How Thermal Technologies Improve Facility Security And Workforce Safety

Blind spots in surveillance coverage, incompatible video and access control systems, lack of adequate perimeter measures—these are common issues that facility directors must address with their security teams. At the end of the day, facility executives need technology that accomplish more with less—that expand situational awareness, overall system functionality, and realtime response capabilities while generating cost- savings.

By leveraging technology like thermal imaging, this is possible.

Security directors who want to improve facility management— specifically 24/7 monitoring for heightened security and elevated skin temperature frontline screening for entry control—should consider incorporating thermal cameras into their next security upgrade or new installation project.

Leveling Up your Security with Thermal By using thermal security cameras, facility directors can better protect their property and tenants from external threats.

Backed by decades of successful deployment in the government and defense sector for reconnaissance, thermal imaging is a trusted technology.

New innovations have expanded the use cases for thermal cameras and made them widely available to commercial and industrial facilities. Today, corporate offices, manufacturing plants and healthcare campuses all use thermal cameras as a core component of their security strategy.

Thermal security cameras perform in adverse conditions where standard surveillance cameras cannot. Visual cameras require a light source, and thus, additional infrastructure, to produce an image. If there’s no light, there’s no video.

Because thermal cameras measure infrared radiation, or heat, they do not need illumination to produce imagery.

In fact, thermal cameras can see in total darkness as well as in rain, smoke, and light fog. They truly enable 24/7 surveillance.

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Further, thermal cameras yield high-contrast imagery, which not only enhances video analytics performance, but also situational awareness. For example, a security operator viewing a thermal camera feed can easily spot a trespasser attempting to camouflage in the foliage at night by alerting the operator of body heat on premise. Thermal cameras also enable alarm validation. While motion sensors, laser detectors and fiber optic cables need another technology to visually verify the alert, thermal cameras already provide this function.

With onboard analytics, thermal cameras detect objects, classify whether it’s a human, animal or vehicle, and provide video clips for remote operators to assess the alert. Consequently, thermal cameras minimize unnecessary dispatch of guards or police for false positives, saving valuable time, money and resource for facilities.

In the event of a true alarm, thermal cameras enable superior suspect tracking. Upon receiving an intrusion alert,

long-range pan-tilt thermal camera can widely monitor the area and scan the property.

The camera can then follow the movements of an intruder, and if equipped with both thermal and optical sensors, provide both thermal and color video of the person. With this data, a security officer can ascertain the threat level and determine whether the person is an employee who forgot their ID or an unauthorized person trespassing on private property.

It is important to note that thermal cameras cannot detect a specific individual or their personal information, rather they classify whether the object is a human and then further analysis is required through of the use of visual cameras for identification. For these reasons, facility directors, especially those managing large campuses or properties, should consider deploying thermal cameras to maximize their intrusion detection capabilities for stronger overall security.

Streamlining Entry Control with Temperature Screening Facility executives can also improve their access and entry control security procedures

by using radiometric thermal cameras for temperature screening. COVID-19, classified as a global pandemic in March 2020, has permanently changed how facility directors build security and environmental, health and safety (EHS) plans.

Now, facility directors are prioritizing protocols and technologies that minimize both the risk of exposure as well as the spread of infectious diseases among employees, visitors and contractors. Temperature checks have become one of the most widely adopted as a key component of frontline screening practices across facilities. In fact, General Motors plants and the Pentagon Visiting Center are notable examples of critical facilities deploying radiometric thermal cameras for skin temperature screening.

Radiometric thermal cameras for skin temperature screenings allow for a non-contact, frontline diagnostic tool that enables high throughput. These thermal cameras specifically measure skin surface temperature at the inner corner of the eye, the region medially adjacent to the inner canthus, which is known

to be the best measurement spot. The most reliable thermal cameras yield accuracies of ±0.3°C (0.5°F) over a temperature measurement range of 15°C to 45°C (59°F to 113°F). Available in a handheld, tripod-mounted or fixed-mount form factor, elevated skin temperature thermal cameras are deployed inside entryways, immediately screening people as they walk into the facility. These cameras scan a person up to one to two meters (or three to six feet) away.

Premium thermal cameras can scan individuals in two seconds or less.

Thermal cameras are intended for use as an adjunct to clinical procedures in the screening of skin surface temperature. Upon detection of an elevated skin temperature, a person must then undergo a secondary screening where a medical device can determine whether the person has an actual fever or should partake in virus specific testing. By implementing these screening procedures, facility directors ensure a faster, noninvasive method to quickly detect possible signs of infection before an individual enters a populous area. This minimizes the risk of communal spread of viruses among employees in the workplace, which ultimately increases workforce health, safety and peace of mind.

Today, a total security solution designed to detect both physical threats as well as environmental and health hazards is one that includes thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature screening. Facility managers can strengthen their risk management plans by proactively expanding their security systems to include these solutions. Many physical security solutions are already in place at key entry points as well as additional checkpoints, such as indoor surveillance cameras, visitor management and access control. Implementing screening stations with specific radiometric thermal cameras is a logical integration at these locations.

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3D Printing & The Supply Chain

There were a number of reasons why Jellypipe — an advanced and virtual 3D printing ecosystem which draws together 3D printing users, service suppliers, and experts — was developed, but one in particular is becoming a prominent area of interest in light of the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

The key motivation behind Jellypipe is to stimulate the use of 3D printing as an alternative to traditional manufacturing processes. Today a growing number of robust plastic and metal 3D printing technologies exist with the accuracy and repeatability required for use in end-use part and component production, and the palette of materials is extensive. The ability to make innovative and complex

geometries impossible using conventional manufacturing processes in a speedy and costeffective way is also a key driver.

But the conversation in 2020 has very obviously moved on to the way that 3D printing can affect global supply chains. COVID-19 has caused us all to look at ourselves, the ways we live, our social and business interactions, but none more so than business owners with global supply chains that have been shown to be fragile and which introduce vulnerabilities that can seriously affect operations, viability, and profitability.

Going Local Globally The most obvious way that unwieldy supply chains can be reduced is to localise supply, and try and get part production

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as close as possible to the point of consumption. Attempting to do this via traditional manufacturing methods will not work. The very reasons that caused manufacturing to be offshored, mainly cheap labour, means bringing it back on-shore ratchets up the manufacturing costs.

But there is another driver, and a very important one. Far flung manufacturing facilities benefitting from low labour costs operate on a model of “pile them high, sell them cheap”. They cater for true mass manufacturing. “You can have this part in any colour so long as its black, and any shape so long as it is the exact shape of all the other millions of parts we manufacture.”

3D printing promotes mass

customisation, or what someone once called the “economies of one” rather than the “economies of scale”. The ability to customise parts facilitates simplified product differentiation, and allows for small quantity production by companies. The number of suppliers required will be reduced drastically due to the flexibility that 3D printing can deliver. The focus becomes customer satisfaction and the ability to respond quickly and in an agile way to shifting customer demand.

Another potential advantage of 3D printing to the supply chain is that the technology can simplify some production processes, it having the ability to manufacture a part in one 3D printing process rather than by assembling several components which may require different supply chains. It is a decentralised manufacturing technique that will alter the distribution network. Because of this, the level of complexity and overhead required of a product or supply chain can be reduced, and consequently the operation of the supply chain is more efficient, and the flexibility of 3D printing offers more variety of end products.

Democratisation The big play here is that 3D printing is disruptive enough of a technology to facilitate a new industrial revolution. There are game changers throughout history. The development of the assembly line changed manufacturing forever. The worldwide web allowed everyone to be a publisher and have a voice, not just the select few. 3D printing allows everyone to be a manufacturer.

It democratises manufacturing, and with this democratisation the effect on the supply chain and on the ability to manufacture at the point of consumer demand is obvious.

And here we come to the important concept of printing on demand. This has an

enormous impact on inventory and logistics. There is no need to have vast warehouses with thousands of identical products stacked up awaiting demand.

Instead, wherever a product is needed it can be made using 3D printing to order. This collapses and simplifies the supply chain, adding new efficiencies to the manufacturing process.

These efficiencies are far reaching and numerous, and stretch from the overall cost of distribution and assembly, to the innovative nature of the product produced and the time and cost elements of such part production, at the same time minimising scrap, facilitating customisation, and improving assembly cycle times.

Quite fundamentally, it has the ability to completely destroy the global supply chain, and rebuilds it as a new entirely local system.

Manufacturing via 3D printing and the supply chain surrounding 3D printing overcomes the traditional constraints on traditional manufacturing and the traditional supply chain, namely that they only work when applied to the efficiencies of mass manufacture, the need for low-cost high volume assembly workers, and the need for building infrastructure to support each part of the production and distribution process.

draws a massive question mark over the very foundation of the traditional supply chain model, it no longer making sense or being financially efficient to send products across the globe to customers when production can take place locally almost anywhere in the world at the same or less cost.

Jellypipe has a part to play in this shift of emphasis away from traditional manufacturing and supply chains and towards the use of 3D printing. It exists as a holistic ecosystem of the entire 3D printing community, and reduces the barriers to entry that exist and put a brake on the adoption of the technology for production or parts and components. The current global pandemic has highlighted the advantages of local manufacturing and the rationalisation of global supply chains, and the Jellypipe community is consistently addressing these issues and coming up with viable solutions for manufacturers worldwide.

For more information visit: www.jellypipe.com

3D Printing’s Sweet Spot 3D printing has a sweet spot. Its real value and its ability to turn the traditional manufacturing regime on its head rotate around the fact that it caters for low volume, customer-specific products, products that can be complex in ways unattainable via traditional manufacturing.

It eliminates the need for high volume production facilities and a high number of low-paid assembly workers, effectively taking out probably more that 50% of the traditional supply chain straight away. It effectively

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Mobile Robot Revolutionizes Semiconductor Manufacturing Process - Using image Processing In Robotics For Transporting Highly Sensitive Wafers

Semiconductors’ performance dictates the pace of innovation.

This applies just as much to industrial automation as to digital communication via cell phones, laptops, smart building technology, and the automobile industry. And the market is continuing to grow. In 2018, the international semiconductor industry achieved $481 billion in sales revenue and this figure is set to reach $525 billion as early as 2022 according to a study by PwC. The robotics industry is also taking advantage of this trend, as, for example, the latest generation of controls and controllers offer additional functions. Conversely, however, the innovative capacity of robot manufacturers is also accelerating the efficiency and productivity of microprocessor manufacturers.

For example: KUKA offers a wide range of extremely flexible robots that can also be quickly tailored to a whole variety of handling requirements, as the

life cycle of semiconductors is short and the market correspondingly volatile.

Mobile handling system for cleanrooms Using robotics, individual production steps can be automated very well and to a high-quality standard. However, up until now, robotics have not been used to transporting semiconductor substrates (wafers) from one workstation to the next. Ideally, semiconductor manufacturers would prefer end-to-end automation, because pristine cleanroom conditions can be much better achieved with “unmanned production.” Until now, however, this aspect of the process was untenable due to the lack of precision with which mobile robots move and grasp.

KUKA has now developed the world’s first single-source solution for the automated transport and handling of semiconductor cassettes: the “Semi Mobility Solution.”. In this instance, a lightweight robot from the LBR iiwa series is mounted on a KMR 200 CR

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autonomous automated guided vehicle (AGV). The AGV can maneuver in the smallest of spaces and KUKA’s engineers have developed a sophisticated gripper system for the handling.

System solution: AGV plus robot arm plus gripper The Semi Mobility Solution goes to a handover point where wafer transport boxes are located.

When the AGV has reached its destination, the robot arm is in place to precisely determine its position with the help of an integrated image processing sensor and performs a fine calibration. This moves the robot into the position to grasp the transport box with a high degree of accuracy and deposit the sensitive wafers without any vibrations in a storage space on the AGV platform.

Using this approach, the robot can pick up and transport two different sizes of boxes for wafers with a diameter of 200 or 300 mm. Once it has reached its destination, the robot puts down the transport boxes on the respective processing line.

The Semi Mobility Solution moves around the room on the basis of stored destinations but chooses the route there itself.

The navigational capacity of the LBR iiwa platform enables it to move autonomously in a safe and sensitive way. Environment tracking is supported by laser scanners. They perceive the environment in real time, thus preventing collisions.

The safety-oriented environment recognition also creates the preconditions for being able to use the platform as a cobot (collaborative robot) without a safety fence near the operators.

The gripping process itself is guided by image processing.

Extremely high precision and reliability are essential in this process, because the wafers are sensitive. Vibrations must be avoided.

Image processing: Highperformance in a compact space When selecting the image processing system to guide the robot, KUKA’s developers chose Cognex’s

In- Sight 2000 sensors.

These sensors combine the performance of image processing systems with the ease and low cost of an industrial sensor. They also offer maximum flexibility when mounting in space-constrained environments. This attribute was highly desired in this application because the IP sensor travels on the robot arm.

Minimizing wiring requirements was also a key criterion and the In-Sight 2000 provided easy integration via Ethernet and PoE connections, which was another factor behind the decision.

In addition, KUKA’s engineers appreciate the fact that with In-Sight 2000 the logic circuit is integrated into the device and the image processing quite simply lets itself be taught. Ralf Ziegler, Business Development Manager Electronics at KUKA: “The extensive communication possibilities that the sensor offers, its ‘built-in’ intelligence and the good programmability are also advantageous.”

Another advantage for the InSight 2000: The In-Sight 2000’s patent-pending integrated LED lighting provides uniform illumination over the whole image, regardless of the prevailing lighting conditions.

This is particularly important in mobile applications because there is not the same lighting everywhere and even the time of day or the season can affect the image quality.

In practice: IP-controlled fine positioning over the last few centimeters In practice, the Semi Mobility Solution first drives the robot gripper up to the transport box. At this point, the image processing is activated. It recognizes the offset from the destination point stored in the control system and on this basis references the position of the gripper, which can subsequently grasp the respective transport box with the required high degree of millimetric precision.

For more information visit: www.cognex.com

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