Backplane Systems Technology recently introduced the Sintrones VBOX-3630. The VBOX-363 is a fanless in-car computer with 5G connectivity, using a 4.4GHz Intel® CoreTM i7-1185G7E CPU from the 11th generation.
Interworld Electronics is excited to introduce the HELIO-9C series of rugged industrial all-in-one HMI Panel PCs from Aplex Technology.
Extensive plants often have many danger zones that call for more robust safety demands.
The new ilme SI 5 A gold plated stamped crimp contacts from Treotham are the right solution for signal and data applications, particularly required in the automation and robotics sectors and on installations on electrical panels. Read more
The new series is ideal for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, namely TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3. Users can select from Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC or the new TwinCAT/BSD operating system. Two embedded PC variants are currently available:
The AMD processors are based on the powerful Zen architecture and offer high computing power combined with a high clock frequency. In addition, the graphics are integrated separately from the CPU cache, enabling excellent real-time characteristics.
The basic configuration of the CX20x3 includes two independent Gbit Ethernet interfaces, four USB 3.1 Gen. 2 and one DVI-D interface. In addition to the CPU and chipset, the basic module also includes 8 Gbyte of RAM. The controller boots from the CFast flash card. The CPU has 128 kByte of internal NOVRAM as persistent data memory if a UPS is not used. A fieldbus and serial interface are available as options. All other components in the CX2000 family can be connected via the high-pole connections on both sides. The extended operating temperature range of -25…+60 °C also enables use of the system in applications with demanding climate conditions.
Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its new X5 FastMig multi-process welding system for MIG, DC TIG and stick welding (MMA) as well as gouging. Designed in conjunction with professional welders specifically for steel welding, the X5 FastMig delivers a range of features to help significantly enhance arc welding productivity.
Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics and flexible equipment setup.
Faster welding, better quality welds
Built to perform, the X5 FastMig features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard in all available models. When combined with WiseSteel software, which also comes as standard with every model, the X5 delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control.
It tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, provding better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds.
For more challenging applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional welding programs and Wise special processes.
Designed to be hassle-free, the X5 FastMig is very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical and impact-resistant TFT display panel that illustrates all the required information clearly and without the use of abbreviations. Welding parameters are set automatically when the user adjusts the wire feed speed. And memory channels are also available to customise and save personal settings.
Easy to use, the operating basics of the X5 can be grasped in just 10 minutes. Plus, the wire feeder’s sturdy rotate-and-push buttons can be operated with gloves on or off, helping to save time and improve productivity.
Created with the welder in mind, the ergonomically-designed top-loading wire feeder improves occupational safety when changing the wire spool as it places less strain on the user’s back. The wire feeder can also be hung up and adjusted to multiple different angles for quick and easy access, even in a dual setup.
Designed for use with the X5, the Flexlite GX guns also deliver comfort in spades and help reduce welder fatigue thanks to their ergonomic design. Each gun is lightweight and features a flexible cable set and innovative ball-jointed cable protection that reduces the load on the welder’s wrist.
Plus, the pistol grip handle has been designed so that it feels like an extension of the welder’s hand. Providing excellent balance, it allows for a natural wrist position, which makes the work at hand easier and more effortless, particularly when doing long welds.
The on-torch GXR10 remote control allows parameter adjustment at the weld joint, even while welding.
The X5’s modular system allows the user to choose from a range of excellent accessories to ensure the optimal solution for every application. These include transport units, interconnection cables of various lengths and wired remote controls.
Also, users can build their own machine with the help of the X5 FastMig Selector, an online configurator tool that lets welders easily choose the equipment best suited to make the most out of their investment.
Made in Finland, and strong and robust, the X5 range has been built to last. The X5 FastMig features an injection-molded plastic casing that absorbs knocks, and together with the impact- resistant display panel, ensure the machine can withstand challenging environments.
The new Kemppi X5 FastMig is available in Manual and Synergic 400A and 500A models. Visit: The Kemppi X5 Family
For more information on the new X5 FastMig welder call Kemppi Australia on (02) 8785 2000 or email sales.au@kemppi.com
How Marley Spoon raises the bar on food quality and customer satisfaction by using insights from iAuditor at every step of the meal delivery supply chain.
Imc Test & Measurement GmbH manufactures and provides measurement solutions for productive testing in the field of automotive, mechanical engineering, railway, aerospace and energy. As leading sensors and instrumentation suppliers in Australia and New Zealand, Bestech Australia has been supplying imc data acquisition hardware and software for the industry and research institution since 2019.
We are now pleased to announce the addition of the wireless digital telemetry system, imc CAEMAX and KMT into our product portfolio. The telemetry system is highly suitable for measurement on the rotating components and moving machinery. It is ideal for advanced research and development applications or production of automotive, rail or wind turbine.
Our imc telemetry system encompasses inductive single channel digital telemetry for short distance measurement, radio telemetry system and complete telemetry solution for brake and vehicle testing. The telemetry system can be used for a wide variety of measurement tasks such as strain gauge measurement on rotating shaft, temperature measurement on brake wheel or non-contact measurement on the vehicle drive train. Bestech offers not only products but also full local technical supports from our trained application engineers to guide you through the product specification, consulting, installation and after-sales support.
Please visit this page for more technical information on the imc telemetry system. For request on product demonstration or consultation, please call our local office on (03) 9540 5100 or send us an email enquiry through the Contact Us page or to enquiry@bestech.com.au.
Australia’s manufacturing industry is one of the nation’s most energy-intensive. It accounts for close to one quarter of Australia’s total energy consumption.
In every manufacturer’s energy strategy there are opportunities to reshape how and when they use power. By taking greater control of their energy usage, manufacturers can reduce energy costs and create new revenue streams.
Demand response is one of these opportunities. It rewards manufacturers for reducing their demand for power during peak demand periods.
If you’re thinking about doing demand response or not sure how it works, read on.
It’s easier than it sounds
It’s natural to think your business operations aren’t flexible, especially if you have productivity-based KPIs to meet. While demand response requires some flexibility around operations, it’s often easier to implement than it sounds.
You might not need to power down in full to do demand response. It can be as straightforward as temporarily or partially reducing your operations during periods of high pricing, which often only last a few hours. You could also choose to switch over to a backup generator instead, which may be cheaper to run than purchasing power from the grid.
Manufacturers that take advantage of demand response for even just a handful of hours per year can achieve major cost savings.
Do you know the real price of power?
If you’ve looked for alternatives to standard fixed-rate energy contracts, you might have come across the wholesale energy market. The wholesale energy market is dynamic. Prices change throughout the day, month and year and can be much lower than standard fixed-rates.
While you don’t need to buy wholesale power to do demand response, the benefits are greater if you do. That’s because businesses that buy wholesale can avoid paying peak prices by maximising operations during low price periods and scale back operations when prices are higher.
For example, you could choose to schedule daily operations like charging equipment when prices are low, such as the middle of the day or after the 4-7pm evening peak.
Demand response plays an important role in our energy system. It helps to balance the supply and demand equation to keep prices down and lights on.
To help businesses like manufacturers make a better business case for demand response, there are programs in place to incentivise you to reduce energy use when demand is high.
Some of these programs are state-based or national, like the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT), which calls on businesses that can provide reserve energy on short and medium notice by powering down in return for financial rewards.
If you’re based in South Australia, you might also be eligible for Flow Power’s Building Intelligent Demand Response program, which is part of the South Australian Government’s Demand Management Trials Program. This program provides funding to manufacturers to cover set up costs and control systems to automate demand response processes.
To find out more about wholesale energy and how your business could benefit from demand response, visit the Flow Power website here.
When working on a project, running out of stock in a critical moment is detrimental to your bottom line. Ineffective practices around inventory management leads to overstocking, obsolescence, poor availability and lost productivity. To combat this, Stockee Smart Shelf was implemented by RS Components, leading global supplier of industrial components and tools, to ensure your supplier is immediately notified when stocks are close to depletion.
Through implementing a supermarket-style inventory system, the RS Stockee System requires minimal effort to bring maximum efficiency to your workplace. Stockee Smart Shelf automates old Kanban systems and measures available stocking in real time so you can keep track of current stock levels. The intelligent shelving system detects the remaining product via the total weight of the bin, eliminating the need for stocktake which enables staff to focus more on the task at hand.
The RS Stockee Smart Shelf system can be easily incorporated into your business as the reordering system can be integrated to your ERP system. Quantity information is transmitted to the Stockee server in the cloud and as stock runs low, sends an automated replenishment email to re-order products, improving MRO practices to reduce time lost in managing and delivering essential supplies for projects.
Craig Mitchell, commercial manager – Value Added Services, ANZ for RS Components says this style of inventory management innovation is something that the business prides itself on: “We’re in the business of delivering products on time and ensuring that our customers have what they need when they need it. This Stockee solution does that and more.”
For a low maintenance, innovative solution that will change and effectively improve the efficiency of your workplace, look no further than the RS Stockee Smart Shelf.
RS Components is the world’s leading high-service distributor of electronics, automation and control components, tools and consumables, serving over one million customers globally. With operations across 32 countries and a global network of distribution centres worldwide, the company ships more than 44,000 parcels daily.
To find out more information on Stockee Smart Shelf, visit their website at: au.rs-online.com/stockee or nz.rs-online.com/stockee
MathWorks has introduced the new Release 2020a with expanded AI capabilities for deep learning.
The release introduces an enhanced Deep Learning Toolbox that helps users manage multiple deep learning experiments, keep track of training parameters, analyse and compare results and code with the new Experiment Manager app.
It can also interactively train a network for image classification, generate MATLAB code for training, and access pretrained models with Deep Network Designer app.
Engineers can now train neural networks in the updated Deep Network Designer app, manage multiple deep learning experiments in a new Experiment Manager app, and choose from more network options to generate deep learning code.
R2020a introduces new capabilities specifically for automotive and wireless engineers in addition to hundreds of new and updated features for all users of MATLAB and Simulink.
MATLAB marketing director David Rich said Mathworks provides a comprehensive platform for building AI-driven systems.
“We’ve taken three decades of product, consulting and support experiences and applied it to an AI workflow that empowers engineers and scientists to clean data, build models and deploy them in production IT or embedded systems,” he said.
Additionally, GPU Coder now offers a more expansive set of networks to implement AI systems on cloud and edge devices, including Darknet-19, Darknet-53, Inception-ResNet-v2, NASNet-Large, and NASNet-Mobile.
R2020a includes three new products:
• Motor Control Blockset contains a library of motor control algorithms optimised for generating compact code as well as out-of-the-box support for multiple motor control hardware kits.
• Simulink Compiler lets engineers generate standalone applications, web apps, and software components from Simulink models, enabling simulations to run without installing Simulink.
• MATLAB Web App Server offers controlled access from a browser to MATLAB web apps deployed across a user’s organisation.
The new release also includes major updates:
• Automotive engineers can more easily create driving scenarios using imported road data from high-definition geographic maps and optimise shift schedules for performance, fuel economy, and emissions analysis.
• For wireless engineers, MATLAB support for 5G and WiFi-6 technologies has expanded with additional support for waveform generation and cell detection.
• Users can generate C++ classes from MATLAB classes, and the new release introduces message-based communication for service functions and reusable subsystems.
R2020a includes hundreds of other enhancements in the MATLAB and Simulink product families including:
• MATLAB now provides improved support for non-ASCII character sets with default UTF-8 encoding, new graphics customisation capabilities and new chart types for visualising data, and Live Editor Tasks for interactively retiming or synchronising timetables and stacking or unstacking table variables.
• Simulink users can now write C code directly into their models to integrate external algorithms, use a new C Function block to easily add pre- or postprocessing of preconfigured C functions, and specify different code for simulation and code generation.
The Australian cattle dog has become iconic in the Australian agricultural landscape because of their unique attributes. Energetic, hardworking, and intelligent, the dogs, bred originally from a combination of English drovers’ dogs and dingoes, are tough enough to work for hours in harsh Australian conditions.
In many ways, the Gates Predator v-belt mirrors these qualities, as Steve Hittmann, National Product Manager – mechanical drives at CBC explains, the durable belts are designed to withstand the toughest environments and applications.
“They are unique and unrivaled in their extreme robustness and high load carrying capability. They are excellent problem solvers that perform well in harsh environments and in extremely demanding applications where standard v-belts have performance issues.”
Iain Street, Business Development/ Technical Support Manager for Power Transmission at Gates, concurs.
“It’s a solution belt for highly aggressive applications usually, it’s like a cattle dog, you have to keep them working but they like to work and work hard.”
The Predator belt is different to other v-belts in its unique design, as it is designed to reduce friction and heat build-up under shock loads, Hittmann explains.
“High powered motors, shock loads from sudden starts and stops, dirty operating environments, high heat, contamination from oil or solvents are all issues which affect the standard v-belt, but when designed and selected by Inenco Industrial Solutions’ Product Specialists or Engineered Services Team one or more of the above scenarios no longer have any effect on the Gates Predator and your belt drive.”
When under heat stress, other belts can shred or crack, which requires replacement, leading to costly downtime. To counter this, the Predator is made from an oil and heat resistant chloroprene compound body, rated for 82°C. In addition, the tensile cords which run through the belt are made from aramid fibre, also known as Kevlar. This reduces belt stretch by 50 per cent. Finally, Gates’ patented curved sidewall enables the belt to fit into the groove cleanly and smoothly, reducing sidewall wear on belt and sheave.
These elements of the belt’s construction enable it to do more work in less space than standard SPB belts, noted Hittmann.
“Predator v-belts can handle up to 2.2 times more power than the equivalent size standard v-belt. A more compact drive that weighs less, puts less strain on more expensive components and uses fewer belts, all of which saves you money.”
Being compact means that other components in a drive can be simplified. Pulleys can be thinned, resulting in less over hung load, ensuring longevity and reliability in bearing life. Overall, this reduces the total cost of ownership, with component costs reduced and maintenance time cut down.
“In general, you can save four to five times the cost over the life of a v-belt on certain applications,” said Street.
A recent installation of the Predator belt at a large Australian timber mill demonstrated the effectiveness of the belt, in concert with advice and assistance from Inenco Industrial Solutions.
“The application is a drive for a chipper and the issue was the belt stretch was both
excessive and occurred over a short amount of time,” said Hittmann.
“After only 10 weeks the existing belts were stretching and slipping which then lead to a blockage in the chipper. This then had the potential to ignite sawdust and chip beneath the drive, starting what would have been a catastrophic fire.”
“With the correct selection by Inenco Industrial Solutions’ Product Specialists, the Predator belts were installed by the Engineered Services Team and lasted 12 months without any maintenance or re-tensioning required.”
All in all, after a change out time of just two hours, the savings of both labour and downtime over the following 12-month period was estimated at between $300,000 to $400,000 per annum.
Street has also seen similar improvements in other applications, with savings in time and money.
“The Predator belt is a product that resolves drive issues that production and maintenance managers have to look at constantly. Their resources can instead go elsewhere as the Predator belt offers a solution and reliability.
To ensure correct tensioning at the time of installation, CBC offers a wide range of support, at locations close to building material manufacturers around Australia. In addition, the company offer 24-hour support services in person and over the phone.
“CBC offers technical support from their Product Specialists and Engineered Services Team. When you combine that with the Gates factory back-up and our customer service team, the results are second to none,” said Hittmann.
Read more articles like this at: www.lets-roll.com.au
Companies will experience periods of increased production, as well as periods of slower or stopped production. It’s the nature of being in business. Understanding the implications of these business shifts for compressed-air installations (the powerhouse behind a facility’s production) is key for ensuring that compressors remain functional and efficient. Here are guidelines to ensure your facility’s compressed-air system operates at top performance, no matter the speed of production.
Is the business in ramp-up mode? Don’t leave your compressed air installation out of the planning and prepping process. Your compressor powers production throughout your facility, so preparing this equipment for heavy production is important to acceleration in production.
Need to reduce production and switch off air compressors temporarily? If production is stopping, manually stop the compressor – even if it is integrated into a central controller. If you don’t, the machine might run at minimal capacity to compensate for small leaks in your compressed-air network.
Make sure the electrical-power supply is left on to keep the capacitor bank charged and ready for restart.
Guidelines for Restarting a Compressor Installation
Note: If the air compressor is connected to a sequence controller, ensure that sure the compressors are integrated onto the controller or optimiser.
One benefit of reduced production is the potential for significant savings on monthly energy costs. Because compressed air accounts for a large amount of a plant’s total energy costs, decreased production (and therefore decreased compressed air usage) can have a positive impact.
i) Reduced Unloaded Running Hours. Air demand in an industrial compressed air system fluctuates. Use this fluctuating demand to reduce unloaded running hours to optimise energy efficiency.
ii) Compressor Controllers. These provide user- friendly ways to reduce unloaded running hours. If you have multiple compressors, then the controller has likely been set up to do this automatically. If there is no central controller, then the compressor pressure bands have probably been set up in a cascade method. This means that when the target air pressure is reached, the on-board controllers will stop the machines.
If compressors are left running unloaded after working hours, they still use as much as 25 per cent of the energy consumed at full load. If there are leaks in the system, the compressors may switch to loaded running occasionally, consuming even more energy.
iii) Turning Compressors Off. As referenced earlier, the shorter the production time, the more energy costs may be saved by switching compressors off instead of letting them run unloaded. If production is reduced but not stopped, consider isolating unused areas of the factory and update your plan accordingly.
iv) Eliminating Air Leaks. If the compressor installation is older, air leaks can be a huge source of wasted energy. As much as 20 per cent of total compressed-air consumption could be lost through leaks – and 80 per cent of air leaks aren’t even audible. If you’re still on-site and have time available, take the opportunity to check for leaks in your system. Doing so could save you money.
v) Reduced Pressure Band. As a rule of thumb for most compressors, a reduction of 1 per cent PSI will lead to a 2 per cent savings in energy. The pressure settings of the compressor should be adjusted until the lowest pressure can be reached and the pressure band reduced without affecting the application. If your compressor installation has a centralised system responsible for multiple controllers, the network can be set to run within a narrow pressure band – ensuring that the compressed-air network matches your precise needs. The controller can also allow you to manually or automatically create two different pressure bands to optimise energy use within different periods, drastically reducing energy costs at low-use times.
vi) Energy Recovery. One area that offers manufacturers a significant opportunity for savings is to recover the waste heat from air compressors. Without energy recovery, this heat is lost into the atmosphere through the cooling system and radiation. The amount of electrical energy that can be recovered depends on the size of the compressor and the running hours. Typical recoveries are between 70-94 per cent. Recovering heat from com- pressed air reduces the need for purchasing energy, which results in lower operating costs and CO2 emissions. For example, you can produce hot water for washrooms or direct warm air into a workspace, warehouse, loading dock, or entryway. The savings can really add up.
vii) Ensure the Right Compressor Type is Installed. Most production processes require different levels of demand in different periods, which could mean that the compressor is running off-load or idle for long periods. You can attain great savings if a fixed-speed compressor can be replaced by a variable-speed drive unit, as it produces compressed air only as required. This also minimises offload running of the compressor.
Compressed air should never rely on guess work. There are a range of tools and services that are completely free of charge that can help you benchmark efficiency, find ways to expand, or ensure efficiency during a slowdown in demand. The key thing to remember is that any investment should come with a clear payback and ROI. If you don’t get one, then don’t purchase! From a cost and finance point of view, it could be argued there has never been a better time to make an investment in your air system. Often, the monthly cost for a new compressor is less than the monthly saving, so the air compressor contributes to the bottom line from day one. If you think you’ve got the wrong machine for your needs, then there is no need to feel that you have to live with it!
Backplane Systems Technology has released Winmate’s Stainless B Series Display with Push Buttons.
This Stainless B Series Display with Push Buttons is available in sizes ranging from 10.1” to 21.5”, designed to be a Factory Automation Control Terminal that improves production efficiency in applications that call for High Sanitary standard, especially in Food, Beverage, and Chemical industries.
The Display features SUS316 Stainless Steel Housing to withstand harsh chemicals without corroding over time. With full IP65 Water and Dust Proof compliance, the B Series survives overall splashing conditions.
Push buttons bring control and indication directly to the work area, eliminating wasted movement and increasing productivity. In addition, the physical buttons provide an intuitive and quick way when it comes to critical tasks like emergency shutdowns.
In terms of machine integration, push-button devices are easy to install and wire, and straightforward for understanding the function and use. Averagely the wiring time is saved by over 60%, and the installation cost is reduced by more than 30%.
The new AMI812x series of integrated servo drives expands the compact drive technology portfolio (up to 48 V DC) from Beckhoff by extremely compact devices for distributed field installation.
The integration of servomotor, output stage and fieldbus connection in a space-saving design makes the drives ideal for automation outside of control cabinets in the motion power range up to 400 W.
As an EtherCAT slave, the AMI812x integrated servo drive can be placed directly on the machine without a control cabinet and without upstream I/O level, allowing for the implementation of highly compact machines without control cabinets.
At market introduction, the AMI812x series includes three overall lengths in the F2 flange code with standstill torques from 0.5 to 1.1 Nm.
The AMI812x is optionally available with a multi-turn absolute encoder without battery backup and with a backlash-free holding brake. With an additional sealing ring, the servo drive achieves high IP 65 protection rating and is suitable for all installation positions. The STO safety function can be integrated as an option via the TwinSAFE Logic.
The fast control technology, based on vector current and PI speed control, supports highly dynamic positioning tasks. Numerous monitoring options, such as over and undervoltage, overcurrent or motor utilisation via calculation of an I²T model, offer high operational reliability. The operating state is indicated by integrated status LEDs.
Electronics and motor are supplied via the M12 power interface. The M8 bus interface for EtherCAT offers a second port for simple cascading in an EtherCAT daisy chain. In addition, the introduction of a motor version with EtherCAT P connection is planned.
The I/O interface (M8) enables direct connection of two sensors or actuators in the 24 V DC signal range up to 0.5 A. The connection cables are available with straight and angled outlets. Very high torques can also be achieved with the matching planetary gear unit from the AG2250 series.
The broad range of applications includes motion and presence-dependent lighting control, daylight-dependent lighting control, management of lighting scenarios and control of dynamic light sequences based on the natural course of daylight for Human Centric Lighting (HCL) concepts. In addition, monitoring of energy and status data can be used for optional location-independent data analysis, while engineering is simplified considerably as there is no restriction on the number of DALI lines, cross-DALI line groupings can be carried out and all typical lighting controls are available. The TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution supports the implementation of HCL in particular through the integrated color temperature setting function, freely adjustable color temperature and dimming function curves, lighting control optionally via start/stop time or sunrise/sunset as well as full compliance with the DALI DT8 standard.
The lighting solution is made even easier to use through modular and conveniently scalable hardware options. As a fully configured plug-and-play version, the solution includes either a 7-inch multitouch CP6606 or CP6706 Panel PC or a CX51x0 or CX9020 Embedded PC. In addition, the I/O level with Bus Couplers and Bus Terminals can be easily adapted to individual application requirements.
While infrared thermography is predominately used as a form of condition monitoring on electrical and mechanical systems, it can also be used to identify safety hazards.
This specialised service – thermographic analysis – is especially useful for manufacturers of building materials, particularly producers of cement, glass, timber and plasterboard, to ensure onsite machinery is performing within safe and efficient parameters.
Steve Blott of FLIR Systems Australia explains that downtime for manufacturers in the building material manufacturing industry can be mitigated through effective and timely use of thermal imaging cameras by trained professionals.
The thermal imaging camera works by interpreting radiated energy coming into the camera, which forms an image that shows the temperatures as colours. Hotter sections of the image will appear red or white whereas the colder a section is, the darker the image will be (dark blue, verging into black).
This technology is used in condition monitoring because it allows the user to see small surface temperature differences and measure any part of the infrared image to find the actual temperature on the image. Anomalies in temperature are often an indicator that something is wrong with the equipment.
Bearing failure is one of the most common causes of mechanical machinery malfunction as a result of metal-on-metal friction causing componentry to overheat. Thermographers using thermal imaging cameras are able to trend and predict equipment failure or in extreme cases identify immediate anomalies based on extreme differences in surface temperature.
“Cement manufacturers, for instance, can experience ingress protection issues with their onsite machinery when there is a build-up of dust or cementitious by-product which can lead to machines generating more heat than usual due to impaired ventilation. The use of thermal imaging cameras as part of a thermographic analysis will highlight discrepancies in surface temperatures. Armed with this knowledge, manufacturers and teams tasked with quality assurance are able to action predictive maintenance plans and pre-empt serious issues before they impact production.”
In addition to mechanical machinery application, these cameras can also be used to find overheating electrical wiring faults due to resistance issues as well as blockages in hydraulic cabling.
Meanwhile, Anthony O’Keefe, Engineering Manager for BSC, says the FLIR thermal imaging cameras that the company distributes – and actively uses among its team of specialised personnel – are not only critical to the success of the company’s thermographic operations, but also bolsters its value proposition. Therefore, positioning BSC as a market leader with access to world-leading and reliable thermographer technology.
“BSC has upskilled its service technicians to perform thermographic analyses on mechanical equipment to support clients across a broad range of industries,” Anthony says. “The work orders that BSC’s thermographic analysis team typically perform include preventative maintenance on factory equipment as well as routine condition monitoring for fire insurance reporting purposes. Ultimately, our technical support team prioritise the reliable and safe performance of rotable appliances, and we attribute much of our success and diligence for high quality outcomes to the partnership we have with FLIR.”
O’Keefe explains that while many BSC customers opt to perform their own thermographic analyses and condition monitoring, his technical teams are often required to provide training as to how to properly use the FLIR thermal imaging cameras. “On the other hand, we have a lot of customers who prefer us to come to the site and perform inspections or provide an ongoing condition monitoring service to them. Either way, because we are using the product ourselves in our services, we have the expertise and experience to guide and advise customers.”
For more articles like this go to: www.lets-roll.com.au
The effects of COVID-19 will be felt for years to come. The United Nations projects that the pandemic will cost the world economy $1 trillion and Bloomberg warns that the world’s GDP growth could fall to zero as a worst-case scenario.
Manufacturing has been heavily impacted, both locally and abroad, and our close ties with Asia have been heavily strained over this period. Despite this SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand believes that the learnings from this pandemic will make the manufacturing industry more resilient in future.
The industry has had to become more flexible, lean and innovative than ever before especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are looking for safe, reliable and available solutions in the medical field now more than ever before.
“During this time, we have seen increased demand for SMC components in the medical industry. Of course, hygiene is everything in the fields of life sciences and medical technology, as it’s all about the health and safety of patients,” comments Guiomar Fernandez, product marketing manager for SMC Corporation Australia and New Zealand.
“SMC recognises this and applies rigid hygiene regulations in the development of our products. Our range covers temperature control, miniature process valves for space-saving applications, couplings, fittings & tubing and more. Our components can be found in sterilisation technologies, shockwave therapies, dental applications and x-ray systems.”
Because medical preparations often require a constant processing and storage temperature to maintain their efficacy, SMC develops products to assist in always ensuring the right temperature.
“Reliability is key and our themo-chillers (the HRR series) meet the demands of the medical industry thanks to their precise temperature control range of between 10 and 35 °C, precise to within ± 0.1 °C.”
These compact units fit into 19-inch frames and are only 310 mm high, making it easy for them to be installed in confined spaces. “All the access points to the thermo-chillers are located on the front of the unit which provides for easy maintenance procedures and servicing” explains Guiomar.
“The digital networking of production has also long since arrived in the life sciences sector. Based on this, SMC offers digital precision pressure switches, series ISE70/71, with IO-Link technology.”
These smart sensors register parameters such as current pressure values up to 1.6 MPa, the status of the switching output, and important diagnostic information and error messages to the higher-level PLC.
“The two-line display of the precision pressure switches can be rotated by up to 336° and display setpoint (limit value), hysteresis value, maximum or minimum value and delay time, depending on the user’s requirements. And in the event of a power outage, the ISE70/71 series reliably backs up its collected data thanks to its persistent memory.”
In addition to steam sterilisation, aggressive media such as chemical disinfectants are often used for disinfecting medical equipment and production facilities as well as for dosing chemicals. “SMC has developed the 2-way diaphragm valves of the LVP series for such harsh applications. With their rigid PVC-C housing and a polytetrafluoroethylene diaphragm, they withstand even corrosive media such as hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide” says Guiomar.
These compressed air operated valves are easy to adjust, have 50 per cent less water hammer than conventional valves and can withstand media and ambient temperatures between 0 and 60 °C without any problems.
With the new C7015 ultra-compact Industrial PC, Beckhoff combines its extensive expertise with PC-based machine control and IP 65/67 components. The result is an Industrial PC (IPC) designed with IP 65/67 protection for direct installation on the machine or other equipment. The edge device is ideal for decentralised installation and provides powerful multi-core computing performance. When used as a full-fledged control computer, the device also reduces the required control cabinet space. This simplifies machine design as well as subsequent system expansions.
The C7015 ultra-compact IPC, which measures 85 x 167 x 43 mm, is an economical yet high-performance IP 65/67 device designed for installation within machine environments. The space-saving, fanless device is universally suited to high-performance automation, visualisation and communication purposes. Its applications range from classic machine control to the decentralised edge computing utilised in advanced Industry 4.0 concepts.
The C7015 is equipped with a powerful Intel Atom® multi-core CPU with up to four processor cores. Compared to conventional ARM-based edge devices, it is able to support far more demanding applications as well as decentralised data pre-processing and the acquisition of large data volumes. The device housing with IP 65/67 protection rating is another feature that makes the C7015 ideal for use in modern edge applications, even in harsh production environments.
The IP 65/67 IPC also serves as a highly functional machine controller. Installing it directly in the field can save valuable electrical cabinet space. This reduces machine footprints significantly, especially when combined with other Beckhoff components with a high protection rating, such as the AMP8000 distributed servo drive system and the EPP series of EtherCAT P I/O modules. These solutions can vastly simplify machine design while also minimising the effort of subsequent system expansions, such as the addition of an energy data acquisition system.
The integrated EtherCAT P connection of the C7015 creates a range of new options for efficient sensor/actuator connection via the IP 67-protected EPP modules. In this way, even complex diagnostic or condition monitoring tasks can be decentralised and supported with minimal installation effort, for example. For that purpose, a special mounting plate enables direct attachment of an EPP module to the C7015. If required, additional EPP modules can be flexibly connected via EtherCAT P for specific applications.
CRC Bio Degreaser is an extra heavy duty cleaner formulated to penetrate and dissolve tough grease, oil and contaminants for easy removal – safely.
Manufacturers’ Monthly is a business-to-business magazine and a valuable reference tool for all members of the manufacturing industry. The magazine is highly targeted and is read by key decision-makers who purchase and specify manufacturing equipment and services. It is also widely read by suppliers to the manufacturing industry.