RS Components brings intuitive 3D design into the world of academia

RS Components has announced that it is to run a series of one-day workshops on its popular 3D design tool DesignSpark Mechanical at universities across Europe. The free workshops are designed for university-based academics and educators of electronics, industrial engineering or mechatronics, enabling them to return to their respective institutions with this newly gained knowledge of 3D design to share with their students. In the UK, the workshops will be held on the 4th and 5th of June at the University of Hertfordshire.

Clear communications keep elevated motorways safe

The cathodic protection of elevated motorways north of Birmingham has been upgraded with a new remote monitoring and control system, based on more than 30 industrial PLCs (programmable logic controllers) feeding into a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software solution developed by Tritec Developments and Mitsubishi Electric.

Rockwell Automation launches next-generation electronic overload relay

Inspired by input from panel builders, system integrators and end users around the world, Rockwell Automation engineers developed the new Allen-Bradley E300 electronic overload relay. The E300 overload relay integrates communications, including EtherNet/IP, patented current-measurement technology, and time-saving I/O options, all in a modular design. The modularity provides users with the flexibility to tailor the device to meet their exact needs, thereby enabling their motor-driven processes to perform more efficiently and profitably.

Cost-effectiveness, versatility and ease of installation

The Hannover Fair in Germany and the Drives and Controls show in Birmingham saw the world launch by Harting of two new families of unmanaged Ethernet switches, optimised for use in harsh industrial environments. With over 200 different models to choose from, along with a choice of RJ45 or fibre-optic cable ports, the Harting Ha-VIS eCon 2000 and 3000 unmanaged Ethernet switches enable the cost-effective expansion of existing network infrastructures as well as the development of new industrial networks.

Innovative terminal blocks

As machines become more complex and systems grow more sophisticated, so the wiring of control cabinets, panels and remote I/O is becoming a significant element of the overall time and cost of the project. DIN rail mounted terminal blocks enable simple and reliable cabling of signal and power cables to and from the likes of sensors, actuators, instrumentation, control devices and other I/O. Terminal blocks can provide a space-saving solution that offers reduced installation time and increased safety.

Can GRP enclosures reduce costs for trackside applications?

As part of a cost reduction programme which is planned to reduce overall spend by 20%, Network Rail has begun to switch to 2-core cables. These cables reduce initial installation costs, as well as the costs incurred due to cable theft. However, as there is no earth core, this requires Class II installation which means that traditional metal enclosures may not be the best solution.

Modified enclosures within five days

Enclosure specialist ETA Enclosures can now offer a complete machining service on from stock standard enclosures. New state of the art laser technology allows ETA to machine holes and cut-outs on most enclosure surfaces without the need for repainting. Simple holes and cut-outs can be achieved in less than five days from placement of order.

Fan speed control is now demand based

A new fan speed control sensor for Rittal's TopTherm fan-and-filter units is now available. This handy and compact device, which is compatible with the larger models in the range of electronically commutated (EC) TopTherm fan-and-filter units, automatically adjusts the fan speed in response to changes in temperature inside the enclosure.

When one distribution hub is not enough...

After a thorough review of its European business, Fibox has made the decision to invest in a second logistics hub to help them optimise delivery times and, in turn, their overall efficiency. Together with the company's existing European hub in Germany, and existing facilities in Poland, the new warehouse will be based in Turku, Finland to support the burgeoning demand in Scandinavia for Fibox standard products, in particular the new ARCA range of wall mounting cabinets which is already exceeding sales expectations in Europe.

HMIs provide the driver for improved machine design

How many HMIs today are specified solely on the basis of screen size and price? While these factors are undoubtedly important, Omron's James Riley argues that a re-evaluation of the power and capability of modern HMIs could yield important benefits and begin to drive a fundamental change in the way machines are designed.