Industrial Technology

Eliminating the need for duplicate redundancy

Claimed the first product of its type, the new Contactor Monitoring Device (CMD) from Moeller Electric means the expense of using duplicate redundant contactors in motor starters with safety functions can be entirely eliminated. Instead, the same levels of safety can be achieved by using a compact and inexpensive CMD module with each contactor, providing not only large cost savings, but also reducing the amount of space required in the control panel.

3rd September 2008

PLC and HMI combination provides complete machine control system

A combined HMI and PLC system, capable of completely self-contained machine control for small to medium sized automation applications is available from Gefran UK. The new GF_VEDO 35 and 57 series includes a choice of 3.5in or 5.7in colour or mono touchscreen HMIs with an IEC61131-3 PLC plus I/O and fieldbus expansion to offer the convenience of a single package with the potential for significant time, cost, wiring and space savings.

3rd September 2008

Maplesoft to sell Maple direct

Maplesoft has announced changes to its relationship with The MathWorks, which has resold the Maple engine under the product names Symbolic Math Toolbox and Extended Math Symbolic Toolbox. As the partnership between Maplesoft and The MathWorks is changing, the Maple engine will be sold exclusively by Maplesoft. The MathWorks will continue to sell versions of the Symbolic Math Toolbox and Extended Symbolic Math Toolbox which use the Maple engine.

16th July 2008

Moldflow acquired by Autodesk

Autodesk has completed its acquisition of Moldflow Corporation. Moldflow is a leading provider of software solutions that allow designers to predict and optimise how plastic components will perform during each phase of the design and manufacture process. Autodesk acquired Moldflow for $22 per share, or approximately $297 million, less the amount in Moldflow's cash balance and proceeds from options exercises.

16th July 2008

New distributors for UK and Germany

Integrated Engineering Software, a developer of hybrid simulation tools, has announced the extension of its global network of distributors. The company has forged relationships with Magtronics in the UK and Trimerics in Germany. The move indicates Integrated's intention to expand its European market.

16th July 2008

Sixth generation brings PLM to life

Dassault Systèmes announced the market introduction of V6, a next generation PLM 2.0 platform and solution set. This sixth generation version leverages the success of DS brands and V5 PLM. V6 harnesses the power of Web 2.0, Web 3D and Dassault Systèmes' technology portfolio.

16th July 2008

Craft Pattern halves delivery times with PowerShape design software

Craft Pattern & Mold has reduced its delivery times by up to 50 percent in the ten years that it has been using Delcam's PowerSHAPE design software and the PowerMILL CAM system. The company provides rapid precision plastic or metal prototypes, and low-volume production parts for leading companies in the aerospace, agriculture, automotive, consumer products, electronics, medical and toy industries.

16th July 2008

Hermetic micro packaging with heat sinks

In the July 2008 issue of Industrial Technology, we report on hermetic packagings specifically designed for electronics destined for the harshest environments including the aerospace and military markets.

16th July 2008

IP67 push-fit grommet seals are quick and easy to install

Spelsberg has extended its range of enclosure accessories to include three new grommet seals from Swedish manufacturer TST. The range includes a basic gland seal, the TSS grommet for less demanding low-cost applications, the rubber based Rutaseal and the innovative Klikseal locking grommet. All three are push-fit designs and so are very quick to install, taking 90 percent less time than a conventional cable gland. They provide ingress protection to IP67 and cost also considerably less than a traditional plastic cable gland.

16th July 2008

Telescopic stays for cabinet door

Telescopic cover stays from Emka are used for support of horizontal or vertical covers on control panels, for support or simply as a wind stay. Now the new 1097 variants incorporate a facility for manual pushbutton or pull cord operation. Use of a pull cord facilitates operation of widely spaced multiple stays on very wide covers. It also enables simple operation and enhanced safety.

16th July 2008