Industrial Technology

Controller perfectly synchronises robots and control equipment

Omron has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first ‘Robotic Integrated Controller’. The new NJ501-R is based on Omron’s NJ series of machine controllers for industrial automation. With the integrated controller, it is possible to automate advanced and complex manual work and simulate the design and modification of production facilities in a virtual environment, and conduct maintenance remotely. The new machine controller offers real-time synchronisation between all automation equipment, including robots, vision components, drives and safety equipment.

26th November 2020

Preparing manufacturing for the new normal

Greg Hookings, Head of Business Development – Digitalisation, Stratus Technologies, looks at how edge computing can prepare manufacturing for the new normal in a post covid-19 world.

24th November 2020

How to reduce cabinet clutter in food production

Food manufacturers can achieve flexible production at minimal labour costs, by adopting automation without cabinets. Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff Automation UK, explains how food processing operations can be reconfigured with machines that can be transported and moved, more easily and faster than traditional machinery.

24th November 2020

Innovative field shelter delivers off-grid cooling solution for remote basestation

A field equipment shelter fitted with fault-tolerant cooling is ensuring the reliability of a wireless communications link that connects instrument-ation on a new gas pipeline crossing a Middle Eastern desert to the remote control room. Fabricated from tough glassfibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) materials, the shelter houses a TETRA basestation powered by solar panels – in order to function reliably in an off-grid location some 50 km from the nearest town.

24th November 2020

Protection against frost as temperatures drop

Insulation and temperature management in pipes for industrial processing and commercial properties is important all year round. Of course, as the nights draw in and temperatures plummet, facilities managers are often more mindful of the risks of frozen pipes. Lagwell Insulation is a specialist in thermal insulation with many industrial, commercial and public sector customers located around the United Kingdom and Europe. It relies on Spelsberg thermostats to deliver performance and value for many of its frost protection systems.

24th November 2020

Air cooling versus liquid cooling for industrial enclosures

Almost without exception, industrial environments are hostile spaces for electrical equipment; their components don’t react well to high levels of moisture, dust, and heat in the atmosphere. This sensitivity, in turn, affects plant efficiency and will ultimately lower output and profitability. But moisture, dust and heat don’t need to be a concern provided you implement an effective climate control solution for your equipment.

24th November 2020

The CLPA celebrates 20 years of innovations in open network technology

November 2020 marks a significant milestone for the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), as the organisation will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Over these two decades, the CLPA has been supporting automation vendors and end users worldwide by providing state-of-the-art open network solutions that leverage the latest, most promising technologies, such as Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).

23rd November 2020

Rittal"s VX25 Ri4Power panels deliver impressive solution for renewable energy project

Rittal was approached by Powerfish, a Scottish-based panel builder and electrical engineering business, with a brief to design and deliver robust, flexible, and easy-to-install panels for a renewable energy customer.

18th November 2020

Cooling technology delivers energy savings for bakery ovens

Karl Lycett, product manager for climate control at Rittal UK, explains how the company’s new cooling technology is delivering energy savings at Allied Bakeries.

16th November 2020

Igus joins global automation body Profibus and Profinet International (PI)

Igus has joined the world’s largest automation membership body to advance the research of Profinet technology in dynamic applications. The focus for Profibus and Profinet International (PI), which has more than 1,700 members worldwide, is the continuous development of Profibus and Profinet technology, the two most important enabling technologies in automation today.

10th November 2020