Industrial Technology

CLPA working group on network security

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has established a working group on industrial Ethernet security, with the aim of providing a guideline document for users looking to build secure networks around the open gigabit Ethernet CC-Link IE technologies. In particular, the document will cover strategies for users adopting the CLPA’s Seamless Message Protocol (SLMP) and CC-Link IE Field Basic where general IP communication is used for both cyclic and transient communications.

21st November 2017

Industry 4.0: dispelling the myths and misconceptions

Traditionally, machines in industrial environments could only provide actuation, but not anymore. As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, Nigel Smith of TM Robotics dispels some of the common misconceptions about implementing smart manufacturing.

21st November 2017

Making the Industry 4.0 connection

What does Industry 4.0 mean to you? Ask 100 people and you’ll probably get 101 different answers, says Ivor Hunt, product marketing specialist, Device Connectivity, of Weidmüller. But one thing that they’re all likely to agree on is that it’s going to need more connections – often a lot more connections.

21st November 2017

Top tips for implementing Industry 4.0

Steve Askins of Eriks UK offers some practical guidance to help you cut through the hype and get the most from the fourth industrial revolution.

21st November 2017

Wireless monitoring: Kanban without cards

Few Kanban systems are completely free from errors and weak spots: the processing of Kanban cards can be delayed; cards can sometimes be mislaid leading to very little transparency in the operation. The introduction of scanners provides only partial relief to some of these issues, not least of all because often staff will forget to scan leading to incorrect bookings being made and shelves being incorrectly replenished.

21st November 2017

Monitoring the status of energy chains and cables with one module

Predictive maintenance plays a key role in Industry 4.0 and the factory of tomorrow. Supporting this future, Igus has added more sensors and monitoring modules to its smart plastics family for more intelligence – warning of potential failure in good time before unplanned and costly downtimes occur. The new isense EC.RC (e-chain Run Control) monitors the operating status of the energy chains, especially in guide troughs used on long travel applications. Sensors measure and check the position of the energy chain. In this way, the machine is prevented from continuing to operate when mechanical faults occur; meaning that total loss of the chain or an electrical shutdown are a thing of the past.

21st November 2017

Considerations for specifying an enclosure latching system

James Stroud of Southco examines the importance of integration between the key elements of a rotary latching system commonly found on enclosures, and talks through some key considerations for specifying complete latching systems.

21st November 2017

Combating condensation in enclosure installations

The recipe for condensation is simple: water vapour and fluctuating temperatures. In all but the most controlled of environments this means that electrical installations are at risk of water damage caused by condensation forming inside an enclosure. Of course, with proper planning and design it’s possible to protect your connections, as Chris Lloyd of Spelsberg explains.

21st November 2017

Controllers now integrate CNC functionality

Omron has announced the global release in October of its new NJ/NY series CNC Integrated Controllers that boost the productivity of processing machines for manufacturing lines. With these new controllers, the Sysmac Integrated Platform has been expanded to include CNC functionality, enabling high-precision complex profiling and increasing the production capacity of processing machines.

21st November 2017

A leap forward for ophthalmic surgery

The modular ophthalmology microscope platform Proveo 8 from Leica Microsystems takes another significant step forward with further enhanced visualization and workflow support. The latest enhancements of the platform concern the core microscope and include brighter illumination for further optimized red reflex and automated adjustment of settings that respond to surgical visualization needs at every stage of anterior and posterior segment procedures. The new features further expand the benefits of the versatile platform which offers innovative optical technology and digital imaging extensions such as intrasurgical OCT and the IOLcompass pro guidance system.

26th October 2017