Industrial Technology

Programmable electronic DC loads offer multiple operating mode

TDK Corporation announces the introduction of the TDK-Lambda brand SFL series of programmable electronic DC loads. The series comprises 300W and 1,000W power levels and either a 120V or 500V maximum rating. The SFL incorporates high-speed current feedback control to eliminate load current overshoot and oscillation to generate a stable and predictable load waveform during turn-on or dynamic operation. The unit is capable of operating in seven different load modes and four operating modes. This flexibility allows the user to perform up to seventeen different types of load tests on DC power supplies, fuel cells, solar cells, batteries and components to characterise their performance fully.

20th September 2021

Tactile technologies for cobots

Cobots have now been developed to a point where the only thing differentiating them from their human co-workers is soft-skills. Developing adaptive capabilities like decision-making or problem-solving in cobots is challenging for engineers, but progress is inevitable. With state-of-the-art sensors, actuators and software, cobots are now capable of experiencing physical sensations that allow them to feel and identify the object being touched. Here Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses the advantages of tactile technologies for cobots.

20th September 2021

Eliminating the heat dissipation challenges of hygienic motors

It is critical that any equipment operating on a food and beverage production line is designed to hygienic criteria. This includes motors driving conveyors. However, the features required to achieve a hygienic motor design can present heat dissipation challenges that can affect the reliability of induction units and threaten uptime.

20th September 2021

Collaboration in the industrial automation ecosystem

Today’s ecosystem of industrial automation is characterised by many media disruptions during the processing and transfer of documentation. It is essential to resolve these issues within the development process for machines and plant systems – via targeted collaboration among all stakeholders and systems. Data created in the engineering process must be shared with everyone involved in the process. The ideal goal: machine builders and system integrators, control cabinet manufacturers, component manufacturers and also the machine or plant system operator all work networked together.

20th September 2021

Watlow announces upgrades for high performance fluid heating solution

Industrial heating technology manufacturer Watlow has upgraded its FLUENT heater, which now features dual voltage capabilities. The lightweight, high-performance solution reduces overall system cost and complexity of heating in semiconductor, medical and analytical industries.

20th September 2021

Retrofit upgrades improve pump reliability and reduce maintenance costs for operators

Reliability is a fundamental requirement for between bearing high energy pumps that operate in oil and gas applications. To optimize pumping systems, design improvements and material upgrades can be implemented during planned maintenance intervals, extending mean time between failures (MTBF) with minimal effort. In older pumps, the bearing assembly is key to modernize the pump to current API standards and reducing operating cost.

20th September 2021

Atlas Copco on-site oxygen generation means 30% increase in efficiency plus 70% extra energy savings

Atlas Copco says the introduction of its OGP+ generators takes all the advantages of on-site oxygen generation to a completely new level. In a compact, complete design concept, inspired by customer needs, OGP+ is claimed to offer best in class in performance, productivity, reliability, ease of use, cost saving, and self-regulation.

17th September 2021

Power relay modules from Pickering Interfaces offer twice the switching density

Pickering Interfaces has added two new 5 Amp power relay module families, available in PXI and PXIe formats. The 40/42-153 and 40/42-158 power relay modules are suitable for switching heavy AC or DC loads or for controlling large external relays, contactors and solenoids.

17th September 2021

Parker SensoControl introduces new pressure sensor with IO-Link functionality

Parker Hannifin has launched the SCPSi pressure sensor with IO-Link functionality to meet customer demand in more and more smart industrial environments.