All articles by Nick Holt – Page 54
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Dürr FAS x-cal mobile test unit
Dürr Factory Assembly Systems (FAS) has developed a mobile test unit, x-cal, at the its Test Laboratory at Püttlingen in Germany. Offi cial recognition of the Test Laboratory as a certifi ed calibration laboratory complying with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 has already been given by the Accreditation Body.x-cal, being a ...
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High-speed wireless communication from Prosoft Technology
ProSoft Technology has added its new 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot to the growing line of RadioLinx products. The RLX-IHW functions as a wireless access point, repeater, or client and is designed for global installations.It offers high-speed wireless Ethernet communications including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, and DNP over Ethernet for linking automation systems, ...
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Fortress introduces a configurable E-stop
Fortress Interlocks has introduced an Emergency Stop (E-stop) into its eGard range of safety interlocks that can be confi gured to connect to a programmable logic controller (PLC) or AS-i network. The E-stop AS-i enabled has only one fl exible cable that clips the E-stop and base connector together for ...
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Aluminium thermal processing from Can-Eng
Can-Eng Furnace’s Basketless Heat Treating System (BHTS) offers the latest technology available to manufacturers of aluminum intensive automobile components requiring thermal processing. The modernised rotary hearth furnace integrates multiple levels as a means of increasing the system capacity. In addition, rapid heating technology reduces the cycle time for processing, while ...
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Staytite nut offers better value
Independent tests have proven that the Staytite locking nut performs as well as contemporary brands, at a lower cost and with no sacrifice on quality. Satisfied clients include Triumph Motorcycles and the Ford Motor Company.Staytite’s Sales Director Michael Moore says: “Evidence, in both video and graph form, helps us to ...
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Rhino inductive proximity sensors now available in AC/DC version
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced its Rhino AC/DC cube-style inductive proximity sensors. These two-wire AC/DC sensors are available with a 20mm sensing range and are rated for 20-250 VAC/VDC operation. These sensors are well suited for automotive manufacturing, and any number of other applications requiring a 120VAC power source.Rhino AC/DC series proximity ...
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Mountz torques up capacity with new EZ-Glider arm
Mountz’s new line high torque capacity torque arms for the EZ-Glider product family feature the ability to work with higher torque output tools and provide the ergonomic safety for their operators. The EZGlider torque arms are designed to improve production and quality control during the assembly process.Crafted with lightweight durable ...
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Summer update for Bruel & Kjaer’s sound meters
Sound and vibration expert, Bruel and Kjaer, has launched a new application that allows vibration measurements to be made using its 2250 handheld meter.This specially designed application, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), performs frequency analysis and diagnostics measurements for high-precision noise and vibration testing in areas such as occupational, residential and ...
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Distributed frequency inverter for conveyor system applications
The Sinamics G120 series of inverters from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) is being expanded with a distributed version with degree of protection IP65. The Sinamics G120D is characterised by its very flat type of construction, a uniform footprint and high degree of uniformity for power outputs from 0,75 to ...
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Kerk VHD Series antibacklash assembly
Kerk Motion Products, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of non-ball lead screws, offers its VHD series, ideal for eliminating drag and wear associated with high pre-load forces. The Kerk VHD Series anti-backlash assembly provides the maximum loadcarrying capability and the highest axial and radial stiffness of any Kerk nut ...
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Safety locking series from Omron
Omron Scientific Technologies has introduced its SLD series switchlocking devices. The SLD Series enables personnel to quickly lock a safety interlock switch to a safe position allowing for certain types of maintenance. The series is intended for use as an alternative control method while performing tasks that are routine, repetitive ...
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AutoForm Engineering releases EasyBlank
AutoForm Engineering has released EasyBlank for rapid calculation of developed blank outlines from imported 3D CAD part geometry.It uses AutoForm-OneStep simulation technology and calculates material optimisation and nesting layout, making the software particularly useful at the quotation stage of a project.EasyBlank is free to download and use, and users of ...
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Hyster shows foresight on the Fortens forklift
Hyster is pleased to announce the launch of “Raised Operator” versions of both the H2.0-3.5FT & H4.0-5.5FT Fortens Series IC-engine forklift trucks. The new Raised Operator option is designed for use in applications where the load carried can often hinder the driver’s view.To enhance visibility over the attachment and associated ...
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Automotive robots reach for the sky
Airbus has completed a major research project that has brought automotive robots up to aerospace tolerances – a process that incorporates Delmia V5R16 Robotics software and should reduce costs, cut production time and improve quality.Realistic Robot SimulationAdaptive ControlCo-operating robotsCompany-wide, we drill around 50 million holes per year and half of ...
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Turning up the WiC
BERU F1 is working in harness with carmakers to protect and package wiring solutions for today’s more sophisticated vehicles.Reliable protectionVersatilitySignificant advances in the materials used in wiring harnesses offer the automotive industry opportunities to enhance the packaging, weight and functionality by combining composites and loom into a single component.Today’s automotive ...
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Cool coatings
Heat resistant ceramic coating offers OEMs reliability and performance advantages. Developed originally for the UK nuclear industry, a zirconia-based coating is finding increasing uses in the automotive industry.Thermal managementCut the wrapCeramic coatings have been used previously to retain heat within specific sub-systems or to protect components and operators from excessive ...
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The race for better metals
Motorsport engines demand higher performance and that means the manufacture of very pure metals. It’s an area of intense competition and innovation, as Nigel Eames of MCT explainsPurer steelMaterial researchOne of the most gruelling automotive environments for metals is that found in a motorsport engine, where reliability and performance are ...
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Spreading the Ethernet
The demands of commercial vehicle making are being met with increasingly sophisticated automation software, including integrated Ethernet communication and client/server architecturesCommunication protocolsUnity automation platformAutomation faces particular challenges when it comes to the production of commercial vehicles because of the wide variety demanded. Theoretically, the number of variants that might need ...
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Holding the energy line at GM
General Motors is embracing energy savings and improved performance with a new decentralised vacuum system from PIAB. AMS talks to Senior Manufacturing Project Engineer Dan Anfinson about getting a grip on the competitive edgeA firm grasp on safety and performanceIncreased up-timeDan Anfinson recognises that competition is the driving force in ...
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Qashqai on delivery
Nissan has ensured a high standard in the launch of its Qashqai model with the use of manufacturing execution software from factory information expert Lighthouse SystemsPre-production trialsSystems for new model introductionsFlow of informationSupporting the life cycleNissan is renowned for its innovative designs and they reflect the spirit of the organisation. ...