The Machine Building & Automation Exhibition 2009 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 25-26 March 2009. It is just one element of the Advanced Manufacturing UK event, which also includes:
- MTEC (sensors, measurement and instrumentation)
- VTX (vision technology)
- Practical Vacuum
- Green Manufacturing
- MEDTEC (medical device technology)
- 3C (Contamination Control and Cleanroom Products)
Technology areas covered by the Machine Building & Automation Exhibition include:
- Custom automation
- Robotics
- Placement and handling systems
- Drives and controls
- Motion and motors
- Safety systems
- Software
- Machine hardware
Rittal (stand 608/609) will be showing version 1.9 of its EPLAN Platform, which is said to be versatile, practice-oriented and offers real-world, customer-driven features. The platform includes EPLAN Electric P8, EPLAN Fluid and EPLAN PPE, which are all based on a uniform database. Highlights include: flexible parts management (the EPLAN parts management system now stores logical function descriptions and there are new individual classification attributes); a redlining facility for fast, accurate modifications (documentation can also be exported as PDF files, and modifications can be re-imported as graphic elements into the original EPLAN project); and the new version supports three performance levels to suit users with different levels of proficiency.
Thinking Space Systems (stand 1204) will be showcasing the new PVS Easy aluminium extrusion connection system, which is described as simple, strong and cost-effective. The Kanya build system offers innovative, versatile and robust aluminium extrusions and components for use in the structural design of applications such as machine guards and test rigs. New to the market is a range of extrusions designed specifically for use with the new Easy connector. To support quick and easy installation of connectors on site, by hand and with no drilling, Kanya is launching a range of tooling; the self-cutting threaded insert and punch-out extrusion slots mean no machining is required and connectors can be placed within seconds.
In addition, there is also a new 50x50mm lightweight extrusion plus a new range of extrusions with a rip-off slot for inserting panels where desired. Included is a 40x40mm extrusion enclosed on all four faces, with the facility to open any of the four slots for placing panels or fasteners, making it suitable for 'clean' applications.
LG Motion (stand 802) will be exhibiting products from across its wide range of medium- to high-precision linear and rotary stages, linear bearings, motors, drives and controls, as well as new moving coil actuators and specialised motion components. The company represents a number of leading motion control suppliers and has its own in-house production and design facility to handle customised assemblies.
Highlights will include: SMAC high-speed/high-precision single- and multi-axis positioning systems; a selection of high-precision linear guide bearings from Schneeberger's Monorail range; the innovative Miniscale linear motion guide with a directly integrated optical encoder; Agile Systems' new microMAXR intelligent servo drive; cost-effective UniSlide, BiSlide and XSlide linear tables for medium-precision and medium-duty positioning applications; and LG Motion's own range of precision linear and rotary tables.
MiniTec UK (stand 804) will be showing a broad selection of machine framing and modular positioning components and systems from its innovative Profile System and Linear System ranges. These ranges have continued to expand to include even more components for complete machine base and framing applications for OEMs, machine builders and system integrators. In particular, the MiniTec Linear System includes ball-bushings, slide units and torque bearings, plus precision ground shafts and shaft supports that can be specified very easily.
MiniTec's stainless steel VA Profile System will also be on display, with an emphasis on the 45x45mm profile that is interchangeable with the standard aluminium Profile System but is suitable for use in harsh environments, high-temperature processes and areas where aluminium profiles have limited use.
Since the last show, the MiniTec Group's acquisition of flexible assembly line and belt conveyor systems company, Profi-team SA has led to the formation of a new company able to provide complete production and test lines to customer specifications.
Rittal (stand 608/609) will be showing its TopConsole universal workstations that comprise three modules, a pedestal, desk unit and console, from which tailored man-machine interfaces can be created. New features include an additional 600mm compact version to complement the existing 800, 1200 and 1600mm versions, 10 per cent more space for installation within the lid, and new mounting plates that can incorporate 400mm variants. Flexible and adaptable, the TopConsole range also includes partial mounting plates available as extras in 200 and 500mm widths that can be bay-fitted together.
Offering easier installation and more user-friendliness than previous models, the latest TopConsole is modular and highly flexible. Connections can also be made to other members of the Rittal System family, such as the Comfort Panel and industrial workstations.
Festo (stand 1006) will be exhibiting its latest-generation EGC electromechanical axes for the first time in the UK. They feature a radically new profile design that is claimed to provide unprecedented rigidity. These axes also deliver a performance improvement of between 100 and 200 per cent over their previous-generation counterparts, yet they cost 10 per cent less and offer exceptional feed force, speed, acceleration and torque resistance characteristics.
Festo will also be unveiling the new CPX-CMXX integrated multi-axis motion controller. This highly integrated intelligent module is intended for use with the company's CPX series of multifunctional electrical terminals, providing a PLC-compatible interface for multi-dimensional axis control.
Newport Spectra-Physics (stand 1206) says its new ESP301 succeeds the popular ESP300 motion controller, providing the same functionality but with a supplemental, standard USB interface and extended front panel functions. The ESP301 can drive and control up to three axes of motion using any combination of DC or two-phase stepper motors up to 3A per axis.
Another product range to be featured is Newport's new TRA series miniature motorised actuators that benefit form a space-saving design that enables them to be used with a wide variety of linear stages, mirror mounts and OEM applications. The TRA6 models provide 6mm of travel in a slender 15mm diameter housing, while the TRA12 models provide 12mm of travel and the TRA25 provides 25mm of travel.
HepcoMotion (stand 1010) will be unveiling new driven linear systems to provide machine builders with a wider choice for simple and effective automation. These will be shown alongside the company's existing DLS, GV3 and HDS2 linear motion ranges, as well as the MCS machine construction system. Typically such products are used for applications ranging from manual assembly operations to fully automated production systems and special-purpose machinery. Overall, the main focus of HepcoMotion's stand will be 'easy automation.'
MachineBuilding.net (stand 1202) will be there to report on the product launches at the Machine Building & Automation Exhibition and co-located events. Visitors will also be able to register for the MachineBuilding.net monthly email newsletter and order copies of the free MachineBuilding.net Guide to the New Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. In addition, visitors can pre-order copies of a new Guide to Energy-Efficient Machine Design that will be published later in the spring.
Follow the link for more information about the Machine Building & Automation Exhibition 2009.
