Machine Building

News

Relec adds Cotek Systems SR-1600-Plus inverter series

New from Relec Electronics is the SR-1600-Plus Series of DC-AC inverters from Cotek, consisting of 1600VA inverter modules for either 24V or 48V inputs, bespoke 2U subrack and a system controller. There are also options for remote control and maintenance bypass switches.

30th July 2020

Further investment for Inovo Robotics

Foresight Group, an independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager, and Williams Advanced Engineering have announced a £1.45 million follow-on investment from the Foresight Williams Technology EIS Fund into Inovo Robotics. The investment will allow the company to grow sales internationally and brings the total invested by the fund to £2.95 million, having originally invested £1.5 million in October 2018 to support the Inovo's first product to market.

30th July 2020

HMS unveils second generation Anybus Communicator

20 years after its original release, HMS Networks has this week announced the arrival of its second-generation Anybus Communicator - a line of high-performing gateways for connecting devices and machines to industrial networks. Anybus Communicator for EtherNet/IP is now available and versions covering additional networks will be released later in this year and into 2021. The first version for EtherNet/IP will be followed by versions for Modbus TCP, PROFINET and PROFIBUS. The new Communicators are said to be modern, high-performing gateways which incorporate all experience gained by HMS Networks from interaction with users about the original line across the last two decades. The two generations will co-exist according to a separate product life cycle plan, says HMS.

29th July 2020

SICK launches SensorApp for colour inspection and sorting

SICK confirms that it is continuing the roll-out of its customisable SensorApps for "˜easy' machine vision, with the launch of its Colour Inspection and Sorting App, said to be a cost-saving and simple solution for common inline quality control tasks in automated production and packaging applications. The new app is a ready-made, flexible, packaged solution based on the ultra-compact SICK Pico- or midiCam 2D streaming cameras. It is the first to be integrated with a choice of SICK Sensor Integration Machines as well as providing LED illumination and a photoelectric sensor to complete the set-up.

28th July 2020

Drive solutions for the bakery industry

NORD Drivesystems is promoting its capability for machine builders designing for the bakery industry. The company is highlighting a variety of key points including lightweight, corrosion-resistant gear units, together with smooth surface motors, frequency inverters and motor starters in wash-down-optimised aluminium housings. It products often find their way into mixing and agitation processes in the sector, as well as conveyor systems, weighing and filling plants and packaging machinery. It states that its product portfolio for the bakery business meets stringent requirements on hygiene, reliability and durability and that due to their modular structure, its drive units are also service and maintenance friendly.

27th July 2020

Gear motors designed to drive you round the bend

Or more accurately, around the corner: Electro Mechanical Systems has announced that it is now supplying updated versions of the Nidec DCK right angled gear-motor range. The design has moved from a deep drawn housing to a rolled construction, which provides the same performance but with improved cost efficiency, according to EMS. The units are manufactured in Germany by Nidec Motors & Actuators, part of the Japanese Nidec group.

27th July 2020

Bauromat and PP Control & Automation join forces for common good

Bauromat and PP Control & Automation have announced a non-competing partnership designed to share skills and encourage industry growth under the #UKMfgUnite banner. The two Midlands based companies have made the agreement to pool their complementary skills and capabilities in a way that supports manufacturing in the UK and continues to build on the already existing industry fraternity.

24th July 2020

New robot controller for improved precision

Following several years of development, TM Robotics is releasing its new TS5000 robot controller. The company says it forms a launch pad for the next generation of industrial robots from Shibaura Machine (formerly known as Toshiba Machine) and that the new products offer faster position control, improved robot precision and shortened cycle times. The TS5000 robot controller has been engineered by Shibaura Machine in Japan and compared with previous controllers, it provides improved synchronisation and control. Its position cycle is three times faster than previous models, allowing more control during fast movements. Combined with an automatic adjustment function for acceleration, these features reduce vibration and stress.

21st July 2020

Universal Robots introduces webinars

Universal Robots is introducing a new series of webinars running from August to December, designed to provide specialist knowledge on some of the ways in which automation is meeting production challenges across a diverse range of sectors. The series follows the success of the WeAreCobots virtual conference.

21st July 2020

Campaign to get UK manufacturers ready for North American market

PP Control & Automation (PPCA) is urging UK manufacturers targeting new growth opportunities in North America to avoid costly mistakes when trying to meet specific technical standards for the territory. PPCA provides strategic manufacturing outsourcing solutions for over 20 of the world's largest machinery builders, and has launched a new educational campaign centred on UL508a, a technical standard for industrial control panels in the United States.

20th July 2020