In an ideal world, every component in a machine or system would be specified by a knowledgeable engineer, in consultation with a product specialist, and installed exactly as intended. In reality, pressures on time and budget can result in design engineers sourcing safety components from online catalogues, only to realise too late that the product was a poor fit. Blake Shields of Tapeswitch explains how consultation at the outset can provide the best outcome.

Across motion control applications, encoders are a common choice to provide feedback over position, direction, and speed. A key aspect of their specification is the selection of an incremental or an absolute encoder type. This decision directly affects system performance, determining whether the controller can rely on relative motion tracking, or if immediate knowledge of absolute position is required. Gerard Bush, engineer at motion specialist INMOCO, explains.

Micro-Epsilon has extended its range of confocal chromatic distance and thickness measurement sensors with a new High Temperature (HT) series of sensors that withstand operating temperatures up to 200 degC and are suitable for use in ultra-high vacuums and clean rooms.

In critical moments, only one thing counts: reliability. Lenze Selection's spring-applied brakes ensure that loads are always held and stopped safely - according to the proven fail-safe principle.

The proven MSM II switch family continues to grow: With the Common Anode variant, SCHURTER offers maximum compatibility with modern control architectures.

In today's industrial landscape, precise, reliable and flexible automation solutions are key to competitiveness. Sensors play a central role here, providing the data on which all control and optimisation processes are based. However, traditional sensor technology is increasingly reaching its limits, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.

Elesa has expanded its stainless-steel toggle and fastening clamp range with new variants across the MTD, MOD and MFB series, broadening its offer for industrial applications that demand secure holding, repeatable clamping force, and dependable mechanical performance.

TDK Corporation introduces the TDK-Lambda TPS4500 single- or dual-output industrial power supplies with a 4500 W rating. The modules can be configured to share the loads in any proportion, up to the rated output specifications, and are designed to operate in series or in parallel to increase the output voltage or power.

norelem has expanded its product range with the launch of new electric cylinders featuring integrated IO-Link servo technology. Designed as a compact and energy-efficient alternative to pneumatic cylinders, the new actuators provide precise linear movement for applications in mechanical engineering, medical technology and wider automated production environments.