Apex Dynamics UK appeared at the PPMA Total 2025 processing and packaging machinery show in Birmingham, displaying its new SGM range of compact motors and geared motor units. The company's stand at the event also featured live demonstrations of precision planetary gearboxes and rack and pinion technology.

Lasnek manufacturers and supplies a range of enclosures, designed specifically for rotary disconnect switches. Typically positioned externally within a production environment these switches are designed to isolate rotating machines and ideally should be mounted in an enclosure rated IP65 or above.

Shaft coupling windup and backlash are fundamentally different types of mechanical error, although both can cause inaccuracies in a rotational system. They are related in that they both cause lost motion, but they arise from different physical phenomena. The experts at jbj Techniques explain.

Lenze Selection says the BFK458 spring-applied brake is the ideal solution for demanding mechanical engineering applications. It combines high performance with a modular system and is quickly available - ideal for designers and developers who value flexibility and safety.

Valve specialist GEMU is expanding its single-use range with the GEMU Multiport SUMONDO multi-port valve block. This is available with pneumatic or manual block locking.

MLA series miniature linear positioning actuators from Applied Motion Products (AMP) are based around NEMA 11, 14, 17 and 23 frame stepper motors and can be configured as motor-only open-loop variants or supplied complete with the company's StepSERVO integrated motors as all-in-one programmable closed-loop linear motion positioning solutions with optional network communication.

In servo systems, optimising performance factors such as gain and phase shift is critical to achieving precise control. Gerard Bush, engineer at INMOCO, explains why understanding the Bode Plot remains relevant.

Emerson has announced the PACSystems IPC 6010, IPC 7010 and IPC 8010 industrial computing platforms. This new line expands Emerson's family of high-performance industrial personal computer (IPC) models for demanding applications, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics.

Contrinex has once again raised the bar with its M5 photoelectric sensors. These diffuse-sensing units, featuring a robust sapphire lens, underwent a significant performance upgrade in 2024 and have now been further upgraded to offer IO-Link connectivity, further cementing their position in high-performance automation.

The type 2 surge protection devices from Phoenix Contact's Safe Protection Plus (SPP) product family are now also available in single-position versions. This adds five ready-to-install products to the existing series, each of which is available with and without a remote indication contact.