For more than a century, industrial motors have remained largely unchanged in their core design, relying on radial flux technology to power everything from manufacturing lines to heavy-duty machinery. While this approach has been refined over time, the industry has faced a fundamental challenge: how to make motors more compact, efficient and adaptable - without sacrificing power. Cassiano Antunes Cezario, R&D Manager at WEG's Industrial Motor division introduces the W80 AXgen axial flux motor.

WDS Components has introduced a new range of blank finger grippers designed to make custom automation and robotic tooling faster and more precise. These pre-machined modular blanks enable engineers to create bespoke grippers tailored to specific workpiece shapes and application requirements without the need to design blanks from scratch.

When it comes to cable management, machine builders and installers supplying equipment into hygienically sensitive areas are often forced to compromise between the flexibility of an open system, which provides less cable protection, or a closed system, which conversely increases integrity at the expense of installation flexibility. A third option, however, is available from Lasnek using its IP66 / NEMA4X trunking system which offers the user both flexibility and integrity.

The IFS Profisafe Gateway from Phoenix Contact makes it easy to integrate network-compatible motor starters into Profisafe networks and use them in safety applications.

The PPMA Show has always been a snapshot of where the UK's processing and packaging sector is heading. Every September, the innovations on display hint at how factories will look in the years ahead. With the show taking place every year, it's sometimes hard to notice the cumulative impact of these changes over time. But what might we expect to see in a decade from now? Here, Bradley McEwan, business development manager at automation specialist Beckhoff UK, imagines what we might expect to see if teleported to PPMA 2035.

Designed for performance and durability, the HSA Series linear actuators from Lenze Selection are ideal for applications requiring high speed and heavy load handling. With a rear-hinged attachment and a space-saving 90 degree motor mounting configuration, these actuators feature a Gleason bevel gear for efficient power transmission.

New from valve specialist GEMU is the 44A0 multi-functional valve actuation module, a future-proof solution for modern process automation. The automation module combines two functions in a single device: a combi switchbox and position control, for maximum versatility and efficient plant design.

The elastomer couplings from Jakob have been expanded by a new series. With the new EKM-VA, the tried-and-tested EKM type has a stainless steel version. One of the strengths of the material is its resistance to chemicals, such as those used for cleaning in the food industry.

Acorn Industrial Services is expanding its comprehensive linear motion product offer by adding Schaeffler INA to its fully stocked range.

Electrical equipment can expose workers to potential hazards in any industrial or commercial setting. Unintentional contact with live conductors, unexpected machine start-ups, phase imbalances or incorrect phase rotations can lead to incidents, equipment failures, and costly downtime. Presence of voltage indicators, such as the Remlive range from Fortress Safety, provide operators with a clear visual indication that a circuit is live.