Automation – Page 371
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ArticleAt the heart of glass
Strong and cost-effective, developments in glass continue to enhance both production processes and vehicle applicationsIt would be a mistake to think that the business of automotive glass was without innovation. While glassmaking itself hasn’t changed much since the development of float-glass production in the late 1950s, a complex range of ...
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ArticleOnline service for robots
‘Local’ goes globalDirect to the cellDesign-for-maintenance and enhanced remote diagnostics are just two of the latest trends in robot service and support, as Steed Webzell discovers.Robots work hard: it’s one of the main reasons they’re deployed, after all. As a result, alongside the critical nature of the operations they perform, ...
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ArticleGaining control of robot efficiency
The efficiency of robot hardware is being optimised by the relentless development of software. Steed Webzell reports on this rapidly evolving technology areaThere are countless drivers in robot software at present, all of which are intrinsically linked to hardware design. Indeed, according to industrial robot specialist Comau, to achieve the ...
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ArticleEnergy-efficient electric motor range
WEG claims its W22 Super Premium range of electric motors exceeds the yet-to-beimplemented IE4 regulations, enabling manufacturers to increase energy efficiencies throughout their plants and processes.The three-phase induction motor is based on WEG’s W22 motor mechanical design and has been designed to have low operating temperatures, which increases the insulation ...
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ArticleSpring-loaded contacts suited to use in harsh environments
Harwin says it has launched an IP68-rated version of its HotShoe connector technology. Available in standard 8, 12 and 16-way versions, HotShoe connectors employ spring-loaded contacts which maintain a positive contact force against the mating half of the connector, which the company claims ensures reliable connection even under demanding conditions. ...
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Article
Software tool for configuring laser scanners
Sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has released a new version of its Configuration Tools software for the company’s scanCONTROL series of laser scanners. The company says this new version, scanCONTROL Configuration Tools v3.0, enables users to configure their laser scanner via a Windows PC or laptop. As well as improving the user ...
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ArticleVersatile gauging system allows use of robots
Renishaw has expanded its gauging system range with the new Equator 300 Extended Height system. The company says this new variant allows components to be transferred on to the machine on their machining fixtures and also allows the use of automated systems such as robots and conveyors.The system can inspect ...
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ArticleSimulate to facilitate
Steed Webzell explores the latest work in robot cell design and layout, discovering simulation technologies are rooted firmly at the heart of best practice.Gone are the days of marking the reach of robots in chalk on the shop floor to avoid collisions. Today, this vital production engineering function is facilitated ...
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ArticlePlug and play robot automation system
Yamazaki Mazak has launched a new range of robot automation systems designed to require a low-cost investment yet provide a flexible workpiece handling solution. The systems are capable of being utilised across a number of machines in the Mazak range.The newly launched cell enables components of up to 2kg in ...
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ArticleMotion control positioning system offers full servo at reduced cost
Festo has launched a new compact electric cylinder (EPCO) and controller (CMMO), which form part of its optimised motion series positioning system. The company says this offers the advantages of full servo motion but at a reduced cost.The CMMO is a new compact controller, specially designed for the new range ...
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ArticleUnit converts hazardous waste into useable energy
A new compact unit, which enables manufacturing and engineering companies to turn their hazardous waste streams into heat, has been launched by DPS Global.The ST Series technology involves staged and separated pyrolysis and gasifi cation of industrial and hazardous wastes to produce small amounts of ash and heat. DPS says ...
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ArticleAll up for grabs in robot R&D
Steed Webzell talks to technology vendors about which OEM criteria are driving their innovations in robot design and developmentUnimation installed the world’s first industrial robot in 1961 on a production line at the GM Ternstedt plant in Trenton, New Jersey. Obeying step-by-step commands stored on a magnetic drum, the robot’s ...
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ArticleFive-axis horizontal machining solutions
Handtmann says it has further developed its HBZ Trunnion fi ve-axis horizontal machining centres.The company says its focus for 2013 is improving productivity through horizontal machining and the arrangement of the axes together with a single piece machine bed and three-point fl oor mounting, offers good rigidity and process reliability.The ...
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ArticleNew options enhance industrial opto-digital microscope systems
With the first update of the DSX industrial microscope systems, Olympus says it has introduced a series of options to increase image quality and the ergonomics of its devices.The new Super HDR software has been developed to enhance the standard high dynamic range (HDR) function on the DSX100, DSX500 and ...
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Article
UHF RFID system provides a clear signal
The new RFU630 UHF RFID system from Sick has been designed for challenging factory environments and overcoming the problems of poor signals caused, for example, by close proximity to heavy metal machinery and plant.The company says the RFU 630 read/ writer avoids signal reflection and distortion in ‘high noise’ conditions ...
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ArticleAdvance of the robot
Steed Webzell looks at changes in robotic automation, revealing a sector rich in innovation and one that is witnessing rapid developments in both software and hardware.Ruthless production schedules combined with demand for unerring repeatability mean that common robot tasks in automotive manufacturing have developed far beyond spot welding to encompass ...
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Article
Welding guide for AHSS/UHSS steels
SSAB has released a guide to welding with AHSS/UHSS steels. The company says the new guide offers the results and recommendations needed to optimise welding processes.SSAB says the guide presents a detailed overview of the most common welding methods in the automotive industry: resistance spot welding, laser welding and arc ...
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Article
Piston inspection system to prevent failures
An automatic vision inspection system to read the alphanumeric product identifi ers cast into pistons has been developed by Olmec-UK Ltd for an automotive engine manufacturer.The pistons must be checked prior to engine testing to ensure that the correct ones are fi tted. The vision solution features the use of ...
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Article
Analogue device server for remote monitoring
Lantronix says its xSenso analogue device server (ADS) is a compact DIN-rail or wall mount device that enables sensors with analogue outputs to transparently send real-time data to any node on the network or over the internet. The company claims it is suitable for data acquisition and alarm notification in ...
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Article
Reusable welded cable carrier transport rack
igus UK has produced a new modular rack for the transportation and installation of pre-installed energy chain cable carrier systems. The company claims the new rack provides a solution for safely mounting and transporting an entire pre-confi gured energy chain system directly and precisely to the customer’s machine interface.The rack ...