Automation – Page 382
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New-look network monitoring
Patlite’s new NHL intelligent signal tower with network monitoring function allows economical control of the functions of up to 24 network components for each signal tower. Used as a PING device monitor it detects whether all network components are connected with the network by initiating PING interactions for up to ...
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Free safety control software from Omron STI
The company is offering free G9SP programming software for customers who make one or more purchases of multiple G9SP safety controllers before May 31. The software enables users to easily design, verify, standardise and reuse safety control, while also making it easy to reconfi gure G9SP safety controllers when new ...
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Spatter protection in hollow workpieces
Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik has developed a system to avoid spatter residues in component interiors created when hollow workpieces, in particular pipes, are welded together. This spatter protection tool is particularly effective for welding hydraulic cylinders using the MSG laser hybrid process. The new system is based on a 3D suspended ...
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Safety light curtains detect fork lift trucks
SICK has added a new fork lift truck (FLT) detection capability to its M4000 light curtain range to permit pallet loading and unloading into light guarded areas, while protecting the safety of personnel. The M4000 FLT multiple light beam entry and exit protection system is supplied with an FLT ground ...
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New motorised weld head from Miyachi
Miyachi Europe has unveiled its new low force MFP-25 servo weld head with linear drive, for use in the AWS3 Active Welding System. The MFP-25 is particularly suitable for such applications as automotive sensors and airbags. The weld head is servo motor-driven for very short cycle times and uses a ...
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New 8-pole Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) connectors from Molex
Molex Incorporated has expanded its Brad Micro-Change M12 Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) Connector System with the addition of a new 8-pole (4+4) connector featuring two Cat5e twisted-pair data lines and four power lines capable of carrying up to 6.0A. The company says combining power and data lines into one connector, ...
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Plastic in flux as usage stalls
Reduced demand?Innovation in seatingRecyclingNew technologies and processesHow to handle a polymerUnderhood, mechanical and bodyworke-vehicles: challenge and opportunityThe advance of engineering plastics such as PA6 and PA66 polyamides, the improvement in touch and feel, and the development of engineering materials with high heat tolerance, rigidity, impact strength and corrosion resistance, has ...
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Solutions on show at Automatica
The potential of the robotic co-workerAutomotion and the challenge of alternative power sourcesMaterial gainsMan and machineThis year’s Automatica, taking place in Munich from 22025 May, will allow visitors can follow complete value-added chains—from components to system, and from application to services—to gain a comprehensive view of new developments and their ...
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Gathering green intelligence in Hannover
Cross-disciplinary thinking to the foreManaging assetsInfrastructure developmentA focus on trends and solutions for sustainable industrial production was a central theme promoted by this year’s Hannover Messe organizers. The Green Intelligence concept formed a backdrop to many displays from various industrial sectors. Visitors were invited to consider the challenges of an ...
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Getting the right formula in machining
Critical partnershipsFast and furiousThe path to redemptionFirst-rate spindle technology is only one element of a four-part formula leading to optimised machining. As important as the machine tool might be, only the application of the right tooling, coolant strategy and cutting paths will offer up the desired outcome. Neglecting these is ...
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New matrix resin for composite making
For the resin transfer molding process, Henkel has developed a new composite matrix resin based on polyurethane that enables improved economics and throughput in processing. Compared to standard epoxy matrix resins, the new Loctite MAX2 cures signifi cantly faster.During injection, it also enables more effi cient impregnation without stressing the ...
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Cut complexity from costing and quoting
New software that automatically extracts manufacturing process-specific information directly from any 3D CAD model, to create the inputs for cost models that reside in virtual production environments, is an enticing prospect for OEMs and suppliers alike.For any supplier, accurate and timely project quoting is a critical success factor. It can ...
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Your flexible friends in machining
Age of the robotHigh fiveMachine tool investment for producing automotive components is seeing new vigour, as demonstrated by a stream of investment announcements over the past six months by major auto OEMS. Chrysler Group, for example, has pledged to invest $72m in its Toledo machining plant at Perrysburg, Ohio to ...
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The power of engine production in Dundee, USA
World class manufacturingInnovative productsAutomation productionQuality testingLocated 60 miles southwest of Detroit, the Dundee engine plant—formerly known as the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)— epitomises Chrysler Group’s drive for state-ofthe- art manufacturing. The production complex’s North plant, launched in October 2005 and the South plant, launched in November 2006, offer 1.16 ...
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VanSlambrouck joins board of directors at AIAG
Detroit, MI – The Automotive Industry Action Group has named Ford executive Jim VanSlambrouck to its board of directors.Currently Ford’s director of product development quality in the Americas, VanSlambrouck has held positions in design and engineering.The Automotive Industry Action Group is a nonprofit group that works to improve the effi ...
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Behr America has named John Tepas as vice president of engineering
Detroit, MI – Behr America has named John Tepas as vice president of engineering.Previously chief engineer of Behr America, Tepas is a member of the company’s executive committee and has overseen the company’s customer engineering groups for General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and heavy-truck customers.Before joining Behr, Tepas held senior engineering ...
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Braunstetter in supply chain management by Continental
Regensburg, Germany – Juergen Braunstetter has been named chief of automotive supply chain management by Continental.In this newly created position Braunstetter will oversee the supply chains for the company’s three automotive divisions and will coordinate purchasing, quality and information technology.Before joining Continental in 2011, Braunstetter was responsible for logistics and ...
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Going from local to global in Brazil
Model behaviourFreeing up tradeSheet metal solutionsThe global experienceLocal challengesGM expansionSomething for the future?Moving forwardVarious factors allowed the Brazilian economy to maintain a steady course of growth through the otherwise global economic downturn of 2008 and 2009. For its part, the national government of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ...
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A hybrid of fortune at Toyota Europe
Speaking at the recent Geneva Motor Show, Toyota Motor Europe CEO Didier Leroy admitted the Japanese carmaker has had a torrid time of late. The combination of global recalls, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster and the flooding in Thailand, had all combined to seriously affect both consumer confidence and ...
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Mike Mansuetti is a president of Robert Bosch LLC
Detroit, MI – Robert Bosch has named Mike Mansuetti president of its North American business, Robert Bosch LLC. He will take over the role from Werner Struth, 55, who will remain chairman of Robert Bosch LLC and a board member for its German parent.Mansuetti is currently senior vice president of ...