Improved condition monitoring ahoy

30 October, 2015

SKF’s condition monitoring solutions will help Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement SA in preventing unexpected equipment failures and cut costs across its fleet of 70 ships.

Cost-effective and space-saving sensor

30 October, 2015

Variohm EuroSensor has launched a compact sensor for the simultaneous measurement of gas and liquid pressure up to 25 bar and temperatures up to 150degC. Space-saving and cost-effective, two important measurements can now be monitored using a single port.

Computer simulation engineering takes time and cost out of component development

30 October, 2015

At Fakuma 2015, DuPont Performance Polymers (DPP) showed how close its advanced anisotropic CAE modelling capabilities can predict the performance of automotive parts with a series of engine brackets made of DuPont Zytel polyamide resin. The structural engine brackets or mounts, which stabilise and align the engine, were developed in close collaboration with ElringKlinger and Daimler AG on an accelerated timeline, enabling a shorter development cycle compared to standard die-cast aluminium, and reduced cost.

Software solutions for panel builders

30 October, 2015

Panel builders and system integrators operate in an exceedingly tough competitive market, which means that reducing time spent on designs and excluding errors and reworks – in other words, keeping costs down – is of paramount importance. Ken Christie, director at Eplan UK, offers a comprehensive guide on how to select software solutions that make it easier to meet this challenge.

New family of rotary position sensors

25 September, 2015

The Industrial division of Curtiss-Wright Corporation has launched a new family of non-contact, rotary position sensors from the legacy brand of Penny & Giles. With a low-profile sensor body design and a small footprint, these fully-encapsulated, IP69K-rated sensors offer exceptional performance against water, dust, shock, vibration, and temperature. The NRH271 and NRH272 rotary position sensors are ideal for use by OEMs of on- and off-highway vehicles that are destined for use in challenging environments, and as a cost-effective solution for medium volume applications where a wide range of options or degree of customisation may be required.

Toolless connection of multiple connectors

25 September, 2015

The Multiline Adaptive from Eisele is claimed to set high standards for tool changing and prototype construction. Its compatible modular design also allows flexible integration of different diameters, connection types and media in one multiple connector.

Free student simulation software from Ansys

25 September, 2015

Ansys Student is a free, introductory academic software package for students interested in learning the fundamentals of simulation while gaining exposure to the state-of-the-art Ansys simulation workflows, pre-processing, post-processing and solver solutions. Students can tackle a broad scope of mechanics and fluids simulations, from fundamental tutorial level models to complex real-world scale models.

Novotechnik’s linear position sensors now available with CANopen interface

25 September, 2015

Recently announced by the German sensor specialist Novotechnilk, and available from UK distributor Variohm EuroSensor, the long-range TP1 and TH1 absolute linear sensors now have a CANopen interfacing option. Both of these models feature Novotechnik’s magnetostrictive technology which provides touchless and wear-free linear position measurement with up to 1 micron resolution over the entire travel range up to 4250 mm.

ATEX-compliant geared motors boost efficiency in harsh processing applications

25 September, 2015

WEG, manufacturer of motor and drive technology, has launched ATEX-compliant geared motors to help companies operating in hazardous areas improve reliability while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Combining robust gear units from WEG’s subsidiary WATT Drive with energy-efficient W22X motors – available in frame sizes from IEC 71 to IEC 800 and energy efficiency classes up to IE4 – the new range is claimed to be ideal for harsh processing applications in nearly all industries worldwide.

Insight into new rotary actuator and sensor that can be ‘installed in seconds’

25 September, 2015

Festo, supplier of automation equipment, has launched a new semi-rotary vane drive – the DRVS – with a unique new sensor solution which can be fitted in seconds. This enables machine builders and engineers to save valuable installation time and associated costs, and it provides excellent performance at an attractive price.

Rockwell Automation and ACTOM Electrical Machines collaboration results in ‘oil and gas’ hazardous area certification

25 September, 2015

Rockwell Automation and local electro-mechanical equipment solutions provider ACTOM Electrical Machines have been awarded a hazardous area certification for the oil and gas industry by Explolabs. The Exn certification was awarded subsequent to the testing and assessment of the ACTOM MS4 452-4 non-sparking Ex nA IIA and IIB T3 motor and Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 Medium Voltage AC Drive combination(s) for compliance to ‘Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – General Requirements’ (SANS 60079-0: 2012 Ed 5) and ‘Equipment protection by type of protection ‘n’’ (SANS 60079-15: 2010 Ed 4).

Portable high precision sensor measurement tool for test, calibration and fault finding

21 August, 2015

Now available in the UK from Ixthus Instrumentation, Burster’s new TRANS CAL 7281 is a high precision hand-held portable test and calibration tool for sensor components used on equipment such as hydraulic presses, torque tools, high precision measuring devices and pressure-regulating systems on assembly lines. The battery or mains powered instrument supports strain gauge/normalised signal ± 5 V, ± 10 V, and potentiometric sensors; and includes a strain gauge simulator up to 50 mV/V. Combined with a reference sensor the device provides a high-precision reference measurement chain for force or torque etc. The compact instrument can also be used for routine testing to measure and record isolation resistances and input/output resistances, and as a fault-finding tool for service engineers. An optional factory calibration certificate and/or German accredited DAkkS calibration certificate is available when the measurement device needs to be used as a reference.

OptiSIS solution shortens lead times for safety instrumented systems

21 August, 2015

Rockwell Automation has introduced its new OptiSIS solution, giving industrial operators a pre-engineered safety instrumented system that can help ease deployment and reduce lead times for small and midsized process applications.

Effective leak detection in oil-based fluid systems

21 August, 2015

The Spectroline OLK-444 Industrial Leak Detection Kit is a powerful kit that pinpoints leaks in any size oil-based fluid system. It quickly and accurately locates leaks in hydraulic systems, compressors, engines, gearboxes and fuel systems, preventing expensive equipment breakdowns and potential environmental problems.

SKF launches mobile app and vibration sensor for collection of expert data by non-experts

21 August, 2015

SKF has introduced a solution to help non-expert staff gather critical data. SKF Enlight is a platform that combines a mobile app, special sensor and, if appropriate, intrinsically safe hardware to allow fast, simple gathering of data from machinery.