Manufacturing Technology

Gage ideal for these times

The accurate 3D portable coordinate, measurement machine the Faro Gage, is. ideal for small and medium-sized businesses performing high-accuracy tasks. The Gage is the most intuitive, ergonomic, and versatile articulated portable FaroArm, enabling machine shops to perform their most demanding 3D inspections in record time. The all-in-one-solution also reduces calibration costs and minimises clutter, replacing traditional hand tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges, while providing 20 percent more reach than the previous-generation Gage arm. Lightweight and portable but with the precision of a lab instrument and the ruggedness of a shop floor device, the Gage sets up in seconds, reduces inspection time, and delivers quality results with exceptional flexibility, resulting in increased speed and productivity. When it comes to measurement equipment value; accuracy, portability, speed and affordability matter, Too often machine shops rely on expensive and hard-to-use fixed CMMs that take up valuable floor space or a multitude of hand tools that slow down the process. The Gage eliminates these inefficiencies. As a result, inspection bottlenecks are greatly reduced, measurement accuracy is improved, and operator variability is significantly minimised. As the world begins emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, the value proposition for such a product could not be clearer. While global industry is presently suppressed, economists predict a robust recovery by Q3 and Q4. That means that many machine shops now operating at half speed will rapidly ramp up production. Demand will surge and products will require fast-tracked release. The Gage achieves this aim by improving efficiency and productivity. That efficiency begins with setup. A universal quick mount ensures compatibility with a variety of mounting options that allows it to be set up anywhere, including on-machine. A simple 2-button design, 6-point articulation and built-in counterbalance deliver exceptional ease of use and fatigue-free operation. Its […]

NetFoundry announces game-changing partnership with dtac

NetFoundry, leaders in cloud-native networking, has announced that it is entering a partnership with one of South Asia’s leading telecom operators, dtac. Together the companies are introducing a new network service to the industry: SmartConnect. dtac today serves millions of customers in Southern Asia addressing their business networking and cloud connectivity needs. dtac has built a robust and fully redundant network that runs on 90% fibre. They are the first and only operator to deploy TDD & Massive MiMo, strengthening their position as the most advanced operator in Thailand for 5G readiness. SmartConnect is set to put dtac on course to become the leader of 5G and cloud transformation in Thailand through NaaS, Infrastructure as a Service and its IoT and SaaS applications. The partnership in particular is set to focus on a game-changing outlook on NaaS which will combine service bundling with cloud and connectivity to increase the value proposition substantially. Furthermore, dtac’s influence in the telecom sector will be significantly enhanced by utilising NetFoundry’s global partnership with Amazon Web Services, Google and Azure by progressing the way in which service users can access and operate within the cloud. “dtac’s capacities and solutions are enabling the seamless communication modern workers need to operate at a new ‘normal’, – particularly in light of COVID-19 – enabled by a reliable and secure network. Our new partnership with NetFoundry will make this possible and boost our 5G capabilities to new levels. With SmartConnect our networks are quicker, safer and easier to operate than ever before” said Rajiv Bawa, Chief Business Officer of dtac. “With the launch of dtac smart connect services, our first priority will be to give the “remote worker enablement “ a new face via this next generation solution for the enterprises & SME of Thailand market who are struggling […]

The iTRAK 5730 small-frame intelligent track system can improve throughput in multi- product applications

Food and beverage manufacturers are constantly under pressure to package a wider variety of products in more types of packaging without compromising productivity. Now they can answer these trends while increasing throughput using the new iTRAK 5730 small-frame intelligent track system from Rockwell Automation. The system uses independent cart technology to support smart, flexible and efficient machines. Independent cart technology offers many benefits over traditional gear, chain and belt conveyors, including unlimited machine flexibility, better traceability and increased uptime. By using magnetic propulsion, the individually controlled carts can quickly start and stop with high precision, which reduces machine wear and is highly energy efficient. The technology also quickly manages changeovers using pre-configured move profiles that can be implemented with the push of a button from an HMI. The iTRAK 5730 system has the smallest footprint within Rockwell Automation’s independent cart portfolio. It has a 50 mm minimum pitch that makes it ideal for primary packaging applications, such as flow wrapping, end load cartoning, and form-fill-and-seal pouching. The system also easily integrates into a manufacturer’s architecture, providing analytics that help optimize energy use, monitor parts wear and reduce downtime. “The iTRAK 5730 system extends the flexibility and productivity benefits of iTRAK to meet the growing demand for customized food and beverage products,” said Michaela Kaufmann, iTRAK product manager at Rockwell Automation. “The technology is truly scalable. Your system can have as little as a 50 mm pitch in a small, standalone machine, or be as large as 100 meters and part of a large, complex line.” “We are always exploring ways to enhance our offering and better support our machine assembly, food and beverage manufacturing customers; enabling them achieve their manufacturing and throughput goals without restriction,” added Max Kiah, Independent Cart Technology Sales Manager, Asia Pacific at Rockwell Automation.“The new iTRAK […]

Next-Generation Modular EV Platform

REE Automotive (REE) and KYB Corporation (KYB) have announced a strategic partnership to develop suspension capabilities for future electric vehicle (EV) platforms. Automotive Tier 1 supplier KYB’s unparalleled semi-active and active suspension systems will boost REE’s next-generation EV platform, which delivers complete design freedom and cost-effective, scalable solutions in e-mobility. The combined expertise of REE, a pioneering technology company and leader in electric vehicle platforms, and KYB, a leading global hydraulics manufacturer, will reshape the movement of goods, people and services by revolutionizing electric vehicle design. REE’s partnership with KYB further expands REE’s global manufacturing capabilities. It also ignites a new level of suspension technology within the REEcorner architecture solution, which integrates all drivetrain vehicle components (steering, braking, suspension, e-motor) into the wheel. The REEcorner combines with the REEboard – a completely flat platform – allowing complete freedom of design, improved performance and safety, and modular applications for any vehicle type – from last mile delivery to heavy duty shipping. The KYB-REE partnership marks the first time KYB has formally collaborated on EV platforms with a technology company. “KYB has vast experience in developing and manufacturing advanced suspension systems, and we are excited to partner with REE Automotive and share its revolutionary EV vision by engineering a suspension subsystem that supports the needs of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem” said Kazunori Masumoto, General Manager of Engineering Headquarters at KYB Automotive Component Business Division. REE’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Barel said, “REE is delighted to welcome KYB to our unique network of global strategic automotive partners, bringing world-class expertise in advanced suspension systems. KYB’s technology will play a crucial role in the rapid development of our next-generation EV architecture, which reinvents the electric vehicle with a completely flat, scalable and fully modular platform, ready to carry the future of e-mobility.”

2000km on a single charge

Lithium batteries will soon power Electric Vehicles (EVs) traveling 2,000 km on a single charge, say the team at Brighsun New Energy. The company is preparing for industrial trials later in the year for a range of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries that can power a cell phone for over a week and can theoretically travel close to 2,000 km on a single charge. The revolution is underway. Through nearly 8 years of research, the Brighsun team developed lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries with an energy density 5-8 times higher than conventional secondary batteries. According to results from an internationally accredited testing agency (SGS), Brighsun’s new technology allows an Li-S battery to keep 91% of its initial capacity after 1,700 cycles at a rate of 2C (being fully charged/discharged in 30 mins). That means the capacity decay per cycle is as low as 0.01%. Even at a more aggressive rate of 5C (being fully charged/discharged in 12.5 mins), Brighsun’s Li-S battery retains 74% of its initial capacity after 1,000 cycles (capacity decay per cycle of 0.026%). The cathode energy density for the 1th cycle after activation at charge rate of 1C is 2103.8Wh/kg. Driven by the growing markets world-wide for EVs, the battery industry has explored a range of chemical combinations: lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide and, currently, nickel manganese cobalt. However, current battery systems still suffer from the major disadvantages of relatively low energy density, high raw material costs and secondary pollution during recycling. A Game Changer Brighsun’s advanced Li-S chemistry, offering high energy density and resultant low raw material costs, will be a game changer in the EV industry. Li-S batteries also have the potential to become the most promising energy storage systems for future railways, ships and airlines. Industries such as electric supply grid storage, mobile phones, drones and AI […]

Waterco manufacturing plant reopens to help boost Malaysia economy

Ministry of International Trade and Industry mitigating economic fallout from pandemic The Kuala Lumpur manufacturing plant of water treatment manufacturer and distributor Waterco Limited has reopened and is operating in accordance with Malaysia Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) guidelines six weeks after the coronavirus pandemic paralysed factory activity. The temporary lockdown was in response to the 2020 Malaysia movement control order (Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Malaysia 2020), commonly referred to as the MCO, a cordon sanitaire implemented as a preventive measure by the federal government of Malaysia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Resuming production of proprietary equipment The MITI approved workers at Waterco Far East to resume production of proprietary equipment which is used in residential, commercial and industrial applications in over 40 countries. “We received approval to start up the factory on 50 per cent headcount,” says Chief Executive Officer, Soon Sinn Goh. “However, we will rotate workers seven days, which means we will be able to achieve 70 per cent of normal capacity. “Hopefully we will be allowed to move to 70 per cent headcount after a few weeks and that will give us 98 per cent.” Covering more than 25,000 square metres, the high-tech facility is separated into production, injection moulding, assembly, testing and distribution. “Workers are refreshed and motivated to work,” says Soon Sinn as well. “We are excited to resume production and help stimulate Malaysia’s economy.”

Huawei holds “5G+, Better World” online summit

“2020 marks the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century”, said Peng Song, in delivering the opening speech. “This year, global digital transformation will accelerate, meaning both opportunities and challenges for telecom operators and industries. To address these opportunities and challenges, operators must aim for more resilient, automated, and intelligent target networks, and their annual network plans and activities should be geared towards achieving these goals.” Peng continued, “Huawei is launching its ‘5G+, Better World’ online platform to work with operators and partners worldwide, share valuable experiences, and build better target networks.” At the event, Huawei released its white paper, Technology against Pandemic: Insights and Practice on Telecom Networks. This white paper provides deep insights into global networks and explains the important role telecom networks have played in the fight against the pandemic. Stable telecom networks have helped people move vital activities online, such as online education, online shopping, and remote working. This has been the basis of continued learning and production when school and work were suspended. The white paper also explains global operators’ best practices for overcoming the pandemic with networks. For example, they introduced 5G, AI, fire 10G PON, and other advanced technologies that enable more applications to combat the pandemic more efficiently. Several guests attended the event and delivered keynote speeches. These included Dr. Su Yu, Deputy Dean of China Mobile Chengdu Industrial Research Institute, Mr. Robert Wigger, Chief Business Officer of Sunrise, Mr. Su Xiaoming, Vice President of YITU Technology, Mr. Shaun Collins, Chief Executive Officer of CCS Insight, and Mr. Bob Cai, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei’s Carrier BG.

Suprema launches Suprema Mobile Access contactless solution

Suprema, a global leader in security and biometrics, has announced ‘Suprema Mobile Access’, a new mobile contactless solution and complete platform for managing, issuing and tracking access credentials using smartphones. As access control systems have evolved beyond physical access cards, access control solutions using mobile phones as a credential were introduced. Suprema Mobile Access employs a smartphone application with NFC (Near Field Communication) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate with card readers, allowing access to doors and other secured assets. Suprema Mobile Access simplifies the management of access cards as the entire process goes online, without face-to-face interaction, allowing users to remotely manage credentials, issuing and revoking them in real-time. Using Suprema’s ‘AirFob Portal’, the Mobile Access management portal, one can issue mobile access cards to users via email. Using a link in the email, users can then install Suprema’s mobile app ‘AirFob Pass’ on their Android or iOS phone. Once the app has been installed, the mobile access card is ready to be used. Like a physical card, users can tap smartphones on a mobile enabled card reader to access doors and other controlled items. For a seamless user experience, the app supports background mode, which eliminates the requirement to wake up the phone in order to get access. To ensure the security of user data on the platform, Suprema Mobile Access is designed from the ground up with enhanced security features including data encryption throughout the process of issuing and using credentials. The backend server for Suprema Mobile Access is managed separately and the server encryption keys are protected with special proprietary methods. The solution has been certified by an independent audit to be compliant with the ISO 27001 standard for Information Security Management, signifying Suprema’s continuing commitment to the protection of private information as the highest […]

Robot disinfects large areas

A robot capable of rapidly disinfecting large areas has been invented by a world-first solutions business to speed-up the fight against coronavirus. Forth Engineering in Cumbria is known for its innovations to solve complex industry challenges in the nuclear, oil and gas, renewables and other sectors all over the world. Forth managing director Mark Telford and his team have responded to the fight against COVID-19 by inventing a remotely operated disinfecting robot. “It’s an amazing bit of kit. I took it to one of our sites and it disinfected 68,000 square feet in just 20 minutes. It’s very impressive,” said Mark. “We’ve put together our tracked robot, vapour cannon, camera and lights, and developed the first one in a matter of days. “That’s how quickly we always work, it’s just that the sectors which need our help are different right now and this is a national emergency. “We have had lots of inquiries about it and we are now going into production. We will have to see how many robots people want us to manufacture.” The robot can be worked remotely, controlled from a safe distance, to help the NHS and other organisations keep areas clean during the coronavirus outbreak. “It can be used to sterilise ambulances, hospitals, shops and supermarkets, wherever it’s required,” said Mark. “It works in a similar way to a vapour cigarette in that it fires high pressure vapour which will settle in every part of a designated area. “It can also be used to disinfect factories and offices, schools and colleges, before people return to work and go back to education after the lockdown to make sure they are safe to use.”. In terms of the impressive speed of Forth’s response, Mark said it’s how he and his team have been […]

Yokogawa to provide control system and field instruments for gas-fired power plant in Turkmenistan

Yokogawa Turkey Industrial Automation Solutions A.S. (Yokogawa Turkey) has won an order to provide a control system and field instruments for the Zerger gas-fired power plant in Turkmenistan. The order was received from Renaissance Heavy Industries, a major construction company in Turkey that is involved in the construction of this plant for Turkmenenergo, a state-owned power utility in Turkmenistan. This is Yokogawa’s first control systems order for a power plant in this country. Turkmenistan is a resource rich country with the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves*1. The country continues to experience steady economic growth thanks to its exports of natural gas and production of cotton and other agricultural products. To aid in the reconstruction of the neighboring country of Afghanistan, the Turkmen government concluded an agreement based on which it will supply electricity to that country for a ten-year period, beginning in 2018. The main source of this electricity will be the Zerger power plant, which generates power using locally-sourced natural gas. Located in the Chardzhev district of Lebap Province, approximately 600 km northeast of Ashgabat, the country’s capital, this is a simple cycle gas turbine power plant that will have three gas turbines with a combined capacity of approximately 400 MW. Sumitomo Corporation is the prime engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for this project, and the plant’s turbines and generators are being supplied by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS). To monitor and control the plant’s three gas turbines and auxiliary facilities, Yokogawa will provide the CENTUMTM VP integrated production control system, DPharp EJATM series differential pressure and pressure transmitters, and YTA610 temperature transmitters*2. Yokogawa Turkey will be in charge of providing engineering and support services for the installation and commissioning of this system, and will complete work on this project by September of this year. To provide support services, Yokogawa […]

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