Manufacturing Technology

RA launches Connected Services Experience Centre

Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information solutions, has today announced the official opening of its new Connected Services Experience Centre (CSEC). The Centre is the first of its kind in Singapore to fully demonstrate the integration of key technology platforms for IT-OT convergence, enabling customers touring the Centre to understand the benefits of the Connected Enterprise and the positive impact that it can have on their business. The Centre also illustrates how solutions and services offered by Rockwell Automation are entirely scalable and can be tailored to the business needs of customers. Inbavanan Rathinam, Rockwell Automation Senior Director, Asia Pacific, Customer Support & Maintenance, Systems & Solutions Business commented: “The manufacturing sector is Singapore’s largest industry and is subject to external forces not only from across the region, but globally as well. “We believe that embarking on the journey of digitalisation and The Connected Enterprise is key for businesses to realise their full potential. It allows them to take control of their future and grow their capabilities to adapt to industry challenges and opportunities that may be coming their way. “Our new Connected Services Experience Centre enables us to show, rather than tell, how our technology can help to bridge the gap between traditional plant floor technologies (OT level) and enterprise level demands (IT level). Using our technical expertise and industry know-how, we can demonstrate how we can help our customers to maximise performance, advance innovation and crucially, drive growth.” Visitors to the Connected Services Experience Centre can experience first-hand the synergy of key technology platforms such as Network, Cybersecurity, Industrial Data Centre, Machine Learning as well as AR and VR. The Centre complements Rockwell Automation’s existing Factory Floor and Customer Experience Centre offerings, allowing visitors to experience The Connected Enterprise journey in its […]

Housing construction is becoming manufacturing

Manufacturing is usually associated with making parts and assembling them. Manufacturing complete houses is a relative new concept in the history of the industrial revolution. We are on the verge of the next step, making the complete structure for a house out of only one material, foam concrete. Recent developments have made it possible to make foam concrete to high specifications, good thermal and acoustic insulating properties and reasonable strength compared to “normal” concrete. We are talking here about foam concrete that is half the weight and has more than five times the thermal insulation factor. On top of that it is more flexible, so it can withstand earthquakes better. If you are in a war zone it can protect you from flying objects, as it has a high energy absorption rate. All this creates a comfortable, healthy and safe home for a reasonable cost. So why is everyone not using it? Mainly because the mortar mixes do have a few more ingredients in it, and the ratios of the components are critical, in addition you need a foam making machine to make the foam, and then mix it in with the mortar. All of this together puts people off using it as it is more complex than making “normal” mortar. In a factory environment it is easier to control the production process, including the curing. As with all concretes the “drying” time and conditions have an influence on the end result, the final strength and flexibility. On-site it can be difficult and costly to maintain the ideal conditions, keeping it wet and at the ideal temperature. Manufacturing foam concrete products in a special designed facility has many benefits, good control over the delivery and storage of the raw materials, use and maintenance of the equipment, labour input, less skilled […]

Boeing 787 Unified Livery In-flight over Clouds

HandySCAN 3D scanner meets Boeing’s requirements

Creaform, the worldwide leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, has announced that its HandySCAN 3D metrology-grade 3D laser scanner can now be used for recording physical attributes of aircraft dents and blends on all models of Boeing commercial airplanes. Boeing has released a service letter with guidance on the use of 3D scanners for measuring dents and blends on airplanes. The SmartDENT 3D solution and the flagship HandySCAN 3D scanner were used in the process of guiding Boeing’s quality requirements for the service letter. “Creaform is proud to see leaders such as Boeing, turn to 3D scanning solutions for surface defect inspection. With SmartDENT 3D, our goal is to provide the most accurate damage assessment to our customers, so they can make informed and safe decisions, while getting their aircraft back flying with minimal down time,” said Jérôme Beaumont, Global NDT Business Manager at Creaform. Overview of SmartDENT 3D benefits: Speed: 80 times faster than the pit gauge technique. It is the fastest and most reliable aircraft surface damage inspection tool available on the market. Metrology-grade measurements for aircraft maintenance: The scanner is accurate to 0.025 mm (0.0009 in.) and has a resolution of up to 0.100 mm (0.0039 in.) with high repeatability and traceable certificate. Intuitive pass/fail assessments: With its intuitive design and real-time software visualization, Creaform’s NDT solutions ensure short learning curves and minimal operator experience influence on the accuracy of results. Live visualisation and portability: Weighting less than a kilo, the handheld scanner is the perfect tool for work in hangars or directly outdoors. Users can easily perform 3D surface inspection of any part of an aircraft on which they would use manual techniques—including on and under wings. In addition to complying with Boeing’s service letter, Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanners are listed […]

Your future co-workers could be a swarm of robots

In the future, swarms of robots could help us perform tasks from search and rescue to farming. Imagine there’s a flock of aerial robots searching for a lost hiker, for example. They have to cover a large area of remote bush and a central commander won’t work because they’re so spread out. So, instead, the robots work cooperatively to calculate the best way to cover and search this large area accurately and speedily. This scenario is less Black Mirror than it sounds, and more about focusing on practical solutions for jobs that are difficult for humans to do, says Airlie Chapman from the Melbourne School of Engineering. Describing the focus of her research in mechatronic engineering, Chapman says “it centres on multi-vehicle robotics, or many robots working together to achieve a common goal”. Mechatronic engineers explore developments in automation and manufacturing—blending multiple disciplines of engineering. And it can involve creating smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make autonomous decisions. Chapman works specifically in the field of multi-vehicle, or swarm, robotics. Using a combination of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to build the robots, Chapman then programs the vehicles using algorithms to react and think autonomously. Many bots are better than one “There are benefits to using many smaller unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in place of one large one, particularly for jobs like cleaning up an oil spill, environmental monitoring, or searching for survivors of a mine collapse,” says Chapman. Not only is there the element of redundancy with smaller vehicles—losing one small UAV out of a group is less of a problem than losing a single large UAV—but there are also the implementation benefits. For one thing, there’s the improved coverage capability and reduced cost. “A swarm of cheap small robots, each with little capability, can […]

SSDT partners with Konecranes on China 2025 smart manufacturing targets

One of SSDT’s latest Konecranes 60/30 ton installations for precise and efficient die handling, with remote control for safety and clear vision. A company that has set its sights on achieving global leadership standards in automotive die manufacturing, Shanghai Superior Die Technology Co Ltd (SSDT), is partnering with Konecranes to help it achieve world-class standards of quality, reliability and safety required. The SSDT – an affiliate of SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd, employing more than 2300 people – has so far installed a total of 46 sets of Konecranes lifting technology as it expands its plants in Shanghai, Nanjing, Yantai and Wuhan. The lifting technology, composed primarily of Konecranes’ top-selling CXT types, is integral to SSDT die and automotive parts production and product handling as it builds towards its China 2025 industry development plan focussed on high-tech fields, including achieving top global standards of Industry 4.0 smart production strategies. SSDT produces hundreds of thousands of sets of doors, hoods, decklids, and front and rear floors annually, as well as manufacturing thousands of tons of large auto-body covering dies for domestic and overseas automakers. SSDT’s research and development drive since its establishment in 2003 has seen it produce new technologies, including ultra-high strength metal hot stamping dies and aluminium dies – something not previously produced in China and the quality and value of which is aimed at top end manufacturers in Europe. SSDT’s cranes – including its most recent repeat order for a set of double 60/30-ton types – are primarily equipped with high reliability Konecranes CXT hoists, of which more than 10,000 are sold every year. The CXT wire rope hoist is known for its efficient use of space under the crane and its excellent hook approaches. Safety is improved through high-performance brakes, durable wire ropes and remote operation. The […]

Mitsubishi high-precision gear manufacturing systems for Chinese market

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (MAT), a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) based in Japan, is ramping up its proposals of high-precision gear manufacturing systems for the Chinese market. As part of this initiative, MAT will be showing its integrated gear machining systems at “CIMT 2019: The 16th China International Machine Tool Show” being held in Beijing from April 15 through 20. The focus of MAT’s exhibit will be the “ZE26C,” a gear grinding machine capable of suppressing final gear-tooth shape error to 1μm. The ZE26C will respond to needs for higher speed and precision especially in the transmission systems of electric vehicles and the reduction gears used in robots. This will be the first time MAT is exhibiting the ZE26C at an industry event of this kind. The ZE26C was developed to finish hardened and tempered gears with outer diameters up to 260 mm. Superior performance has been achieved by making vast improvements to the “ZE-B,” MAT’s earlier series of widely acclaimed gear grinding machines. Specifically, the ZE26C’s grinding precision and stability have been enhanced by increasing the rigidity of the column, table and grinding wheel head, coupled with revamping of the spindle structure. In addition, by increasing cutting speed and reducing idle (non-cutting) time by roughly 50% compared to earlier models, the ZE26C boosts high-volume production capability and promotes lower running costs. Furthermore, by expanding the maximum wheel width to 160 mm (from 125 mm on previous models), frequency of wheel replacement is reduced and simultaneous mounting of standard and polishing grinding wheels becomes possible, resulting in higher cutting precision. Also, adoption of the industry’s first water-soluble coolant (optional) improves environmental performance while also enhancing energy savings. At CIMT 2019 MAT will also be demonstrating its “GE25A” dry-cut (i.e. requiring no cutting oil) […]

Safe and sound – Is your smart factory secure?

Alarms, cameras, locks and fences are all commonly recommended to keep burglars out of homes. Obtaining clear guidance for securing your smart factory isn’t quite as easy to come by. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial equipment supplier, EU Automation, discusses smart factory security and what manufacturers should consider when protecting their facility. In a connected factory, manufacturers have access to a constant data stream from the shop floor, commercial operations and supply. The Internet of Things (IoT) generates a huge amount of data, gathered from machines and components, which can be accessed and analysed remotely. Though it brings a facility a number of advantages, connectivity also introduces a vulnerability in terms of cyber-security. With information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) more closely connected than ever, systems are more vulnerable to attackers. The risk is increased by remote access or third-party access. According to Dark Reading magazine, the second most cyber-attacked industry after healthcare is manufacturing. With high profile ransomware attacks such as WannaCry disrupting large companies such as Honda, manufacturers know they must be vigilant. In the manufacturing industry, cyber-crime is usually a type of data theft, ransomware or data manipulation. Hackers can modify procedures to disrupt production processes, gain access to private patent data or cause system downtime, all of which can cause serious losses to a company. Engineering businesses must ensure that their operations, data and valuable intellectual property (IP) are protected. Businesses need to understand the limitations of their own capabilities and systems to form a well-rounded cyber-security strategy. For example, legacy equipment can be a target for cyber-criminals. Old equipment was not designed to be connected to the internet, which means that cyber security was not a priority during its design. Industrial control systems as well as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have […]

The critical role of IIoT in the future of food processing

Michael Cahill, Rockwell MES Technical Consultant As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. New Zealand food companies, that often produce high value-add product that is exported around the globe, value their brand and reputation. Things are changing. Customer expectations for food safety and quality are unprecedented. Expectations from regulatory authorities are increasing to meet ever growing market regulation. Demand for high safe products is driving growth at an unprecedented rate. The reality is the number of food recalls has been steadily increasing over the last decade, according to FSANZ’s 2009-2018 reporting. The lack of visibility in the early stages of production is leading to an increased amount of inedible product and is posing serious food safety compliance risks. With headline after headline, product traceability from paddock to plate is becoming more and more important. Any deviation in quality in the product line will involve significant wastage and financial burden on the organisation. A sustainable approach to maintain the highest standard of production quality is sought to meet these customer, regulator and growth challenges. Connecting the dots The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has emerged as a solution to this problem. IIoT platforms and advanced analytics now enable users to fuse multiple data sources to provide contextually relevant historical and real-time data. Add in AI and machine learning and food manufacturing is more predictive and intelligent than ever before, giving workers uncanny insight into how to solve issues and predict problems before they happen. The problem isn’t a lack of data but a lack of connectivity from food companies. IIoT has provided the tools to better verify quality, establish batch genealogy and capture meaningful processing data from beginning to end. It’s now the job of manufacturing plants and farms to […]

OMAX to join forces with Hypertherm

OMAX Corporation, a manufacturer of abrasive waterjet systems, plans to join forces with Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, following the signing of a definitive merger agreement that establishes OMAX as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hypertherm. Upon the closing of the transaction, expected on or around April 9, OMAX’s industry leading direct drive pumps, software, and applications technologies will combine with Hypertherm’s complementary portfolio of intensifier-based pumps and abrasive recycling systems, to form the industry’s leading waterjet technology offering. “When the late Dr. Olsen and I founded OMAX 25 years ago, our goal was to combine new motion control technology with software to create an abrasive waterjet system unlike anything else on the market. We more than succeeded, creating one of the world’s top waterjet manufacturers,” said John Cheung, co-founder and CEO of OMAX. “Together, we have been planning for the future of OMAX for some time. In planning for this future, we wanted to partner with a company that shared our values and vision. We wanted a company that would protect our culture, provide stability for our employees, and give our customers products and services consistent with our mission statement. Though Dr. Olsen is sadly not here for today’s announcement, I am comforted knowing he completely supported and wanted this for OMAX.” “Hypertherm is excited to welcome OMAX to our family and to bring together the leading waterjet R&D and engineering team in the world with our hardworking and talented waterjet team in Minnesota,” said Hypertherm president and CEO Evan Smith. “We are confident the combination of OMAX’s cutting-edge technology and solutions, innovation focus, strong brand name, commitment to customers, and excellent culture is a perfect complement to Hypertherm’s waterjet offerings and plasma cutting industry leadership position. It enhances our strategy of delivering cutting […]

Siemens acquires noise, vibration and harshness business from Saab Medav

Siemens announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) end-of-line quality testing business of Saab Medav Technologies GmbH, a global provider of state of the art signal processing, communications intelligence and analysis for air, land and naval applications, as well as NVH solutions for industrial quality testing. The unique NVH quality testing solutions offered by Saab Medav have a strong track record and have established innovative best practices in the domain of end-of-line quality testing of combustion engines, transmissions, electric motors and motor driven components and systems. The addition of Saab Medav NVH allows Siemens to complement its Simcenter™ portfolio of testing solutions used in research and development with an integrated solution set for end-of-line NVH quality testing in manufacturing. The technology and team will join the Siemens PLM Software business, part of the Siemens Digital Factory Division, and will be incorporated into the Simcenter portfolio of simulation and testing solutions. With ever-increasing pressure on improving quality, the need for NVH type end-of-line testing for manufactured products such as electric motors, combustion engines, transmissions, axles, and turbo chargers is rapidly increasing across the automotive and transportation industries. This phenomenon is accelerated with the ascent of electric vehicles which have a low general noise level and are lacking the masking effect from a loud combustion engine. “With the integration of Saab Medav NVH quality testing solutions, Siemens customers can gain the ability to enrich the digital twin of their product design with continuous quality control information from manufacturing. This provides unique insight in how production technology and variability in manufacturing lines influence the final product quality,” explains Jan Leuridan, Senior Vice President, Simulation & Test Solutions, Siemens PLM Software. “The technology also gives direct feedback on the root cause analysis of possible design […]

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