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Manufacturing Technology: The Interview

Jimmy Koh, Global Marketing Manager, Component Class Drives. Rockwell Automation talks to Asia Manufacturing News about the PowerFlex 523 drive. AMN:Describe the PowerFlex 523 drive. Tell us about the design elements. What are the key features? What is the unique selling proposition for this drive? What is Rockwell AutomationÕs positioning strategy? Where does it fit into the PowerFlex family of drives? JK: The PowerFlex 523 is part of our new PowerFlex 520 series of Compact AC drives. In March 2013, we launched the PowerFlex 525 AC drive which was very well accepted by the market. In October this year, we launched the new economical PowerFlex 523 AC drive, with flexible features that help users be more competitive. PowerFlex 523 AC drives are ideal for builders of simple, stand-alone machines and balance user needs for ‘just enough’ control with a design that lowers the total cost to design, develop and deliver machines. On the other hand, the PowerFlex 525 AC drives are ideal for networked machines requiring more motor control options, standard safety and EtherNet/IP communications. The PowerFlex 520 series of AC drives is truly dedicated to global drive users. Whilst performing our voice of customer activities, customers clearly indicated two distinct needs. Stand-alone machine builders wanted ‘just enough’ motor control and emphatically shared the need for features that ease configuration and speed installation. This is where their profitability is most affected, and we designed the PowerFlex 523 drive to meet those needs. Secondly, we have another segment of drive users around the world telling us that they want drives that deliver more flexible control, offer better communication, and help them simplify startup. This is where our PowerFlex 525 AC drives play an important role catering to this group of users. As such, our new drive portfolio is designed to […]

Advanced hydraulics library for MapleSim

With the MapleSim Hydraulics Library, engineers can seamlessly incorporate industry-tested hydraulics components while continuing to take full advantage of all the modelling, analysis, and simulation abilities of MapleSim. MapleSim offers a modern approach to physical modelling and simulation, dramatically reducing model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. MapleSim enables modelling at the system level, so engineers can combine hydraulic subsystems with other domains and analyse their interactions. The MapleSim Hydraulics Library includes over 200 components for modelling pumps, motors, cylinders, restrictions, valves, hydraulic lines, lumped volumes, and sensors. It enables engineers to produce very high-fidelity models by accounting for compressible oil and cavitation effects, resulting in an extremely accurate view of system dynamics. Hydraulics systems are notoriously difficult to model with high accuracy, but so important to understanding system-level behaviour. The Hydraulics Library demonstrates the power of the Modelica standard platform for the systems engineering community.

Reverse Engineering with 3D Measurement

Reverse engineering is the process of duplicating an existing product without the aid of drawings, documentation, or computer models. In ordinary engineering, the product designer creates a drawing showing how an object is to be built, and then the object is manufactured by following the design drawing. In reverse engineering, the steps are inverted. First, engineers identify the system components and their interrelationships. The object is taken apart to discover its structure, function, and operation. Duplication of the part is enabled by capturing physical dimensions, features, and material properties. Next, a CAD drawing or other representation of the system is created. Then a reproduction of the original system is accurately created based on that drawing. Why reverse engineering is needed A common scenario in which reverse engineering is needed is as follows: a company has a machine. A part fails and a replacement part is needed. But the manufacturer has discontinued the machine and no longer makes parts for it. The machine owner can reverse engineer a replacement part from the failed part, preventing the machine from going out of service. Reverse engineering can shortcut product development time. It quickly captures a product in 3D digital form and exports the data for rapid prototyping, tooling, or manufacturing. There are many other situations in which reverse engineering can be used: *Substituting an original part design that has inadequate or no documentation available. *Redesigning a part to eliminate a bad feature or to reinforce good features. *Analysing competitor products. *Supporting new modifications where original CAD models cannot. *Updating obsolete products with current technology. *Updating or creating as-built documentation. *Supplying a part with little downtime that is mission-critical to a system, reproduced in large quantities, or reflects a big investment. *Performing fine element analysis or computational fluid dynamics on parts for which no design […]

The Interview: Rafael Barrera, Hypertherm Marketing Manager, Asia Pacific

Please introduce Hypertherm For 40 years, Hypertherm has been a pioneer in advanced high temperature metal cutting technologies. Established in 1968, the company has grown over the years to establish a presence in all five continents across the globe. Our goal has always been to create technologies that allow users to cut confidently, and that reduce the cost of cutting metal. Setting the standard for cut quality and weldability, we produce a wide range of automated and manually-operated laser and plasma cutting systems. Hypertherm systems are trusted for fast, precision metal cutting and reliability that results in increased productivity and profitability. Today, Hypertherm has more than 1,300 associates along with regional operations and partner representation worldwide. Your company has constantly been name of the best place to work in America. Please tell us about your company’s focus on HR development. We adopt a culture that has been driven by our founder and CEO, Dick Couch. We focus on not only our customers, but also on the development and well-being of our associates. Hypertherm believes in developing our employees by ensuring that each one is well-trained to perform with accountability to their responsibilities. Hypertherm also engages our associates through an annual survey. Our leaders take the results of the survey and work on improving the respective areas to close the gaps identified. These measures are communicated regularly with the associates. Each Hypertherm associate is an owner of the company through stock grants. This ownership fosters a culture that is best described by our motto ‘Think like a customer and work like an owner’. Tell us about Hypertherm’s strengths At Hypertherm, our experience gives us strong advantages in expertise and brand recognition. However, we still continue to invest significant time, resources and labour in research and development to produce patented technologies that […]

Electronica India 2013 successful

electronica India 2013 and productronica India 2013 ended on a high-note with 11,589 trade visitors. Around 250 exhibitors, representing 525 companies, showed their products, solutions and services at the trade fairs from 4-6 September 2013. Both exhibitors and visitors were extremely satisfied with the outcome of the show. The shows also featured a live SMT production line for the first time ever that produced a live mobile phone that remained the centre of attraction for the visitors. In parallel to the exhibitions, two conferences and one seminar took place. A total of 250 delegates attended them. The LEDMA conference focussed on LED technologies and was powered by eminent speakers from the LED industry. The second version of SMALED provided attendees with unique opportunity to examine, learn and debate business-critical manufacturing issues through industry discussion, technical collaboration and information sharing with international experts in the field. The seminar by ELCINA on Enabling a Competitive Eco-System for Electronics Manufacturing EMS and Automotive Electronics touched upon topics of automotive electronics and potential and reality of EMS. The conferences and seminar provided attendees with unique opportunities to network, learn and connect with key industry speakers and personalities. According to Mr.Bhupinder Singh, Deputy CEO, MMI India Pvt. Ltd. “It has been testing times for everyone weathering the current Indian economy. However, I am pleased to say that once again, the exhibitions have held its position as the meeting-point for the electronics industry across Asia. Our motto to provide a boost and keep the Industry on the move has been fulfilled. “There is a new opportunity which India offers to companies in the field of electronics system design and manufacturing. The government has a new set of policy initiatives which make India an attractive destination. The initial response from industry has been very encouraging, both from multinationals and […]

21st Indonesia Motor Show presents challenges

JAKARTA, INDONESIA; Each year, the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) continues to establish itself at an international level. This year, occupying an exhibition area of 75,000 square meters, IIMS took its place as the biggest exhibition not only in Indonesia but in South East Asia. “Major players in the automotive industry are taking IIMS into account as can be seen from the growing number of participants each year, which in turn makes IIMS bigger and better,” said Johnny Darmawan, Chairman of IIMS 2013 Committee. He also added that visitor enthusiasm towards the auto show, with the latest technology of the country’s automotive industry, increases each year. Last year’s IIMS drew more than 368 thousand visitors, while this year the committee targetted 380 thousand visitors to attend the 11-day exhibition in September. IIMS is the place where four-wheel aficionados can meet and mix. IIMS also presents a variety of top-quality programs that engage visitors and pump their adrenaline. It is not surprising that some of IIMS flagship programs are regular features of the show, and have become major attractions for visitors. “We always try to present programs that involve the public in order to reward their loyalty and sense of belonging towards IIMS. IIMS not only belongs to the country’s automotive players, we want it to become a proud symbol of the Indonesian public as well,” said Johnny. Building Commitment Each Year Behind the innovation presented at IIMS each year, one thing remains the same, its consistency to be the vanguard support of green policy. This year was no exception. Carrying the theme “Smart Vehicle Mobility”, IIMS is consistently disseminating the importance of fuel efficiency by introducing transportation systems with efficiency standards that reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Besides introducing fuel-efficient and clean technologies through various automotive products displayed by participants […]

Manufacturing moving at the speed of business

Humans are terrible at gauging speed. Jets never seem to be going 550 mph in the sky and 20 miles per hour in a school zone. Sometimes this seems slower than walking. But, the speed of business in definitely accelerating and the implication of this on manufacturers is telling. Several manufacturer profiles have emerged in recent years. Some still yearn to run their firms in nostalgic, time-tested ways. Some have never snapped back from the 2008 recession and restricted credit days. Some, though, are possessing new forward looking views, processes and technologies that will enable them to match the speed of change in business and eclipse competitors. Look how quickly certain products have been embraced in the consumer world. The Apple iPod went from a simple product announcement to a runaway success in a matter of months. And, just as quickly, some products, like the Sony Walkman, can disappear almost overnight. Change, therefore is not linear and we do our businesses and employers no favours by pretending that it is. For many manufacturers, especially long-lived manufacturers, change has been something to assimilate on their own schedule for decades. If typical, your company possessed a straight line ability to change and adapt that was far in excess of the changes occurring within your business and competitive environment. You probably maintained this ability for decades and it represented a great opportunity for your company. Recently, you may have begun to notice that the industry, your competitors, customers and/or suppliers are changing and demanding changes that are faster than your firm has an ability to manage. This is becoming a growing problem and it won’t get any easier. For example, look at the growth in patent issuances over the last few decades. Patent grants act as a good proxy for understanding the overall growth and innovation within an economy. What’s even […]

Valeo confident of Chinese market

Valeo has officially inaugurated the Valeo Nanjing expansion plant in Yangtze Delta Region, Nanjing, one of China’s major automotive manufacturing bases. This inauguration marks a milestone in Valeo’s strategy of continuous development in Asia and consolidates its position as a global leader in transmission systems. Reducing CO2 emissions and boosting the Group’s presence in Asia and emerging countries are the two pillars of Valeo’s global strategy. The Nanjing plant extension is a further step to accompany the company’s growth in China, alongside their 22 existing plants, four new plants and two other extensions being built this year. On top of current activity for clutches and torque converters, the Nanjing plant will also be the first site in the world for Valeo to produce double-clutch systems. In order to meet the increasing global demand for CO2 emission reduction, auto suppliers are developing advanced transmission technologies. Valeo double clutch system is able to improve energy efficiency during power transmission which leads to better fuel economy. In 2011, Valeo Nanjing was awarded by the Jiangning Environment Bureau ‘Green Company’ certification for its outstanding environmental behavior. It has also been recognized by Shanghai GM for its excellent work in the Green Supply Chain Project. Valeo has received strong support from Nanjing Municipal People’s Government since its establishment. Valeo’s footprint in China can be traced back to 1994. In line with its ‘Becoming Chinese in China’ philosophy, Valeo China has been playing an important role in the local market. Based on its know-how and rich experience, Valeo is gradually improving the production capacity in China. Today it includes 22 sites. In 2012, three new plants were opened (Guangzhou, Wuhu and Huadu). In 2013, three plants are being extended (Foshan, Wuhan and Nanjing) and four other new ones are under construction. Valeo is an independent industrial […]

Alstom inaugurates hydropower industrial site in Tianjin, China

Alstom’s largest hydropower industrial site was inaugurated in Tianjin, China on September 17 in the presence of Patrick Kron, Chairman and CEO of Alstom. With an investment of 100 million on this new facility, Alstom aims to further tap into China’s increasing hydropower needs and grow its hydropower business throughout the region. The inauguration of Tianjin’s new site marks the completion of an upgrade programme, without interruption of the production. It includes an upgrade of the existing hydropower industrial facility and the construction of a new production area as well as a global technology centre (GTC). Today, the Tianjin site is equipped with first class facilities and covers an overall area of 250,000 square meters. It houses approximately 2,000 Alstom employees including over 400 engineers. Alstom supplied recently, from its Tianjin site, four 800 MW class units to China’s Xiangjiaba hydropower plant. The most powerful hydroelectric generating units in the world were delivered in a record time for such large machines – at an average of one unit every two months. Alstom is the only manufacturer who delivered such powerful units already in commercial operation. Thanks to the completion of the Phase II project, the new site has 19 critical heavy machines including two new and state-of-the-art gantries. It will be able to deliver on an annual basis up to 26 turbine and generator units. The new global technology centre will address the research and development needs of the Asian market for all types of hydropower equipment. Its major activities include R&D in mechanics, hydraulics and electrical disciplines for hydropower turbines and generators as well as scale model tests of Francis and Kaplan turbines. The new GTC in Tianjin is part of Alstom’s global R&D network and closely linked with its European teams notably in Grenoble (France). The new workshop […]

New features added to ProNest software

A new software update to Hypertherm’s ProNest CAD/CAM software will make it even easier for companies that fabricate or cut metal to increase the cut quality, productivity, and profitability of their operations. The update is available at no charge to customers with a current ProNest subscription. Current subscribers simply need to log-in to the ProNest online knowledge base, then select the ÒdownloadÓ option. A few of the features found in the new update include: 1. Improvements to the software’s scribe text function so customers can add varied information to parts such as a heat number or customer ID. In addition, the new changes allow customers to easily select the font they would like to use on their parts. 2. Tab enhancements for people who cut with laser. The enhancements include lead out on tabs, the ability set a maximum size for tabbed profiles, and to lock undertravel on start point ÒtabÓ leads. 3. A new Customer Experience Improvement Program. This new program collects information about people are using ProNest in an effort to identify which ProNest features to improve. “Our culture at Hypertherm is to continuously improve,” explains Derek Weston, the product manager for Hypertherm CAM. “The people using ProNest software day in and day out are a great source of ideas and we work hard to listen to our customers and make improvements they will find valuable.” ProNest has been the industry’s leading nesting software for two decades, offering best-in-class performance and reliability with a straight-forward, easy-to-use design. ProNest is also a component of Hypertherm’s Built for Business Integrated Cutting Solutions, providing support for True Hole, True Bevel and Rapid Part technologies. Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and […]

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