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ABB to introduce cable protection with smart devices

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The new Cable Protection System smart sensor technology, currently under development in ABB’s Research & Development facility in Switzerland, will be designed to sense such problems as condensation or rising temperatures in the conduit that protects critical electrical cables.

Using the analytical power and secure cloud-based communication of the ABB Ability platform, the system will remotely report and analyse data, allowing facility managers and engineers to keep tabs on their electrical cable protection through smart phones, laptops or other remote devices.

ABB is already producing smart sensors for motors, pumps and mounted bearings, which effectively converts them into smart, wirelessly connected devices.

[Read more…] about ABB to introduce cable protection with smart devices

DAB Pumps digitalises with Siemens MOM

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Siemens has announced that DAB Pumps has selected the Siemens PLM Software Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) portfolio as part of its digitisation strategy.

Siemens’ MOM portfolio integrates the digital threads of product lifecycle management (PLM) with automation and ERP, breaking down the traditional data silos and allowing a two-way flow of communication.

Through the latest generation of Siemens PLM Software’s MOM solution, DAB Pumps can access Siemens PLM Software’s industry-specific best practices.

[Read more…] about DAB Pumps digitalises with Siemens MOM

Sunstone Welders launches smart welding systems

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Sunstone Welders is launching a whole new line of smart micro resistance welding systems. The Sunstone Capacitive Discharge Dual Pulse Advanced (CDDP-A) welding systems are production ready with feedback, reporting, and full weld head control.

The CDDP-A is equipped with an 8″ full colour touch screen display. The CDDP-A interface provides an easy way for users to adjust production settings, including multiple PLC protocols, cloning options, weld monitoring, and SPC tools. In addition, the welding results are visible on the screen as the weld is completed and results can be exported to any computer.

Capacitive Discharge welding is an ideal solution for micro welding or joining. CD Welding is highly repeatable, can achieve quick energy release for welding highly conductive metals, and is not affected by line voltage fluctuations.

Hoffmann + Krippner launches new miniature ultrasonic sensor

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Hoffmann + Krippner has launched what it claims is “the first ultrasonic sensor in a completely encapsu­lated, gap-free stainless-steel housing”.

Hoffmann + Krippner says its new model P53-80-D18 is a compact (45mm long and 18mm diameter) ultrasonic sensor, and is one of the smallest ultrasonic sensors on the market worldwide and is designed for use in harsh environmen­tal conditions as well as in hygienic applications.

Due to the special housing construction made of V4A stainless steel (1.4404) with a roughness depth of 0.6μm, the P53 Steel Head is well suited for use in harsh environments such as dust, moisture and water vapor.  [Read more…] about Hoffmann + Krippner launches new miniature ultrasonic sensor

Toyota develops world’s first general-purpose hydrogen burner for industrial use

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Toyota Motor Corporation has developed the world’s first general-purpose hydrogen burner for industrial use in collaboration with Chugai Ro Co., Ltd. The burner is in use today at the forging line in Toyota’s Honsha Plant.

In conventional hydrogen burners, hydrogen reacts rapidly with oxygen, leading to a high flame temperature and environmentally hazardous NOx emissions.

On account of this, the practical use of hydrogen burners has proved challenging. The newly developed burners incorporate two new structures that enable hydrogen to combust more slowly.

[Read more…] about Toyota develops world’s first general-purpose hydrogen burner for industrial use

BISTel partners with Siemens on MindSphere applications for predictive maintenance

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BISTeL, a provider of adaptive intelligent (AI) applications for smart manufacturing, has joined the MindSphere Partner Program, Siemens’ partner program for Industrial IoT solution and technology providers.

BISTel applications are expected to be available on the MindSphere platform Q1 2019.

The company has an advanced data analytics platform, eDatalzyer, and a real-time, health monitoring and predictive maintenance (HMP) solution, which will connect with the MindSphere cloud-based, open Industrial IoT platform.

[Read more…] about BISTel partners with Siemens on MindSphere applications for predictive maintenance

Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing Experiencing Visual Sales Revolution

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By Thomas R. Cutler

The most immediate and critical impact on the bottom-line can be found in the sales process. Over the past decade more manufacturers have become understandably enamored with the margins which exists in the ETO (engineer-to-order) space. Sadly, until now poor job quoting processes have consumed the competitive margins, even generating an unprofitable manufacturing project.

Nearly two-thirds of global manufacturers are now ETO. Due to customer demand for customization there has been a significant increase in demand for custom manufacturing versus repetitive manufacturing.

New best practice technologies have finally allowed the quoting process to capture every permutation and cost consideration prior to submitting a proposal or request for quote (RFQ).  [Read more…] about Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing Experiencing Visual Sales Revolution

Horizons ETFs launches new investment vehicle for Industry 4.0

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Canada-based Horizons ETFs Management has launched the Horizons Industry 4.0 Index ETF, which it calls “FOUR”. 

Horizons says FOUR is a new-technology-focused exchange-traded fund that seeks to invest in sectors that are crucial to the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or “Industry 4.0”.

Units of the ETF will begin trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FOUR. 
[Read more…] about Horizons ETFs launches new investment vehicle for Industry 4.0

B&R’s moving track slows down for human workstations

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The ACOPOStrak transport system and B&R‘s human-track collaboration uses intelligent safety technology to keep  workstations reliably risk-free without the need for safety barriers.

ACOPOStrak is a track system where parts and products are transported quickly and flexibly from processing station to processing station on independently controlled shuttles.

B&R has integrated safety features in its ACOPOStrak system which limit the speed and force of ACOPOStrak shuttles as they pass manual workstations and then continue around the remainder of the track with full dynamic performance.

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