Food Manufacturing

Using robots for bespoke and low volume processes

The benefits of robotic automation for mass production processes are well recognised and understood. Visit any modern automotive plant, for example, and you are likely to see rows of robots engaged in a broad range of activities, each playing their own specific role in production. Even in the UK, where the rate of robotic automation remains stubbornly low, robots are widely acclaimed as being at the heart of the resurgence of the UK car industry, achieving the highest levels of productivity and quality.

19th February 2015

Yokogawa releases SMARTDAC+ GM data acquisition system

Yokogaswa's SMARTDAC+ GM data acquisition system improves operational efficiency due to its modular design, which facilitates the mounting and removal of modules. In addition, the SMARTDAC+ GM system supports Bluetooth wireless communications for use with handheld mobile devices. The SMARTDAC+ GM system is expected to comply with 21 CFR Part 11 regulations in 2015.

26th January 2015

Sensors 101: understanding sensors in fluid control systems

Kieran Bennett of Bürkert looks at the range of sensors available in fluid control systems, the different technologies used in their design and how the application affects the specification.

25th January 2015

The importance of filtration to compressed air quality in the food industry

Food hygiene is quite correctly high on the public agenda and recent scares have only highlighted those concerns. An important part of the food preparation process includes the use of compressed air; here Andrew Macpherson of Festo takes a holistic view of air quality in the food processing sector and explains how it is vital that the purity of this air is maintained throughout the process to safeguard the food from contaminants.

25th January 2015

CONTI CLEANJET - FDA high-pressure and cleansing hose

To protect consumers, companies that process, produce, and sell foodstuffs have to observe specific hygiene regulations. The CONTI CLEANJET - FDA is a multi-purpose hose for the food industry, and is suitable for both the thorough cleaning of machines and systems as well as for the hygienic processing of liquid foodstuffs containing oil and grease. Thanks to a specialised, highly resistant rubber compound, the CONTI CLEANJET - FDA can even handle corrosive chicken fat. The robust brand-name hose also reliably delivers hot water up to a temperature of 80degC and an operating pressure of 90bar, making this a high-quality universal hose.

19th January 2015

Molex adds Heavy Duty Connectors to portfolio

Molex Incorporated is adding a range of Heavy Duty Connectors to its portfolio following the recent acquisition of the GWconnect range of products of the Italian industrial connector manufacturer Westec Srl. The Heavy Duty Connector range widens the Molex offering for industrial automation applications and aligns well with its Brad Power and Micro-Change M12 interconnect systems.

16th January 2015

Enhanced compact drives offer greater power density

Siemens UK & Ireland has enhanced its modular drive inverter system to offer higher power density and space-saving. The second generation of the Sinamics G120 is now available in three voltage versions for connection to 200V, 400V and 690V lines and its higher power density is due to the new PM240-2 power module.

13th January 2015

Nachi launches World's fastest and lightest compact robot

Nachi is launching what it claims to be the World's fastest and lightest compact robot (MZ04) and a version with low-power motors (MZ04E) that is suitable for use in collaborative applications without the need for machine guarding.

12th January 2015

Square profile linear guide with adjustable clearance from igus

igus is promoting its Q10 series square guide with the introduction of the drylin Q20. This size, with a 20mm profile, is suitable for self-supporting and high load applications. The guide's rigid square profile ensures resistance against twisting, while supporting torque of up to 10Nm in all directions. The bearing clearance can be adjusted manually, allowing the running accuracy to be increased or decreased, depending on the application.

9th January 2015

Offline coders stand up to pouches

According to Euromonitor, stand-up pouches are among the fastest growing packaging formats and will continue on their growth trajectory up to 2017. Their versatility allows them to convey both portability and quality and shelf-stand out in snack products. Whilst the shapely forms of doy-style packs, block-bottom bags and quad packs add aesthetic appeal, they are causing headaches for the coding operation.

22nd December 2014

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